Hurghada: Sea & Desert Horseback Riding, Stargazing, Dinner, Show

The Red Sea meets the desert on horseback. This Hurghada experience gives you a simple way to see Makadi Bay from a different angle, with a horse ride suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike. I like the choice between riding only and the longer sunset option with stargazing, dinner, and a show.

I also like that the horses are described as gentle and well-trained, while the guides adjust their help to the group. Families have enjoyed the ride with children as young as 7 and 11, and one guide even helped beginners learn to trot. The main drawback is that transport timing may not be perfect, and you should ask for a riding helmet before setting off if one is important to you.

Key points to know before booking

• Makadi Bay riding: The horse ride takes place around Makadi Bay, a Red Sea resort area with beaches, hotels, and access to coral reefs and marine life.
• Flexible format: You can book the horseback ride alone or select the sunset version with stargazing, dinner, and an Egyptian show.
• Good for mixed riding levels: Gentle horses and attentive guides make the activity suitable for beginners, families, couples, and experienced riders.
• About three hours: The full experience lasts approximately three hours, though the exact balance between riding and evening activities depends on the option selected.
• Useful inclusions: Hotel pickup is offered, and the price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and one horse per person.
• Good value at $41.34: The ride alone is reasonably priced, while the dinner, show, and stargazing option adds a fuller evening out.

Starting around Makadi Bay on horseback

Makadi Bay sits south of Hurghada on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. It is best known as a resort area, with sandy beaches, hotels, spas, and water activities. This tour gives you a break from the usual pool-and-beach routine without requiring a full day away from your resort.

The ride itself is the heart of the experience. You receive a horse for the activity, then head around the Makadi Bay area with guides accompanying the group. The setting combines open desert views with the nearby sea, which gives the outing more variety than a basic stable ride.

I would not book this expecting a long-distance equestrian expedition. The total duration is only about three hours, and the sunset package also includes food, astronomy, and entertainment. Think of it as a compact Red Sea outing, not a serious riding holiday.

The setting matters here. Makadi Bay is already popular for snorkeling and scuba excursions, but horseback riding lets you see the coast at a slower pace. You are not looking down through a mask or moving between hotel facilities. Instead, you get a broad view of the shoreline and dry desert surroundings from the saddle.

What the riding feels like for beginners

This activity is designed for mixed ability levels. The horses are described as gentle and well-trained, and the guides provide safety support while still allowing riders some freedom. That balance is important. A ride can feel dull if the guide controls every step, but it can feel stressful if beginners are pushed too quickly.

The strongest praise goes to the horseback section. Families have found it enjoyable from start to finish, and the guides have been described as both cautious and good fun. One guide taught beginners to trot a little, even though some riders had only ridden a few times before.

That does not mean every participant should expect to trot. Your pace should depend on your comfort, the horse, and the guide’s judgment. If you are completely new to horses, tell the guide clearly. If you have experience and want a little more movement, explain that too.

One practical point deserves attention: helmets were not automatically mentioned as part of the included equipment. A family had to ask for riding helmets, and the request was handled without trouble. I would make that request before mounting, especially for children or anyone who feels safer with head protection.

The activity is a reasonable fit for families because children have taken part successfully. Still, the supplied information does not give a minimum age, height rule, or weight limit. If you are booking for a young child, confirm those details before paying.

Choosing the sunset package

The ride-only option suits you if the horses are your main reason for booking. It keeps the evening focused and may be a better choice if you already have dinner plans or prefer a shorter activity.

The sunset option adds three elements: stargazing, dinner, and a show. As the sun drops over the Red Sea, a guide explains the night sky and points out celestial features. This adds a calm, reflective part to an outing that could otherwise be mostly about riding.

Stargazing works especially well away from the bright hotel areas. The desert setting offers a natural contrast to the resort strip, though the information provided does not promise a particular constellation, telescope, or length of astronomy talk. You should expect guided explanations of the night sky, not a full observatory program.

The dinner then shifts the evening from outdoor activity to a shared meal. It includes local and international food, giving you a choice of familiar dishes alongside Egyptian flavors. The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish or dietary setup without checking first.

The evening finishes with a show celebrating Egyptian culture. This is a useful addition if you want more than a ride and would otherwise need to arrange separate evening entertainment. It also gives the tour a more complete shape: horse ride at sunset, sky watching after dark, dinner, then a performance.

The tradeoff is time. A three-hour tour must divide its schedule among riding, astronomy, food, and the show. If you mainly want saddle time, choose the riding-only version. If you want a compact night out with several activities, the sunset package is likely the better match.

How the guides shape the ride

The guide’s role matters more here than fancy facilities. A good horse ride depends on clear instructions, sensible pacing, and someone who knows when to let riders enjoy themselves. The available feedback points to guides who watch safety but do not remove all independence.

One guide was praised for being fun and cautious at the same time. That combination is ideal for a group with different abilities. A confident rider can enjoy a little more freedom, while a nervous beginner can receive closer support.

The guides also appear willing to respond to reasonable requests. Helmets were provided when requested, and beginners received help with a gentle trot. I would still be direct at the start. Tell the guide if you are nervous, if you have ridden before, or if you want to keep to a walking pace.

There are no guide names provided, so I cannot promise a particular person or style on your departure. The quality of the outing may depend on the staff member assigned that day. The positive pattern is encouraging, but it is wise to communicate your needs rather than assume the guide will know them.

Transport, timing, and group size

Pickup is offered, and the included vehicle is air-conditioned. That is a welcome detail in Hurghada, where an air-conditioned transfer makes the trip more comfortable before and after an outdoor activity. Bottled water is also included.

One driver arrived late on one occasion, but the full tour time was still honored. That is worth keeping in mind if you have a tightly timed dinner reservation or another activity afterward. I would leave some space around the pickup and return rather than scheduling the next event immediately.

The maximum group size is 100 people. That is a large possible capacity, although it does not mean every departure will reach that number. A larger group could make the ride feel less personal, particularly if riders have very different ability levels. The guides’ reported care with safety helps, but you should not assume a small private outing.

The mobile ticket makes entry and confirmation simple. Confirmation is provided at booking, so keep the booking details accessible on your phone. Pickup details still deserve attention, especially if you are staying in a large resort area with several entrances.

Is $41.34 good value?

At $41.34 per person, the price is fair for a roughly three-hour activity that includes transport, water, and a horse. The value improves if you choose the sunset option and make use of the stargazing, meal, and show rather than treating them as extras you might skip.

The ride alone is most valuable for people who specifically want time with horses. You receive one horse per person, and the guides appear to offer a good level of support. Families can also avoid arranging separate transport to a stable, which adds practical value.

The sunset package offers better value for couples and solo visitors looking for a complete evening. One booking covers the ride, night-sky presentation, dinner, and performance. You may pay more for the expanded option, but the supplied price does not separate the costs, so check the exact option and final total before confirming.

There are extra costs to remember. Tips are not included, and anything not listed in the program must be paid separately. The price also does not promise specialty food, private guiding, professional photography, or riding equipment beyond the horse itself.

The rating is strong, at 4.7 out of 5, with 94 percent recommending the experience. I would read that as a good sign for the overall package, with the clearest strength being the horse ride and guide support. It is not a guarantee that every pickup, horse, or show will be identical.

Who should book this Hurghada activity?

I would recommend it to families who want an activity beyond the resort pool. Children have taken part, and the ride can accommodate beginners, though you should confirm any age or safety requirements for younger children.

It also suits couples who want a relaxed sunset evening without planning several separate stops. The combination of horses, open desert, dinner, and a show gives the night more variety than a standard restaurant booking.

Solo visitors can also get good value from the package. Pickup, the horse, dinner, and entertainment are arranged together, which removes some of the effort of organizing an evening alone.

Experienced riders should set expectations carefully. You may enjoy the chance to ride in a Red Sea setting, but this is not presented as a technical riding session or a long trail ride. If your priority is advanced training, fast riding, or a full day in the saddle, this may feel too light.

It may be less suitable if you dislike group activities, have strict timing needs, or want detailed control over the dinner and entertainment. The possible group size is high, and the schedule has several parts packed into about three hours.

Practical advice before you go

Wear clothes that allow easy movement and shoes that feel secure around horses. The available information does not specify a dress code or footwear rule, so practical riding clothes are the safest choice.

Ask about a helmet before the ride begins. The equipment was supplied when requested, but it should not be assumed to arrive automatically.

Bring your phone for the mobile ticket and keep some money available for tipping. Bottled water is included, but you may prefer to carry extra water if you are sensitive to heat.

If you are booking the sunset package, ask for the exact pickup time and the order of the evening activities. The schedule may vary, and this helps you know how much riding time to expect.

The cancellation terms are generous if your plans change. You receive a full refund when canceling at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book the Makadi Bay horse ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, flexible Red Sea outing with a strong horseback component. The gentle horses, careful guides, family suitability, and option to add dinner and entertainment make this a useful choice for a half-day break from Hurghada’s hotels.

Choose the ride-only version if you want to keep things simple. Choose the sunset package if you like the idea of one compact evening that covers riding, astronomy, food, and an Egyptian show.

I would be more cautious if you need a small private group, guaranteed helmet provision without asking, or a serious equestrian program. For most families, couples, beginners, and casual riders, the $41.34 price offers a pleasant mix of activity and atmosphere, with the horse ride doing most of the heavy lifting.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride take place?

The ride takes place around Makadi Bay, a resort area on the Red Sea Riviera near Hurghada.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What is included in the price?

The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and one horse for each person.

Can I book only the horseback ride?

Yes. You can choose a horseback riding option without the added stargazing, dinner, and show.

What does the sunset option include?

The sunset option includes stargazing with a guide, dinner with local and international food, and a show celebrating Egyptian culture.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for beginners and experienced riders, and the horses are well-trained and gentle. Most people can participate.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can receive a different date or a full refund.