Makadi Bay: Horse Riding in Desert & Sea w Guide + Transfers

The best part of this Makadi Bay outing is the change of scenery: golden desert under hoof, then the Red Sea flashing nearby. You get two hours in the saddle, not a quick photo stop, and guides such as Didi and Anita may adjust the pace to your riding ability.

I like the included Hurghada transfer, which keeps a short activity from becoming a transport puzzle. I also like that you can see both sides of Makadi Bay in one ride, with quiet sand, sea air, and the steady rhythm of the horses. The main caution is horse care and safety: one serious account raised concerns about horses waiting in the sun, helmets being provided only when requested, and inexperienced riders being pushed into a gallop.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours on horseback: The ride itself takes up most of the three-hour outing.
• Desert and Red Sea views: You move between open golden sand and the coast, rather than staying in one setting.
• Pickup from Hurghada: Wait at your hotel reception for a driver holding a Gamila Horse sign.
• Guides named Didi and Anita: Both received particularly warm praise for care and reassurance.
• Suitable for mixed ability levels: Beginners can receive close help, while experienced riders may get a chance to gallop.
• Safety deserves attention: Helmets are listed as included, but ask for yours before mounting and check that the horse is comfortable and watered.

From Hurghada to Makadi Bay

The outing begins with pickup at your Hurghada hotel. You are asked to wait at reception for a driver holding a sign for Gamila Horse, so keep your phone nearby and allow a little patience around the transfer.

This is a useful inclusion at the $35 price. You do not need to arrange a taxi to Makadi Bay, and the ride connects a three-hour activity with the main resort area. The transport portion is not the point of the experience, but it removes one common hassle.

Once you arrive, you meet the horse assigned to you. The horses are described as having different personalities, from calm and steady to more energetic. That matters because your comfort depends as much on the match as on the scenery.

Take a moment here. Tell the guide if you are new to riding, nervous, or keen to go faster. The strongest accounts describe guides checking in often, taking the reins when needed, and helping less experienced riders feel secure. That is exactly the sort of practical attention you want before heading onto open sand.

Two Hours Between Sand and Sea

The riding time lasts about two hours. The route takes you across desert sand with the Red Sea visible nearby, giving the outing a clear sense of place. You are not simply circling a stable or riding beside a hotel. The attraction is the contrast between wide, dry desert and the bright coast.

The desert section should feel open and quiet. Expect golden sand, scattered desert plants, and the sound of hooves carrying farther than they would in a town. The appeal is simple: you have room to look around, settle into the horse’s movement, and enjoy the stillness.

The sea adds a welcome change. A breeze from the water can cut through the desert heat, and the sparkling horizon gives you something different to watch as you ride. You may find the coastal part more photogenic, while the inland section offers the stronger feeling of space.

Ancient ruins are mentioned as part of the setting, but no specific site or preserved monument is identified. Do not book this as an archaeology tour. The historical atmosphere is a background detail, not a guided visit to a named ruin.

What Riding the Horses May Feel Like

Horse riding in open desert is not the same as sitting on a camel or taking a short pony ride. You need to balance with the horse, follow its rhythm, and listen to the guide. Even a calm horse can feel powerful when it moves across open sand.

The experience can work for several ability levels. One particularly useful account describes a confident rider being allowed to gallop, while a mother with no previous riding experience received more careful support and was not pushed beyond her comfort. The guide took control of the reins when necessary and checked that everything was fine.

That does not mean every beginner should expect to gallop. Your pace should depend on your confidence, the horse, and the guide’s judgment. If you have never ridden before, say so clearly at the start. If you are experienced, explain what you can safely handle rather than assuming speed will be offered.

Some riders were able to gallop through the desert and beside the sea. This is likely to be the thrill of the outing for confident riders, but it also makes safety checks important. Ask for a helmet, confirm that the guide understands your riding level, and do not feel pressured to go faster than you want.

The Guides: Didi, Anita, and Communication

Didi receives especially warm praise for being kind, attentive, and reassuring. One account describes the whole pickup and ride as well organized under his care. Anita is also singled out as an excellent guide, with another guide described as friendly during the same outing.

The activity is listed with an English-speaking guide. Still, one poor account says the guide on that occasion did not speak English well enough. This creates a practical point: before you set off, make sure you understand the basic instructions for stopping, slowing, turning, and what will happen if the group moves into a gallop.

A guide’s voice may be used to direct the horses. One rider felt the horses responded mainly to the guide’s commands, and that the guide had to keep urging them forward. That could simply reflect how the horses are handled, but it is another reason to watch the preparation and ask questions if anything feels unclear.

The best version of this experience is hands-on and attentive. Didi and Anita appear to represent that side of the operation. But the quality may depend on the individual guide assigned that day, so polite, direct communication at the start is worthwhile.

Horse Care and Safety: The Important Caveat

Most of the positive feedback describes horses as calm, well behaved, and in good condition. One rider even returned for a second outing after feeling that the horses were treated well. That is encouraging, but there is also a serious warning you should not ignore.

A separate account described horses being saddled and left in strong sun without visible water. The same account said helmets were supplied only after being requested, and that complete beginners were put into a gallop within minutes. It also raised concern about a 100-kilogram weight limit not being enforced.

These details cannot be brushed aside. Horse welfare and rider safety matter more than getting a dramatic photograph or a faster ride. Before mounting, check that your horse has access to water, ask for a helmet without waiting to be offered one, and tell the guide your real riding experience and weight if a limit applies.

The activity says safety gear is included. Treat that as something to confirm in person. If the horse looks distressed, is standing in direct sun for a long period, or seems difficult to control, raise the issue before leaving the stable area.

This is not a reason to reject the outing automatically. It is a reason to be an alert customer. The strongest experiences came from guides who paid attention and matched the ride to the rider. The troubling account shows why that standard should be checked rather than assumed.

Photos, Videos, and the Setting

The desert and coast provide the visual appeal here. You can expect broad views of sand, the sea on the horizon, and horses moving through a setting that feels far removed from Hurghada’s hotels.

One especially welcome detail is that the guides may make high-quality videos during the ride. This can be valuable because taking your own phone out while riding is awkward and unsafe. Do not assume video is guaranteed every time, but ask the guide if you want to know what is possible that day.

The light and scenery will likely change as the route moves between desert and shore. The sea gives you a bright contrast to the dry sand, while the desert offers the quieter, more stripped-back part of the experience. You are paying for access to both settings, not just for time on a horse.

Bring a practical attitude toward clothing. The supplied information does not specify a dress code or equipment beyond safety gear, so choose clothes that let you sit securely and cope with sun, dust, and wind. Food is not included, so do not expect a meal during the three-hour outing.

What the $35 Price Covers

At $35 per person, the value is fairly strong if you want a guided riding experience rather than a short stable session. The price includes the horse ride, guide, hotel pickup, water, a welcome drink, and safety gear. With two hours of riding inside a three-hour schedule, the saddle time is the main advantage.

There is a small inconsistency around refreshments. The activity says water and a welcome drink are included, but one rider reported that no drink was provided. I would bring your own water anyway, especially in hot weather, and confirm the welcome drink when you arrive.

Food is not included. That is not a major issue for a three-hour outing, but it means you should eat before pickup if you need a full meal. Do not count on a restaurant stop being part of the plan.

The transfer adds value if you are staying in Hurghada. A separate taxi to Makadi Bay would cost extra and require more coordination. The price becomes less attractive if you are mainly looking for a very short ride or do not care about the desert and sea combination.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start and the option to reserve now and pay later also make planning easier. Starting times depend on availability, so check the chosen slot carefully.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most

I would recommend this outing most strongly to you if you want a scenic horseback ride with a real sense of movement and place. It suits riders who like the idea of leaving the resort area for open desert, then seeing the Red Sea from horseback.

It can also work for families or pairs with different levels of experience, provided the guide takes the ability gap seriously. A confident rider may be able to gallop, while a beginner can stay at a slower pace. Make this clear before the ride begins.

You should think twice if you are very concerned about horse welfare, expect strict professional riding-school standards, or want a fully controlled lesson. The mixed account of helmet use, horse preparation, and pace means you need to take some responsibility for checking conditions.

It is also not the right choice if you want a meal, a long historical tour, or a guaranteed named monument. The ruins are only part of the scenery, and the activity is built around riding.

Practical Ways to Get More From the Three Hours

Arrive ready to speak up. Tell the guide whether you are a beginner, an occasional rider, or experienced enough to canter or gallop. Clear information helps the guide assign a suitable horse and choose a sensible pace.

Ask for your helmet before you mount. Since safety gear is included, there is no reason to ride without it. Also check that the helmet fits firmly and comfortably.

Bring water even though water is included. One account questioned whether a welcome drink was available, and desert heat can make hydration important. Food is not provided, so have something to eat beforehand if needed.

Keep your phone secure. The guides may take videos, which is better than trying to film while managing a horse. You can ask about photos and videos at the start without distracting yourself during the ride.

Finally, watch the horses before mounting. You are not expected to inspect them like a vet, but you can notice whether they appear calm, watered, and ready to work. If something seems wrong, speak to the guide before the group leaves.

Should You Book Gamila Horse Riding?

Book it if you want two substantial hours on horseback, desert and Red Sea scenery, and a Hurghada transfer at a modest price. The strongest experiences feature caring guides, calm horses, good support for beginners, and memorable chances to gallop for confident riders.

I would book with a few conditions. Confirm the helmet, ask about your riding pace, check that the horse has water, and make sure you can understand the guide’s instructions. If those basics are handled well, this can be one of the more memorable active outings around Makadi Bay.

If the stable conditions do not look right, do not let the promise of a beach gallop rush your decision. The setting is special, but good horse care and sensible riding matter more than speed.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding experience take place?

The ride takes place in Makadi Bay in Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, where the desert meets the Red Sea.

Is pickup from Hurghada included?

Yes. Pickup is included from Hurghada. Wait at your hotel reception for a driver holding a sign with the name Gamila Horse.

How long does the full activity last?

The full activity lasts three hours, including transfers and preparation. The horse riding portion lasts about two hours.

Is a guide included?

Yes. A live English-speaking guide is included. Guides named in the experience information include Didi and Anita.

Are beginners allowed to join?

Yes. The experience is described as suitable for different riding levels, and beginner riders may receive closer support. Tell the guide your experience before you start.

Can experienced riders gallop?

Some riders have been able to gallop through the desert and beside the sea. This depends on the guide, the horse, and your ability level, so it is not guaranteed.

Are water and a welcome drink included?

Water and a welcome drink are listed as included. One account reported not receiving a drink, so it is sensible to confirm this on arrival and bring extra water.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included in the price.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.