Horse Riding on Hurghada Desert and Beach

Saddle up beside the Red Sea. This short Hurghada outing gives you two very different settings in one ride: open desert and beach along the coast. I like the beginner-friendly instruction and the fact that hotel pickup, a helmet, and a professional guide are included.

I also like the modest price of $17.37, especially for a one-hour activity with transport from Hurghada hotels. The main concern is the condition of the surroundings. A recent rider found both the beach and desert noticeably littered, which can take some shine off an otherwise appealing setting.

Key Points Before You Book

• Two distinct riding settings: You get a taste of both the Hurghada desert and the Red Sea beach.
• Suitable for beginners: Professional horse trainers provide instructions before the ride.
• Hotel pickup is included: Pickup and drop-off are offered from Hurghada hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Small maximum group: The activity accepts no more than 15 people.
• A guide can help with photos: The guide was praised for taking good pictures during the experience.
• Check your hotel area: Transfers are not included from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Soma Bay, or El Gouna.

Starting With Hotel Pickup in Hurghada

The outing begins with pickup from your Hurghada hotel. A driver collects you in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in Egypt’s heat and saves you from arranging a taxi for a short activity.

The included pickup applies to Hurghada hotels. It does not cover hotels in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Soma Bay, or El Gouna. If you are staying in one of those areas, confirm the transfer situation before paying, since the advertised price may not tell the whole transport story.

The activity is generally booked about five days ahead. That is not a long planning window, but I would still reserve before your holiday if you have a fixed morning or afternoon in mind. The maximum group size is 15, so this is not a private ride, but it should be more manageable than a large coach-based outing.

The listed riding time is about one hour. The description also says you can choose from different riding durations, so ask Vip Trips exactly which options are available when you book. For a first ride, one hour is a sensible length. It gives you time to enjoy the horse without turning a new saddle into an endurance test.

Getting Comfortable Before the Ride

You do not need previous riding experience. Before setting off, professional horse trainers explain the basics and offer safety guidance. A helmet is included, which is an important practical touch for a horseback activity.

The wording suggests that beginners are welcome, not that every rider will receive a long private lesson. You should pay attention during the briefing and tell the guide clearly if you feel nervous or unsure. A short, honest conversation before the ride can make a big difference to your comfort.

Egypt has an active horse culture, and horses remain part of the country’s modern life as well as its long equestrian tradition. You are not simply being taken around a sightseeing track by bus. For this hour, you see Hurghada from horseback, at a slower pace and closer to the ground.

Still, keep expectations realistic. The supplied details do not promise advanced riding, fast gallops, or a lesson in dressage. Think of this as a guided recreational ride through two scenic settings, not a serious equestrian training session.

Riding Through Hurghada’s Desert

The desert section gives the activity its strongest sense of place. Away from the hotel zone, the open sand and dry terrain offer a clear contrast with the coast. From horseback, you notice the change in scale more directly than you would from an enclosed vehicle.

For a first-time rider, this part is likely to be about steady movement, views, and the novelty of sitting on a horse in Egypt. The guide’s job is to keep the ride comfortable and help you follow the route. You should not assume that the horses will move at speed unless the guide says so.

The desert is also where a little patience helps. Dry ground can look dramatic in photographs, but the real appeal is the quiet, open setting and the chance to spend time with the horses. If you love animals or want an activity that breaks up pool time, this is a useful addition to a Hurghada stay.

The drawback is cleanliness. One rider specifically found the desert and beach very littered. That is worth taking seriously. The setting may be beautiful, but it is not guaranteed to have the polished appearance of a private resort or a carefully maintained nature area.

Reaching the Red Sea Beach on Horseback

The beach section changes the mood of the ride. Instead of dry desert underfoot, you get the coast and the familiar Red Sea setting from a different viewpoint. Horse riding beside the water can be the most memorable part for anyone who wants holiday photographs with more character than a standard beach day.

The description does not provide a precise beach name, route length, or information about riding directly in the water. Do not book expecting a swim with the horses or a long canter along the shoreline. Those details are not promised.

What is promised is a horseback experience that includes the beach and desert. That combination gives you more variety than a ride limited to one enclosed stable or one short track. I would treat the beach as a scenic part of the route rather than a separate water activity.

Cleanliness remains the key reservation. If litter bothers you strongly, the beach section may disappoint even if the horses and guide are good. If you can accept a less polished setting in exchange for a low-cost local outing, the ride may still offer worthwhile photographs and a pleasant change of pace.

The Guide, Horses, and Photographs

A professional guide accompanies the activity, and a recent rider gave particular credit to a friendly guide who took good photographs. That detail has real value. Horseback riding requires your hands and attention, so taking your own pictures while mounted is awkward and potentially unsafe.

You should still confirm how photographs are handled. The available information does not say how many pictures are taken, whether they are included in the price, or how you receive them. The useful point is that the guide may help you capture the experience without asking you to manage a phone from the saddle.

The tone of the feedback was especially positive for horse lovers and for a group of women looking for a pleasant shared activity. That does not mean the outing is only for women. It suggests that the ride works well as a relaxed social experience, particularly for friends, couples, and families with participants who meet the activity requirements.

The horses themselves are a central part of the appeal, but no details are provided about breed, age, stable conditions, or riding pace. If horse welfare is important to you, ask a direct question before booking. You can also use the briefing to explain your experience level and any worries.

Is $17.37 Good Value?

At $17.37 per person, this is one of the less expensive ways to add an active experience to a Hurghada holiday. The cost includes the horse ride, helmet, guide assistance, and pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels. For an outing of about an hour, that package is reasonably priced.

The value depends heavily on your starting point. If you are staying in Hurghada proper, included transport makes the deal better because you avoid arranging a separate ride. If you are in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, Soma Bay, or El Gouna, transfer costs are not included, so ask for the extra price before comparing this with other activities.

The price also reflects the short duration. You are paying for a compact experience, not a half-day excursion. That can be a benefit if your holiday schedule is full. You can fit it around swimming, meals, or another Hurghada activity without losing most of your day.

The value is weaker for riders seeking polished scenery, a private guide, or advanced riding. The beach and desert litter issue is the largest quality concern, and the group limit of 15 does not guarantee a private or highly personal ride. At this price, I would see the tour as a simple local experience with useful extras, not a luxury horseback adventure.

Who Will Enjoy This One-Hour Ride?

This outing suits you if you want to try horseback riding without committing to a long excursion. Beginners receive instructions, safety helmets are supplied, and the route offers two settings instead of one.

It also fits horse lovers who want a short activity with an Egyptian setting. The desert and Red Sea combination gives the ride a clear sense of place, even though the surroundings may not be perfectly clean.

Friends may enjoy it because the activity is easy to share and the guide may help with photographs. Couples can also use it as a break from the standard resort routine. If your group contains both experienced and inexperienced riders, set expectations early. The ride appears designed for general participation rather than technical riding.

You should think twice if you need spotless surroundings or a carefully staged photo experience. The litter report is not a minor detail for some people. It may matter less to you if the goal is simply time on horseback, but it should be part of your decision.

Practical Booking Advice for Hurghada Hotels

Choose the correct pickup area when booking. Hurghada hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but the listed resort areas outside Hurghada are excluded from the transfer arrangement.

Reserve several days ahead if you want a specific time, even though bookings are often made only five days before the activity. Confirmation is provided at booking, so check the pickup details and the riding duration shown on your confirmation.

Wear clothing that lets you sit comfortably and shoes that feel secure. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, so I would keep your outfit practical and avoid anything you would dislike getting dusty. Bring only what you can manage safely during a ride.

Ask about the exact route, the selected duration, and photography if those details matter to you. The description gives the broad plan, desert and beach, but not the exact sequence, pace, or beach access.

Cancellation is flexible if you act early. You receive a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Should You Book Horse Riding on Hurghada’s Desert and Beach?

I would book this if you want a low-cost, beginner-friendly horseback outing with hotel pickup and a mix of desert and coastal scenery. The helmet, guide, short duration, and possible help with photographs add practical value, especially for first-time riders.

I would not choose it if clean surroundings are essential or if you expect a private, high-end riding experience. The litter problem may be visible, and the one-hour format leaves little room for a slow lesson or a long beach ride.

For the right person, this is a pleasant change from the resort pool and a simple way to see Hurghada from horseback. Book it for the horses, the setting, and the easy price. Just confirm your transfer area and riding duration first.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The advertised experience lasts approximately one hour. Different riding durations may be available, so confirm the exact option when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are transfers included from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh?

No. Transfers from Makadi and Sahl Hasheesh hotels are not included.

Are transfers included from Safaga, Soma Bay, or El Gouna?

No. Transfers from Safaga, Soma Bay, and El Gouna hotels are not included.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The activity is suitable for beginners, and professional horse trainers provide instructions before the ride.

What is included in the price?

The price includes horseback riding, a safety helmet, professional guide assistance, and pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels.