2 hours Horse Riding on The Sea and Desert- Hurghada

The best part of this Hurghada horse ride is the change of scenery: you begin on dry desert ground, cross toward the coast, and finish with your horse walking into the Red Sea. I like the reasonable price of $18.82 and the fact that beginners receive coaching before riding. I also like the choice between a horse and a camel.

The main caution is that the setting is not untouched desert. Parts of the route pass rocky ground and, according to the supplied details, a construction area before reaching the beach. The sea section is also a shallow walk in the water, not a long swim with your horse.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours in the saddle: The riding time is substantial for the price, while the full outing takes about three hours with transport and preparation.
• Red Sea water ride: Your horse enters shallow seawater, generally around two feet deep, but this is not a swimming session.
• Beginner-friendly coaching: Trainers provide pre-ride instruction and assist during the route.
• Horse or camel choice: You can select two hours of horse riding or camel riding over the desert and coast.
• Small group size: The outing accepts a maximum of 15 people, so it is not a private ride by default.
• Pickup costs vary: Hurghada pickup is offered, while transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay cost extra.

From the stable to the Red Sea shore

I would set aside about three hours for the entire outing, even though the advertised riding time is two hours. The extra time covers pickup, arrival at the stable, waiting while horses are prepared, safety equipment, instructions, and the ride back to your hotel.

The visit begins at the horse farm. You may be asked to sit and wait while the horses are brought out, so do not expect to mount the moment you arrive. This pause can feel poorly organized if nobody explains it, but it is also part of getting the right horse ready for each rider.

Before setting off, a trainer gives basic coaching and helps with the helmet and riding arrangements. That matters if you have not ridden before, or if your last ride was many years ago. One rider who had not been on a horse for a decade found the experience manageable, while another praised instructor Hussein for being funny, helpful, and good at taking photographs.

The ride then heads toward the desert. Here, keep your expectations sensible. This is not a remote Bedouin expedition through miles of empty dunes. The route may include rocky ground, a short desert section, and built-up or unfinished areas near the shore.

That is the weaker part of the outing. If your main goal is dramatic desert scenery, you may find the route plain. Still, the dry section gives you a chance to settle into the saddle before reaching the coast, and the changing surroundings make the ride more interesting than staying inside the stable area.

What the two-hour ride is really like

The pace begins calmly. The description promises a gentle walk first, with the option to jog if conditions and your ability allow it. I would treat jogging as an option, not a guarantee. The supplied details do not promise a fast gallop, and group rides usually need to accommodate different levels of confidence.

The horses are described as well-bred Egyptian or Arabian horses. One practical point is that Arabian horses can look slimmer and finer-boned than the heavier ponies some riders know from Britain or northern Europe. That does not automatically mean a horse is unhealthy, but the appearance may surprise you.

The care of the horses is one area to think about carefully. Several comments describe calm, healthy-looking horses and a family at the farm that takes good care of them. Another comment raises a serious concern about thin horses and harsh handling. Those accounts do not agree, so I would not present the animal care as flawless.

If horse welfare is important to you, look closely at the condition of the horse assigned to you. Check that it appears alert, has suitable tack, and is handled calmly. You can also ask the organizer about the horse’s condition before mounting. The included helmet is a useful safety measure, and trainers are meant to assist throughout the ride, but good judgment still matters.

The ride is described as family-friendly, and one child as young as six was reportedly looked after well by the instructors. Even so, the official requirement is a moderate level of physical fitness. You need enough balance and mobility to mount, sit securely, and remain comfortable for two hours.

The Red Sea section is the star

The coastal part is where this activity earns its name. After riding across the dry ground, you reach the shore and take your horse into the water.

Do not picture a horse swimming beside you in deep sea. The practical description from the experience is a short ride into shallow water, around two feet deep. You remain mounted as the horse wades, and the horses may enjoy the cool water in Hurghada’s heat.

This moment is still unusual and memorable. Riding beside ordinary beachgoers is one thing; sitting on a horse as it steps into clear Red Sea water is quite another. Some accounts describe turquoise water and white sand, with one rider even seeing a dolphin approach briefly. That kind of wildlife sighting cannot be promised, but the coastal setting can be lovely.

The time in the water may be shorter than the promotional wording suggests. If you book this mainly for swimming with your horse, you are likely to be disappointed. If you see it as a shallow-water photo opportunity and a refreshing change from the desert, the experience makes more sense.

The transition to and from the beach may also feel less polished than the sea ride itself. One description notes crossing a road on horseback and passing through a large building site. That is worth knowing before you book, especially if you expect a natural beach trail from start to finish.

Guides, coaching, and group atmosphere

The quality of the guide can shape this outing. The guide accompanies the group, and trainers are available to explain the basics and help during the ride. Hussein is specifically praised for his humor and for taking plenty of pictures, while another guide is described as friendly and professional.

English support appears to be available from at least some of the staff, but you should confirm language needs when booking. A French-language booking did not match the guide available on the day, and neither the guide nor the driver spoke French. If you need a French-speaking guide, do not assume the language option is guaranteed without checking first.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is small enough to keep the activity manageable, but it is not the same as a private lesson or private trail ride. A larger group can also mean slower progress, particularly when riders have mixed experience.

I like that the activity is presented as suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike. The calm start gives nervous riders time to adjust, while confident riders may be allowed to jog when appropriate. Still, you should tell the trainer clearly about your experience before the ride begins.

The supplied information includes positive comments about friendly organizers, professional instructors, and a private car used for some pickups. It also includes a complaint about a missed hotel pickup and unanswered calls. To reduce the chance of confusion, be ready at the hotel reception, watch for the organizer’s message, and make sure the pickup time and meeting point are clear.

Horse riding or camel riding?

You can choose between two hours of horse riding and two hours of camel riding. That makes the excursion useful for mixed groups, since not everyone wants the same type of animal experience.

Choose the horse if you want a more active ride and the possibility of jogging. Choose the camel if you prefer a slower, more traditional desert outing, though the supplied details do not describe the camel route separately.

The horse option gives you the clearest contrast between the rocky desert and the sea. It also requires more attention to balance and posture. The camel option may suit someone who does not want to manage a horse, but you should confirm the exact riding arrangements if that is your preference.

Is $18.82 good value?

At $18.82 per person, this is inexpensive for roughly two hours of riding plus transport, equipment, and coaching. Bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a helmet are included, which keeps the basic cost clear.

The value is strongest if you want a short, unusual Hurghada activity rather than a polished full-day excursion. You get two different settings, a choice of animal, and the chance to enter the Red Sea on horseback without paying for a luxury riding package.

The price becomes less attractive if you expect a scenic desert trail, long time in the sea, or a private guide. Transfers can also add to the total. Pickup from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh costs an extra $5 per person, while pickup from Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay costs an extra $10 per person.

For someone staying in central Hurghada, the advertised price is easier to justify. For someone staying farther away, compare the added transfer cost with other riding options near your hotel.

What to wear and bring

Wear clothes that allow your legs to move freely and that you do not mind getting wet. The horse enters seawater, so shorts or quick-drying trousers are more practical than heavy fabric.

Bring sun protection, since much of the outing takes place outdoors. A hat may be useful before and after the ride, though you will use the provided helmet while mounted. Water is included, but you may still want personal drinking water if you are sensitive to heat.

Protect your phone from splashes during the sea section. Photos may be taken by the guide, especially if Hussein is leading, but the experience does not state that professional photographs are included or that every group receives the same service.

I would also avoid carrying loose items. The ride includes uneven ground, road crossing, and water, so anything that can fall or get wet should stay secured.

Who will enjoy this activity most?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want instruction and a calm introduction
• Experienced riders looking for a memorable coastal setting
• Families with children who meet the physical requirements
• Couples or friends seeking a short activity outside the resort
• People deciding between horse and camel riding
• Budget-conscious visitors who want an unusual Red Sea experience

I would be more cautious if you want serious riding, fast galloping, long desert trails, or a deep-water horse swim. The route is structured around a stable, a short rocky desert section, and shallow water at the coast.

You should also reconsider if you have limited mobility or dislike sitting in the saddle for long periods. The official guidance calls for moderate physical fitness, and the ride lasts two hours.

Booking, pickup, and cancellation details

Pickup is offered, but the price depends on where you stay. The extra charges are $5 per person from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh hotels, and $10 per person from Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay hotels.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the group can include up to 15 people. The provider is Nile Valley Tours. Since pickup has caused confusion for at least one booking, I would keep your phone available, check messages the day before, and wait at the hotel reception at the agreed time.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The activity depends on good weather, so a weather cancellation gives you the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Hurghada horse ride?

Book it if you want a low-cost, family-friendly outing with a genuine change of scene. The best combination is the calm desert ride followed by a horse wading into the Red Sea, and the included helmet, coaching, water, and vehicle make the price appealing.

Go in with accurate expectations. The desert may be rocky or partly built up, the sea section is shallow, and guide language can vary. I would confirm your pickup and preferred language before paying, then book this as a memorable coastal horse ride, not as a full desert expedition or swimming session.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full outing takes approximately three hours, including preparation and transport. The riding portion lasts two hours.

How much does the horse riding experience cost?

The listed price is $18.82 per person. Some hotel areas require an additional transfer charge.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered. Transfers from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh hotels cost an extra $5 per person, while transfers from Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay cost an extra $10 per person.

Can I ride a camel instead of a horse?

Yes. You can choose two hours of horse riding or camel riding.

Is a helmet included?

Yes. A helmet is included in the experience price.

Is water included?

Yes. Bottled water is included.

Do I need riding experience?

No specific riding experience is stated as a requirement. Trainers provide pre-ride coaching and assistance during the ride, but you should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

How many people can join the activity?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.