From Hurghada: Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour

Desert paths meet Red Sea shallows. This Makadi Bay horse ride gives you two things I especially like: beautiful variety between sand and sea, and calm horses matched to your riding ability. You can choose a simple two-hour outing, an early sunrise ride with breakfast, or a sunset program with dinner, a show, and stargazing.

The guides also deserve credit. Names such as Mohamed, Didi, Yusuf, Hassan, Mahmoud, and Sabir appear often in the feedback, with particular praise for patience and clear help. My main caution is that this remains a guided group ride, not a private equestrian lesson or racing session. Heat, sand, and time in the saddle may also be tiring if you are not used to riding.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride from desert to Red Sea coast: Routes can cross sand valleys, open plains, and the shore, with photo stops along the way.
• Choose your mood: Sunrise brings cooler air and an optional Oriental breakfast, while sunset adds dinner, live entertainment, and stargazing.
• Horses are matched to ability: Beginners receive calm mounts and a short driving test helps the guides place each rider sensibly.
• The four-hour VIP option includes swimming: This is the only listed horse ride with a swim stop in the Red Sea.
• Transfer times vary widely: Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh are about 25 to 30 minutes away, while El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, and Al Ahyaa can take up to an hour.
• The price can be excellent value: At about $20 per person for the basic experience, it costs less than many full-day Red Sea excursions, though extras and upgrades change the total.

What the Makadi Bay ride feels like

This is a gentle way to leave Hurghada’s hotel routine behind for a few hours. Instead of sitting beside a pool or joining a large boat excursion, you move at horse pace through quiet desert and along the Red Sea.

The setting does much of the work. Sand, open sky, and sea give the ride a wide, uncluttered feel. At sunrise, the air is cooler and the light is soft. At sunset, the coastline takes on a warmer glow, and the evening continues with food and entertainment on selected options.

I would not book this expecting a fast canter from start to finish. The activity is built around comfort, control, and scenic riding. A guide stays with the group, and the pace is adjusted to suit the people in the saddle.

The overall score is 4.4 out of 5 from 271 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the horses, the guides, the scenery, and the photos. That pattern is useful: this experience works best for people who want a relaxed outdoor adventure with plenty of atmosphere.

Choosing between the ride options

The basic choice is a two-hour horse ride. You can book it with shared hotel transportation or choose the entry-only ticket and make your own way to the base. The entry-only version suits independent visitors who already have transport and want to keep the cost down.

The shared-transfer version includes pickup and return from major resort areas. Pickup is usually scheduled about 0 to 1 hour before the activity time, with the exact time sent the day before. Leave yourself room for a changing pickup schedule, especially if your hotel is far from Makadi Bay.

For a shorter, more active morning, the one-hour quad bike and one-hour horse ride combination packs two different experiences into one outing. The quad section goes into the desert toward Makadi Bay, then you return to change onto the horses. It is arranged during the cooler early morning period, which makes sense in Egypt’s heat.

The sunrise option begins at 5:00 AM and is the only option that includes Oriental breakfast. This detail matters. Breakfast is not included with every early or morning departure, so select the specific 5:00 AM departure if the meal is part of your plan.

The sunset ride with dinner and a show is the most social choice. You ride first, then sit down for an Oriental meal before live entertainment and stargazing. It turns a simple ride into an evening program, though you should expect the total outing to last longer than the time spent on horseback.

Finally, the four-hour VIP ride includes a swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea. It is the only listed option with swimming, so do not assume a standard two-hour ride includes time in the water. This private format is best for people who want a longer, more personal outing and are willing to pay for the upgrade.

Arriving at the Makadi Bay horse base

If you use the transfer, you will be collected from your accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup, and make sure the phone number on your booking works with WhatsApp. The exact pickup details are sent one day before the activity.

Driving time is roughly 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, 40 to 45 minutes from Hurghada, and as much as an hour from El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa. A private transfer is available for an added fee if you prefer not to share the vehicle.

On arrival, allow about 15 minutes to rest and get organized. The guide waits at the entrance and greets you by name. If you arrive independently, the entry-only ticket keeps the meeting arrangements simple, but you will need to arrange your own transport.

The base has toilets, and drinks and face scarves are available for purchase. One report puts a bottle of water at 50 Egyptian pounds and a basic face scarf at 200 Egyptian pounds, with premium scarves costing 400 Egyptian pounds. These prices can change, but the practical point is clear: bring sun protection or be prepared to buy it there.

Safety, horses, and riding ability

Before setting out, you receive a horse introduction, safety briefing, and short driving test. Helmets are supplied and must be worn throughout the ride. Other safety equipment is available on request.

The team groups riders by ability. Beginners are not simply placed on the same horses as confident riders and forgotten. The horses are selected to match ability, and the guides remain nearby throughout the route.

This matters if you are nervous around horses. Several people specifically appreciated the patient support from guides, and one person said Hassan helped overcome a fear of horses. Another group of three first-time riders found the horses calm and felt comfortable after the guides explained what to do.

Experienced riders should explain their ability honestly at the start. One couple was placed in a mixed group, with an experienced rider receiving a chance to test a faster pace while less confident riders stayed with closer assistance. That suggests the guides can offer some variation, but you should still expect a controlled group outing rather than an open riding lesson.

The horses are repeatedly described as well trained, gentle, and suited to different skill levels. Reports also praise the team’s care for the animals. Still, remember that animal-based activities deserve your attention. Watch how the horses are handled when you arrive, follow the guide’s instructions, and avoid asking for speed if you are not fully comfortable.

This activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Pets, large bags, jewelry, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle.

The two-hour desert and coastal route

The standard ride lasts two hours. The exact route depends on the chosen time and program, but you can expect a mixture of desert and seaside trails.

The desert section brings silence, open views, and a change of pace from the resort strip. Sand can blow on windy days, so long clothing helps protect your arms and legs. Sunglasses are useful not just for glare but also for dust kicked up by hooves or quad bikes.

The coastal section is the visual payoff. Routes can run along the beach and through shallow water, and one account describes splashing through the shallows. This is different from simply looking at the Red Sea from a hotel terrace. You are close enough to hear the water and feel the change under the horse’s feet.

The ride includes photo stops. Guides may also take photos and videos during the experience, a service praised several times in the feedback. If you care about good pictures, sunrise and sunset offer the most attractive light, while the beach provides a clear backdrop.

Do not expect every route to include every type of terrain. Weather, timing, and the selected program affect the ride. The attraction is the combination of desert and coast, not a fixed list of dramatic checkpoints.

Sunrise, sunset, dinner, and stargazing

The 5:00 AM sunrise departure is the best pick for cool air and quiet conditions. You watch the day brighten over the desert and sea, then finish with an Oriental breakfast. For families or first-time riders, the cooler temperature can make the ride more comfortable.

The drawback is the early start. You need to be ready well before sunrise, and the pickup may be up to an hour before the stated activity time depending on your hotel. If you are staying far from Makadi Bay, plan for a very early morning.

Sunset has a different appeal. The heat is usually softer, the light becomes warmer, and the ride feels more like a special evening than a morning activity. Afterward, the dinner, live show, and desert stargazing extend the experience.

The dinner program is a good choice if you want more than horseback riding. It also gives you time to settle after the ride, eat, and enjoy the desert after dark. On the other hand, it is not the best fit if you want a short, quiet outing or plan to return quickly to your hotel.

One person who booked the dinner option praised the meal enough to go back for a second helping. That does not make the food a formal dining experience, but it suggests the meal can be a satisfying part of the evening rather than a token extra.

The four-hour VIP swim stop

The VIP program adds a more unusual Red Sea experience: swimming with your horse. This is the option to choose if getting into the water is central to your plans.

It lasts four hours and includes the swim stop. The longer schedule leaves more room for riding and a less hurried outing, while the private format provides more personal attention than a shared group.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. A towel is not listed among the included items, so confirm what you need before leaving your hotel. The standard two-hour ride does not include swimming, and neither does the quad and horse combination.

The swim stop also makes this option more physically demanding. You are spending twice as long on the activity, with time in the saddle and in the water. If your back is sensitive or you are unsure about your riding stamina, the basic two-hour option is the safer choice.

Transport, group size, and value at $20

At around $20 per person, the basic two-hour ride offers strong value if shared transportation is included in the option you choose. You get the horse, guide, briefing, safety equipment, desert and coastal routes, and photo stops without paying for a full-day boat trip.

The low starting price needs a little care. The entry-only ticket does not include hotel transport. Private transfers and a private guide cost extra, and the swim stop is limited to the four-hour VIP option. Dinner, live entertainment, and breakfast depend on the selected departure.

Small groups are another advantage. The experience is not presented as a huge line of riders moving without personal help. Guides organize people by ability, and the feedback repeatedly credits staff for keeping an eye on comfort and confidence.

You may still share the route with riders at different levels. That can mean some waiting or a slower pace for stronger riders. For most people, I see that as a fair trade for safety and a relaxed outing.

What to bring for a comfortable ride

Wear comfortable clothes that can handle sun, sand, and contact with a horse. Comfortable shoes are required, and long clothing is useful on windy days.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear if you choose the VIP option, and clothing suitable for the season. Keep valuables at the hotel, and bring only essentials. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

For the quad and horse combination, sunglasses and a face scarf are particularly helpful. Dust can rise during the quad portion, and the sun is strong. A scarf bought at the base may be useful, but bringing your own can save money.

Listen carefully during the safety briefing and wear the helmet for the full ride. This is a guided adventure, not a race. The best photographs and the most enjoyable pace come from staying relaxed and following the guide.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, families with children who can follow instructions, couples looking for a scenic outing, and experienced riders who are happy with a controlled pace. The horse matching and patient guides make it less intimidating than an unstructured riding session.

It is also a good fit if you want to combine two sides of Hurghada: the dry desert and the Red Sea coast. The sunrise breakfast and sunset dinner programs add a clear reason to choose one time over another.

I would be more cautious if you dislike organized group activities, want long stretches of independent riding, or are uncomfortable with heat and sand. People with back problems, limited mobility, or a weight above the stated limit should not book it.

Should you book the Makadi Bay horse ride?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, scenic horse ride with calm mounts, supportive guides, and a choice of morning, sunset, dinner, or swimming options. The strongest reasons are the desert-to-sea route, ability-based horse selection, and the care shown by guides such as Mohamed, Didi, Yusuf, and Hassan.

Choose the 5:00 AM departure for cooler air and breakfast. Pick sunset for atmosphere, dinner, a show, and stargazing. Select the four-hour VIP program only if swimming with your horse is worth the extra time and cost.

For a first horseback ride in Hurghada, the standard two-hour shared-transfer option is the sensible starting point. It gives you the main scenery and guided support without committing to a long day in the saddle.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay horse ride last?

The available programs last from two to five hours, depending on the option selected. The standard horseback ride lasts two hours, while the VIP ride with a swim stop lasts four hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select an option with shared transfer. An entry-only ticket does not include transportation. Private transfers are available for an additional fee.

How long is the transfer from Hurghada?

The drive from Hurghada usually takes about 40 to 45 minutes. Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh are about 25 to 30 minutes away, while some resorts can take up to an hour.

Is breakfast included?

Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise departure. It is not included automatically with other morning or sunrise selections.

Can beginners join the horse ride?

Yes. The guides provide instructions, conduct a short driving test, and organize groups by riding ability. The horses are selected to suit different experience levels.

Is swimming with the horse included?

Swimming is included only with the four-hour VIP horse ride. The regular two-hour ride and the quad bike and horse combination do not include a swim stop.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring swimwear for the VIP swim option. Large bags, luggage, and jewelry are not allowed.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.