Red Sea Beach & Desert Horse Riding Tour Hurghada

Horse riding in the Hurghada desert

The desert behind Hurghada is a wide, quiet landscape of sandy valleys, gravel plains and low rocky hills, and it is one of the most enjoyable places in Egypt to see on horseback. A horse riding tour in Hurghada moves at a walk, trot or canter depending on your group, so you notice the colours of the land, the light on the mountains and the silence that is hard to find near the hotel zone.

Riders are grouped by ability before the trail begins. Beginners stay at a gentle pace with a guide beside them, while experienced riders can ask for a livelier ride. This is a guided adventure rather than a race, which is why families and mixed groups enjoy it. Routes may vary with the day and the conditions, but the aim is always the same: open desert, wide skies and a sense of space.

Riding along the Red Sea shoreline

The second half of the ride leads towards the coast, where sand turns to shoreline and the sea appears ahead of you. Riding along a Red Sea beach is very different from riding in the desert: the horses walk through shallow water, the air is cooler and the sea makes a natural backdrop for photographs. Many guests say this is the moment they came for.

If you would like to go further, the four-hour VIP ride includes a swim stop, where you can enter the sea with your horse. Only that option includes the swim stop, so choose it when you book if riding in the water is what you have in mind. Bring swimwear and a towel in that case, and leave valuables at the hotel.

The sunset ride and the best time to ride

The best time to go horse riding in Hurghada depends on the season and on what you like. Mornings and late afternoons are cooler and softer for the horses and riders, while a sunset ride gives you golden light and a long, colourful sky over the desert. In midsummer we recommend the sunset option, and in winter the middle of the day is very comfortable.

The sunset option in our list is a two-hour ride with shared transfer, guided in the same way as the standard tour. It is a good choice for couples and anyone who wants to combine the ride with photographs, so ask us if you want help choosing the best departure for your dates.

Getting to the stable and what to expect on arrival

Travel time to the riding base varies with your hotel. As a guide, it takes around half an hour from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, about forty minutes from Hurghada, and up to an hour from El Gouna, Soma Bay or Safaga. If you want to know how to get to the stable yourself, choose the ticket-only option and meet the team there.

On arrival you have a short rest, meet your horse and receive a safety briefing with a brief riding check. Helmets are available and should be worn throughout, and riders wear comfortable shoes and long trousers or clothing that protects them from sand on windy days. Only bring essentials and leave valuables at the hotel.