REVIEW · HURGHADA
Horse Riding on Hurghada Desert and Beach
Book on Viator →Operated by Vip Trips · Bookable on Viator
One thing you can do in Hurghada that feels truly different: ride a horse near the Red Sea. This is a horse riding trip built for short time and big scenery—desert paths plus beach time—run with professional trainers and hotel pickup so you don’t waste hours figuring out transport.
I especially like two things. First, you get clear setup from the start: a driver collects you in an A/C vehicle, then trainers explain what to do before you mount up. Second, the ride includes help from the guide, including photo-friendly moments—a small thing that ends up mattering a lot when you’re trying to remember the day.
One drawback to keep in mind: one bit of feedback flagged messy areas on both the beach and in parts of the desert. The main experience is still fun, but it’s worth knowing you may see litter depending on where you stop.
In This Review
- Key highlights before you go
- Hurghada hotel pickup: the easiest way to start
- Training and safety: how this works if you’ve never ridden
- The 1-hour horse ride: desert sand plus Red Sea shoreline
- Comfort tips: what to wear for sand, salt, and a photo-worthy day
- Price and value: $17.37 for pickup, helmet, and horse time
- A small downside to plan for: cleanliness at beach stops
- Who should book this Hurghada horseback ride
- Should you book Horse Riding on Hurghada Desert and Beach?
- FAQ
- How long is the horseback riding experience?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Do I need prior riding experience?
- Are helmets provided?
- What’s the group size limit?
- How much does it cost?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key highlights before you go
- Hotel pickup in Hurghada plus drop-off, in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Trainers before you ride, so beginners aren’t left guessing
- Safety helmet included for peace of mind
- Desert and beach time in a single 1-hour experience
- Small group size (max 15) so you’re not lost in a crowd
- Mobile ticket and confirmation at booking for easier planning
Hurghada hotel pickup: the easiest way to start

The best part of this tour is how little work you have to do before you even get on a horse. You’re picked up from Hurghada hotels by a dedicated driver using a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, then dropped off after the ride. With something this short (about 1 hour), smooth transport really helps your day.
One practical note: pickup is included only from Hurghada hotels. If you’re staying in Makadi, Sahl Hashish, Safaga, Soma Bay, or Gouna, pickup is not included. That doesn’t mean you can’t book—it just means you’ll need to arrange your own way to the pickup area.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
Training and safety: how this works if you’ve never ridden
This ride is designed for people with no prior experience, and the plan starts with instruction. Before you mount, professional horse trainers give you guidance for comfort and safety. That matters because horseback riding isn’t just about staying on—the basics of sitting, holding the reins, and moving with the horse can make or break your confidence.
You also get a safety helmet, which is a smart inclusion for any beginner. Combined with the trainer coaching, it keeps the focus where it should be: enjoying the ride instead of worrying about what you’re supposed to do.
Group size stays reasonable too: the tour runs with a maximum of 15 travelers. For a short ride, that often means less waiting and more time actually moving.
The 1-hour horse ride: desert sand plus Red Sea shoreline

The core experience is a horseback adventure through the Red Sea region, with the ride taking you across desert terrain and also into beach surroundings. It’s the kind of outing where the setting does half the work—sand underfoot, sea air nearby, and that classic “Arabia” feel you’d normally only see in pictures.
Timing-wise, expect around 1 hour on the activity side. Some versions of this experience let you choose the duration of your ride based on what you want to do that day, but the tour is generally described as about an hour overall—so build your expectations around a compact, action-focused outing.
Because it’s short, I think it fits best when you want:
- a memorable experience without losing your whole day
- something you can add to a Hurghada itinerary with beach time
- a taste of desert riding, not a multi-hour expedition
Comfort tips: what to wear for sand, salt, and a photo-worthy day
You’ll be on sand, and you’ll likely deal with both heat and shoreline breeze. This is one of those tours where small clothing choices make your ride more pleasant.
I’d plan on:
- closed-toe shoes with decent grip (sand can be slippery)
- breathable clothing (you’ll want to stay comfortable before and during the ride)
- light layers for sun and wind near the coast
- sun protection (even if the ride is short)
One reason people like this trip is that the guide helps with photos. If you care about getting good shots, position yourself when the guide suggests—don’t fight your horse or your own balance just to aim a phone. Trust the timing and focus on staying steady. The photos usually come out better when you’re not doing a balancing act.
Also, keep your expectations realistic. This is horseback riding, not a studio session. You’ll get great memories if you embrace motion and the “moment” feel.
Price and value: $17.37 for pickup, helmet, and horse time
At $17.37 per person, this is priced like an affordable “experience add-on” rather than a premium outfitted excursion. The value is strong because key pieces are included:
- pickup & drop-off from Hurghada hotels
- horse riding
- a safety helmet
- professional guide assistance
That mix matters. Many low-cost tours charge extra for transport or basic gear. Here, the ride is the main event, and you’re not buying the whole package piece by piece.
Two value checks I’d do before booking:
- Confirm whether your hotel is inside the Hurghada pickup zone. Transfers from Makadi/Sahl Hashish and from Safaga/Soma Bay/Gouna are not included.
- Decide if you want this as a quick highlight. With a 1-hour style format, it’s perfect for a taste. If you want long riding time, you might look at different durations.
The tour is run by Vip Trips, and it’s set up for easy commitment with mobile ticketing and confirmation at booking.
A small downside to plan for: cleanliness at beach stops
One piece of feedback stood out: the beach and desert areas can be messy, with litter noted in the experience. I can’t control the area you’ll ride through, but you can plan around it.
Here’s how:
- Stay respectful with how you handle your own trash.
- If you’re sensitive to sights, keep that in mind and mentally frame the ride as an “animal + scenery” experience rather than a postcard-clean beach tour.
- Consider bringing a small bag for your own waste. It’s a simple step that keeps the experience enjoyable.
Even with that consideration, the overall rating is high, and the ride’s main strengths—guidance, safety setup, and the photo help—still come through.
Who should book this Hurghada horseback ride
This tour is a good fit if you want:
- a beginner-friendly way to try riding
- a short outing that still feels like a real experience
- hotel convenience (pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels)
- an organized group size (max 15 travelers) with trainer support
- a fun day for horse lovers who also enjoy the desert-and-beach vibe
It also sounds like a solid choice for friends and small groups. One review highlighted the trip as a nice experience specifically for girls who love horses—basically, it works for people who want something active and memorable without needing advanced skills.
If you’re the type who wants a long, technical riding lesson or a fully private tour, this may feel too short or too shared. But if you want a reliable, well-run introduction to horseback riding in Hurghada, it’s a strong match.
Should you book Horse Riding on Hurghada Desert and Beach?
I’d book this if you value ease, included safety gear, and a ride that mixes desert and beach within about an hour. The helmet, the trainer instruction, and the hotel pickup make it low-stress—exactly what you want for a half-day schedule.
Skip or rethink it if:
- you’re staying outside the Hurghada hotel pickup area and don’t want to handle extra transport
- you’re very particular about cleanliness at stops
- you want a long riding session rather than a quick highlight
If you’re checking it for value, at $17.37 with pickup, helmet, and guided help, it’s a pretty fair deal for an experience-based day in Hurghada.
FAQ
How long is the horseback riding experience?
The experience is about 1 hour (approx.).
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels.
Do I need prior riding experience?
No. The tour is described as suitable even if you have no prior riding experience, with instructions provided by professional trainers.
Are helmets provided?
Yes. A safety helmet is included.
What’s the group size limit?
The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.
How much does it cost?
The price is $17.37 per person.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
















