From Hurghada: Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour

Horse riding in Makadi Bay is interesting because you trade the hotel routine for something slow, physical, and oddly calming. The mix of desert tracks and Red Sea air feels like you changed countries for a few hours. I also like how guides such as Mohamed and Yusuf keep things friendly and personal, and how the team matches horses to your comfort level from the start.

What I really love is the quality of the horses and the way they handle riders who are nervous. People often mention how calm and well trained the horses are, and how the guides give clear instruction so you can actually relax, even if it is your first time. One consideration: if you are pregnant, have back issues, mobility limits, or you weigh over 110 kg, this is not for you.

Key things you will notice on this horse ride

• Desert plus Red Sea views: you do not just loop around, you actually get variety.
• Sunrise or sunset mood is the whole point: cool air one way, glowing light the other.
• Safety first, then fun: helmets, a quick driving test, and guides who stay on top of the group.
• Guides who help beginners: training and patience are part of the experience, not a bonus.
• Photo support: you are set up with photo stops, and staff often help capture the moment.

Why this Makadi Bay ride feels different from the usual Hurghada tours

This is the kind of activity that makes Hurghada feel larger than the resort strip. You start with a short warm up at the base, then you move out into quiet desert air that feels worlds away from scooters and beach bars. And when you finally reach the coast, you get that rare combo of motion, salt air, and wide sky.

I like that the pace stays relaxed. You are riding, but you are not being pushed through it like a race. The guides keep control of who is ready for what, including letting more confident riders push forward to faster gaits when it makes sense for the group.

The best part for me is how the whole experience is designed around comfort and confidence. The team organizes riders by skill level, so you are not stuck next to someone who moves like a rodeo, or someone who freezes at the first step. Guides like Hassan and Sabir are repeatedly praised for being patient and calm, which matters a lot when you are trying to get over any nerves.

Choosing your time slot, sunrise glow or sunset magic

Your timing is basically your theme. If you pick sunrise, you are getting cooler air and that early light that makes the desert look softer. There is also an upside if you choose the 5:00 AM sunrise departure, because Oriental breakfast is included only with that early option.

Sunset is the easiest sell. You ride into the evening when shadows stretch long and the Red Sea light turns gold. Several people highlight sunset as the moment that makes the whole trip feel cinematic, especially on beach sections where the horse steps into shallow water.

Afternoon rides are a good middle choice if you want the desert part without committing to an early alarm. Just keep in mind the sun can still be intense, and sand can kick up, so plan your clothing and protection accordingly.

Transfers and getting there without losing half a day

Most departures work with shared pickup from major areas, and you get air conditioned transport if you select the transfer option. Travel times depend on where you are staying: about 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, around 40 to 45 minutes from Hurghada, and up to an hour from places like El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa.

If you want maximum freedom, you can also choose the entry ticket style option for the 2 hour ride without transfer. That is ideal if you are already in the Makadi Bay area and you do not want to wait for group pickup schedules.

If you do book pickup, show up a bit early. You are told to wait in the hotel lobby around 10 minutes before pickup, and the exact pickup time gets sent the day before. If you ever get confused, the guide will be waiting at the entrance and you can contact the team on WhatsApp or phone.

What happens at the base before you mount up

When you arrive, you get a short pause, about 15 minutes, before riding begins. Then the real prep starts: helmet fitting and clear instructions. You will also get a safety briefing and a short driving test, which is your chance to show that you can handle basic controls before the ride moves onto open tracks.

I like this part because it makes the ride feel structured. You are not just thrown onto a horse and told good luck. Guides are also reported to pair one guide on horseback and another on foot, so less confident riders get extra attention while the rest keep moving smoothly.

Skill level matters here. The guides put riders into groups based on experience so you are not stuck in a mismatch. That is why even beginners and parents riding with kids often come away feeling safe and looked after.

Riding through sand valleys and along the Red Sea

This tour is built on variety. Depending on the route and time of day, you might ride across sand valleys, open plains, and stretches that follow the coastline. That change of scenery is what keeps a 2 hour ride from feeling repetitive.

The Red Sea side is the payoff. People repeatedly mention riding along the beach, and even splashing through shallows. If you love water views but still want something different than a boat trip, this hits that sweet spot.

One practical detail: ride days can be dusty or windy. If it is windy, long clothing helps protect your skin from sand. Sunglasses and a sun hat are not optional. You will thank yourself for bringing them, even if you only wore them for the first 5 minutes.

The 2-hour horse ride, what you get for $20

At around $20 per person, this is strong value if you want a real experience, not just an activity photo. You are paying for a guided ride that mixes desert scenery with Red Sea coastline, plus safety gear, plus a pro guide throughout, plus photo stop opportunities.

The price also makes it an easy add-on to a Hurghada trip. You can do it as a standalone morning plan, or pair it with another activity. If you are short on time, the 2 hour option is long enough to feel like you left the resort bubble.

Just be honest with yourself about the fit. If you have balance issues, back problems, or you need wheelchair access, this ride is not set up for that. Also, pregnancy is not permitted. If those apply, you would be happier picking a different Hurghada activity.

Swim stop VIP option, what changes in the 4-hour experience

If you choose the VIP 4-hour horse ride with swim stop, you get more time and a bigger payoff. The swim stop includes the chance to swim with your horse in the Red Sea. That is a very specific experience, and it is not included in the standard options.

This is the option I point you toward if you want the “wow” factor that feels truly different from typical desert tours. The longer duration also gives the day a calmer rhythm, because you have more time for the scenery and fewer “hurry up” moments.

The main tradeoff is time. You are committing to most of the day or evening depending on departure, so plan your dinner or other activities around it. Also pack swimwear even if you are not sure you will want to jump in. If you are with friends, it is the kind of choice that turns into a group story.

Stargazing, dinner, and show for the sunset crowd

If you want your evening to turn into an event, pick the sunset ride that continues with dinner, a live show, and desert stargazing. The ride itself sets the mood, then you shift into food and entertainment as the sky darkens.

People also talk about the dinner as a real highlight, not just a “included meal.” If you like the idea of riding first, then eating well and watching the stars, this option gives you a full arc to the night.

One tip from how the experience is described: the stargazing part is weather and timing sensitive. You will feel the difference between a cloudy night and a clear one, so if you are picking between dates, choose based on forecast when you can.

Quad plus horse, if you want speed and slow in the same morning

For people who do not want to choose between adrenaline and calm, there is a combo: 1 hour of quad biking plus 1 hour of horse riding in the early morning. The day starts cooler, and you get that “down into the desert then out to Makadi Bay” feeling on the quad side.

Then you switch gears and get the more relaxed horse portion. It works surprisingly well because you do not spend the whole day on one tempo. Beginners also report that the guides help them feel at ease, and calm horses make the changeover less intimidating.

If you do this combo, pack for dust. Sunglasses are a must, and bring sun protection that can handle sand in your face and eyes.

Photo stops and the guide who actually helps you remember it

The ride is not just about getting from point A to point B. You do get photo stops, and staff help capture the moment. Multiple people mention amazing photos and videos, with guides taking extra care so you end up with memories you can share.

This matters because the desert light can be tricky, and riding positions are not easy for self-takes. If you want the best chance of good shots, tell your guide what you prefer: more action shots, more scenic views, or a mix.

Also, if you are a person who likes to move at your own pace, the photo stops are a good way to reset. You get a moment off the saddle without losing the flow of the route.

What to bring, and what to leave at home

You will have a better day if you travel light and smart. Bring comfortable shoes you can walk in on sand, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Sunscreen is nonnegotiable, and you should pack swimwear if you choose any option with possible water time.

Wear comfortable clothes that match the weather. On windy days, long clothing helps with sand protection. Leave valuables at your hotel and carry only essentials. The rules also say no jewelry, no large bags, and no pets.

One practical bonus: at the arrival site, there are toilets. You can also buy face scarfs and drinks there. If you hate dust in your mouth or eyes, consider buying a scarf on site and wearing it during the ride, especially if you are doing quad plus horse.

Who this is best for, and who should pick another activity

This is a great fit for:

• First-time riders who want instruction and safety over bravado
• People who want a mix of desert quiet and Red Sea views
• Couples, families, and small groups who want a more personal experience
• Anyone who cares about getting real photos and feeling looked after by the guides

It is not a fit for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• Anyone over 110 kg

If you are unsure, go by comfort rather than ego. The guides organize riders by skill level, and they will choose horses that match you. That process works best when you are honest about your experience and your limits.

Should you book the Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want an authentic Hurghada moment that is not just another beach day. The value stands out: a guided 2-hour ride that blends desert and Red Sea, with helmets, clear safety steps, and horses known for calm temperament. Sunrise and sunset choices are genuinely worth planning around, because the mood is what you will remember.

I would hesitate only if you fall into the non-participation categories, or if you hate outdoor dust and sun even with protection. Also, if your schedule is extremely tight, make sure you understand the pickup time window, because transfers depend on your hotel and the exact timing is confirmed the day before.

If you want my simple checklist: pick your time slot (sunrise for breakfast at the early 5:00 AM option, sunset for the full evening vibe), pack sunglasses and a hat, and trust the guide. Names like Mohamed, Yusuf, Hassan, Mahmoud, and Sabir come up often for a reason, and a good guide is the difference between a stressful ride and a great one.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding experience?

The standard horse ride is 2 hours. There is also a VIP option that runs for 4 hours, and some combo tours include 1 hour of quad biking plus 1 hour of horse riding.

Where do you ride from?

The experience is based around Makadi Bay in the Red Sea Governorate. Pickup and drop-off can include areas such as Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Makadi Bay, and Safaga (depending on the selected option).

Is a swim stop included?

A swim stop is included only with the VIP 4-hour horse riding option.

Is breakfast included?

Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise departure.

Do I need a hotel transfer?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the transfer option. If you prefer to arrange your own transport, you can choose the entry ticket style option for the 2-hour ride without transfer.

What safety gear is provided?

Helmets and safety equipment are available, and the tour includes a safety briefing and a short driving test before you start riding.

Is this suitable for everyone?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone over 110 kg.