One hour Camel Ride At Amazing Desert With Transfer – Hurghada

Camels make the desert feel wonderfully old-fashioned. This short Hurghada outing gives you a simple Egyptian riding experience, with hotel pickup, a one-hour camel ride, a guide, helmets, and a chance to pose for photos. I like the friendly camel handlers and the strong family appeal, especially for children who want to try riding a camel without committing to a full-day excursion.

I also like the low price of $13 per person, which makes this an easy add-on to a Red Sea holiday. The main caution is important: the setting may not match the title. Some rides reach open desert and the seaside, while others begin beside roads, construction areas, or littered ground. If you expect untouched desert scenery, keep your expectations modest.

The tour lasts about two hours from pickup to return, with roughly one hour in the saddle. It is a small-group activity capped at 15 people, and several departure times make it easier to fit around your beach, diving, or sightseeing plans.

Key points before you book

• The ride may include the beach as well as the desert: Some outings continue toward the sea, and a few include a short walk into shallow water.
• Children can ride with an adult or on their own camel: Families with children aged 6 to 8 have found the activity enjoyable.
• Guides are the biggest strength: Handlers help you mount, explain how to sit and steer, and often take photos and videos.
• The scenery is not guaranteed to be pristine: Roads, building sites, abandoned lots, and rubbish have affected some rides.
• Transfers are included from Hurghada hotels: Extra cash is required for certain nearby resort areas.
• Bring water and patience: Water is listed as included, but it was not provided on every outing, and pickup delays have occurred.

What the two-hour Hurghada outing looks like

Your trip begins with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The exact drive time depends on your hotel, but the overall activity is listed at about two hours. The group size can reach 15 people, so you may share the ride with other holidaymakers, though some bookings have been quite small.

On arrival, you receive basic riding instructions. The handlers explain how to sit, how to hold yourself when the camel rises and kneels, and how to follow the group. That last part matters. Camel riding is not like riding a horse, and the camel’s height and rocking movement can surprise you during the first few minutes.

A helmet is provided for each rider. Professional guides and camel trainers accompany the group, helping with mounting and offering assistance during the ride. This is especially useful for children and anyone who feels nervous at first.

The ride itself lasts one hour. Expect a slow pace rather than an action-packed animal ride. That is good news for families and first-time riders, but it also means the scenery and route carry much of the experience.

The camel ride: gentle pace, real height

The camels are the stars here. Several accounts describe them as calm, well-fed, clean, and easy enough for beginners. Children have enjoyed riding animals called Max and Alibaba, and guides have helped younger riders feel secure.

You may ride beside an adult or take your own camel. The option for a child to ride with a parent is useful because the camel’s movement can feel awkward at first. An adult sharing with a younger child also lets you keep a closer eye on posture and comfort.

The camel’s rise is the part to watch. Hold firmly, lean as instructed, and listen carefully to the handler. The camel first lifts its rear legs and then its front legs, which can pitch you forward and backward. The same movement happens when the animal kneels at the end.

The route is generally slow and controlled. One account describes the guide allowing a brief faster run, but you should not book this expecting a gallop. The ride is mainly a steady walk, with stops for photographs.

Desert views, seaside moments, and an important catch

The best version of this outing combines sand, open desert, and the Red Sea. Some families have ridden along the seafront, watched sunset colors, and taken a few steps with the camels in the water. That can make the hour feel special, especially for children.

But the route is not consistent enough to promise a classic desert scene. Some rides have passed along a busy road before reaching an undeveloped lot or the coast. Others have crossed rough ground near construction sites or areas with rubbish.

That difference is the central issue when deciding to book. The title suggests a grand desert setting, but the actual ride may be a practical local route near Hurghada’s developed resort zone. I would think of it as a camel ride near the desert and sea, not a remote wilderness adventure.

If the operator takes you toward the beach, the change of setting can be welcome. You get open views, better photo backgrounds, and a sense of place connected to Hurghada’s coast. If the ride remains near roads and building sites, the outing feels more like a short animal-handling activity than a scenic desert tour.

Sunset departures can improve the mood and the photographs. At that time, you should also be ready for mosquitoes. One family found them particularly bothersome, so insect repellent is a sensible item to pack.

Guides, photos, and the human side of the trip

The guides receive the warmest praise. They are often described as friendly, polite, helpful, and attentive to comfort. Some have taken many photographs and videos using the rider’s own phone, which is a real benefit when you are traveling as a family and want everyone in the picture.

The handlers also help you try a little control of the camels. That can make the activity feel more personal than simply sitting in a line while someone leads the animals. At the same time, you should follow their instructions and avoid trying to steer beyond what they allow.

Several people have appreciated the relaxed, cheerful mood around the ride. Guides have laughed with families, helped nervous riders, and made children feel at ease. Those small touches matter more than fancy equipment on a short local excursion.

There are also serious concerns to keep in mind. A few accounts describe pressure to complete a rating before leaving, an uncomfortable interaction with a female companion, or a drop-off near a roadside rather than inside the hotel entrance. These reports do not describe every departure, but they are enough for me to advise you to remain firm about your boundaries and confirm the drop-off point with the driver.

Animal care has also drawn mixed comments. Some people found the camels clean, healthy, and well treated. Another detailed account raised concerns about the condition of animals at the stable, including horses, although that description included horses, donkeys, and camels together. If animal welfare is a major part of your decision, inspect the animals for yourself and ask questions before mounting.

Water, tea, and what to bring

The package lists bottled water, coffee, and tea. In practice, water and drinks were not provided on every outing. Hurghada can be very hot, and an hour in the sun on a camel can leave you thirsty, so I would carry your own water even though it is listed as included.

Wear comfortable trousers and closed shoes. Loose clothing can flap around the saddle, while shorts may become uncomfortable against the saddle straps. A hat may be useful before and after the helmet, though you will need to remove anything that interferes with the safety equipment.

Sunscreen is essential. For a sunset departure, add mosquito repellent. A phone with enough battery space is also worthwhile because the guides may take many photos and videos for you.

Camel saddles can be hard on the back. One person stopped after 30 minutes because of back pain, and the ride may not suit you if you already have a back problem. You should also expect some stiffness after the ride, particularly if you have never ridden a camel before.

The safety rules say children can participate, a helmet is provided, and most people can take part. Pregnant women are not permitted to ride. You must sign a disclaimer covering damage and personal injury before the activity begins.

Is $13 good value?

At $13 per person, this is one of the cheaper organized activities in Hurghada. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle, the one-hour ride, a professional guide, a helmet, and listed refreshments.

That is good value if your goal is simply to ride a camel, take some photographs, and give your family a new activity. The short duration also helps. You do not lose an entire day at the resort, and you can choose from several departure times.

The value is weaker if your main goal is dramatic desert scenery. A ride beside asphalt, resort construction, or rubbish does not deliver the setting suggested by the name. In that case, you may prefer a larger desert program that includes dunes, a Bedouin village, quad bikes, or a longer sunset route, though those trips usually cost more and take much longer.

Transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh require an additional €10 per person in cash on the spot. That extra charge changes the calculation, especially for a family. Check your resort location before booking so the low headline price does not surprise you later.

The activity is typically booked about 23 days ahead, suggesting that popular dates can fill. You do not need to plan months ahead, but booking early is wise for a preferred time, especially around sunset or during school holidays.

Families should think about comfort, not just fun

This is best suited to families, first-time camel riders, and anyone who wants a light activity between beach days. Children have particularly enjoyed it, and the option to share a camel with an adult gives parents some flexibility.

The ride also works for couples and friends who want a few unusual photographs without spending a full day away from Hurghada. The small-group limit of 15 people should keep the activity manageable, though the ride may feel less private when the group is full.

I would be cautious if you have back pain, dislike animals being handled for tourism, or expect polished service at every step. The camel’s movement can be demanding, the route may be rough or unattractive, and the included drinks are not completely dependable.

The transfer is another part of the experience to watch. Most accounts describe transport as on time and trouble-free, but one person waited 40 minutes after the ride for the driver. Keep some flexibility after the activity rather than scheduling an important dinner or airport transfer immediately afterward.

Cancellation and practical booking notes

You receive confirmation when you book, and mobile tickets are accepted. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, subject to the safety restrictions and signed disclaimer.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

The provider offers group discounts, which may improve the price for a larger family or party. Ask about the exact pickup point and the extra transfer fee if you are staying outside central Hurghada.

Should you book this camel ride?

Book it if you want a cheap, short, family-friendly camel ride with hotel transport and helpful guides. The strongest part is the riding itself: children enjoy the camels, nervous beginners receive assistance, and the photo-taking can leave you with a pleasant souvenir.

Do not book it solely for sweeping desert scenery. The route can include roads, construction ground, or rubbish before reaching a more attractive beach or open area. The experience has earned a solid 4.2 out of 5 from 33 ratings, but the mixed accounts show why the route and service can vary.

My practical verdict: this is a reasonable $13 introduction to camel riding, especially for families. Confirm the route, ask about drinks, carry your own water, and treat the desert setting as a bonus rather than a promise. If those limits suit you, the hour in the saddle can be good fun.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride in Hurghada last?

The full activity takes about two hours, including hotel transfers. The camel ride itself lasts one hour.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are transfers from El Gouna included?

No. Transfers from El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay, Makadi, and Sahl Hasheesh cost an additional €10 per person, paid in cash on the spot.

Can children take part?

Yes. The activity is described as child appropriate. Children can ride with an adult or on their own camel.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is provided to each rider.

Are drinks included?

Water, coffee, and tea are listed as included. However, drinks were not provided on every outing, so carrying your own water is sensible.

Can pregnant women join the camel ride?

No. Pregnant women are not permitted to ride.

How many people can be in the group?

The activity has a maximum group size of 15 people.

What is the cancellation policy?

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