REVIEW · HURGHADA
From Hurghada: Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour
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A horse ride with sea views sounds unreal. I really like the desert-to-Red-Sea scenery and the way you can time your ride for sunrise or sunset with guides such as Mohamed (Didi) who keep things relaxed and safe.
One more thing I love: the horses are well trained and matched to your comfort level, so even nervous riders can start enjoying it fast. A heads-up though: this ride has clear safety limits (including no participation for pregnant people and some mobility issues), so double-check if you fit the requirements.
What makes this ride special in Hurghada
- Desert hush + Red Sea calm in the same outing, with coastline views and open sand valleys.
- Pick your mood: sunrise cool air, afternoon softer light, or sunset paired with dinner, live show, and stargazing.
- Level-matched groups and careful guidance so beginners and experienced riders feel looked after.
- Well-behaved, trained horses plus a short safety briefing and horse introduction before you start.
- VIP 4-hour option with a Red Sea swim stop, including private, extended riding time.
- Optional add-ons like the 1H quad + 1H horse combo for people who want variety.
In This Review
- A Desert-to-Red-Sea Ride You Can Time to Sunrise or Sunset
- The Horse Ride Itself: Calm Control, Photo Stops, and Real Guidance
- Pickup Timing from Hurghada and Nearby Resorts (and Why It Matters)
- How the 2-Hour, Stargazing Dinner, and VIP Swim Options Change the Day
- The standard 2-hour horse ride (with or without transfer)
- The sunset ride with Oriental dinner, live show, and stargazing
- VIP 4-hour horse riding with a Red Sea swim stop
- Breakfast and when it’s actually included
- Double adventure combo: 1 hour quad + 1 hour horse
- Safety, Helmets, and Horse Training: What You Should Expect
- Who this isn’t for
- What to Pack for Makadi Bay: Heat, Sand, and Red Sea Swim Prep
- The Real Value of a $20 Horse Ride in Hurghada
- Should You Book the Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Hurghada Makadi Bay horse riding tour?
- Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?
- Are breakfast or dinner included?
- Is there a swim stop during the ride?
- Where do I meet my guide?
- What language is the guide?
- Do I need to be an experienced rider?
- Is a helmet provided?
- Who should not participate?
- What should I bring or wear?
A Desert-to-Red-Sea Ride You Can Time to Sunrise or Sunset
A Makadi Bay horse riding tour is usually sold as a “scenery ride.” This one earns its keep because it actually mixes two kinds of beauty: the desert’s stillness and the Red Sea’s quiet shoreline. The result feels different from the usual beach routine in Hurghada.
You’ll get to choose the timing. Sunrise means cooler air and that early light that makes everything look softer. Sunset means golden views, and on the longer evening options, you can roll right into dinner, a show, and sky time. It’s a simple formula, but it works because the day naturally changes as you ride.
And here’s what I think makes the experience click for most people: it’s guided at a relaxed pace. That matters when you’re on a horse, because you want your brain calm enough to notice the views—like the coastline stretch—rather than white-knuckling the next step.
The Horse Ride Itself: Calm Control, Photo Stops, and Real Guidance
Before you mount up, you get a short break at the base (about 15 minutes), plus instructions and a helmet. This is the part that keeps the ride from feeling chaotic. You’ll also do a quick driving test/run-through first, which sounds technical but basically helps you and the team confirm you understand the basics.
The big practical win is that the guides sort you by skill level. In real life, that means beginners aren’t thrown into the deep end, and more experienced riders aren’t bored. One detailed account praised how experienced riders were tested for whether a faster gait like canter would feel right and safe, with another guide staying close to less confident riders.
You’ll be on routes that can include sand valleys, open plains, and stretches along the coast. There are also photo stops. If you want proof you were there, don’t worry—people have specifically mentioned how guides took lots of photos and video, including Mohamed (Didi) and Yusuf in particular.
Just note the “feel” of the ride: it’s not a racing session. That’s good. The point is comfort and control, with the desert and sea doing the heavy lifting for the scenery.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
Pickup Timing from Hurghada and Nearby Resorts (and Why It Matters)
This is one of those tours where the logistics can either make the day smooth—or annoying. The good news: pickup times are planned, and transfer time is clearly estimated.
From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, expect about 25–30 minutes. From Hurghada, it’s usually 40–45 minutes. From places like El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa, travel can be up to an hour depending on where you’re staying.
What you should plan for:
- Your pickup time is typically around 0 to 1 hour before your selected ride time.
- The exact pickup details are sent the day before.
- When pickup is scheduled, you should wait in the hotel lobby about 10 minutes early.
The meeting setup is also straightforward. Your guide is waiting at the entrance and greets you by name. If you get turned around, you can contact them via WhatsApp or phone.
If you’re the kind of person who hates losing half a day to timing confusion, this is a strength. If you don’t mind a bit of waiting, you’ll probably find it easy.
How the 2-Hour, Stargazing Dinner, and VIP Swim Options Change the Day
This tour isn’t just one ride. It’s a menu of ways to experience the same desert-and-sea area, and choosing the right length is half the fun.
The standard 2-hour horse ride (with or without transfer)
If you want the core experience—horses, desert trails, and a dose of Red Sea coastline—go for the 2-hour option. Some versions include shared hotel pickup and drop-off across major resort areas. Others are entry ticket only, which can work if you prefer to arrange your own transport.
This is a solid choice if:
- You’re visiting for a short window and want one standout activity.
- You’d rather keep your afternoon free for the beach or dinner.
- You want a straightforward “ride and back” plan.
The sunset ride with Oriental dinner, live show, and stargazing
This option is built for people who want the evening to feel special, not just longer. You start with a sunset horse ride, then continue with Oriental dinner, a live performance, and desert stargazing.
Why this is worth it: sunset often makes the ride feel magical, but stargazing is where you get the extra payoff after you’ve already had the best light. If you like night skies, this turns the experience into a full evening event instead of a quick activity.
VIP 4-hour horse riding with a Red Sea swim stop
The VIP 4-hour option is the one to pick if you want the most variety. It includes a longer riding window and a chance to swim with your horse in the Red Sea.
A couple of practical notes you’ll care about:
- The swim stop is VIP 4-hour only, not included in shorter rides.
- You’ll still need the usual horse comfort and safety rules, and you should come with the right swimwear and shoes.
This is the option that turns the Red Sea from “something you can see” into “something you can feel,” which is a big difference if you’re choosing based on memorability.
Breakfast and when it’s actually included
Some people book expecting food included with every timing. It’s not like that. Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise departure.
So if you like an early start and want breakfast built into the plan, choose the early sunrise slot. If you hate mornings, don’t pick sunrise thinking you’ll get breakfast anyway.
Double adventure combo: 1 hour quad + 1 hour horse
If you want a fast start and don’t want to choose between adrenaline and calm, there’s a combo option: 1H quad bike + 1H horse riding, scheduled during the cooler early morning hour.
This can be a fun way to break up your day. Just be aware it’s also a dust-and-sun setup, so sunglasses and sun protection matter even more.
Safety, Helmets, and Horse Training: What You Should Expect
This ride is built around safety basics that you can feel immediately. You’ll get helmets and safety equipment, and the team provides clear instructions. Before anything “serious” happens, you’ll get an introduction to the horses and a short driving test.
A big part of the appeal is that the horses are described as well trained and calm enough for different skill levels. Multiple accounts praised guides for choosing horses that match the rider. One rider even said it helped them overcome fear, which tells me the selection process is taken seriously.
You’ll also have professional guides with you the whole time. Depending on the group, you may notice one guide positioned more on horseback and another staying on foot with less confident riders. That setup gives the team flexibility to help you without stopping the ride every five minutes.
Who this isn’t for
If you’re trying to decide quickly, pay attention to the restrictions:
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
- People over 243 lbs / 110 kg
If you fall into any of these categories, you’ll likely be turned down—so it’s better to plan another activity upfront.
What to Pack for Makadi Bay: Heat, Sand, and Red Sea Swim Prep
Even if you’re not riding all day, you’re still outdoors. That means sun, wind, and sand. Bring what keeps your day comfortable.
Pack:
- Comfortable shoes (closed-toe is best)
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothes
- Swimwear (especially if you’re doing the VIP swim stop)
And if it’s windy, long clothing can help protect you from sand.
Also consider this practical tip: leave valuables at the hotel. Jewelry is listed as not allowed. So don’t show up wearing your favorite chain and hope it’s fine.
Finally, remember the helmet rule. Helmets are provided and must be worn during the ride. That’s non-negotiable.
The Real Value of a $20 Horse Ride in Hurghada
Let’s talk value, because $20 sounds either like a bargain—or a trap—depending on the details. Here, the details are what make it worth a serious look.
What you’re getting for the cost:
- Professional horse guide and safety briefing
- Helmet and safety equipment
- Small group experience tailored to riding level
- Desert and seaside trails with photo stops
- Optional upgrades for bigger experiences (like stargazing dinner or VIP swim)
The big value driver is time and quality. You’re not paying for a “look from afar.” You’re paying for an actual guided horseback ride with structured safety and routes that mix desert and Red Sea views. And the small-group approach means you’re less likely to feel like you’re in a cattle line.
If you’re deciding between a cheap activity and a meaningful one, this tends to win because it’s hands-on. You’re moving through the area like it’s yours for a while.
Should You Book the Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour?
If you want a genuine-feeling break from hotel life, I’d book it—especially if you can handle basic outdoors conditions and you fit the riding limits. Choose based on how you want the day to end:
- Choose 2 hours if you want the main experience without a long schedule.
- Choose sunset + dinner + show + stargazing if you want your evening to feel like an event.
- Choose VIP 4 hours + swim stop if you want the Red Sea to be part of the memory, not just part of the view.
- Choose 5:00 AM sunrise if you want breakfast included and you love early light.
One last check: if you have back issues, mobility limitations, are pregnant, or need wheelchair access, this ride isn’t set up for you. In that case, look for a different Hurghada activity that matches your needs.
FAQ
How long is the Hurghada Makadi Bay horse riding tour?
It’s offered in options that range from about 2 hours for standard rides up to 4 hours for the VIP program. The overall duration shown is 2–5 hours depending on the option you pick.
Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?
Pickup is optional. Some options include hotel pickup and drop-off (shared transfer), while others are entry ticket only if you arrive independently.
Are breakfast or dinner included?
Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise departure. Oriental dinner is included with the sunset stargazing dinner & show option.
Is there a swim stop during the ride?
Yes, but only with the VIP 4-hour horse riding option. The swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea is not included in shorter rides.
Where do I meet my guide?
Your guide waits at the entrance and greets you by name. If you have trouble finding them, you can contact them by WhatsApp or phone.
What language is the guide?
The tour includes a live English guide.
Do I need to be an experienced rider?
No. The team organizes riders by skill level, and there’s a briefing and horse introduction before you start. Beginners are accommodated.
Is a helmet provided?
Yes. You’ll receive a helmet and safety equipment, and you must wear it during the ride.
Who should not participate?
The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and people over 243 lbs (110 kg).
What should I bring or wear?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. If you choose the VIP swim option, bring swimwear.
