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

Golden sand, sea breeze, steady hooves. This three-hour Makadi Bay ride combines desert trails and Red Sea views in one outing. I like the chance to ride on both sand and shore, and I like that transfers from Hurghada, water, safety gear, and a guide are included. The main concern is consistency: most reports praise the care and instruction, but one recent booking raised serious concerns about helmets, horse welfare, weight limits, and English communication.

The ride can suit a first-time rider as well as someone keen to gallop, with guides such as Didi and Anita receiving especially warm praise. You should still confirm your riding level, helmet, weight limit, and guide language before setting off.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours in the saddle: The actual ride lasts about two hours within a three-hour outing.
• Desert and sea in one trip: You move through golden sand and along the Red Sea, giving the ride more variety than a simple desert loop.
• Hurghada pickup included: Wait at your hotel reception for a driver carrying a Gamila Horse sign.
• Good reports about Didi and Anita: Their calm handling and attention helped both beginners and confident riders feel secure.
• Galloping may be possible: Some bookings included gallops in the desert and beside the beach, but this depends on ability and guide judgment.
• Ask about the basics first: Helmets, water for the horses, the 100-kilogram limit, and English instruction deserve a quick check.

Riding from Hurghada toward Makadi Bay

The outing begins with pickup in Hurghada and ends with a return to the same city. The full activity lasts three hours, but only two hours are listed for horseback riding, so the remaining time covers the transfer, arrival, preparation, and return.

That timing is useful if you want a horse ride without losing a full day at the Red Sea. You can fit it around other Hurghada plans, though your exact starting time depends on availability. The pickup instruction is simple: wait at your hotel reception and look for a driver holding a sign with the name Gamila Horse.

A transfer is a real part of the value here. At $35 per person, you are not paying only for time on horseback. You also get transport from Hurghada, a guide, a welcome drink, water, and safety gear. For anyone staying in Hurghada, that removes the need to arrange a separate taxi to Makadi Bay.

The ride is operated by Gamila Horseriding. The group size is not specified, so do not assume a private outing. If you want a quieter ride or individual instruction, ask how many people will be joining before you pay.

Meeting your horse and getting ready

At Makadi Bay, you are introduced to a horse with its own temperament. The description allows for gentle, steady horses as well as more spirited mounts, so the first few minutes matter. Tell the guide clearly if you have never ridden, have only ridden occasionally, or want a faster pace.

Several bookings describe the horses as calm, well behaved, and in good condition. One especially positive account praised the way the guides adjusted their help to different abilities. A confident rider was allowed to gallop, while a mother with no riding experience received closer support without being pushed too far.

That is the ideal setup for a mixed-ability pair. You do not need everyone in your party to have the same riding background. The guide may take the reins when needed, check that you are comfortable, and keep the pace suitable for the group.

The safety information deserves a careful look. Safety gear is included, and helmets should be part of your preparation. Yet one booking reported that helmets were supplied only after being requested. That conflicts with the more positive accounts, so I would ask for a helmet before mounting rather than waiting.

There is also a serious welfare concern in one account. A rider reported seeing saddled horses waiting in strong sun without water and questioned the stated 100-kilogram weight limit. This is one person’s experience, and it does not match the many positive comments about horse care, but it is important enough to address directly. Confirm the weight policy, check that the horses have water, and speak up if anything looks unsafe.

Two hours across golden desert sand

Once you leave the riding area, the desert gives you the open feeling that makes this outing appealing. Golden sand stretches around you, with scattered desert plants and the occasional suggestion of old ruins. The setting is quiet, apart from the beat of hooves and the voices of the riding group.

The desert section is not a sightseeing tour of named archaeological sites. No specific ruins or monuments are promised. Instead, the appeal is the simple change of pace: you are on horseback, moving through a wide, dry setting rather than looking at it through a vehicle window.

I like that the ride uses the desert as more than a backdrop. The rhythm of the horse, warm sun, and dry air create a calm, steady experience. The ride can feel active without becoming a technical equestrian lesson.

Your pace depends on your ability and the guide’s decision. Some riders were able to gallop after receiving instruction, while first-time riders were also taken at a faster pace according to one critical account. That is a point where you should be clear and firm. If you are not ready to gallop, say so. A good guide should keep the speed within your comfort and control.

For experienced riders, the chance to move faster is a major reason to book. For beginners, the value is different. You get a gentle introduction to riding in an unusual setting, provided the guide gives enough time to help you learn the basics.

The ride is also a good option for people who want something more active than a standard beach visit. You are not simply sitting in a saddle for photographs. You are handling a horse, balancing over sand, and adjusting to a changing surface.

Reaching the Red Sea shoreline

The sea brings a welcome change after the desert. The Red Sea appears on the horizon, sparkling beside the pale sand, and the breeze adds a cooler feel to the ride. This contrast between dry desert and open water is the trip’s strongest visual feature.

The shoreline section also gives you a better sense of Makadi Bay’s setting. You can enjoy the sound and movement of the water while still feeling surrounded by the desert. It is a peaceful combination, and the two-hour ride has more visual variety because of it.

Some bookings describe galloping along the beach as a highlight. That can be thrilling, but it should never be treated as guaranteed. The guide may limit the pace based on the horse, the surface, the group, and your skill.

If you are hoping for a long swim with the horse, note that this is not stated as part of the activity. The information promises riding through the desert and by the sea, not entering the water. Ask before booking if swimming is essential to your plan.

The sea breeze and open views are also useful for photographs. Some guides reportedly make high-quality videos during the ride. That is a nice extra, but it is not listed as an included service, so ask if video is available and if any charge applies.

Guides who shape the experience

The guide can make or break a horseback ride. On this outing, Didi receives strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and reassuring. Anita is also singled out for offering good support, especially when riders had different levels of experience.

Those names are useful to keep in mind when you arrive, but guide assignments can change. The listed tour language is English. One booking, however, reported that the guide did not speak English, so communication may not be equally strong every time.

That matters most when you are a beginner. You need to understand how to stop, turn, slow down, and respond if the horse becomes unsettled. Before leaving, make sure you understand the basic instructions and can communicate a concern.

A good guide does more than lead the group. The strongest accounts describe guides who take the reins when necessary, ask if everything is fine, and avoid overwhelming less experienced riders. That kind of attention is more valuable than a fast pace.

If you have riding experience, explain what you can handle. If you are new to horses, be honest. The best outcome comes when the guide knows your limits instead of guessing.

What $35 gets you

At $35 per person, this is a reasonably priced half-day-style outing, especially because hotel pickup from Hurghada is included. The package also covers the two-hour ride, guide, welcome drink, water, and safety gear.

Food is not included. The activity is only three hours, so that is not a major issue, but you should not expect a meal or snack. Eat before pickup if you know you get hungry during active outings.

The value is strongest for people who want several elements in one booking: a horse ride, desert scenery, sea views, and transport. Arranging each part separately would take more time and could cost more.

The price is less compelling if you want a long riding session, formal riding instruction, or a private group. The actual saddle time is about two hours, and group size is not stated. Ask about private options if personal coaching matters to you.

A current score of 4.7 from 72 ratings suggests a generally strong experience, but the lower report about horse care and safety should not be ignored. The sensible approach is not to dismiss either side. Book for the setting and price, but confirm the practical details before you ride.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to a couple, family, or small group with mixed riding ability. The best accounts show that a confident rider can enjoy a faster pace while a beginner receives close help.

It also suits you if you want a short outdoor activity during a Hurghada stay. The three-hour schedule leaves time for other plans, and the transfer means you do not need to find your own way to Makadi Bay.

This is a good fit for riders who care about scenery as much as technique. The desert and sea combination gives you a stronger sense of place than an indoor riding arena or a single-track desert trip.

I would be more cautious if you are a complete beginner and uncomfortable with speed. Ask in advance for a slow ride and confirm that the guide will not push you into a gallop.

I would also pause if you have concerns about horse welfare, are close to the stated weight limit, or need guaranteed English communication. Those points should be settled before payment, not after you reach the stable.

Practical details that matter

Wear long trousers and closed shoes that feel secure in the stirrups. The supplied information does not state a dress code, but practical riding clothes will be more comfortable than loose beachwear.

Bring sun protection and keep water available, even though water is included. The desert sun can feel strong, and the ride lasts two hours.

At pickup, wait at reception rather than outside the hotel entrance. Look for the driver’s Gamila Horse sign. If your hotel has several entrances, ask reception where the driver should meet you.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Hurghada schedule.

The listed guide language is English, but communication quality may vary. A quick message before booking can confirm the guide language, helmet availability, weight limit, and whether a welcome drink will actually be provided. One booking specifically reported not receiving the promised drink.

Should you book the Makadi Bay horse ride?

Book it if you want an affordable, scenic ride that combines the desert and Red Sea in a single morning or afternoon. The strong points are clear: good value, included transfers, appealing scenery, and several accounts of kind guides and well-behaved horses.

I would book with a short checklist. Confirm your weight limit, request a helmet, ask about horse water, make your preferred pace clear, and verify English communication. If those answers are satisfactory, this can be a memorable way to see Makadi Bay from the saddle.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding take place?

The ride takes place in Makadi Bay in Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, where the desert meets the Red Sea.

How long is the whole activity?

The full activity lasts three hours, including pickup, preparation, riding, and the return to Hurghada.

How long do I spend on horseback?

The listed riding time is two hours.

Is pickup from Hurghada included?

Yes. Pickup and return transport to Hurghada are included. Wait at your hotel reception and look for a driver holding a Gamila Horse sign.

What is included in the price?

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

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

What language does the guide speak?

English is the listed guide language. One booking reported difficulty communicating in English, so confirm this before the ride if clear instruction is important to you.

Can beginners join?

Yes. The activity is presented as suitable for different riding levels, and some bookings describe close support for people with no previous experience.

Can I gallop during the ride?

Galloping was possible for some riders in the desert and beside the beach, but it is not guaranteed. The pace depends on your ability, the horse, the guide, and the conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.