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

Makadi Bay’s horse riding works because you get an instant change of scenery, desert sand under your boots and the Red Sea horizon in front of you. It’s the kind of short trip that still feels like a real outing, with a guide on hand the whole time.

I especially like the care taken with the horses and how guides adjust to different comfort levels. I also like that you can get more than a slow walk, with several riders mentioning the chance to gallop in the right spots.

One drawback to keep in mind is that experience can vary by guide and timing. One booking reported issues like helmets only being provided on request, and saddled horses waiting in the sun, so you should ask a couple of direct questions before you go.

Key Things to Know Before You Ride

• Desert-to-sea scenery: You ride with golden sand around you and sparkling water on the horizon.
• Guides matter: Many people praised Didi and Anita for safety focus and good handling.
• Fast moments may happen: Some riders mention galloping in desert and at the beach, depending on conditions and ability.
• Good for mixed riders: Several reviews say both beginners and more confident riders felt appropriately challenged.
• Photo or video keepsake: One rider highlighted that guides make high-quality videos during the outing.
• Watch for essentials: At least one complaint mentioned helmet timing and horse comfort, so do a quick check on arrival.

Makadi Bay Horsebacking, Desert Meets Red Sea

This isn’t just a ride in one place. In Makadi Bay, the setting does half the work for you. One moment you’re feeling sand shift underfoot and hearing the steady rhythm of hooves, the next the horizon opens and you get that salty breeze feeling from the Red Sea.

That contrast is what makes this trip memorable. The desert quiets your brain, then the sea gives it space again. Several riders loved the sense of freedom, wind in the face, and the wide, open views.

I also like that the experience is guide-led, not a self-guided wander. You’re not guessing where to go or how to handle the horse, which matters if you want the ride to feel fun, not stressful.

Getting From Hurghada, Transfers Included

Your day starts with pickup from Hurghada. You’ll wait at your hotel reception, and look for the driver holding a signboard in the name of Gamila Horse. This sounds small, but it’s the difference between an easy start and a stressed one.

The total time on the clock is about 3 hours, which usually means a straightforward rhythm: pickup, transport to Makadi Bay, 2 hours of riding, then you’re back in Hurghada. Because it’s short, it also works well as an “active but not exhausting” option for a vacation packed with beaches, diving, and day tours.

One practical note: food is not included. If you’re the kind of person who gets cranky when hungry, plan a snack before pickup or right after you return.

Meet Your Horse and Guide, From Didi to Anita

A big part of the experience is the first few minutes when you meet your horse. The guide introduces you to the mount, and the horses can have different personalities. Some are described as steady, others as more spirited, and the guide’s job is to match you with the right level of energy for your riding comfort.

Guides are also where this tour earns real fans. In the strong feedback, Didi comes up multiple times, praised for being kind, helpful, and good at making people feel secure. Anita is also mentioned, with one rider specifically noting how the guides check in, take the reins when needed, and keep the ride safe without killing the fun.

I like that you’re not just left on a horse and hoped for the best. If you’re a beginner, that guidance changes everything. If you ride confidently, it still helps because you can focus on enjoying the pace and scenery.

The 2-Hour Ride: Golden Sands, Sea Breeze, and Possible Gallops

The ride itself is the heart of the trip, and it’s built around two visuals that feel like opposites. Golden desert sand stretches around you in all directions, and then the Red Sea appears like a calm line on the horizon.

As you ride, you’ll feel the rhythmic beat of hooves and the way the air changes. People describe a gentle breeze and the desert scent, which sounds poetic, but it’s also practical. If it’s warm that day, the sea breeze can make the ride feel much more comfortable.

Several riders highlight that the route can include faster moments. One review says galloping was possible in both the desert and at the beach. Another rider says they were able to gallop without boredom, even when riding through both sand and sea views.

Still, think of gallops as conditional. Your comfort level, the horse you get, and how the group is moving all play a role. If you want to gallop, tell your guide what you’re comfortable with, early on.

Safety Gear, Helmets, and the Stuff You Should Check

This activity includes safety gear, and that’s a good baseline. Still, one caution matters. One low-rated booking said helmets were only provided upon request, and that can turn into a stressful moment if you assume everything is automatically handled.

So here’s my practical advice: when you arrive, ask plainly for your helmet before you get on. Make sure it fits, straps are adjusted, and it feels secure. If you prefer a certain riding style or you’ve had helmet fit issues before, speak up right away.

One more safety-related point from the mixed feedback: one booking claimed a guide was pushing horses forward using voice and that a few inexperienced riders were galloping after only a few minutes. That’s not the tone of the positive reviews, where guides are described as taking reins and watching over riders carefully. But it’s still a reminder that rider matching and pace control should be consistent.

If you’re new to horseback riding, tell the guide upfront. Ask for a steady pace first, and then reassess once you feel balanced in the saddle.

The Views That Make Time Feel Worth It

The best part of this ride is that your brain gets both textures. Desert gives you open space, warm sand color, and that quiet feeling where the only sound for a while is the horses. The sea gives you sparkle and depth, with the horizon acting like a visual reset.

Even small details add up. Riders mention the golden sands, the way the Red Sea adds dimension, and the tranquil desert rhythm punctuated by hooves. That combination makes the 2-hour riding segment feel like more than a simple activity stop.

There’s also the “Egypt feeling” element. You may see scattered desert flora and ancient ruins while riding through the area. Even if you’re not on a full sightseeing tour, those hints of old settlement and the way the land looks give you a sense of place.

If you’re the photo type, bring the mindset of action shots. The ride has motion, so think about settings and quick framing rather than slow, posed pictures.

Included Extras That Actually Help

For the price, the included items make the experience easier. You get a tour guide, a welcome drink, water, and safety gear. That matters because horse riding is the kind of activity where hydration helps you stay focused and comfortable, especially in warm weather.

The welcome drink is a small touch, but it also signals the trip has an organized flow. One positive comment praised the handling of pickup and overall organization, which usually goes hand in hand with those included basics.

A couple of riders also mentioned video keepsakes. One rider said guides made high-quality videos of the outing. If that’s something you care about, ask your guide during the ride or at the start, so you know how it will be shared later.

Price and Value, What $35 Gets You

At around $35 per person for an about 3-hour outing, this can be good value if you want a “one-stop” horseback experience with transfers and support. You’re not paying just for the horse. You’re paying for the full package: transport from Hurghada, guide time, and the riding setup including safety gear and water.

It also helps that it’s short. Many vacations include long day tours where the transportation eats hours. Here, the schedule is compact, which makes it easier to fit between beach time and dinner.

That said, the value depends on your expectations. If you want a full meal included, this is not built for that. Bring a small plan for food after the ride. If you want guaranteed helmets provided automatically, use the quick check approach on arrival. And if your riding experience is advanced, expect the guide to manage pace for group safety, not just let you ride at your preferred speed the whole time.

Who This Fits Best, Beginners to Confident Riders

This tour seems to work well for a range of riders, and that matters. Multiple positive comments specifically said it worked for beginners and also felt appropriate for riders with some saddle time. The guides are described as giving safety support, taking reins when needed, and checking whether everything feels okay.

If you’ve never ridden before, go in expecting a learning curve, but also expect guidance. Ask for a slow start and keep your focus on balance and signals the guide gives.

If you’ve ridden before and want more adrenaline, you may get it. But you’ll still ride as part of a group, so you likely won’t have a private, free-for-all route. The people who sounded happiest were those who enjoyed both the calm, scenery-focused parts and the possibility of faster movement.

If you are sensitive to heat or long waits, use the practical check mindset mentioned earlier. One complaint raised concerns about horses being saddled and waiting in blazing sun without water, so if you see any long idle time for the horses, ask how they’re managing comfort.

What Could Go Wrong, a Fair Look at the One Strong Complaint

Most feedback is very positive, but one very low-rated booking brings up several specific issues worth noting. The rider said horses were saddled and waiting in the sun without water, and that helmets were provided only upon request. They also reported that the guide did not speak English and that horses responded only to the guide’s voice, with rapid movement for inexperienced riders. They further mentioned a 100 kg weight limit issue.

So here’s how I’d handle this fairly without assuming it’s the norm. Before you climb on, confirm three things:

• Helmet availability and fitting before riding
• English communication, especially if you prefer clear safety instructions
• How the guide matches pace to rider skill, starting slow for beginners

If you are around or above 100 kg, ask directly about the stated limit and how it affects horse selection and route. That’s not about fear, it’s about making sure the setup is correct for safety and horse welfare.

These are simple questions, and they take seconds. The goal is to tilt the experience toward the better outcomes other riders describe.

Should You Book Gamila Horseriding in Makadi Bay?

I’d book this if you want a short, guided horseback experience with real scenery and support. It’s especially appealing if you like the idea of riding where desert meets sea, and you want something active without committing to a full day. The guide names that show up in positive feedback, Didi and Anita, suggest there are guides who do a strong job with safety, pacing, and rider comfort.

I would hesitate only if you need strict guarantees about helmets being ready immediately, or if you know you require clear English safety instructions and you worry communication could be inconsistent. Even then, the fix is straightforward: ask those questions before the ride starts.

If you book, go with the right expectations. This is about the ride and the views, not a meal, not a long lecture, not a private safari. In return, you get two hours on horseback, water, and a guided route that puts Makadi Bay’s desert and Red Sea in the same session.

FAQ

Where does pickup for the horse riding tour happen?

Pickup is included from Hurghada. You should wait at your hotel reception and look for the driver with a signboard in the name of Gamila Horse.

How long is the horseback riding portion?

The riding experience lasts 2 hours, with a total duration of about 3 hours including transfers.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, there is a live tour guide in English.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the horse riding experience, tour guide, welcome drink, water, and safety gear.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

Can I pay later?

Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, keeping your plans flexible.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.