From Hurghada: Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour

Few things beat horse power in the desert. This Makadi Bay Horse Riding Tour mixes quiet sand valleys with a peaceful Red Sea coastline, so your ride feels like a change of pace, not just another activity. I like the relaxed guiding style and the way the team matches horses by comfort and skill level, from kids learning the basics to adults who want a bit more speed.

Two things stand out for me. First, the horses are described as calm and well trained, which matters a lot if you are nervous. Second, you get personal attention and photos, with guides such as Mohamed (often called Didi), Yusuf, Hassan, Mahmoud, and Sabir who focus on making the experience feel smooth and safe rather than rushed.

One possible drawback: this is not for everyone. Pregnant women are not permitted, and people with back problems, mobility issues, wheelchair users, and anyone over 110 kg (243 lbs) are also not suitable. If any of that applies, it’s smart to check your comfort level before booking.

Key things I’d plan around before you book

• Sunrise and sunset options change the air temperature and the light, so timing is the real upgrade.
• Small groups and skill-level horse matching make beginners feel less exposed and give experienced riders clearer pacing.
• Photo stops plus on-site photo/video help mean you don’t have to worry about getting a perfect shot while riding.
• VIP 4-hour option adds dinner, show, and stargazing after the ride, turning it into a full evening.
• Swim stop with your horse is VIP-only, so pick that option if water time is your goal.

Why this Hurghada horse ride feels different from typical tours

This is the kind of activity that works because it is simple. You ride through desert quiet, then you shift to sea air and shoreline views, all at a guided pace that does not feel like a production line.

The value is not just the ride time. You also get a safety briefing, helmets and safety equipment (available upon request), and guides who stay focused on how each rider is doing. That combination matters when you are dealing with both movement and animals.

I also like that the experience is built around your comfort. You get a short rest at the base before you start, and the team organizes groups by riding level. In a few ride experiences, guides showed patience with first-timers, and people described overcoming fear with calm, step-by-step coaching.

Choosing sunrise vs sunset vs the VIP dinner and stargazing night

Timing is not a minor detail here. It changes how the ride feels in your body, and it changes what you end with.

Sunrise rides tend to mean cooler air and glowing light. If you choose the early departure, you also get Oriental breakfast as part of the experience. One of the nicest parts of the sunrise concept is that it pairs the clean morning feel with food afterward, so you are not left hungry or scattered after the ride.

Sunset rides shift the mood from daytime heat to evening calm. You will ride, then the tour can build into dinner, show, and desert stargazing depending on the option you pick. This is a big reason the sunset experience gets repeat bookings.

VIP options are for people who want the longer, more evening-shaped plan. The VIP 4-hour ride can include a swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea, plus the dinner/show/stargazing flow. If you want water time, do not assume it is included in the shorter rides.

Getting to Makadi Bay: pickup timing, transfer time, and what it changes

Most people start with hotel pickup, and that is one of the reasons this tour is easy. Depending on your hotel, transfer time can be around 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, around 40 to 45 minutes from Hurghada, and up to about an hour from places like El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa.

Your pickup time is sent the day before, and it is often around 0 to 1 hour before the selected start time. In plain terms, you plan for a slightly earlier start so you are not rushing at the last minute.

If you prefer to arrive on your own, there is an entry-only style option for a 2-hour ride without transfer. That can be useful if you are staying close by or you like to structure your day independently.

What to bring is straightforward:

• comfortable shoes
• sunglasses and a sun hat
• sunscreen
• swimwear if you might pick the swim-stop VIP
• comfortable clothes for warm sun, plus extra coverage on windy days

At the base first: rest, safety steps, and horse matching by skill

Before you ride, you get a short 15-minute rest period at the base. That pause helps, especially in warmer months, because it gives you a moment to hydrate, meet your guide, and feel ready.

You will also get a safety briefing and horse introduction. Helmets and safety equipment are available, and you are expected to wear a helmet throughout the ride. There is also a short driving test before starting, which is a good sign. It means they are not assuming everyone can handle the saddle right away.

Groups are organized by riding level, which is where a lot of the positive experiences come from. Beginners tend to feel like they get a calmer horse and a clearer run of the route. People who are more experienced may still get checks on comfort, but they are not treated like they need to go slow just because the group exists.

Two-hour ride: desert sand valleys and a Red Sea shoreline you can feel

For the standard 2-hour horse ride, the route can blend sand valleys, open plains, and coastline. That mix is part of the magic. You go from dry, quiet desert textures to the sensation of being closer to the sea, where the air feels different and the views open up.

Photo stops are built in. You do not have to stop to manage the camera while you are mid-ride, which keeps the experience flowing. In multiple experiences, guides were also described as taking lots of videos and photos, which is great if you want memories without juggling your hands.

One practical tip: when you ride near the coastline, you will likely get some dust and wind. If the day is breezy, wear longer clothing to protect from sand. Sunglasses help more than you think, because bright sun and sand glare can make the ride tiring.

Also, the horses are consistently described as well behaved and suited to different rider types. If you are nervous, this matters. A calm horse reduces the mental load, and it lets you focus on posture and balance instead of worrying about the animal.

What the route feels like in real terms

The route is guided at a relaxed pace, not a racing session. Expect a guided experience that prioritizes safety and comfort, especially at the start when you are getting used to the saddle.

When you are riding along the sea side, you get that rare combo: motion, fresh air, and wide views. It’s the kind of scene that makes you pause without needing a lot of explanation.

Swim stop VIP 4-hour plan: what you’re really paying for

The VIP 4-hour horse riding option with a swim stop is for people who want more than scenery. The highlight here is that you can swim with your horse in the Red Sea, so your day gets a real water moment.

This is also where the value shifts from “ride time” to “full experience time.” The longer program gives more variety: you ride, you transition into the water portion (VIP only), and you still end with the evening-style elements like dinner and stargazing if that option includes them.

If swimming with horses is your priority, do not treat it as a bonus that might happen. It is explicitly VIP 4-hour only, so choose the option that matches your plan.

Sunset ride with dinner, show, and desert stargazing

If you are choosing a sunset schedule, ask yourself what you want to do after your ride. Some sunset-style options keep it simple, while others extend into dinner, a live performance, and desert stargazing.

That extension is not just entertainment. It turns the experience into a timing-based ritual. You get the golden-hour ride, then the meal, then the night sky. It’s especially appealing if you like evening plans and want something that feels different from daytime tours.

In at least one experience, after a sunset ride, the dinner was described as very delicious, with people even returning for a second helping. That kind of feedback matters because it tells you the meal is treated like part of the experience, not an afterthought.

The quad plus horse combo: a fun two-part morning

There is also a 1 hour quad biking plus 1 hour horse riding double adventure combo. It’s typically set during cooler early morning timing, which is smart in a place where midday sun can be harsh.

The order can matter. In one example, the day started on quad bikes, then returned to ride horses afterward. If you like variety, this combo gives you both action and calm in the same morning.

One practical note from real-world experience: if you do quads, dust gets everywhere. A face scarf can help a lot, and sunglasses are a must. There are also toilets when you arrive at the site, and you can buy face scarfs and drinks on-site. Water and scarves will cost extra, so decide if you want to purchase there or bring your own.

Guides and photo help: the personal touch you should look for

I love when a tour feels guided but not hovering. Here, the team typically provides professional guidance for the whole ride and organizes riders by skill level.

You may also see different guiding styles during the ride itself. In one description, there were two guides, one on horseback and one on foot, with the on-foot guide sticking with less experienced riders. That setup gives people extra reassurance at the start without slowing down the whole group.

Guide names show up often in positive reports, including Mohamed (Didi), Yusuf, Hassan, Mahmoud, Sabir, and others. Even without chasing a specific name, look for signs like calm instruction, clear safety guidance, and help adjusting your pace. Those are the best indicators that you’ll enjoy the ride.

Costs and value: what $20 buys and where extra spending can happen

The base price is listed at $20 per person, with duration commonly around 2 hours for the standard ride. For that money, you’re getting more than just a trail.

You are paying for:

• organized horse selection and skill-level grouping
• guided routing through desert and sea areas
• a safety briefing and helmet expectation
• photo stops, plus photo or video help reported by riders
• small-group handling

Where extra costs might show up depends on your option. If you choose dinner and show plus stargazing, or the VIP swim stop, that is a different kind of value. You are paying for a longer evening plan, and the swim portion changes the experience completely.

Also, on-site purchases are possible. Face scarfs and drinks are sold at the arrival site, and riders have noted specific pricing for items like water and scarves. If you want to save money, bring sunscreen and water, and decide in advance whether you want to buy a scarf for dust and wind protection.

Who should book this and who should pass

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a genuine, outdoorsy break from hotel routines
• desert and coastline views in one guided outing
• a horse ride that works for beginners and nervous riders
• a choice of timing, especially sunrise and sunset

It can also be a good family or group activity. Kids have been mentioned as getting training during the ride, and the guides were described as working well with younger riders and first-timers.

You should pass if:

• you are pregnant
• you have back problems
• you have mobility impairments or need wheelchair access
• you are over 110 kg (243 lbs)

That list is not meant to be picky. Horse riding requires balance and physical stability, and it’s safer when the activity matches your body and comfort level.

Should you book the Makadi Bay horse ride from Hurghada?

I would book it if you want a calm, guided horse experience with real scenery, plus a chance to match the ride to your day. The sunrise option is a great choice if you like cooler air and breakfast afterward. The sunset options are ideal if you want that golden light feel, and the VIP plans are worth it if you want the swim stop and a full evening ending with dinner, show, and stargazing.

If you are on the fence, pick based on one thing: what do you want most, the ride itself or the evening setup? The ride-only versions focus on the journey. The VIP and sunset evening options add time, meals, and night-sky atmosphere.

FAQ

How long is the Makadi Bay horse riding tour?

The experience is offered for 2 to 5 hours depending on the option you choose. The standard horse ride is listed at 2 hours, while the VIP option is 4 hours.

Does breakfast or dinner come with the tour?

Oriental breakfast is included only with the 5:00 AM sunrise departure. Dinner is included with the sunset option that lists stargazing plus dinner and show.

Is the swim stop included in every horse ride?

No. The swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea is included only with the VIP 4-hour horse riding option.

What time does pickup happen?

Pickup time is typically sent a day before the tour and is around 0 to 1 hour before your selected start time. Transfer time varies by where you stay, from about 25 to 30 minutes to about an hour.

Are helmets provided and is there a safety briefing?

Yes. You receive a safety briefing and helmet and safety equipment are available upon request. You must wear the helmet throughout the ride.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone over 110 kg (243 lbs). You should also avoid bringing luggage or large bags, and pets are not allowed.