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

The best part of this Makadi Bay outing is the change of scenery: one minute you are crossing open desert on horseback, and the next you are riding with the Red Sea sparkling beside you. The two-hour ride gives you enough time to settle into the saddle, enjoy the wind, and take in the wide views without turning the trip into an all-day commitment.

I like the door-to-door pickup from Hurghada, and I like that the ride is aimed at mixed ability levels. Guides such as Didi and Anita have earned especially warm praise for calm handling and personal attention. The main caution is horse welfare and safety consistency. One serious account raised concerns about horses waiting in the sun, helmets being supplied only on request, English communication, and a stated 100 kg limit not being checked, so confirm these points before you ride.

Key points at a glance

• Two-hour ride, three-hour outing: Most of your time is in the saddle, with the remaining hour covering pickup and return.
• Desert and sea in one route: You get golden sand, open views, desert plants, ancient ruins, and the Red Sea in a single ride.
• Guides Didi and Anita receive strong praise: Riders found them attentive, reassuring, and able to support both beginners and confident riders.
• Galoping may be possible: Some riders were allowed to gallop in the desert and beside the beach, but your pace should depend on your skill and the guide’s safety judgment.
• Pickup is from Hurghada hotels: Wait at reception for a driver holding a Gamila Horse signboard.
• Check safety details first: Helmets, horse care, English support, and the 100 kg limit deserve a quick confirmation before payment.

From Hurghada to Makadi Bay by hotel transfer

The experience begins with pickup in Hurghada and ends with your return there. The full activity lasts three hours, but the actual horseback ride takes two hours, so allow the remaining time for road transfers and getting mounted.

That timing works well for a holiday in the Red Sea area. You can fit the ride into a morning or afternoon without giving up an entire day at the beach. The included transfer also adds real value to the $35 price, since you do not need to arrange a separate taxi to Makadi Bay.

You are asked to wait at your hotel reception for a driver carrying a Gamila Horse signboard. One rider specifically praised the transfer as punctual and uncomplicated. Still, I would be ready a few minutes early, since hotel pickups can involve several stops and the exact starting time depends on availability.

The transfer is practical rather than scenic sightseeing. The point is to get you safely to the riding yard, not to provide a guided tour of Hurghada or Makadi Bay along the road.

Meeting your horse before the ride

At the riding center, you meet your horse and guide before setting out. The horses are described as having different personalities, from quiet and steady to more energetic, so the introduction matters. You need a few moments to see how your horse responds and to tell the guide about your riding background.

This is where the experience can work for a mixed group. One pair included an experienced rider and a mother with no previous riding experience. The confident rider was able to gallop, while the beginner received closer attention and was not pushed beyond her comfort level.

The strongest reports praise the horses as gentle, well behaved, and in good condition. Guides were said to check often that riders were comfortable, and one guide would take the reins when needed. That kind of support is useful for a first ride, especially when you are trying to balance, steer, and read your horse at the same time.

The important qualification is that the quality of care may not be uniform every day. A very negative account described horses saddled and waiting in strong sun without water. I cannot resolve that conflict from the available information, so ask to see your horse before mounting and make sure water, shade, and properly fitted equipment are available.

Two hours across Makadi Bay’s desert

Once you leave the yard, the ride moves into the desert around Makadi Bay. Expect golden sand, scattered desert plants, and broad open space rather than a marked sightseeing trail filled with monuments.

The sound changes quickly. Instead of traffic and hotel noise, you hear the regular beat of hooves. That quiet is a major part of the appeal. You are not simply sitting on a horse for a photo; you are moving at a slower pace that lets you notice the heat, breeze, sand, and the horse beneath you.

The desert section also gives you the clearest sense of scale. The sand stretches out around you, with little to interrupt the view. Ancient ruins are mentioned as part of the scenery, but this is not an archaeology tour, and you should not expect a detailed explanation of specific sites.

I like this section for its simplicity. The ride does not need a long list of stops to be enjoyable. The open setting, the animal’s rhythm, and the contrast between dry sand and nearby sea create the experience.

Still, desert riding is exposed. Sun protection, water, and sensible clothing matter even for a short outing. Water is included, but food is not, so eat before pickup if you know you will need more than a drink.

Riding beside the Red Sea

The route’s special feature is the meeting of desert and coast. As you approach the water, the Red Sea adds color and movement to an otherwise spare setting. You can feel the sea breeze and see sunlight on the water while still surrounded by sand.

Some riders were able to gallop in the desert and along the beach. That sounds thrilling, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed part of the trip. Your pace depends on your riding ability, the guide’s instructions, the horse assigned to you, and conditions on the day.

For a beginner, walking or a controlled trot may be the better experience. You can still enjoy the setting without trying to match a confident rider. For someone with solid riding skills, the chance to stretch into a faster pace is likely the highlight, provided the guide handles it responsibly.

The sea section also creates the best setting for photographs and videos. One rider especially appreciated high-quality videos made by the guides during the outing. Ask about this at the start, since the information confirms that guides make videos, but does not promise a particular number of clips or a specific delivery method.

The guide makes or breaks the experience

A good horse ride depends as much on the guide as on the horse. The most praised guides here are Didi and Anita. Didi was described as friendly and reassuring, while Anita received particular praise for helping riders with different levels of experience.

The useful guide behavior is simple: check how you are doing, adjust the pace, and step in when a horse or rider needs help. Several positive accounts describe guides taking the reins when necessary and asking often if everything felt right.

The activity lists English as the guide language. One negative account disputed the level of English communication, so I would not assume every guide will communicate equally well. If you are a complete beginner, make sure you understand basic instructions for stopping, turning, slowing down, and keeping distance before leaving the yard.

You should also be honest about your experience. Saying you can ride when you have only sat on a horse once can create a safety problem. The best chance of receiving the right horse and pace is to explain your ability clearly during pickup or at the stable.

Safety gear and horse welfare

Safety gear is included, and helmets should be part of the normal preparation. One rider reported that helmets were available only after asking, which is not a detail to ignore. I would request a helmet before mounting and check that it fits securely.

The stated weight limit is 100 kg. A negative account said this limit was not enforced, raising concern about the horses and the safety of the rider. If you are close to or above that figure, confirm the current policy directly before booking. Do not rely on the limit being checked at the stable.

Horse welfare matters just as much as rider comfort. Look for horses that have access to water and are not left standing in direct sun for long periods. You can politely ask how long the horses have been saddled and mention any concern before the ride begins.

These checks do not need to spoil the mood. They are normal questions for a riding activity, and a responsible operator should answer them clearly.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, the outing is fairly priced for a two-hour ride that includes hotel transfer, a guide, water, a welcome drink, and safety gear. The transfer is the largest practical benefit for anyone staying in Hurghada, since Makadi Bay is outside the city center.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a short photo stop or a tightly controlled beginner lesson. You are paying for the setting and the ride itself, not for food, a long educational talk, or a full-day program.

Food is not included, so plan to eat before or after. Water is listed as included, although one rider said the advertised drink was not provided. Because of that mismatch, I would bring extra water if your hotel allows it and confirm what the welcome drink means.

The reserve-now, pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity reduce booking risk. Starting times depend on availability, so check the exact slot before you commit the rest of your day.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This is a good match for you if you want a short outdoor activity that combines two classic Red Sea settings. It suits confident riders who want the possibility of a faster pace, and it can suit beginners when the guide assigns the right horse and keeps close watch.

It also works well for families or pairs with different riding levels. The experience of one confident rider and one first-time rider suggests that the group does not have to share the same skill level, although you should confirm age and other participant requirements before booking because they are not provided here.

You will probably enjoy it less if you want a formal lesson, a historical tour of ruins, or a guaranteed beach gallop. The description gives a strong sense of place, but not a detailed teaching program or fixed speed schedule.

The ride is also not ideal for anyone uncomfortable with animals, sun exposure, or uneven movement. Even a calm horse requires balance and attention.

Practical preparation for a better ride

Wear clothes that allow you to move and shoes suitable for riding. The available details do not specify a dress code, so choose comfort and protection from the sun rather than resort fashion.

Bring sun protection and keep your valuables limited. You may want your phone for photographs, but hold it securely and ask before using it while mounted.

Tell the guide about your riding level as soon as you arrive. Ask which horse you will ride, what pace is planned, and how the group will be handled if some riders are beginners and others want to gallop.

Before setting off, confirm four points:

• Is a helmet provided and fitted for every rider?
• Is the guide comfortable communicating in English?
• Is the 100 kg limit being applied?
• Have the horses had water and a break before the ride?

Those questions are especially important because the available accounts are very positive overall but include one serious safety and welfare complaint. A quick check protects you, the other riders, and the horses.

Should you book the Makadi Bay horse ride?

I would book this at $35 if you want a compact desert-and-sea outing, value included hotel transport, and are prepared to confirm the safety details first. The strongest part is the setting, with the Red Sea on one side and open desert around you, while guides such as Didi and Anita appear to provide the personal help beginners need.

I would be more cautious if you are near the 100 kg limit, have no riding experience and need detailed instruction, or care deeply about strict horse welfare standards. Contact Gamila Horseriding before booking to confirm helmets, water, English communication, and the current weight policy.

For the right rider, this can be a memorable half-day addition to a Hurghada stay. Just treat the gallop as a possible extra, not a promise, and make sure the basics are handled properly before you leave the stable.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride take place?

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

How long is the activity?

The full activity lasts three hours, including transportation. The horseback riding itself lasts two hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and return transportation from Hurghada are included. Wait at your hotel reception for a driver holding a Gamila Horse signboard.

What language does the guide speak?

The activity lists English as the guide language.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the horseback ride, a tour guide, a welcome drink, water, safety gear, and pickup transportation.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, so plan to eat before or after the activity.

Can beginners join?

The experience is presented for different riding levels, and positive accounts describe first-time riders receiving support. You should still tell the guide your experience level before riding.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.