Horse & Camel Riding Experience in Hurghada

Desert hooves, sea water, and one busy morning. This Hurghada outing brings together two very different rides: one hour on horseback through the desert or in the Red Sea, followed by one hour on a camel. I like the mix of dry desert and warm coastal water, and I like that an expert trainer is present for beginners as well as experienced riders.

The $17 price is appealing because hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, helmets, horse riding, and camel riding are included. The main consideration is that some pickup areas cost extra, and a $5 government fee is not included. The exact order of the rides may also vary, so ask when you are collected.

I also like the friendly, informal character of the experience. The horse Shakira and camel Oscar received special praise, and the welcome from the dogs and donkey added a local touch. Still, this is a group activity for up to 30 people, so it may feel less personal than a small private ride.

Five things to know before you book

• Horse riding can include the Red Sea: The chance to ride a horse through clear coastal water is the most unusual part of the outing.
• The camel ride lasts one hour: This is not just a short photo stop. You get a proper camel experience after the horse ride.
• Desert and sea come in one package: You see Hurghada from two very different settings during a roughly two-and-a-half-hour experience.
• Pickup is included from many Hurghada hotels: The air-conditioned vehicle makes the outing easier to fit into a beach holiday.
• Extra fees depend on your hotel: Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and Al-Ahiaa cost an extra €5 per person, while Safaga, El Gouna, and Soma Bay cost €10 per person. A $5 government fee also applies.

Why this Hurghada ride is worth considering

Hurghada is best known for its Red Sea coast, but the desert begins close behind the resort area. This experience lets you see both sides without booking separate excursions. You spend one hour on horseback and one hour on a camel, with transport included in the overall plan.

I like that the activity is not limited to a standard desert ride. Many outings keep you on dry ground, but this one offers horseback riding in the sea when conditions and the planned route allow it. That gives the day a more memorable center, especially if you have already spent time swimming or snorkeling and want to experience the water in a different way.

The format also works for mixed groups. A confident rider can enjoy the movement and open space, while a first-time rider has an instructor nearby. Helmets are provided, and the tour description says an expert trainer gives guidance and assistance when needed.

That said, you should keep your expectations sensible. This is a short recreational ride, not a full-day equestrian lesson or a serious desert expedition. The group can reach 30 people, so pace and riding time may be shaped by the needs of the whole group.

Pickup from Hurghada hotels and the short drive out

The day begins with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. That is useful in Hurghada, where a morning taxi arrangement can add hassle and cost. It also means you do not need to find the stable or desert meeting point on your own.

The listed price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, but the included pickup area matters. Transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, and Al-Ahiaa require an extra €5 per person. From Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay, the extra cost is €10 per person.

Add the $5 government fee per person when working out the real price. At the advertised $17, the experience is inexpensive, but the final amount will be higher for some hotel locations. I would check the total before confirming so the low headline price does not surprise you later.

The entire activity lasts about two hours and 30 minutes. Pickup and return are part of the outing, so the time spent at the riding site may be shorter than the full door-to-door period. If you have a tightly timed flight, dinner reservation, or another excursion, leave room for transport delays.

One hour on horseback through desert or sea

The horse ride is the main attraction for many people. You may ride through the Hurghada desert, or the planned route may include the sea. The unusual part is the chance to take the horse into the warm Red Sea water, something that gives this outing a clear identity beyond a standard stable visit.

The desert portion offers open space and a strong contrast with the hotel strip. You can expect a more natural setting than you would get from an arena ride, although the information provided does not promise a particular route, speed, or amount of galloping.

One account singled out galloping in the desert with a horse named Shakira. That suggests the ride can feel lively for people who are comfortable in the saddle, but you should not assume that every group will gallop. The trainer may adjust the pace for safety and ability.

The sea ride has its own practical limits. Horses entering the water can be exciting, but the experience depends on sea conditions, weather, the animals, and the group. If the water portion is important to you, ask the operator to confirm how the route is arranged on your date.

Beginners should find the activity approachable because helmets are provided and an expert trainer offers help. You still need to follow instructions closely. Riding an animal is not the same as sitting on a motorized attraction, and comfort levels can vary from one person to the next.

One hour on camelback, with time to slow down

The second hour is devoted to camel riding. After the horse ride, the camel provides a slower and more distinctive way to see the desert. The movement is different, the height is different, and the overall pace gives you time to take in the surroundings.

Camel rides often appeal to people who want a traditional desert experience without committing to a long expedition. Here, you get a full hour rather than a brief mounting-and-photo stop. That makes the activity feel more substantial for the price.

One camel was called Oscar, and that small detail says something about the tone of the outing. The animals are treated as individual characters rather than anonymous equipment. A friendly welcome from dogs and a donkey was also noted, adding a touch of everyday farm life to the experience.

You should still be prepared for some movement. Camel saddles sit high, and mounting or dismounting can feel awkward. The trainer is there to help, so listen carefully and take your time rather than trying to copy a more confident rider.

The camel section is likely to suit families and first-time riders particularly well, as long as everyone is comfortable around animals. The tour says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed medical, age, weight, or mobility rules. If any of those factors affect your participation, ask before booking.

The trainers, animals, and feel of the outing

The staff received strong praise for being friendly and helpful. The driver was specifically described as very helpful, which matters more than it may sound. A reliable pickup and a calm introduction can make a big difference when you are trying a new activity in an unfamiliar place.

The trainer’s role is also important. You are not left to manage the horse or camel without instruction. Helmets are supplied, and assistance is available when needed. That makes this a more sensible choice for a first ride than an informal arrangement with no visible guidance.

The animal encounters give the experience a personal feel. Shakira the horse and Oscar the camel were remembered by name, while the dogs and donkey helped create a warm welcome. I would not book this expecting a formal animal-care visit, but those details may make the setting feel less commercial and more connected to a working local stable.

The group limit is 30 people. That is not a tiny group, and it may affect how much individual attention you receive. On the positive side, the trainer can work with a range of abilities. On the less positive side, confident riders may need to wait while beginners receive help.

What the $17 price really includes

At $17 per person, the basic price offers good value. You receive hotel pickup and return, an air-conditioned vehicle, one hour of horse riding, and one hour of camel riding. Helmets and trainer support are also part of the practical setup.

The value is strongest if you want a short activity that combines transport and two types of riding. Booking horse riding and camel riding separately could take more planning, and the included transfer removes one common nuisance.

The price is less simple if you are staying outside the main Hurghada pickup area. Add €5 per person from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Al-Ahiaa, or €10 per person from Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay. Then add the $5 government fee per person.

Currency differences also make it wise to confirm the final charge. The main price is listed in dollars, some transfer supplements are listed in euros, and the government fee is listed separately. The advertised figure is still low, but it should not be treated as the complete cost for every hotel.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a compact Hurghada activity with several distinct parts. It suits people who want desert scenery, a possible sea ride, camel riding, and hotel transport without spending a full day away from the resort.

It is especially suitable for:

• First-time riders who want trainer support and helmets
• Couples looking for a memorable outdoor activity
• Families whose children are comfortable around horses and camels
• Confident riders who like the possibility of a faster desert section
• Anyone who wants both desert and sea in one short outing

You may want to choose something else if you need a private ride, a long-distance desert trip, or detailed equestrian instruction. A group of up to 30 can feel busy, and the experience does not promise advanced riding practice or a long time in the saddle beyond the two one-hour sessions.

The ride also depends on good weather. Poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund, which is sensible for an activity involving animals and sea water.

Booking advice, cancellation, and small practical points

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and a mobile ticket is accepted. The experience is often booked about 11 days ahead, so reserving early makes sense if you have fixed holiday dates.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancel within 24 hours and the payment is not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The cut-off uses local time in Hurghada.

The tour needs a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not reached, you can choose a different date or experience, or receive a full refund. Weather cancellations follow the same basic choice of another date or a refund.

Wear clothing you can move in and expect contact with dust, sand, and possibly seawater. The supplied information does not state what clothing or footwear is required, so ask the provider if you are unsure. You should also confirm the pickup supplement and the government fee before the day of the ride.

Should you book the Hurghada horse and camel ride?

Book it if you want an affordable, easy-to-arrange outing with real variety. The combination of a horse ride, a one-hour camel ride, desert scenery, and the possibility of riding through the Red Sea gives the experience more character than a basic stable visit.

I would be most likely to recommend it to first-time riders, families with animal-friendly children, and anyone staying in Hurghada who wants a half-day activity without using an entire day. The friendly staff, helpful driver, and memorable animals such as Shakira and Oscar add to its appeal.

Before you pay, confirm the route, pickup cost, government fee, and whether the sea portion is planned for your date. If you want privacy, advanced riding, or a carefully timed itinerary, the group size and short format may disappoint. For most people seeking a low-cost introduction to horse and camel riding around Hurghada, though, this is a strong and entertaining choice.

FAQ

How long does the horse and camel riding experience last?

The activity lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes. It includes one hour of horse riding and one hour of camel riding, along with pickup and drop-off arrangements.

What is included in the $17 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, one hour of horse riding in the desert or on the sea, and one hour of camel riding.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, although certain areas require an additional transfer fee.

Are there extra transfer charges?

Yes. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, or Al-Ahiaa costs an extra €5 per person. Pickup from Safaga, El Gouna, or Soma Bay costs an extra €10 per person.

Is there any additional government fee?

Yes. A government fee of $5 per person is not included in the advertised price.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. Most people can participate, and an expert trainer provides guidance and assistance. Helmets are provided.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.