From Hurghada: Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour

The desert and sea, from a saddle. This Makadi Bay horse ride mixes well-trained horses with desert trails and Red Sea shoreline, so it feels like a real change of pace from Hurghada hotel life. I especially like the choice of timing, from cool sunrise rides to sunset plans with dinner and stargazing, plus how guides such as Mohamed (Didi) and Yusuf focus on matching you to the right horse and skill level.

Before you book, one thing to factor in is that this is not for everyone: pregnant women aren’t allowed, and there are limits for back problems and mobility needs, plus a maximum weight of 243 lbs (110 kg). You’ll also want to plan around pickup times, since transfer duration varies by where you’re staying.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Sunrise ride can include Oriental breakfast on the 5:00 AM departure
• Desert + Red Sea coast on calm, trained horses with photo stops
• Multiple options: 2-hour ride, quad+horse combo, stargazing with dinner/show, or VIP swim stop
• Small groups and skill-level grouping to keep beginners comfortable
• Helmets provided and safety briefing first, with guides staying close on the ground and horseback
• Guides known for great photos/videos, including Mohamed (Didi), Yusuf, and Hassan

Picking the right timing: sunrise glow, sunset dinner, or a full stargazing evening

The best part of this experience is you can choose the mood. A sunrise departure brings cooler air and softer light across sand and sea, which is great if you want the ride to feel calmer and less “hot and dusty.” A sunset ride flips the vibe, with warm color at the coastline and the kind of horizon view that makes photos look better without trying too hard.

If you choose the sunset version with dinner and stargazing, the ride becomes part of the evening plan. You’ll start with the horseback portion, then transition into an Oriental dinner, a live show, and desert stargazing. It’s a strong option if you’re staying in Hurghada and want something that feels like a whole night out, not just a 2-hour activity.

Want the most action for the day? The quad + horse combo schedules the quad part during cooler morning hours and then swaps to horses after. It’s designed for people who can handle two different styles of adventure in one outing without feeling rushed.

Before you ride: helmets, a short reset, and choosing the right horse

Once you reach the base, there’s a brief 15-minute rest period before the ride starts. It’s a small detail, but it helps your brain go from travel-mode to ride-mode, especially if you’re coming straight from a hotel pickup.

You’ll get helmets and clear instructions, and the guides organize groups by skill level. This is one reason the ride works even if you’re nervous: the team’s goal is to get you comfortable, not to see how fast you can go. Safety comes up early, and there’s even a short driving test before starting, so they can confirm you can handle the basics on horseback.

From the way the guides are described in feedback, you’ll also find a “patient guide” style here. Names that come up often include Mohamed (Didi), Yusuf, and Hassan. A few people specifically praised how guides handled beginners and matched horses to riding ability, which matters a lot when you’re paying for a relaxed experience.

The 2-hour Makadi Bay ride: what the desert and Red Sea sections feel like

Most people choose the 2-hour option, and it’s usually the easiest way to “try” horse riding in this area without overcommitting. You’ll ride through a mix of sand valleys and open plains, and depending on the route, you may also spend time near the coastline for that classic Red Sea view.

There are photo stops along the way. That’s not just about convenience; it changes how the ride feels. Instead of being one long blur of movement, you get small pauses where you can reset, look around, and get shots that actually capture the terrain.

This is also where the calm, trained horses make a difference. The ride is guided at a relaxed pace, and the whole point is enjoying the air, the quiet, and the scenery, not racing the clock. If you want adrenaline, you can add it via other options (like the quad combo or a longer VIP plan with more time), but the core horse ride is meant to be comfortable.

A practical drawback to expect

You’ll be outdoors in sand and sun. Even if it’s not brutally hot, the wind can stir dust, and you’ll want to protect your eyes and skin. Bring the gear (more below), and you’ll enjoy the ride far more.

VIP 4-hour horse riding with a Red Sea swim stop

The VIP 4-hour option is the one for people who want more than riding photos. It includes a swim stop where you can swim with your horse in the Red Sea.

This changes the experience in two ways. First, it adds time, so you’re not rushing the ride while the light fades. Second, it turns your “best memory” from just a sunset moment into a full-body, hands-on experience. You’re not just observing water—you’re in it with the animal.

Because this option includes swimming, you should treat it like a beach day that happens to involve horses. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you can, and plan for a change of socks or something similar if you get chilly after.

Sunset ride with dinner, show, and desert stargazing

If you’re the type who loves evenings with a story, this option fits. The timeline is simple: sunset horseback riding first, then Oriental dinner, a live performance, and finally stargazing in the desert.

The value here is that it stacks experiences. You get the quiet of a guided ride, then the social part of dinner and a show, then a sky moment that you don’t usually get from a standard resort day. It’s a great choice if you want to feel like you’re doing something local and atmospheric without switching tours every hour.

A small consideration: this option is longer than a basic ride. If you’re easily tired at night or you hate being out after dark, choose the 2-hour timing instead.

Quad + horse: a morning plan for people who can handle two modes

The 1H quad + 1H horse combo is built for cooler early morning hours. You get a first hit of movement on the quad, then you slow down with horseback riding right after.

It can be a really smart way to cover more “Egypt adventure” in less time. The quad part makes the day feel active from the start, while the horse part gives you breathing room and a totally different view of the same general area.

One more practical tip from people who did this combo: bring eye protection and cover your face if you’re sensitive to wind and dust. The sun can be bright and the air can kick up during sand riding.

Transfers and pickup: how to get there without losing time

Pickup is part of the experience, but the timing depends on where you’re staying. Transfer time can be about 25–30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, around 40–45 minutes from Hurghada, and up to an hour from places like El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa.

You’ll wait in the hotel lobby about 10 minutes before pickup. The exact pickup time is sent the day before, and your pickup is usually 0–1 hour before the selected activity time.

If you don’t want hotel pickup, there’s also an entry ticket only option for the 2-hour ride. That’s handy for independent travelers who can handle their own transport to the base.

At the meeting point, your guide waits at the entrance and greets you by name. If you struggle to find them, contact is available by WhatsApp or phone for quick assistance.

Horses and guide style: what you’re paying for beyond the ride

This isn’t a stunt show. It’s guided riding with horses described as well cared for and calm. The guides prioritize getting you settled, explaining what to do, and keeping things safe throughout.

Names that show up positively include Mohamed (Didi), Yusuf, and Hassan, plus people mention guides like Mahmoud and Sabir. Several riders noted the team was patient with beginners, including people who were nervous at first. That matters because horse riding confidence isn’t always about your balance; it’s about how safely the team manages the first moments.

Also, expect that the guides can adapt the flow. In one sunset scenario, the group was handled with extra support by splitting attention: an on-foot guide stayed with less experienced riders while a horse-mounted guide guided the others. That kind of setup helps mixed-skill groups feel cared for.

What to bring for Hurghada sun and sand (and what to skip)

You’ll enjoy this more if you pack like you’re going into a dry, windy outdoor setting.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes you can walk in
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear (only if you choose the VIP swim stop)
• Comfortable clothes that fit the heat

Skip:

• Jewelry (it’s not allowed)
• Large luggage or bags
• Smoking in the vehicle
• Alcohol and drugs

If you’re doing the quad portion, strongly consider face protection. In feedback from a combo-tour ride, people mentioned buying items on site like face scarfs and water (prices given in Egyptian pounds), which suggests it’s available if you forget something.

Price and value: why $20 can feel like a good deal here

At about $20 per person for the 2-hour horse riding option, you’re paying for a guided activity with pickup (if selected), professional oversight, and helmet safety gear. That’s not just “renting” a horse. It’s instruction, matching horses to skill level, and route guidance through both desert and Red Sea coast sections.

The value goes up if you pick the options that add more to the evening. The sunset ride with dinner/show/stargazing is a good buy when you want a full experience instead of a quick outing. The VIP swim stop is also worth considering if water-play is your thing, since it adds a real activity (not just extra ride time).

Extra costs can apply for private transfers or a private guide, so if you want the smoothest door-to-door experience, plan for that. But if you’re fine with a shared pickup and you’re okay joining a small group, the base pricing is hard to beat.

Should you book the Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want:

• A guided horse ride that mixes desert quiet with Red Sea views
• A choice of timing (sunrise, sunset, or a longer evening plan)
• A setup that aims to match your skill level and keep you safe
• A good-value activity you can build into a Hurghada itinerary

Don’t book if you:

• Are pregnant (not permitted)
• Have back problems or mobility issues that make horseback riding difficult
• Need wheelchair access (not suitable)
• Are over 243 lbs (110 kg)
• Expect a free-riding adventure or a “racing” session (this is not that)

If you’re a beginner, this is one of the safer ways to try riding in the area because the operation is built around instruction, helmets, and skill-level grouping. If you’re already comfortable, the sunset or VIP options give you more time and more wow moments.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour in Makadi Bay?

The tour options run from 2 hours for the standard horse ride options, up to 4 hours for the VIP program that includes a swim stop. There is also a 1 hour quad + 1 hour horse combo option.

What does the $20 option include?

The 2-hour horse riding tour is priced at about $20 per person. It includes a professional horse guide, safety briefing and horse introduction, helmet and safety equipment (available upon request), and desert and seaside trails with photo stops. Pickup and drop-off are included if you select the shared transfer option.

Is Oriental breakfast included?

Oriental breakfast is included only with the sunrise departure, and it’s tied to the early timing (the 5:00 AM sunrise option).

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Yes. Helmets are provided and must be worn throughout the ride, and you’ll also get a safety briefing and instructions before mounting.

Which option includes swimming with your horse?

The VIP 4-hour horse riding option includes a swim stop in the Red Sea where you can swim with your horse.

How does pickup work from Hurghada and nearby areas?

Pickup is optional. If you choose shared transfer, pickup time depends on your hotel location and transfer duration can be around 25–30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, about 40–45 minutes from Hurghada, and up to an hour from places farther out. The exact pickup time is sent the day before.

Who can’t participate in this horse riding activity?

Pregnant women can’t participate. It’s also not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and those over 243 lbs (110 kg).

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.