Hurghada: Camel Ride & horse ride and Off-Road Jeep Tour

Desert rides are better with variety. This Hurghada outing combines a one-hour camel ride, a one-hour horse ride, a farm visit, and a bumpy Jeep trip, so you get more than a quick photo stop in the sand. I especially like the warm welcome of Arabian tea, coffee, and dates, plus the chance to see horses, goats, other farm animals, and a traditional water wheel.

I also like the choice of three daily starting periods: sunrise at 4:00 am, morning at 8:00 am, or afternoon and sunset from 3:00 or 4:00 pm. The main point to consider is safety and comfort. The Jeep ride can be very rough, and one recent report raised concerns about missing seat belts and a driver using a phone while driving.

• Two full riding sessions: Plan for about one hour on a camel and one hour on horseback, with breaks for photos.
• A lively off-road start: The Jeep ride lasts about 30 minutes and can feel more like a desert roller coaster than a quiet transfer.
• Tea, coffee, and dates: You are welcomed at the desert farm with simple Arabian refreshments before riding.
• Sunset and stars: The late program can include dinner, candlelight, a sunset ride, and stargazing.
• Family appeal: Children enjoyed the animals, horses, goats, camel encounters, and sunset photography, though the rough Jeep ride may be too much for some.
• Useful pickup range: Transfers are available from Hurghada, El Gouna, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay.

What You Actually Get for $47

At about $47 per person, this is good value if you want several desert activities in one outing. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the Jeep transfer, a camel ride, a horse ride, a farm tour, drinks, dates, and a multilingual guide.

The value is strongest because the riding time is not just a short circuit around a tourist camp. The stated plan gives you one hour on a camel and another hour on a horse, with the routes passing through desert valleys and mountain areas. Add the farm visit and off-road drive, and the program has plenty of moving parts.

The total duration is listed as two to five hours, so read the timing carefully when booking. The basic daytime trip may be shorter, while the sunset version with dinner and stargazing can run longer. Some visitors spent about five and a half hours at the desert site, plus roughly an hour each way from the hotel to the farm.

You should also allow for the transfer distance. A pickup from Hurghada is not the same as a pickup from Safaga or El Gouna, and the time on the road can affect the feel of the day. The operator contacts you the day before to arrange the pickup time and transfer details.

The Pickup and First Desert Stop

Pickup is included from hotels in Hurghada, El Gouna, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay. You receive the final transfer information the day before, which is useful since the exact pickup time depends on your hotel and the chosen departure period.

The first stop is a station before the vehicle heads farther into the desert. You can use the restroom or have a cigarette there. It is a small practical pause, but it matters because facilities become less certain once you are out among the valleys and farm buildings.

From there, you continue by Jeep. The drive through Hurghada is partly a transfer, then the road turns into an off-road route through the desert. The stated off-road section lasts around 30 minutes.

Expect music, motion, and a fair amount of bouncing. The Jeep ride was described as fun and very wild, with some people comparing it to an amusement-park ride. That sounds entertaining if you enjoy rough driving, but it may not suit anyone with back pain, motion sensitivity, or a strong need for a smooth and restrained ride.

There is also a safety point you should take seriously. The activity is described as monitored by cameras and compliant with international health and safety standards, but one recent report noted no seat belts in the vehicle and a driver using a phone. I would ask about the vehicle and seat belts before setting off, and I would speak up if the driving feels unsafe.

Arabian Tea, Coffee, and Dates at the Farm

The desert farm is where the riding portion begins. Before getting on an animal, you receive Arabian tea, Arabian coffee, and dates. This gives you time to sit down, look around, and get a short safety briefing.

The welcome is simple rather than polished. That is part of the appeal. You are not being rushed straight from a bus into a saddle, and the refreshments give the outing a local social feel.

The farm includes horses, camels, goats, and other animals. You can also see a water wheel and get a closer look at how the small desert settlement is arranged. Some afternoon programs have included extra food, such as a Bedouin-style breakfast prepared by women from the village, though this was not presented as a guaranteed part of the standard package.

There may also be a small shop selling herbs, bracelets, and handmade bags. A report described the shopping stop as informative rather than pushy, but you should still treat any extra purchases as optional. The cost of items such as headscarves may be higher than expected, with one person noting a price of 4 euros per scarf.

One Hour on a Camel Through Valleys

The camel ride is planned for about one hour. You ride between desert mountains and valleys, with pauses along the way to rest and take photographs.

This is not a fast activity. Camels move at a steady, swaying pace, and the ride gives you time to take in the open desert. The stops are important because they break up the motion, help with photographs, and give your legs a short rest.

You may hear the animal called a camel or dromedary. In practice, the desert ride is designed as an accessible introduction to traditional transport rather than a technical riding lesson. Guides lead the animals and help organize the group.

For photographs, the late afternoon is the strongest choice. The light becomes softer, the heat drops, and the mountains and valleys take on warmer colors. Several families especially liked the sunset setting for group pictures. If you choose the early morning departure, you trade sunset light for cooler air and a sunrise start.

Wear long, light clothing for the camel ride. Loose fabric protects your skin from the sun, while long trousers help reduce rubbing against the saddle. Bring sunscreen and water even though drinks are provided, and choose closed, comfortable shoes.

One Hour on Horseback

After the camel ride, you switch to a horse for another session of about one hour. The route again passes through valleys, giving you a different view of the desert and a different style of movement.

The horse ride adds real variety. A camel ride is slow and rolling, while a horse feels more familiar and active. You should still be honest about your riding ability when the guide organizes the group. The supplied information does not promise advanced riding or independent riding, so expect a guided recreational outing rather than a private equestrian lesson.

Some families found that about 30 minutes on each animal was enough for their children, even though the full program allowed one hour for each ride. If you are traveling with young children, ask the guide about shortening the riding time or taking extra breaks.

The sunset option can arrange the order so that you ride one animal toward the sunset and return on the other. One evening program had a camel ride into the sunset and a horse ride back. That combination gives the outing a clear rhythm and makes the changing light part of the experience rather than just a quick stop at a viewpoint.

Animals, Village Life, and a Water Wheel

The farm tour is more than a filler between rides. It gives you time to see the animals at close range and understand the setting where the rides begin.

You may see goats, horses, camels, and smaller farm animals. One family was able to feed goats and see a young donkey. Another described a particularly affectionate camel that interacted closely with its handler. These moments are not guaranteed, but they show why the farm can be a highlight for children.

The water wheel is another useful detail. It gives the stop a sense of place and helps connect the farm to older desert methods of moving water. You do not need a long historical lecture to appreciate it. A working-looking piece of equipment beside the animals makes the site feel less like a simple riding arena.

Animal care is worth watching for yourself. One report gave the impression that the animals were well looked after, but conditions can vary from day to day. Pay attention to how the animals are handled, and tell the guide if you are uncomfortable with any part of the ride or feeding activity.

Why the Sunset Program May Be the Best Choice

The late departure, usually around 3:00 or 4:00 pm, gives you the most complete version of the experience. The afternoon heat is lower than at midday, the desert light improves for photographs, and the sunset adds a strong finish to the riding.

The program can also include dinner and stargazing after dark. Evening meals have been served under the stars and by candlelight, and the food received strong praise. The exact meal details are not specified in the standard inclusions, so confirm what is included when you select the late option.

Stargazing is led by a guide who explains the constellations. One guide named Nasser was praised for his enthusiasm while explaining the stars and showing people around the Bedouin village. Another guide, Arabi, was singled out for making the constellation session interesting.

This is a good reason to choose the late program if you want more than riding. The desert becomes noticeably different after dark, and the lack of city light can make the stars much clearer. Still, evening temperatures drop quickly in winter. Bring long trousers and a sweater, cardigan, or jacket, especially for a sunset departure.

Guides, Languages, and Group Size

Guides are available in Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, and Spanish. That range makes the trip easier for mixed-language families and couples, and several German-speaking visitors found their guides friendly and easy to understand.

The activity can be arranged as a small group. That matters during the riding sessions because guides have more room to check saddles, organize the animals, and stop for photographs. Ask about the group size if that is important to you, since small-group availability does not necessarily mean every departure is private.

Individual staff members add warmth to the experience. Nasser received praise for the astronomy and village portion, while Tommy was described as a friendly and funny photographer during the sunset stop. Photography support may involve an extra charge, so ask before agreeing to any paid pictures.

The strongest pattern is the friendly mood. Guides and drivers are often described as cheerful and helpful, and some added water or food beyond the listed package. Treat those extras as pleasant surprises rather than guaranteed inclusions.

Heat, Clothing, and Physical Limits

The desert sun can be intense even when the air feels comfortable. Bring sunscreen, a refillable bottle or extra water, and clothing that covers your shoulders and legs without being heavy.

Comfortable shoes are listed as essential. Sandals may be awkward around the farm and during the riding portions, so sturdy walking shoes are a better choice. A scarf or hat can help with sun and dust, but buy one only if you want to. You do not need to purchase a headscarf from the farm shop.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. That warning applies to both the rough Jeep ride and the camel and horse riding. Even if you have no medical restriction, consider how you respond to bouncing, saddle pressure, and long periods outdoors.

Children can enjoy the program, especially the animals and sunset. For younger children, the full two hours of riding may be tiring. Ask for breaks and keep expectations realistic: this is a desert activity with uneven ground, not a gentle pony ride at a city park.

When the Tour Works Best for You

Choose the 4:00 am sunrise departure if you want the coolest conditions and do not mind a very early start. It should appeal to photographers and early risers who prefer morning light.

Choose the 8:00 am option for a straightforward daytime outing. You will have more daylight for the farm and rides, but the desert may feel hotter as the morning progresses.

Choose the 3:00 or 4:00 pm departure if you want the most atmospheric version. You can ride in softer light, watch the sunset, eat dinner, and look at the stars. Just pack warm clothing for the return, especially from December through February.

The activity suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a broad desert sampler. It is less suitable for someone seeking serious horse riding, a quiet nature trip, or a highly controlled luxury excursion.

Booking, Cancellation, and Practical Value

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Those policies are useful if your Hurghada schedule depends on weather, flights, or a cruise timetable.

Pickup and drop-off are included, which strengthens the $47 value. You do not have to arrange a separate desert transfer, camel ride, horse ride, or farm visit. The multilingual guide service and refreshments add to the convenience.

The tradeoff is that the program is busy. You move from hotel to station, Jeep, farm, camel, horse, and possibly dinner and stargazing. If you prefer a slow afternoon with one carefully paced activity, this may feel crowded.

Should You Book It?

I would book this tour if you want a full desert day in miniature and like variety. The camel ride, horseback session, farm animals, off-road Jeep route, sunset, meal, and stars give you a lot for the price.

I would choose the late departure for the best atmosphere, but only if you are prepared for cold evening air and a longer day. Families should ask about ride length for children, and anyone with back trouble should skip this activity.

The main caution is the Jeep safety concern. Confirm that seat belts are available and ask the driver to keep attention on the road. If that point is handled well, Scorpion Safari’s outing offers a friendly, active, and good-value way to see the desert beyond Hurghada’s beach resorts.

FAQ

How much does the Hurghada camel and horse tour cost?

The listed price is $47 per person. Hotel pickup and drop-off, the camel ride, horse ride, farm tour, welcome drinks, and dates are included.

How long does the activity last?

The advertised duration is two to five hours. The exact length depends on the departure time and whether you choose the longer sunset program with dinner and stargazing.

Where can pickup be arranged?

Pickup is available from Safaga, El Gouna, Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay. The provider contacts you the day before to arrange the pickup time and transfer details.

How long is the camel ride?

The planned camel ride lasts one hour. It travels through desert valleys and mountain areas, with stops for rest and photographs.

How long is the horse ride?

The planned horse ride also lasts one hour. Some children may find a shorter riding period more comfortable, so you can discuss breaks with the guide.

What refreshments are included?

You receive Arabian tea, Arabian coffee, and dates. Drinks with dates are also included during the activity.

Are dinner and stargazing included?

The late afternoon and sunset option can include dinner and stargazing. Confirm the exact package details when selecting the departure time because the standard inclusions list focuses on drinks, dates, rides, and the farm tour.

What languages are available?

Guides are available in Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, and Spanish.

Who should avoid this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. The off-road driving and riding can be physically demanding, so comfortable clothing, suitable shoes, sunscreen, and water are recommended.