El Gouna: Desert & Sea Horse Riding With Swimming Optional

A quiet ride can reveal Egypt differently. This horseback tour pairs sandy desert trails with Red Sea views, and I especially like the calm pace for beginners and the chance to wash, groom, and feed your horse. The small-group format also helps guides match riders by ability. One important catch: despite the El Gouna name, the riding base is in Makadi, so the transfer can take up to an hour from El Gouna.

The choice of departure matters here. A 5:00 AM ride includes an Oriental breakfast, while the sunset option adds dinner, a live show, and stargazing. The four-hour VIP ride is the only choice with a swim stop alongside your horse, so a standard two-hour booking will not include that feature.

Key points to know before booking

• The stable is in Makadi: Allow about 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, 40 to 45 minutes from central Hurghada, and up to an hour from El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa.
• The 5:00 AM departure includes breakfast: The Oriental breakfast is tied to the sunrise option, not every morning ride.
• Swimming is limited to the VIP option: Only the four-hour ride includes a swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea.
• Beginners are welcome: Riders are grouped by skill, and a safety briefing plus a short riding test comes before the tour.
• Shared rides keep the price low: The starting price of $26 is attractive, but a private ride costs more and gives you better control over pace and group size.
• The horses are a major strength: They are trained for different riding levels, and the available feedback describes them as well cared for and calm.

What the ride is really like from pickup to saddle

You can book hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle, or choose the entry-only ticket and make your own way to the stable. Pickup usually falls 0 to 1 hour before the selected start time, with the exact time sent one day before. Keep your phone connected to WhatsApp, since that is the main way the team sends updates.

The transfer is worth considering before you focus on the riding itself. From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, the trip is fairly short. From central Hurghada, plan on 40 to 45 minutes. From El Gouna, the journey may take up to an hour, which is a lot of road time for a two-hour ride.

At the base, you have about 15 minutes to rest before the program begins. Your guide meets you at the entrance and greets you by name. If you cannot find the meeting point, phone and WhatsApp support are available.

The staff then explain the safety rules and introduce you to the horses. Helmets are provided and must be worn throughout the ride. You also take part in a short driving or riding test, allowing the team to place you with riders of a similar ability.

That grouping is important. A first-time rider needs a slower, steadier outing, while a confident rider may want a little more movement. The tour is guided, not a racing session, and the group pace can limit faster riding. One useful point from the available feedback is that a shared group can make quicker riding difficult because the horses must stay together.

Desert trails, forest paths, and Red Sea views

The scenery changes as the route moves between desert areas and the coast. You might ride across sandy valleys, open desert plains, or forest paths, depending on the selected route and timing. The appeal is the contrast: dry, open desert on one side and the Red Sea on the other.

A horse gives you a slower view than a quad bike or a bus window. You notice the sand, the changing light, and the quiet between guide instructions. The ride is designed for enjoyment rather than speed, so you should book it for scenery and atmosphere, not for galloping across the desert.

The guides also add cultural context as they lead the group. The information provided does not give their names, but it does make clear that English-speaking professional guides run the ride. Their job is part horse handler, part safety monitor, and part local guide.

The coastal section gives the ride its best visual contrast. The Red Sea offers a refreshing break from the dry surroundings, especially on a longer option. But do not assume every horse ride reaches the water or includes a swim. A standard two-hour tour includes desert and seaside trails, while the actual swim stop is reserved for the four-hour VIP package.

Choosing the right departure time

The 5:00 AM sunrise ride

The sunrise option is the most peaceful choice. Early light softens the desert, and cooler temperatures can make riding more comfortable. If you want the Oriental breakfast, you must choose the 5:00 AM departure specifically.

That early start does require discipline. You will need to be ready for pickup before dawn, and your hotel pickup time may be 0 to 1 hour before the selected start. I would choose this version if you value quiet scenery, cooler air, and breakfast more than sleep.

The morning ride

A regular morning ride is a practical choice for first-time riders and anyone who wants to avoid the strongest afternoon heat. The package details list a classic two-hour horseback ride without swimming.

There is also a combo option with one hour of quad biking followed by one hour on horseback. It is scheduled in the cooler morning hours and suits you if sitting on a horse for two hours feels too repetitive. The tradeoff is simple: you get two activities, but less time on horseback.

The afternoon ride

The afternoon departure gives the desert a warmer, softer look and may fit better around hotel breakfast or a morning at the beach. The information does not promise a meal with this option, so do not book it expecting the Oriental breakfast.

Afternoon conditions can be windier. Long clothing helps keep sand off your arms and legs, and sunglasses are useful even when the sun is less intense.

The sunset, dinner, and stargazing ride

The sunset ride adds a fuller evening program. After riding, you continue with Oriental dinner, live entertainment, and stargazing under the open desert sky.

This is the most atmospheric option, but it is also the least focused on riding time after dark. Choose it for the combination of horse ride and evening program. If your priority is a longer ride or swimming, the VIP option is a better match.

What makes the VIP four-hour ride different

The VIP package lasts four hours and includes a private ride with a swim stop. This is the premium choice for riders who want more time in the saddle and the unusual chance to swim with their horse in the Red Sea.

The swim stop is the feature that changes the value calculation. At $26, the basic tour is a good low-cost way to try horseback riding in Hurghada. The VIP version costs more, but you are paying for private treatment, extra riding time, and the water stop. The price makes sense if those are your main goals.

Be realistic about the physical side. Horseback riding for four hours is more demanding than a short scenic ride. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. The weight limit is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Swimwear is worth packing even if you are still deciding between options. It is also wise to bring only what you need, since large bags, jewelry, and luggage are not allowed. Leave valuables at your hotel.

How beginner-friendly is it?

The setup is reassuring for a first ride. You receive safety instructions, meet the horse before setting out, and complete a short test. Riders are grouped according to skill, and the horses are trained for different experience levels.

One first-time rider was able to take part without difficulty because the horse was well trained and the guide kept a close eye on the ride. That does not mean you can ignore the instructions. You still need enough balance and comfort to sit on a moving horse for the chosen duration.

I would tell a complete beginner to select the two-hour shared ride rather than the four-hour VIP option. It gives you a fair test without making the day physically exhausting. If you already ride and want more control over speed, choose a private tour. A shared group may need to maintain a steady pace so nobody falls behind.

The horses are reported as well cared for, which matters in a riding activity. Their condition and behavior will affect your comfort far more than a fancy meal or photo package. The available feedback is especially positive about the horses and the friendly guides.

Horse care is part of the visit

This is not only a saddle-and-photo stop. You learn how to wash, groom, and feed your horse before or around the ride. That hands-on time gives the outing a more personal feel and helps you understand how the horses are handled.

I like this part because it slows the visit down. You are not simply mounted, taken through the desert, and returned to a vehicle. You get a basic introduction to caring for the animal, which is useful for children and first-time riders, though the activity itself is not listed as wheelchair accessible.

The horses are described as clean and well looked after. That is a strong point, especially in a hot desert setting. Still, conditions can vary on any shared tour, so look closely at your own horse and speak up if you feel uneasy before leaving the base.

Shared group or private tour?

The shared option is the sensible budget choice. It includes hotel pickup when selected, a professional guide, safety equipment, and a two-hour ride. At the advertised starting price of $26 per person, it offers a fairly easy way to add a new activity to a Hurghada beach holiday.

The downside is pace. The group must remain together, and a faster rider cannot simply set off alone. A smaller group also gives the guide more time to watch each rider and take better photos.

The private option costs extra, but it may be worth it for couples, families with mixed riding ability, or confident riders who dislike group restrictions. It is also the better choice if you want to make the most of a longer ride or the VIP swim stop.

The activity is described as small-group and personal, but the exact group size is not specified. If group size matters to you, ask before booking rather than assuming the ride will be private.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that will stay secure while riding. A sun hat is useful before and after the ride, but the helmet must be worn during the horseback portion. Sunglasses and sunscreen are basic essentials.

Bring swimwear for the VIP option. On windy days, long sleeves and longer trousers help protect you from blowing sand. Avoid jewelry, and do not bring large bags or luggage.

Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and pets, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted. The simplest approach is to take your phone, sunscreen, water if allowed by the operator, and nothing valuable.

The practical value of $26

At $26 per person, the basic ride is priced as an accessible add-on rather than a full-day luxury outing. You receive a guided two-hour ride, horse introduction, safety briefing, helmet availability, desert and coastal routes, and photo stops. Hotel transfers are included only when you select that option.

The low price is strongest for a first-time rider who wants a pleasant half-day activity without committing to an expensive private excursion. It is less compelling if you are staying far from Makadi and spend close to two hours in the vehicle for a short ride.

Remember that the $26 price does not automatically mean swimming, breakfast, dinner, or private service. Those features belong to specific packages. Compare the inclusions carefully before you pay.

Cancellation is flexible, with a full refund available if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans are still shifting.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a guided and controlled outing
• Couples looking for sunset scenery and an evening meal
• Riders who want desert and Red Sea views in one activity
• Families or small groups that value a slower, personal pace
• Confident riders willing to pay more for a private tour
• Anyone interested in grooming and feeding horses, not just riding them

I would be cautious if you have back trouble, limited mobility, or little tolerance for long transfers. You also need to accept that this is a relaxed guided ride, not a desert racing trip.

Should you book the El Gouna horse ride?

Book the standard two-hour option if you want a reasonably priced introduction to horseback riding, attractive desert and sea scenery, and friendly professional supervision. The horses and guides receive the strongest praise, and the beginner-friendly structure is a real advantage.

Choose the 5:00 AM version for the sunrise and Oriental breakfast. Pick sunset for dinner, a show, and stargazing. Pay for the four-hour VIP package only if swimming with your horse and having a private ride are central to your plans.

One final tip: the name can make you expect an El Gouna departure, but the base is in Makadi. Check the transfer time from your hotel before booking. If you are comfortable with that journey and choose the package that matches your priorities, this is a pleasant way to trade the hotel pool for Egypt’s open desert and Red Sea shore.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding take place?

The riding base is in Makadi, in Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, rather than directly in El Gouna. Transfer times depend on your accommodation.

How long is the activity?

The available options last about 3 to 5 hours overall, including transfer time where selected. Standard horseback riding lasts two hours, while the VIP option lasts four hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included when you select a transfer package. You can also choose an entry-only ticket and reach the stable independently.

Does every tour include swimming with the horse?

No. The swim stop is included only with the four-hour VIP horse-riding option.

Is breakfast included?

Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise ride. It is not included with every departure time.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. Pack swimwear for the VIP swim option, and wear longer clothing on windy days to protect against sand.