Desert and Sea Horse Riding Makadi Bay

The Makadi Bay desert trails

Behind the resort strip of Makadi Bay the Eastern Desert opens into wide gravel plains and shallow wadis, with the Red Sea Mountains rising in the distance. The horses walk and trot along compacted tracks that avoid the road, so the ride feels far from the hotels. The landscape is quiet apart from the sound of hooves and wind.

The base is around twenty-five to thirty minutes by road from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh. After a short rest you meet your horse, get a safety talk and a quick riding check, and the guide groups the riders by level. If you are looking for horse riding near Makadi Bay, this is a stable-based excursion where the horse is matched to you.

Riding along the Red Sea shore

The coastal part of the ride follows the edge of the sea, where firm sand and shallow water make for easy, relaxed riding. The turquoise Red Sea is on one side and the pale desert on the other, a contrast that photographs well, especially in the low sun of early morning and late afternoon.

The guide leads at an unhurried pace, stopping at viewpoints so you can take pictures from the saddle. This is a guided adventure, not a race, so the horses stay calm and in line. Many people choose this ride as a quiet alternative to a busy beach day. Bring a light scarf if the breeze is strong near the water.

Sunrise ride and the best time to go

Sunrise is the most atmospheric time to ride. The air is cool, the sky turns gold over the sea and the desert colours change minute by minute. The sunrise option leaves very early, with hotel pickup arranged around five in the morning, and you are back at the hotel in time for breakfast.

If you prefer comfortable temperatures but not the early start, rides at nine, three and five in the afternoon are also available. In summer the middle of the day is very hot, so the early and late slots are the best time to visit for riding in Makadi Bay. Ask our team when booking which sunrise slot suits your hotel.

The longer ride with a swim stop

The 4-hour option adds a swim stop in the sea with your horse, the most memorable part of the ride. The horse walks into the shallows and you can let it cool off in the water while you enjoy the sensation. Please bring swimwear and a towel because they are not provided.

This option suits riders who are comfortable in the saddle and happy to spend longer outdoors. Because the sea conditions and horse temperament are checked by the guide on the day, the swim is offered when it is safe. Ask our team which departure time suits your hotel. Bring a dry change of clothes for the ride back.

Safety, horses and who can ride

The horses are trained for guests and chosen to match your weight and experience. Helmets are available on request and strongly recommended, and the guide stays with the group throughout. A swimming costume is only needed for the swim option.

The ride is not suitable for pregnant women, for people with back problems or reduced mobility, or for riders over about 110 kilograms. Children can ride when they are old enough to sit and follow instructions; tell us their age and ask our team about the best option for them. All riders receive a short briefing before mounting, covering how to hold the reins, how to stop the horse and how to behave around other animals, and the guide checks the saddle fit for each rider. If you have never ridden, mention it when you book so we send you with a gentle, steady horse.