Horse riding in Sharm el sheikh desert

Sharm el Sheikh is famous for its water, yet this evening horseback ride gives you a quieter view of the desert. I like the cooler timing and the stop at a Bedouin village, where Egyptian tea and optional shisha add more than a simple ride around a stable. The horses are matched to your riding level, and the group is limited to 15.

The main point to check is the pickup location. The experience is based in Sharm el Sheikh, but the supplied details also mention pickup from Hurghada, which may be an error or apply only to some departures. Confirm the hotel area, riding pace, and exact meeting point before you pay.

Key points at a glance

• Evening desert setting: Ride during the cooler part of the day rather than under the strongest sun.
• Bedouin village stop: Break up the ride with Egyptian tea and the option to try a shisha pipe.
• Horses matched to ability: The guide assigns horses according to each rider’s experience.
• Small group limit: No more than 15 people are accepted, allowing closer attention than a large coach-style outing.
• Short, affordable format: The two to three-hour trip costs $21.64 per person, including hotel pickup as offered.
• Good booking flexibility: Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, subject to the stated conditions.

Why this ride is worth considering beyond the beach

A horseback ride changes the pace of a Sharm el Sheikh holiday. Instead of moving between a hotel, a beach, and a boat, you spend part of the day looking across open desert from the back of a horse. That change of viewpoint is the main reason I would consider this outing.

You should not expect a full-day expedition or an advanced equestrian lesson. This is a compact excursion lasting about two to three hours. Its appeal is the combination of a short ride, a cultural stop, and transport help at a modest price.

I also like that the ride takes place in the cooler evening hours. Desert heat can make any outdoor activity tiring, especially for people who are not used to riding. Evening timing should make the experience easier to manage, although the exact start time is not provided, so you should confirm it before setting other plans.

Getting matched with the right horse

At the riding site, horses are assigned according to your experience. This matters more than it may sound. A first-time rider usually needs a calm horse that responds predictably, while a confident rider may want something more energetic.

One detailed account describes the horses as vital, peaceful, and obedient to the guide. Another describes the horses as well cared for and well trained. Those points suggest that the operation pays attention to basic horse behavior and rider matching, though you should still tell the guide honestly if you have never ridden before.

Do not exaggerate your ability to get a faster horse. One account describes a particularly fast and intense ride, which sounds thrilling for an experienced rider but could be unsettling for someone new to horseback riding. Ask for a steady horse if your goal is a relaxed outing.

The supplied information does not name the guide. It does say that the guide is an experienced rider and leads the group through the desert. The guide’s role is especially important here because the pace, spacing, and horse control shape the whole outing.

Riding into the Sharm el Sheikh desert

Once mounted, you ride out into the desert with the guide. The main attraction is not a long list of formal stops. It is the simple change from built-up resort areas to wide, dry surroundings and a slower way of moving through them.

The ride is described as a desert excursion rather than a technical trail ride. That makes it suitable for people who want to try horseback riding without committing to a full day in the saddle. You still need to be comfortable sitting on a horse and following the guide’s instructions.

The pace may vary according to the group. A party with beginners will likely move differently from a group of confident riders, and the maximum group size of 15 gives the guide some room to manage those differences. Still, 15 is not a private ride. If you want a very personal outing, ask about a private booking before reserving the standard option.

The desert is also a place where practical comfort matters. Wear clothing that allows you to sit easily and does not restrict your legs. Closed shoes are a sensible choice for any riding activity. The supplied details do not state whether helmets, water, or riding equipment are included, so ask the provider before departure rather than assuming.

The Bedouin village stop

The village visit gives the ride a social and cultural pause. You can get off the horse, rest, and see a traditional desert setting instead of spending the entire excursion in the saddle.

Egyptian tea is included as part of this break. That small detail adds value because it turns the activity into more than a basic horse ride. You have time to slow down, take in the surroundings, and enjoy a familiar part of local hospitality.

You may also try a shisha pipe if you wish. This is optional, so you can skip it without missing the central purpose of the outing. If you do not smoke, treat the tea stop as the main reason to pause.

The description does not provide a detailed explanation of the village, its residents, or any demonstrations. Keep your expectations at the right level. This is a brief cultural stop built into a riding trip, not a full cultural tour with extended interpretation.

A small group, but not a private ride

The group is capped at 15 people. That limit is useful because horseback riding requires more attention than a standard sightseeing walk. The guide needs to monitor the horses, keep riders together, and adjust the pace for different abilities.

A group of 15 can still feel fairly social, especially if several people book together. It is not the same as having a private guide or riding alone with your own party. If you care most about personal attention, state that clearly when contacting EgyptLand Excursions.

A private option may be available. One booking account describes arranging a private horse ride and private desert outing through WhatsApp, with requests discussed and organized at an agreed price. That is encouraging for couples, families, or small groups with specific wishes, but the private arrangement is not the same as the standard $21.64 product. Confirm the price, duration, and inclusions in writing.

Hotel pickup and the important location question

Pickup and drop-off are offered, which can make a short activity much easier. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to the riding site, and the provider handles the basic transfer plan.

However, the information supplied contains a location mismatch. The tour is identified with Sharm el Sheikh, while one highlight refers to pickup from Hurghada. These are separate resort areas, so you should not assume that a hotel in one area is covered by a booking made for the other.

Before booking, send the provider your hotel name and ask for four clear answers:

• Is pickup available from your hotel?
• Is there an extra transfer charge?
• What is the exact pickup time?
• Is the riding site in or near Sharm el Sheikh?

The provider uses WhatsApp communication for arrangements, according to the information supplied. That can be useful for confirming details quickly, but keep the written messages until the excursion is finished.

Is $21.64 good value?

At $21.64 per person, this is an inexpensive way to add a desert activity to a Sharm el Sheikh stay. For the price, you receive a two to three-hour experience with a horse ride, guide, cultural stop, tea, and pickup offered.

The value is strongest if you want variety without spending most of a day or paying for a major desert excursion. The price also compares well with the effort saved by having transport arranged.

The value is less clear if you expect a long ride, extensive horse care information, a private guide, or a detailed cultural program. Those extras are not promised here. You are paying for a short, guided outing rather than a premium riding holiday.

I would also compare the standard price with any private option before deciding. A private ride might cost more, but it could be worthwhile if you want a slower pace, a particular horse, or more flexibility. The supplied information says private arrangements can be discussed, but it does not give a fixed private rate.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend this ride to:

• First-time riders who want a guided introduction
• Confident riders looking for a short desert outing
• Couples seeking an evening activity away from the resort
• Families with participants who can follow riding instructions
• Anyone who likes the idea of tea and a Bedouin village stop
• Visitors who want a low-cost activity with transport offered

It may not be the best choice if you want advanced riding, fast galloping, or hours in the saddle. The pace depends on the guide and the group, and the standard booking is not advertised as a specialist riding course.

People with strong concerns about animal welfare should ask direct questions before booking. The available information describes the horses as well looked after, vital, trained, peaceful, and obedient. It does not provide details about working hours, stable conditions, tack, veterinary care, or rest periods. A quick conversation with the provider can help you decide if the operation meets your standards.

Timing, weather, and cancellation

The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached, with the option of another date or experience.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local time.

That policy gives you useful flexibility, but do not wait until the last minute if your hotel plans may change. Since the excursion lasts only two to three hours, it is easy to place it on an evening when you have no other fixed booking.

What to confirm before you book

The core activity is clear, but several practical details are not stated. I would contact EgyptLand Excursions before payment and confirm:

• The exact hotel pickup area
• The start time and expected return time
• Whether helmets are supplied
• Whether water is included
• The riding site and route
• The pace for beginners
• The rules for children, if applicable
• The price and inclusions for a private ride

Most people can participate, and the activity accepts up to 15 participants. Still, the general statement that most people can join is not the same as a detailed medical or age policy. If you have a health concern or limited riding experience, explain it when booking.

Should you book the Sharm el Sheikh desert ride?

Book it if you want a short and affordable desert experience with a horse ride, evening timing, tea, and a Bedouin village stop. The reported strengths are practical ones: the horses are assigned by ability, the animals are described as trained and cared for, communication and pickup have worked well, and private arrangements may be possible.

Think twice if you want a serious equestrian outing, a guaranteed fast ride, or a fully developed cultural tour. Most important, settle the Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada pickup issue before booking. Once that point is clear, this is a sensible way to spend a few cooler hours away from the coast.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride take place?

The experience takes place in the Sharm el Sheikh desert, with a stop at a Bedouin village.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts approximately two to three hours.

What is included at the Bedouin village?

The stop includes Egyptian tea, and you may try a shisha pipe if you wish.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered. The supplied details also mention Hurghada, so confirm that your specific Sharm el Sheikh hotel is covered before booking.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Are the horses suitable for different riding abilities?

The horses are assigned according to each participant’s experience. The guide is described as an experienced rider.

Can beginners participate?

Most people can participate, and horses are matched to riding experience. The supplied information does not give a separate beginner policy, so tell the provider your riding level when booking.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $21.64 per person.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may also result in another date or a full refund.