Hurghada: Camel Ride & horse ride and Off-Road Jeep Tour

Hurghada’s desert is best enjoyed at a slower pace, and this outing gives you two very different rides: a one-hour camel trip through valleys and mountains, followed by an hour on horseback. Between them, a farm visit adds horses, goats, other animals, and a traditional water wheel to the program.

I like the warm Arabian tea, coffee, and dates served at the farm, and I like the choice of timing. The 4:00 a.m. sunrise departure is for early risers, the 8:00 a.m. trip avoids the worst afternoon heat, and the 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. option brings sunset, dinner, and stargazing. The main caution is the rough transport: one report raised concerns about seat belts and a driver using a phone, so safety-conscious visitors should ask about the vehicle before setting off.

Key points at a glance

• Two full riding periods: Plan for roughly one hour on a camel and one hour on a horse, with rest stops for photos.
• A lively jeep transfer: The 30-minute desert drive includes off-road bumps and dune riding, sometimes with loud music.
• A working desert farm: See horses, camels, goats, and other farm animals, plus a water wheel and a small Bedouin-style setting.
• Three departure times: Pick sunrise at 4:00 a.m., morning at 8:00 a.m., or an afternoon start around 3:00 or 4:00 p.m.
• Strong guide support: Guides may speak Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, or Spanish. Guides named Nasser and Arabi have been singled out for astronomy and village explanations.
• Good value at $47: Hotel transfers, drinks, both rides, and the farm visit are included. Dinner and stargazing belong to the later program.

From your hotel to the Hurghada desert

Pickup is available from Hurghada, El Gouna, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay. The operator contacts you the day before with the pickup time and transfer details, which matters because the total outing can last anywhere from two to five hours depending on the departure and added evening program.

The drive first reaches a station where you can use the restroom or smoke before heading farther into the desert. This is a useful pause, since facilities become limited once the jeep leaves the main road. I would use it even if you do not think you need a break.

The desert transfer itself is part of the entertainment. The listed off-road section lasts about 30 minutes and includes dune bashing over rough ground. Some people will find the bouncy ride hilarious, especially with music playing. Others may find it too wild, particularly if they are not comfortable in open desert vehicles.

The safety point deserves plain treatment. A recent account raised concerns about missing seat belts and phone use by the driver. That does not mean every vehicle or driver will be the same, but you should ask about seat belts when you are collected. If the driving feels careless, speak up early. People with back problems should not book this experience, and pregnant women are specifically advised not to take part.

Tea, coffee, dates, and the farm stop

At the farm, you receive Arabian tea, Arabian coffee, and dates. This is more than a quick drink stop. It gives you a shaded pause before the riding begins and a chance to see the place at walking speed.

The farm tour includes horses and other animals, along with a water wheel. Depending on the day, you may see goats, sheep, camels, or a small donkey. One account described being able to feed goats and watch the animals being cared for. The farm also has a Bedouin-style village area, where local women may sell herbs, bracelets, or bags.

You should expect some shopping presence, but the experience described here was low-pressure. A guide may explain the products, then leave you free to look or move on. That is a better arrangement than a forced sales stop, though you should still bring only the spending money you want to use.

The animals are a central part of the stop, especially for families. Children can see the difference between the larger riding animals and the smaller farm creatures before mounting up. Keep in mind that this is an operating animal farm, not a wildlife sanctuary or a formal zoo. The appeal is the simple contact with farm life in a dry desert setting.

One hour by camel through valleys and mountains

The camel ride covers about one hour, moving between desert valleys and mountain areas. You stop along the route to rest and take photographs, so this is not a nonstop endurance ride.

A camel ride can feel awkward at first. The most surprising moment is often the animal standing up, when your body tilts sharply forward and back. Listen closely to the guide, hold on as instructed, and avoid sudden movements around the camel.

The route offers a good contrast with Hurghada’s coastal hotels. You see bare hills, open sand, and narrow valleys rather than shops, swimming pools, or resort roads. The scenery is spare, but the changing light gives it character. At sunrise, the rock can take on soft colors. At sunset, the shadows stretch across the valleys and make the photo stops worthwhile.

I would wear long, light clothing rather than shorts. It helps against the sun and reduces rubbing from the saddle. A hat or scarf is useful, but check the price before buying one at the farm. One family found the offered head coverings expensive at about 4 euros each, so bringing your own is the smarter choice.

The camel portion suits people who want the traditional desert experience but do not want a full-day expedition. The animal sets a slow pace, giving you time to look around. It is less suitable for anyone with a back condition, and even healthy riders may feel saddle soreness after an hour.

An hour on horseback in the same desert

After the camel ride, the program changes pace with about one hour of horse riding through the valleys. This makes the experience feel more varied than a camel-only excursion.

The horse ride is not described as an advanced riding lesson or a fast gallop. Your actual pace will depend on the group, the horses, and the guide. If you are an experienced rider, explain your level before leaving the farm. If you are new to horses, tell the guide so you can receive suitable help.

The order of the rides may change with the departure time. For sunset trips, the camel ride may take place as the light fades, with the horse ride afterward. That arrangement creates a particularly attractive return through the desert. For morning trips, you get clearer light and less of an evening chill.

Families should think about the one-hour duration. Some children may love the horses and ask for more. Others may find that 30 minutes is enough, especially after a bumpy jeep transfer and camel ride. One family with children felt that shorter riding periods would have been sufficient, even though the full schedule remained enjoyable.

Wear long, thin clothing and comfortable shoes. Heavy fabric can become hot, while bare legs may rub against the saddle. Bring your own water and sunscreen, although extra water may be available during the outing.

Sunset, dinner, and stars after the riding

The afternoon departure is the most atmospheric option. The program starts around 3:00 or 4:00 p.m., depending on the exact schedule, and can continue into dinner and stargazing.

The sunset viewpoint is one of the strongest reasons to choose this timing. The high desert light gives you a natural photo setting, and a photographer named Tommy has been praised for helping with pictures. Photography may not be part of the basic $47 price, so ask about any extra photo charges before posing for a full set.

The late program can include dinner by candlelight and a fire, followed by time under the stars. Guide Arabi has been noted for explaining constellations, while Nasser has been praised for combining a Bedouin village visit with clear star explanations. Do not expect an observatory or a technical astronomy class. The value is the simple pleasure of seeing a dark sky away from resort lights and learning a few points of orientation.

Sunset also brings the biggest temperature shift. The desert may be hot during the day, then surprisingly cold after dark, especially in winter. Bring a sweater, cardigan, or light jacket if you choose the evening option. A January sunset outing can feel cold once the sun is gone.

Dinner and stargazing are specifically attached to the later program, so confirm that they are included in your selected departure. The basic inclusions list drinks and dates, but it does not promise dinner for every start time.

What the $47 price really covers

At $47 per person, the package is fairly priced if you want several activities in one outing. Hotel pickup and drop-off, the desert transfer, a 30-minute off-road section, the farm stop, an hour on a camel, an hour on a horse, and refreshments are included.

You are not paying only for a short photo ride. The two riding periods alone take about two hours, and the farm gives the program a social and animal-focused element. For a first desert outing, that broad mix can be more useful than booking separate camel and horse rides.

The value is strongest for visitors staying in Hurghada or nearby resort areas. Transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay are included, but the longer your hotel transfer, the more of your day goes into transport. Ask for the expected pickup time if you are staying outside central Hurghada.

The evening version may offer the best overall value because it adds dinner and stargazing. It also takes longer and gets colder. If you want a short, simple activity, choose the morning trip instead.

Small groups are available, which can improve the riding experience and make it easier to ask questions. The exact group size is not guaranteed here, so confirm it if that matters to you.

Guides, language, and the feel of the outing

Guiding is available in Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, and Spanish. That range helps families and couples who do not speak English comfortably, especially during the safety briefing and riding instructions.

The most personable guide experiences seem to come from staff who explain more than the basic route. Nasser has been praised for explaining stars and leading visitors through the Bedouin village. Arabi has been noted for constellation talks. These guides may not be assigned to every departure, so treat their names as examples rather than a promise.

The atmosphere can be cheerful and noisy. Loud music during the jeep ride is part of the fun for some people, while others may prefer a quieter drive. If you want a calm desert experience, say so, but understand that this tour is built around energy, movement, and a bit of rough-and-ready entertainment.

The operator says the site is monitored by cameras and follows international health and safety standards. That is reassuring, but it should not replace your own judgment. Check your riding equipment, ask how the horses and camels are handled, and speak up if the transport feels unsafe.

How to prepare for the desert

You need very little, but the right few items make a big difference:

• Comfortable closed shoes with a secure fit
• Sunscreen and a bottle of water
• Long, light clothing for riding
• A scarf, cap, or sun hat
• A warm layer for sunset and stargazing
• A phone or camera with enough battery for the photo stops

Avoid bringing anything fragile or loose for the jeep ride. Dust and bumps are part of the setting. If you wear glasses, secure them well during the off-road section.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. The combination of dune bashing, camel mounting, horse riding, and uneven ground is physically demanding even though no single activity lasts all day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you useful flexibility when your Hurghada plans depend on weather or changing flight times.

Is this Hurghada desert tour right for you?

Book this outing if you want a broad half-day desert sampler rather than one isolated ride. You get camels, horses, a jeep run, farm animals, Arabian refreshments, and the option of sunset dinner and stars for $47.

I would choose the afternoon version for couples, photographers, and anyone who values the sunset and night sky. Families may prefer the cooler late afternoon, but you should prepare children for the rough jeep ride and decide if two one-hour rides are realistic for them.

Skip it if you have back problems, are pregnant, dislike rough driving, or want a quiet and polished luxury excursion. Also ask about seat belts before you go. For most able-bodied visitors who want a lively introduction to the Hurghada desert, the mix of riding, farm life, and open-sky scenery makes this a solid-value choice.

FAQ

Where can I be picked up for the tour?

Pickup is available from Safaga, El Gouna, Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is two to five hours. The exact length depends on your departure time and whether you take the evening option with dinner and stargazing.

What departure times are available?

The program can begin at 4:00 a.m. for sunrise, 8:00 a.m. for a morning trip, or around 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. for the afternoon and sunset option. Confirm the exact start time when booking.

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride lasts about one hour and includes stops to rest and take photographs.

How long is the horse ride?

The horse ride lasts about one hour and takes place through desert valleys.

What refreshments are included?

You receive Arabian tea, Arabian coffee, and dates. Drinks with dates are also included during the experience.

Is dinner included?

Dinner is associated with the late afternoon or evening program, which also includes stargazing. Confirm that dinner is included in the departure you choose.

What languages can the guides speak?

Guides may speak Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, or Spanish.

Who should not take this activity?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. You should also consider the rough off-road driving and the physical demands of camel and horse riding.