If you’re looking to combine equestrian fun with breathtaking scenery during your time in Hurghada, this horse riding tour offers an intriguing blend of desert landscapes and seaside vistas. While it remains an affordable option at just $26 per person, it’s worth knowing what to expect—both the highlights and the potential pitfalls—before booking. From the moment we found out about this experience, we were curious whether it would live up to its promises of scenic riding and authentic Egyptian horsemanship.
What we love about this tour is its scenic diversity—offering both desert and sea rides—its accessible price point, and the professionalism of the trainers. On the flip side, some reviews point to shorter sea riding times and concerns over horse care. Still, if you’re after a family-friendly adventure that balances fun, scenery, and a taste of Egypt’s equestrian culture, this tour could be just right.
Key Points
- Scenic Variety: Ride through desert landscapes and along the Red Sea coast in one tour.
- Well-Trained Horses: Egyptian horses are carefully selected, ensuring a smooth ride.
- Guided Experience: Pre-ride coaching and ongoing assistance make it suitable for all skill levels.
- Family-Friendly: Helmet provided, suitable for children (with some restrictions).
- Authentic Vibe: Opportunity to experience Egypt’s horse culture firsthand.
- Considerations: Sea ride may be shorter than advertised, and horse care quality varies based on reviews.
What Makes This Horseback Adventure Stand Out
This tour is an excellent choice for travelers wanting a short but scenic horseback experience in Hurghada. Unlike more intensive riding tours, this one offers a balanced mix of adventure and ease, perfect for families, casual riders, or anyone curious about Egyptian horsemanship. At just $26 per person, it offers genuine value—especially when considering it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a helmet, and refreshments.
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The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience
The tour typically lasts around two hours of actual riding time, but the entire experience, including transfers, is about three hours. The journey begins with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, a thoughtful touch ensuring comfort from the start. Pickup is available from Hurghada hotels, with extra charges for some locations, like Makadi or Safaga.
Once at the riding location, you’ll be greeted by friendly guides who will provide pre-ride coaching—a great opportunity to get comfortable if you’re new to riding or unfamiliar with horses. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and helpful attitude, which enhances the overall experience.
Desert Ride: An Egyptian Classic
The desert portion of the tour is what many riders find most memorable. The vast, open landscape allows for a relaxed ride where you can truly take in the scenery. The guide may lead you across sandy paths, with options to enjoy the tranquility and maybe snap some photos with the backdrop of the desert. According to reviews, the horses are healthy and well-bred, ensuring a comfortable ride for most.
Seaside Ride: A Refreshing Perspective
The highlight for many is riding along the Red Sea. You’ll get to pose for pictures on your horse with the ocean in the background—something that’s often described as a surreal experience. However, some guests noted that the actual sea ride might be shorter than the 10 minutes initially advertised, with some reports indicating around five minutes of actual riding in the water. Still, the views and the novelty of riding on the shoreline make it worth participating.
Assistance and Safety
Throughout the ride, guides and trainers are available to ensure you stay comfortable and safe. Helmets are provided, making it a family-friendly activity, though pregnant women are advised against riding. One reviewer mentioned that no helmets were initially offered, which suggests that it’s best to confirm safety equipment availability beforehand.
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Photos and Memories
Many riders take advantage of the opportunity to capture memorable moments. The guides often help with photos, and the natural scenery provides a stunning backdrop. If you want professional photos, it might be worth bringing your own camera or phone, as the guides are flexible with photo opportunities.
The Realities From Traveler Feedback
While most guests appreciate the authentic experience and friendly guides, some concerns are worth noting:
- Duration of sea ride: A review pointed out that the sea ride lasted only about 5 minutes, whereas the tour description suggests 10 minutes. If you’re expecting a longer seaside experience, be aware that the actual time might be shorter.
- Horse welfare: One guest described the horses as being “terribly under nourished” and poorly taken care of. This highlights that horse care standards can vary, and if animal welfare is a priority for you, it’s worth considering.
- Language barriers: Some reviews mention that guides may speak limited English, which could impact communication during coaching or assistance.
- Group size and personalization: The tour maxes out at around 15 travelers, which makes it manageable, but some smaller groups or private options might offer a more personalized experience.
What We Appreciate
Despite some mixed reviews, the guides’ professionalism and knowledge seem to stand out. Many guests mention that the trainers are helpful and attentive, which adds to the confidence and comfort during the ride. The value for the price is hard to beat, especially since it includes transportation, safety gear, and refreshments.
Who Will This Tour Suit?
This experience is best suited for:
- Families or beginners: With safety gear and guidance, it’s suitable for all skill levels.
- Budget travelers: The low cost combined with hotel pickup provides good value.
- Scenery seekers: If you love the idea of riding along both desert and sea, this tour delivers.
- Horse-curious travelers: Those interested in Egypt’s horse culture will find this an authentic experience.
- Casual riders: If you’re not expecting a long or intense ride, this is perfect.
However, if animal welfare concerns or longer sea rides are priorities, you might want to explore other options or confirm details with the provider beforehand.
Final Thoughts
This 2-hour horse riding experience in Hurghada offers a charming snapshot of Egypt’s equestrian landscape, combined with stunning views of desert and sea. It’s an accessible adventure that balances scenic beauty with practicality, making it ideal for families, first-timers, or those on a budget.
While the actual sea ride may be shorter than expected, the opportunity to canter along the shoreline and relax in the desert is still very appealing. The guides’ friendliness and professionalism help create a welcoming atmosphere, making it a memorable part of your Hurghada trip.
That said, animal welfare concerns have been raised, so if this is a deal-breaker, consider doing some research or asking questions before booking. For most travelers, the tour’s combination of scenery, cultural authenticity, and affordability makes it a worthwhile addition to your Egypt itinerary.
In the end, this horse riding tour is a solid, fun, and reasonably priced way to experience Hurghada from a different perspective—on horseback, with plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxed exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price, with an air-conditioned vehicle. Some locations like Makadi or Sahel Hashish may incur an extra charge.
What is the duration of the actual horse riding?
The ride lasts approximately two hours, but the total experience including transfers is around three hours.
Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included for safety. However, one review noted that helmets were not initially offered, so it’s good to confirm this when booking.
Can children participate?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children, provided they wear helmets and meet safety requirements. Pregnant women are advised not to ride.
How long is the sea ride?
The sea ride is typically around 5 minutes, shorter than the advertised 10 minutes, but still a unique experience.
Are the horses well-trained?
According to reviews, the horses are healthy and well-bred, but some guests expressed concerns about their overall care.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, along with closed-toe shoes suitable for riding.
Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, with pre-ride coaching and guides assisting, beginners will feel supported and safe.
How much does the tour cost?
The tour costs $26 per person, offering excellent value given the scenery and inclusions.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it’s ideal for families looking for a scenic and safe outdoor activity.
In the end, this horseback riding adventure offers a unique chance to see Hurghada from horseback, with good guidance and scenery. While some aspects could be improved, especially regarding sea ride duration and horse welfare transparency, it remains a fun, affordable, and authentic way to experience Egypt’s natural landscapes.
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