From Hurghada: Red Sea Sunrise and Desert Horseback Riding

Wake up early, saddle up, and meet the Red Sea. This horseback ride gives you two fine views in one outing: golden desert tracks and the glittering coast. I like the calm pace, the careful matching of horses to riding ability, and the way the route changes from sand to sea. I also like that beginners receive a briefing, a short riding test, and help from guides before setting off.

The main drawback is the early pickup for the 5:00 AM sunrise option, especially if you are staying far from Hurghada. The advertised price is attractive at $29 per person, but the exact value depends on the option you choose, since transfers, breakfast, dinner, quad biking, and swimming with a horse belong to different programs.

Key points to know before booking

• Sunrise means a 5:00 AM start: Choose this time if you want the Oriental breakfast and the softest morning light.
• The ride suits beginners: Guides provide instructions, a short driving test, helmets, and horses matched to your comfort level.
• The scenery changes quickly: You may ride across sandy desert, through valleys, and along the Red Sea shore during the two-hour route.
• Swimming is not part of the standard ride: The horse swim stop is reserved for the private four-hour VIP option.
• Transfers can take time: Pickup is usually 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, around 40 to 45 minutes from Hurghada, and close to an hour from Soma Bay, El Gouna, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa.
• The guides add real value: Didi, Hussain, Hassan, and other guides have been praised for patient instruction, humor, and taking photos and videos during the ride.

Why this Hurghada ride is different

Hurghada is best known for its water activities, but this outing shows you a quieter side of the Red Sea Governorate. From the saddle, you see the shore at a slower pace than from a boat or a beach resort. The desert is not just something you pass on the way to another attraction. It becomes part of the ride.

I especially like the contrast between the two settings. In the desert, you get open sand, mountain views, and the steady rhythm of a horse. At the coast, you hear the waves and see sunlight flicker across the water. It is a simple idea, but the combination makes the morning feel much more memorable than a standard riding-school session.

This is also a guided adventure, not a race. Some programs allow more energetic riding, and one rider described galloping along the Red Sea as the highlight of the day. Still, your pace depends on your ability, the group, and the guide’s safety judgment. You should book it for the setting and the experience of riding, not for guaranteed fast riding.

Getting from your hotel to Sahl Hasheesh

If you select the transfer option, an air-conditioned vehicle collects you from your accommodation. The pickup time is set around zero to one hour before the selected activity time, and the exact time is sent the day before. You should wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup.

The drive matters more than it may seem. From Sahl Hasheesh or Makadi Bay, the journey is fairly short, at about 25 to 30 minutes. From central Hurghada, allow roughly 40 to 45 minutes. If you are staying in Soma Bay, El Gouna, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa, the trip can approach an hour.

Keep your phone connected to WhatsApp, since the pickup details are sent there when possible. Bring only what you need. Large bags, jewelry, and luggage are not allowed, and valuables are better left in your hotel room anyway. Comfortable clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are the practical basics.

An entry-only ticket is available if you prefer to arrange your own way to the riding center. That can make sense if you have a rental car or are already nearby, but the shared transfer is easier for most people staying in the resort areas.

A short break before meeting the horses

On arrival, you get about 15 minutes to rest and prepare. This is useful after the early drive, and it gives the staff time to organize the groups.

You then receive a safety briefing and meet the horses. Helmets and safety equipment are available and helmets must be worn during the ride. The staff uses a short driving test to assess your comfort and riding ability, then separates participants into groups so beginners are not placed in the same riding line as more advanced riders.

That matching process is one of the strongest parts of the experience. A horse that is calm and responsive can make a first ride far less stressful. Several riders specifically praised the horses, naming Princess, Cleopatra, and Power as favorites. The descriptions consistently point to calm, well-trained horses that appeared healthy and well cared for.

If you have never ridden before, be honest about it. There is no prize for pretending you can do more than you can. The guides are there to help you learn the basics and keep the ride comfortable.

Two hours through desert and along the Red Sea

The standard horseback program lasts two hours. The route may include sandy desert plains, valleys, and the edge of the sea, with stops for photographs. The exact order can vary, but the appeal is the change of scenery rather than a long list of formal stops.

The desert section gives you open views and a sense of space. Depending on the time of day, the sand can look pale and quiet in the morning, warmer in the afternoon, or strongly colored near sunset. On windy days, sand can blow across the route, so long clothing is a smart choice even in warm weather.

The coastal section is the part most people remember. Riding beside the Red Sea lets you watch the waves at ground level, with the horses’ movement setting the pace. You may trot along the shore and stop for photos with the water, mountains, and horses in the same frame.

Photo opportunities are built into the outing, and the guides may take pictures and videos as you ride. Didi was singled out for both guiding and photography, while Hussain and Hassan were also praised for helping riders and capturing the day. Do not count on a formal professional photo package unless that is confirmed when you book, but the staff clearly understands that pictures are part of the fun.

Sunrise, breakfast, afternoon, or sunset

The early sunrise ride is the most distinctive choice. The 5:00 AM departure gives you cooler air, softer light, and the chance to see the sun rise over the desert and coast. Oriental breakfast is included only with this specific sunrise option, so you need to select it at booking if breakfast matters to you.

The tradeoff is obvious: you must leave your hotel very early. Your pickup may begin before the selected activity time, and people staying in the more distant resort areas will spend longer in the vehicle. Still, the cool air can make the ride more pleasant, especially in hot months.

Morning rides are also available without the sunrise breakfast arrangement. The one-hour quad biking plus one-hour horse riding combination runs only in the cooler morning hours. It works well if you want two different kinds of desert activity, but it gives you one hour on horseback rather than the full two-hour ride.

An afternoon ride gives you a later start and gentler desert light. It may suit you if a pre-dawn alarm would spoil the day. Sunset rides offer the strongest colors and can be paired with an Oriental dinner, live entertainment, and stargazing after the ride.

The sunset program is not simply a later version of the morning tour. It turns the outing into an evening program. You ride at sunset, eat dinner, watch a show, and look at the night sky in the desert. If you want quiet coastal riding above all else, a morning option may be the better fit. If you want a fuller evening with food and entertainment, sunset offers more for the price of the selected package.

The VIP four-hour option and swimming with a horse

The private four-hour VIP ride is the only option that includes a swim stop with your horse. This is a rare add-on and the clearest reason to choose the longer program.

You should not assume that a standard two-hour ride includes swimming. It does not. The regular two-hour ride may pass through desert and beside the Red Sea, but the swim stop belongs only to the four-hour VIP version.

You will need swimwear if you choose the VIP program. The general packing advice also lists swimwear, since it is useful for this option. The VIP ride costs more than the basic $29 experience, so compare the added time, privacy, and swim stop with what you actually want to do. If swimming with the horse is your main goal, the upgrade may be worthwhile. If you mainly want photographs and coastal riding, the standard program may offer enough.

How beginner-friendly is it?

The experience is designed for different riding levels. Guides give instructions before departure, perform a short test, and form groups based on ability. That does not make horseback riding risk-free, but it does reduce the pressure on a first-time rider.

The strongest praise goes to the guides’ patience. Anabella arrived with no riding experience and credited the guide’s support with building her confidence. Another rider described the staff as friendly and helpful when teaching the basics. This is important because a desert ride can sound intimidating if you have never sat on a horse.

At the same time, you should have realistic expectations. This is not an indoor lesson with a padded school surface. You will ride outdoors on sand and uneven ground. The activity is unsuitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Pregnant women cannot participate, and the weight limit is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Children are not specifically covered in the supplied details, so confirm age requirements before booking if you plan to bring a child. The same applies to anyone with a medical concern. The safety briefing is useful, but it cannot replace advice from your doctor.

Price and what you really receive for $29

At $29 per person, the basic experience is good value if you want two hours on horseback with a guide, safety equipment, desert and seaside routes, and photo stops. It is especially appealing if you have already spent much of your holiday on boats or by the hotel pool and want a different view of Hurghada.

The value changes with the package. Shared transfers add convenience, while entry-only is better for someone who can reach the center independently. The sunrise option adds breakfast, but only at 5:00 AM. The quad and horse combo gives you two activities but reduces horseback time to one hour.

The sunset package adds dinner, a show, and stargazing. The VIP ride adds private time and the horse swim. Check the selected option carefully rather than judging every version by the $29 headline price.

The rating is 4.5 from 167 reviews, with repeated praise for the horses, guides, photography, and scenery. I would treat that as a strong sign of consistent service, while still remembering that the ride depends on weather, group makeup, and your own comfort in the saddle.

What to wear and what to leave behind

Wear comfortable clothes that allow your legs to move freely. Comfortable shoes are required, and sunglasses plus sunscreen are useful in both desert and coastal conditions.

A sun hat is helpful while waiting or during breaks, but it may not fit comfortably under a helmet. On windy days, long clothing helps protect you from blowing sand. Swimwear is needed for the VIP swim option and may be useful if you have selected a program with water access.

Leave jewelry and large bags at the hotel. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle, and pets, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted. These rules are straightforward, but following them keeps the transfer and riding area easier for everyone.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this to a first-time rider who wants scenery rather than a formal lesson. You get guidance, a calm pace, and several settings in one outing. It also suits an experienced rider who wants a coastal route and a chance to ride at a more energetic pace when the guide allows it.

The sunrise option is best for photographers, early risers, and anyone who wants cooler air and breakfast. The sunset dinner program fits couples or groups looking for a longer evening activity. The quad and horse combination suits you if variety matters more than spending two full hours in the saddle.

I would think twice if you have back trouble, limited mobility, are pregnant, or are above the stated weight limit. I would also skip it if you dislike early starts, sand, or the physical effort of riding. The tour is guided, but it is still an active outdoor experience.

Should you book the Red Sea horseback ride?

Book it if you want a modestly priced way to see Hurghada from both the desert and the shore. The strongest reasons are the well-regarded horses, patient guides, beginner support, and the chance to ride beside the Red Sea rather than simply look at it from a resort.

Choose your package with care. Select the 5:00 AM sunrise ride for breakfast, the morning combo for quad biking, the sunset program for dinner and stargazing, or the four-hour VIP ride if swimming with your horse is essential. For a straightforward two-hour outing, the standard option offers the clearest value at $29, especially with shared hotel pickup.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The activity lasts about three to five hours overall, depending on the selected program and transfer time. The standard horseback ride lasts two hours, while the VIP option lasts four hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included when you select the transfer option. Entry-only tickets are also available for people who prefer to arrive independently.

How long is the transfer from Hurghada?

The drive from Hurghada takes around 40 to 45 minutes. Travel time varies by hotel location.

When will I receive my exact pickup time?

The exact pickup time is sent the day before the activity. Pickup generally takes place around zero to one hour before the selected start time.

Is breakfast included?

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

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. Beginners receive a safety briefing, a short driving test, and guidance before riding. Groups are arranged according to riding experience.

Is swimming with the horse included?

Swimming is included only with the private four-hour VIP horse ride. It is not part of the standard two-hour ride.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and swimwear if you select an option with swimming. Leave large bags, luggage, and jewelry at your hotel.

Who cannot participate?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.