Hurghada: Sea & Desert Horse Riding tour/w Swimming&Transfer

Desert dust, sea spray, and a very good horse. This Hurghada outing combines a guided ride through open desert with time beside the Red Sea, making it more varied than a simple stable visit. I especially like the careful matching of horses to riding ability and the friendly help from guides such as Rebecca, Abdul, Saeed, and Abdulrahman. I also like that staff use your phone to take photos, which matters when you are riding alone or with a partner and want more than a blurry selfie.

The main caution is that swimming is seasonal and can reduce your riding time. It is usually offered only with the two-hour swimming option, and it may stop from early November because of colder water and animal welfare concerns. If you want a longer ride, a standard two-hour desert and beach route may suit you better.

Key points before you book

• From desert to Red Sea: The ride links dry desert tracks with the shoreline, giving you two very different settings in one outing.
• Good for first-time riders: Horses are matched to your ability, and guides stay close to help beginners feel at ease.
• Swimming is seasonal: Horse swimming is generally available until October 31, subject to temperature and sea conditions.
• Small groups are available: You can choose private or small-group arrangements, useful for couples and families.
• Photos are part of the service: Guides can take pictures with your phone, and professional photos may also be available to buy.
• Transfers cover Hurghada: Pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels are available, with paid transfers from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay.

Starting at Lucky Horses Stable

Your outing begins at Lucky Horses Stable, a place that feels more like an animal yard than a polished resort attraction. Along with horses, you may meet cats, dogs, and other friendly animals. Several people particularly enjoyed this relaxed setting, and it adds a personal touch before you even reach the saddle.

If you arrive by taxi or Uber, navigation can be slightly awkward. GPS may leave you on the roadside in front of the building called Harmony. Look to the left, then walk behind that building toward the stables. There are several horse facilities in the area, so check the name carefully and show your ticket to the guide.

If you book a transfer, wait at your hotel entrance or the designated security gate. Some hotels do not allow drivers beyond the entrance. Be ready about 10 minutes early, and allow for a possible delay of up to 15 minutes because of traffic or hotel security checks. The exact pickup time is sent by WhatsApp, email, or the GetYourGuide app, but it is sensible to confirm it the day before.

Meeting your horse and guide

The first important part of the outing is the horse selection. You are not simply handed the nearest animal and sent off. The stable aims to match horses with the rider’s experience, which is a big reason this works for beginners and mixed-ability groups.

A first-time rider may be paired with a calm horse and given close support. Someone who already rides can ask for a little more pace, although you should remember that the guide controls the final decision. Several riders were able to walk, trot, or canter, while others stayed at a gentler pace. That range makes it possible for a novice parent and a more experienced teenager to ride together.

The guides receive some of the strongest praise. Rebecca is often singled out for her calm handling of both horses and riders, while Saeed, Abdul, Abdulrahman, Mohamed, Adel, and Adil are also noted for being patient and attentive. The names matter because the service is hands-on. Guides help you get comfortable, explain how to direct the horse, and remain nearby throughout the ride.

Helmets are provided, and children can use safety jackets. Long trousers and breathable clothing are the practical choice. You will want to protect your legs from rubbing, especially if you choose two or three hours in the saddle. Food and drinks are not included, so eat and drink before or after the activity.

Riding through the Hurghada desert

Once the group leaves the stable, the route heads into the desert. This is not a long-distance expedition across empty country. It is a guided riding outing, designed to give you a taste of Hurghada’s dry terrain before turning toward the sea.

The desert section gives beginners time to understand the horse’s movement and practise simple control. You can focus on posture and the reins without the distraction of waves or beach traffic. For experienced riders, it is a chance to settle into the saddle before asking for more speed.

The scenery is spare and open, with sand, hard ground, and the stark contrast of the Red Sea nearby. That change in setting is the appeal. One minute you are surrounded by dry desert tones; later you are riding beside blue water. It is a simple combination, but it feels distinctly Egyptian and photographs well.

Your guide may take pictures with your phone while you ride. This is especially useful for solo visitors, since you do not need to ask another rider to document the trip. Keep your phone secure, though, particularly if you choose the swimming option.

Along the beach and into the water

The beach section is the outing’s main visual reward. You ride along the Red Sea shore, with the horse moving between sand and shallow water where conditions allow. This is also where the pace may become more enjoyable for confident riders.

Do not assume that every rider will gallop. The pace depends on your ability, the horse, the group, and the guide’s safety judgment. Some experienced riders were able to canter on the beach, while beginners received steady support at a slower speed. If you want to go faster, explain your experience clearly at the start, but accept that the guide’s decision comes first.

For many people, simply walking a gentle horse along the water is enough. It is calmer than a fast ride and gives you time to look out across the Red Sea. If you are nervous, the beach can feel less intimidating after the desert introduction, since you have already had time to become familiar with the horse.

The ride is also a good choice for mixed groups. One rider may be comfortable moving faster while another is still learning. The guides can often keep the group together while adjusting the pace to suit different abilities, though the exact arrangement depends on the day’s group.

Swimming with the horses

Swimming is the memorable extra, but it needs careful planning. Choose the two-hour ride with swimming if you want to enter the sea with your horse. This option is generally a summer activity and is normally available through October 31.

From early November onward, swimming is not routinely offered because of colder weather and concern for the animals. It may be possible by prior agreement if the temperature and sea conditions are suitable, but you should check before booking rather than count on it.

The swimming option may also reduce the amount of time spent riding along the beach. One experienced rider specifically preferred the standard two-hour ride because swimming took away from the riding portion. That is useful advice: choose swimming for the unusual memory, not because it gives you more time in the saddle.

You should also expect to get wet. Wear a swimsuit beneath clothing that you can change easily, and bring whatever dry clothing you need afterward. The supplied information does not list changing facilities, so confirm practical arrangements with the stable if swimming is essential to your plans.

For first-time riders, this can be exciting and a little strange. The horse’s movement changes in the water, and you need to follow your guide’s instructions closely. Staff remain nearby, and the swimming portion is controlled rather than an independent swim.

Photos and the human touch

Photography is a useful part of this activity, not just a sales extra. Guides can take photos using your phone during the ride, and the stable may also offer professional images for purchase.

The photographs are particularly helpful for solo visitors and couples. Riding, holding the reins, and keeping your balance leave little spare attention for a camera. A guide can capture the desert, beach, horse, and sea moments while you concentrate on the ride.

Several people were pleased with the quality and value of the pictures. Still, treat professional photos as optional. They are not listed as a separate included product, so ask about the price before agreeing to buy. If you prefer not to purchase anything, your own phone can still be used with help from the staff.

Animal care and the stable atmosphere

Animal welfare is central to the character of this outing. The horses are described as well fed, sheltered from the sun, and matched carefully to riders. The stable also cares for dogs and cats, and some horses reportedly came from the Pyramids area or local villages before finding a safer home here.

That does not mean you should book this as an animal sanctuary tour. The main activity is riding, and you should be comfortable around animals before arriving. The stable warns that people who are afraid of animals may not enjoy the setting, since dogs, cats, and horses are part of the everyday atmosphere.

I like that this warning is made clearly. A family with animal-loving children may find the stable a bonus, while someone uneasy around dogs or horses may prefer a different Hurghada activity. Children can use helmets and safety jackets, but the experience is not suitable for babies under one year.

How long should you book?

The available durations range from 90 minutes to three hours. A shorter ride suits a tight schedule or a first attempt at horseback riding. It gives you a taste of the stable, desert, and shoreline without committing to a long time in the saddle.

The two-hour ride is the most useful middle choice. It gives you enough time to reach the beach and enjoy a relaxed route, while the swimming version adds the sea experience. If you are booking mainly for the photos and the unusual setting, two hours is a sensible balance.

A three-hour option makes more sense for experienced riders or anyone who wants a longer outdoor activity. You should expect more physical effort, particularly if you are not used to riding. Check the exact route and duration when you select your time, since available options vary.

The price begins at about $17 per person. At that rate, the outing offers strong value if your main aim is a guided horse ride with hotel transport, safety equipment, and help with photos. Transfers from nearby resort areas cost an additional €10 per person, which is still reasonable if you are staying outside Hurghada and do not want to arrange a taxi.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want patient support
• Couples looking for memorable photos
• Families with children who are comfortable around animals
• Experienced riders who want a short beach ride
• Solo visitors who need help taking pictures
• Anyone choosing between a desert outing and a Red Sea activity

It is less suitable for people with mobility impairments, anyone over the 220-pound, or 100-kilogram, weight limit, pregnant people who have not consulted a doctor, and older visitors over 95. The weight restriction is for the horses’ safety, so it should be taken seriously.

The activity runs every day, and guides can work in English, Arabic, Estonian, German, or Italian. Private and small-group options are available, which can make the pace and level of support more comfortable.

Small drawbacks to keep in mind

The experience is highly praised, but it is not perfect for every visitor. Pickup times can shift slightly, and the stable may be hard to locate if you arrive independently. Use the Harmony building as your landmark and confirm the name before getting out of your taxi.

Swimming is not available all year, and it may take time away from ordinary riding. The pace can also feel too gentle for a confident rider if the group includes beginners. You can explain your preferences, but the guide must balance the whole group.

Finally, the experience includes animals beyond the horses. Friendly dogs and cats are part of the setting, which many people enjoy. If you are nervous around animals, this may be a drawback rather than a bonus.

Should you book the Lucky Horses ride?

Yes, if you want a low-cost Hurghada activity that combines desert scenery, the Red Sea, and a well-supported introduction to riding. The strongest reasons to book are the careful horse matching, attentive guides, child safety equipment, and the chance to have real photos taken during the outing.

Choose the standard two-hour ride if riding time matters most. Choose the swimming option in warm months if entering the sea with a horse is the reason you are booking. Confirm the season, pickup point, transfer cost, and photo arrangements before you go, then arrive in long trousers with realistic expectations about pace.

At $17 per person, this is one of the better-value outdoor choices in Hurghada, especially for beginners and families. It is not a private riding lesson or a full-day desert adventure. It is a friendly, scenic ride with an unusual Red Sea finish, and that is exactly why it works.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in Hurghada?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included when you select the transfer option for Hurghada. Pickup from Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga, and Soma Bay is available for an additional €10 per person.

Can beginners join the horse ride?

Yes. The activity is suitable for complete beginners and experienced riders. Horses are matched to your riding ability, and guides provide instructions and close support.

When is swimming with the horses available?

Swimming is generally offered during the warmer months and is normally available until October 31. From early November, it is not routinely offered because of colder weather and animal welfare concerns. Check in advance if you are booking near that period.

Which option includes swimming?

You need to choose the two-hour ride with the swimming option. Swimming is not automatically included with every ride duration.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing. Long trousers are recommended to reduce rubbing while riding. If you choose swimming, bring suitable clothing for getting wet and changing afterward.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms, for the horses’ safety. The activity is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments, babies under one year, or people over 95.