Marsa Alam: Sunrise Horseback with Breakfast

Traveling to Egypt and looking for a blend of scenic nature, authentic culture, and a dash of adventure? The Marsa Alam Sunrise Horseback tour promises all that and more. While it’s not a perfect experience for everyone, it’s a wonderful option for those who want to combine gentle riding, breathtaking views, and a taste of Bedouin-style hospitality.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the peaceful early morning ride through desert dunes and along the Red Sea’s shoreline offers unmatched tranquility. Second, the traditional Oriental breakfast served in the desert adds an authentic touch, making the whole experience feel like a cultural retreat. Lastly, the VIP options that include a horse swim in the Red Sea are quite rare and sure to appeal to thrill-seekers.

However, some reviewers have pointed out inconsistencies, such as missing breakfast or unexpected additional costs for transfers. It’s worth noting that the tour can vary considerably based on your location and whether you choose the standard or VIP package. This experience suits travelers who enjoy gentle outdoor activities, are comfortable around horses, and are eager to capture stunning sunrise photos in a quiet, picturesque setting.

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Key Points

Stunning sunrise views over the desert and Red Sea coast
Authentic Bedouin-style breakfast in the middle of the desert
Flexible options for 2-hour or 4-hour rides, with VIP upgrades
Horse swim in the Red Sea available for VIP participants
Suitable for all riding levels, with calm, friendly horses and safety gear
Pickup from multiple locations enhances convenience, with optional private transfers

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What Is the Experience Like?

The Marsa Alam Sunrise Horseback tour is an early start adventure designed to showcase Egypt’s natural beauty at its most serene. From the moment you arrive at the stables, you’re greeted with warmth—your guide will introduce themselves, provide safety instructions, and connect you with your horse. The horses are described as calm and well-cared-for, making the ride suitable even for beginners or those with limited riding experience.

The ride itself lasts for approximately 2 hours, with options extending to 4 hours for VIP guests. You’ll traverse golden desert dunes and coastal paths, where the quiet of dawn is only broken by the soft hooves of your horses and the gentle lapping of the Red Sea. The early morning light creates a perfect backdrop for photos—pink and gold hues reflecting off the water and sands, making it a photographer’s paradise.

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The Desert and Coastal Scenery

Expect to glide across smooth sands, with some parts offering sweeping views of the coastline. Some reviews mention that the ride’s pace is relaxed, which benefits those wanting to take it slow and enjoy the surroundings. The desert’s tranquility combined with sea vistas offers a sense of stepping back in time, far from bustling tourist spots.

The Breakfast Experience

Once you finish your ride, you’ll settle into a Bedouin-style setting for breakfast. The description promises an Oriental breakfast—though some reviews mention that this may not always be as extensive as anticipated. One guest noted, “there was no breakfast while the description said it was,” but generally, participants seem to agree that the meal is a nice cultural touch, served in a scenic desert setting.

The VIP Horse Swim Option

For those opting for the VIP upgrade, the highlight is a horse swim in the Red Sea. This involves riding into the water with your horse and enjoying a refreshing dip—something quite unusual and memorable. Multiple reviews praise this feature, calling it a “peaceful horse swim,” which enhances the overall value of the VIP experience.

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Logistics & Practical Details

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Itinerary Breakdown

Your day begins with a hotel pickup (where applicable)—pick-up zones include Coraya Bay, Port Ghalib, Abu Dabbab, and Marsa Alam City. Depending on your location, transfer times vary from 25 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, independent travelers can enjoy the without transfer options, making it ideal for those already in the area or renting a car.

Once at the stables, the tour kicks off with a safety briefing and your introduction to the horses. The standard 2-hour option covers a scenic ride along desert trails and the coast, ending in a relaxed breakfast. If you prefer more riding and the added thrill of a horse swim, the 4-hour VIP experience is your best bet.

What’s Included & Not Included?

The tour price of around $23 per person offers good value considering the scenic ride, the guide, safety equipment, and breakfast. Extra costs, such as personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional transfers, are not covered. It’s worth bringing essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a sun hat, especially since the desert can be quite sunny and windy.

Safety and Accessibility

The tour emphasizes safety, providing helmets and instructions. However, it’s important to know that pregnant women, children under 3, or anyone with mobility issues or back problems should consider whether this activity suits them. The ride is guided, and the horses are described as calm, but expect a relaxed pace rather than a fast ride.

Reviews & Authentic Insights

Some reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, mentioning names like Moustafa, who took plenty of photos and made guests feel comfortable. Others appreciated the stunning scenery and the chance to ride along a virtually deserted beach, with one guest describing it as “something we had never done before.”

Conversely, a few travelers experienced frustration with miscommunication or extra charges. For instance, one reviewer mentioned that the organizer demanded an additional fee for transport, which wasn’t clearly communicated upfront. Another pointed out that breakfast was not provided as promised, so budgeting for snacks might be wise.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for beginners and intermediate riders looking for a peaceful, scenic adventure. It’s ideal for travelers wanting beautiful sunrise photos, culture, and the chance to enjoy quiet desert and sea views without rushing. The inclusion of a horse swim elevates it beyond standard riding tours, offering a fun, once-in-a-lifetime feature.

It’s less suitable for those seeking high-adrenaline activities, or travelers with mobility restrictions, pregnant women, or children under 3. If you’re a solo traveler, the group ride can be a great way to meet like-minded adventurers, but be aware that some reviews mention inconsistent experiences regarding breakfast and transfers.

The Sum Up

The Marsa Alam Sunrise Horseback tour offers a peaceful, scenic escape into Egypt’s desert and coastal landscape. The combination of gentle riding, a cultural breakfast, and the optional horse swim makes it a distinctive experience that appeals to those wanting a relaxed, authentic adventure.

While some logistical hiccups and communication issues have been noted, the overall value—particularly at the modest price—is hard to beat. Expect stunning views, friendly guides, and a chance to enjoy Egypt’s unique natural beauty early in the morning when it’s at its most serene.

This tour truly suits travelers eager for a memorable, photo-friendly adventure that balances gentle activity with cultural authenticity. If you’re comfortable around horses and desire a tranquil yet adventurous start to your day, it’s worth considering.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from multiple locations, including Coraya Bay, Port Ghalib, Abu Dabbab, and Marsa Alam City. Private transfers can also be arranged.

How long is the ride?
The standard ride lasts about 2 hours. VIP options extend to 4 hours, which include additional scenic riding and a horse swim.

Can beginners participate?
Yes, the horses are described as calm and suitable for all levels, plus safety gear and instructions are provided.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and seasonal clothing are recommended. For the VIP swim option, bring a swimsuit or change of clothes.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guide, safety equipment, the ride, and breakfast (for the sunrise tour). Transfers are included or optional depending on your choice.

Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women, children under 3, and people with mobility or back problems should consider whether this activity is appropriate for them. The activity is guided and at a relaxed pace.

What happens if the tour is canceled?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option for uncertain plans.

Is the breakfast worth it?
Most reviews say the breakfast is a nice touch, but some mention it may not always meet expectations or be missing altogether. It’s best enjoyed as part of the overall desert experience rather than a gourmet meal.

This horseback sunrise tour combines natural beauty, cultural flavor, and a dash of adventure—perfect for travelers wanting a peaceful start to their day in Marsa Alam.