From Hurghada: Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour

Makadi Bay’s desert meets the Red Sea in a way that makes this ride more than a simple beach outing. You move from quiet sand valleys to open coastal views on calm horses, with sunrise and sunset adding the best light. I especially like the skill-matched horses and the choice between a basic two-hour ride and a longer program with dinner, stars, or a swim stop.

The guides also make a difference. Mohamed, Didi, Yusuf, Hassan, Mahmoud, and Sabir are praised for patience and careful support, including with nervous beginners and children. The main consideration is that this is a guided, relaxed ride, not a fast horse trek, and the beach route, transfer time, and extras depend on the option you book.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride from desert to sea: Routes pass through sand valleys, open plains, and the Red Sea coast, with photo stops along the way.
• Horses are matched to ability: Beginners receive calm horses and instruction, while confident riders may get a little more freedom.
• Sunrise and sunset are the best times: Early rides bring cooler air and optional Oriental breakfast, while sunset rides can lead into dinner, a show, and stargazing.
• The four-hour VIP option includes a swim stop: This is the only listed option that includes swimming with your horse in the Red Sea.
• Transfers vary by resort: 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 $20 price is a starting point: It offers good value for a basic shared-transfer ride, but private transport, guides, dinner, breakfast, and the swim stop depend on your selected package.

Why this Makadi Bay ride is worth considering

Horse riding in Hurghada can easily become a short photo stop with a line of horses and little time to enjoy the setting. This experience aims for something more relaxed. You spend time riding through the desert and along the coast, with guides present throughout and horses chosen to match your ability.

I like the mix of scenery. The desert is quiet and open, while the Red Sea adds color and a change of pace. You are not simply circling a stable or riding on a single strip of sand. Depending on the route and option, you may cross sand valleys, open plains, and shallow coastal water.

The other strong point is flexibility. You can book a two-hour ride with shared transport, arrive on your own with an entry-only ticket, combine one hour of quad biking with one hour on horseback, or choose a longer sunset program. That makes the experience useful for several types of visitors, from first-time riders to people who already spend time in the saddle.

The trade-off is that the advertised price of $20 per person applies to the basic experience rather than every version. A private transfer, private guide, dinner, breakfast, or swim stop may cost more or apply only to certain departure times. Read the option name carefully before paying.

Getting from your hotel to the Makadi Bay base

If you select a transfer, pickup is arranged from major resorts in an air-conditioned vehicle. You should wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup, but the actual pickup can be around 0 to 1 hour before the chosen activity time. The exact time is sent the day before, so keep WhatsApp connected to the phone number used for booking.

Travel time depends heavily on your resort. From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, allow roughly 25 to 30 minutes. Hurghada takes about 40 to 45 minutes, while El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, and Al Ahyaa can take up to an hour.

That range matters if you are choosing a sunrise ride or adding the evening dinner and show. A long transfer can make a short two-hour activity feel like most of a morning or evening. If you want more control, the entry-only ticket lets you arrange your own transport, and private transfers are available for an extra fee.

Bring only what you need. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and it is sensible to leave jewelry and valuables at the hotel. The base has toilets, and drinks and face scarves may be available for purchase. One rider paid 50 EGP for bottled water and 200 EGP for a basic face scarf, though prices can change.

The first 15 minutes: introduction, safety, and horse selection

On arrival, you receive about 15 minutes to rest before the ride begins. This small pause is useful after the drive and gives the team time to organize the horses and groups.

A safety briefing comes first, along with a short driving test or riding check. Helmets and safety equipment are provided, and helmets must be worn during the ride. The guides then group people by skill level and assign horses suited to their experience.

This matching process is one of the best features for beginners. First-time riders have been supported by guides including Hassan, Mahmoud, and Sabir, while Didi has been singled out for helping children and new riders feel comfortable. If you are nervous, say so clearly before mounting. The team can use that information when choosing your horse.

Experienced riders should explain their level honestly, too. One couple was placed in a mixed group, with a more confident rider given a chance to test a canter while a less confident partner received closer attention. That suggests the guides can adjust the pace within a group, though the outing remains controlled rather than a free gallop.

The standard two-hour route through desert and coast

The standard ride lasts two hours and is the simplest way to experience the area. You set out with a professional guide at a steady pace, moving across desert paths before reaching or following the Red Sea coast.

The desert section gives you open views and a sense of quiet that is hard to find around the hotel strip. Sand can blow on windy days, so long clothing, sunglasses, and a scarf are practical choices. A hat can help while you are waiting, but it may be awkward once you are moving, so follow the guide’s advice.

Near the coast, the mood changes. The sea brings cooler air and wider views, and some routes include shallow-water riding. One particularly appealing version follows the beach and splashes through the shallows. You should not assume this is part of every two-hour package, since the exact route varies by option.

Photo stops are built into the outing. Guides may take photos and videos during the ride, a useful feature if you want memories without trying to hold a phone on horseback. Mohamed and Didi are especially noted for taking photos, but you should confirm what is included if images matter to you.

For a first ride, two hours is enough to enjoy the setting without making your legs too sore. You will spend much of the time at a calm pace, and the guides focus on control and comfort rather than speed.

Sunrise riding and the 5:00 AM breakfast option

The sunrise departure is the most atmospheric choice and usually the best one for cooler conditions. At the earliest start, the desert light changes quickly, and the Red Sea can look especially peaceful before the day becomes hot.

The Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise departure. This detail is easy to miss, so select that exact early timing if breakfast is important to you. A general morning ride does not automatically include it.

Yusuf has been praised for making the sunrise ride comfortable for families, including children. The early start may be hard on anyone who dislikes waking before dawn, and the pickup can be earlier still once hotel transfer time is added. For many people, though, the cooler air and breakfast make this the strongest value among the shorter options.

Wear seasonal clothing and bring a light layer if needed. The desert can feel cooler at dawn, while sun protection becomes important soon after the ride begins.

Sunset, dinner, live show, and stargazing

The sunset package turns a two-hour horse ride into an evening program. You ride while the light softens, then continue with an Oriental dinner, live entertainment, and stargazing in the desert.

This option suits anyone who wants a fuller night rather than a quick riding session. Hafsah’s experience with Mahmoud and Sabir included a dinner good enough for a second helping, but the main reason to choose this package is the change in mood. The ride finishes as the sky darkens, and the later stargazing gives you a different view of the desert than a daytime visit.

You should expect an organized evening program rather than a private meal under a completely empty sky. Dinner and the show add cultural entertainment, while the horse ride remains the central activity. If you mainly want quiet riding, choose sunrise or a standard morning slot instead.

The sunset ride is also a good choice for couples and families with mixed riding ability. The guides can keep beginners at an easy pace, while more confident riders may receive a little more instruction or freedom when conditions allow.

The quad bike and horse riding combination

The one-hour quad bike plus one-hour horse ride is arranged during the cooler early morning period. It gives you two ways to see the desert, but each part is fairly short.

The quad section can take you farther into the desert and toward Makadi Bay at a quicker pace. The horse section then slows the experience down and lets you focus on the animals and coastal setting. For a group that cannot agree between motorized adventure and horseback riding, this is a sensible compromise.

A face scarf and sunglasses are particularly useful for the quad portion. Dust can rise, and the bright sun can make the ride uncomfortable without eye protection. This option is more active than the basic horse ride, but you still need to follow the safety briefing and stay with the guide.

Because you receive only one hour on horseback, choose the combination for variety rather than a full riding experience. If the horse ride is your main goal, a two-hour or four-hour horse option gives you more time to settle into the pace.

The VIP four-hour ride and Red Sea swim stop

The four-hour VIP option is the most unusual choice. It is a private extended program with a swim stop that allows you to enter the Red Sea with your horse. The swim stop is included only with the four-hour horse ride option, so do not assume it comes with the basic package or the sunset dinner ride.

This program makes sense if the water experience is your priority, or if you want private time rather than a shared group. Four hours in the saddle is a long outing, though, especially for someone new to riding. Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen.

The supplied details do not promise a particular water depth, swimming duration, or exact coastline point. Treat the swim as an option within a guided route, not as a full beach day. Follow the guide’s instructions closely around the horses and water.

The VIP label also does not mean every extra is automatically included. Check whether your chosen rate includes private transport, a private guide, food, or only the four-hour ride with the swim stop.

Horses, guides, and the pace of the experience

The horses are described as calm, well-trained, and cared for, with selections based on riding ability. That matters more here than the breed or appearance of the animals. A steady horse and a patient guide can turn a nervous first ride into an enjoyable one.

The strongest pattern among the guide feedback is patience. Mohamed, also called Didi by some riders, is known for friendly help and photos. Yusuf has worked well with families on sunrise rides, while Hassan has helped nervous riders try a little more speed while keeping them comfortable. Mahmoud and Sabir are noted for kindness during the sunset and dinner program.

You should still remember that horses are animals, and no riding activity is entirely risk-free. Listen during the briefing, keep your helmet on, and do not push for a canter if you are unsure. The team describes this as a guided adventure, not a racing session.

The current rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 271 ratings, which supports the idea that the experience is generally dependable while leaving room for normal variation in guides, weather, group size, and route.

What to wear and what to leave behind

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move, along with sturdy comfortable shoes. Sneakers are a practical choice for a standard ride. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat, but remember that wind can carry sand, so long sleeves or long trousers may be more comfortable on breezy days.

For the swim option, bring swimwear. Avoid jewelry, loose valuables, large bags, and luggage. Pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed in the vehicle.

Pregnant people, those with back problems or mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and anyone over 110 kilograms are not suitable for this activity. The experience is also not designed for someone who needs an accessible riding setup.

Who gets the best value from this tour

I would recommend the basic two-hour ride to a first-time rider who wants a simple desert and coastal outing without committing to a full day. It is also a good fit for families with older children who can follow safety instructions, since the horses are assigned by ability and guides stay with the group.

The sunrise ride works best for visitors who value cooler air, soft light, and breakfast. Choose the 5:00 AM departure if you specifically want the Oriental breakfast.

The sunset dinner and stargazing option suits couples, families, and anyone looking for an evening activity with more than riding. The quad-and-horse combination is better for active groups who want two different kinds of desert adventure.

I would choose the VIP four-hour program only if the swim stop or private format is central to your plans. It costs more in time and likely in money, and four hours of riding is a bigger physical commitment than the standard route.

Should you book the Makadi Bay horse ride?

Book it if you want a gentle, scenic outing that combines desert and Red Sea views, especially if you are new to riding or prefer a guided pace. The $20 starting price is good value for the basic two-hour option with shared transfer, a guide, safety briefing, horse, and route through the area.

Before booking, check five things: the exact departure time, the transfer choice, whether breakfast or dinner is included, the route promised by that package, and whether the swim stop applies. If you choose carefully, this can be one of Hurghada’s more personal ways to spend a morning or evening away from the hotel pool.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay horse ride last?

Available programs last from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the option. The standard horse ride lasts two hours, while the VIP horse ride with a swim stop lasts four hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included when you select an option with shared transfer. An entry-only ticket is available if you prefer to arrange your own transport, and private transfers cost extra.

How far is the base from Hurghada resorts?

Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh are about 25 to 30 minutes away. Hurghada takes roughly 40 to 45 minutes, while El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, and Al Ahyaa can take up to an hour.

Is breakfast included?

Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise departure. You need to select that early timing when booking.

Does every ride include swimming with the horse?

No. The swim stop is included only with the four-hour horse riding option that specifically lists the swim stop.

Are beginners allowed to join?

Yes. The team provides a safety briefing, a short riding check, and horses selected for different ability levels. Guides accompany the ride and support beginners.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable seasonal clothing, and swimwear if you select an option with swimming. Leave large bags, luggage, jewelry, and valuables behind.

Who cannot participate?

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