Makadi Bay: Horse Riding in Desert & Sea w Guide + Transfers

Makadi Bay gives you a rare Egyptian two-for-one: golden desert under your horse’s hooves, then the Red Sea sparkling nearby. The ride lasts two hours, with about three hours total including pickup and return to Hurghada.

I like the chance to ride at different speeds, including gentle walking and, for suitable riders, galloping through the desert or beside the sea. I also like that guides such as Didi and Anita have been praised for steady handling, clear care, and helping first-time riders feel secure.

The main caution is consistency. One recent account raised serious concerns about horses waiting in the sun, helmets being supplied only when requested, weak English communication, and beginners being pushed to gallop. Confirm the safety routine, helmet supply, drink, and rider-weight policy before you set out.

Key points to know before you ride

• Two hours on horseback: The full outing lasts three hours, but roughly two hours are spent riding in Makadi Bay.
• Desert and Red Sea scenery: You move from wide golden sand to views and breezes from the coast.
• Guides named Didi and Anita: Recent bookings specifically praised their care, control, and attention to rider confidence.
• Suitable for mixed ability levels: A confident rider may be offered a faster pace, while a beginner can receive closer help.
• Pickup from Hurghada: Wait at your hotel reception for a driver holding a Gamila Horse sign.
• Safety needs confirming: Helmets and the stated 100-kilogram limit should be checked before riding.

From Hurghada to Makadi Bay

The trip begins with pickup in Hurghada. You wait at your hotel reception and look for a driver carrying a sign with the name Gamila Horse. That small detail matters in a resort area where several horse operations may serve similar hotels.

The total time is three hours, so the drive, arrival, introduction, and return are folded into a fairly compact outing. The actual riding time is listed as two hours. That is a good length for most people: long enough to settle into the saddle and see both desert and coast, but not so long that a first-time rider is likely to feel worn out.

Pickup is included in the price, which makes this easier than arranging a taxi to an outlying stable. Still, keep your hotel reception informed of the pickup plan and allow a little patience for resort transfers. The exact pickup time depends on availability, so check the start time when you book.

At the stable, you meet your horse and receive a welcome drink and water according to the included services. One recent booking reported that the drink was not provided, so I would treat this as a small benefit worth confirming rather than something to rely on. Bring your own water if you want to be certain you have enough for the ride.

Meeting the horses before the desert route

The introduction to the horses is an important part of the outing. Each horse is described as having its own personality, from calm and steady to more spirited and energetic. A good match can make the difference between sitting back and enjoying the view or spending the whole ride worrying about every movement.

The strongest reports describe horses as gentle, well behaved, well cared for, and in good condition. One family group found that an experienced rider could enjoy a faster pace while a mother with no previous riding experience received extra attention without being pushed too far. That is exactly the sort of flexibility you want from a mixed-ability group.

The ride is presented as suitable for beginners and riders with some experience. In practice, you should be clear about your ability before mounting. Tell the guide if you have never ridden, if you are nervous, or if you are comfortable at a trot or gallop. The guide can then judge how much control and speed are appropriate.

There is also a less reassuring account. A rider said the horses were saddled and waiting in strong sun without water, and that the animals responded mainly to the guide’s voice. I cannot resolve that conflict from the available information, so look at the horses yourself before riding. They should appear alert and properly cared for, and water should be available.

Two hours across golden sand

Once you are mounted, the desert section offers the widest sense of space. The sound of hooves on sand becomes the main soundtrack, with low desert plants and open golden ground stretching around you. It is a simple pleasure, but a memorable one: no museum walls, no busy road, just horse, rider, sun, and sand.

The desert is not being sold as a technical riding course. This is a scenic outing rather than an intensive lesson. You will likely spend time walking and may move faster if the guide considers you ready. Experienced riders have been allowed to gallop, while beginners have received hands-on support.

That difference in pace is both a strength and a point to clarify. If you ride regularly, ask at the start what faster riding is available and under what conditions. If you are new to horses, do not feel pressured to match a confident companion. A quiet walk through the desert can be the best part of the trip.

The warm air and open view make this section appealing, but the sun can be hard on both riders and horses. Wear light clothing that covers your legs, use sun protection, and bring water even though water is listed as included. Closed shoes are a sensible choice. The supplied safety gear helps, but it does not replace your own judgment about heat and comfort.

Where the desert meets the Red Sea

The coastal part gives the ride its special shape. Instead of seeing only sand, you get the Red Sea on the horizon, with a breeze and the bright movement of water beside the dry interior. That change keeps the two-hour route from feeling like a single repetitive loop.

The sea also brings a calmer mood. The desert is quiet except for hooves, while the coast adds open light and air. You can pause mentally and take in the contrast: dry earth beneath you, glittering water ahead, and a horse carrying you between the two.

Several riders have been allowed to gallop along the beach or close to the shoreline. This is likely to be the highlight for confident riders, especially if you enjoy the feeling of speed and wind. It is not guaranteed for every person, though. Your pace depends on your riding ability, the guide’s judgment, and the horse assigned to you.

You should also manage expectations about ruins. The description refers to scattered ancient remains and the old feeling of the area, but this is not a dedicated archaeology tour. You may see traces of the past in the wider desert setting, but the main attraction is the combination of horse riding, sand, and sea.

Guides, control, and rider confidence

The guide can make or break a horseback outing. Didi is specifically praised for being kind and attentive, while Anita is described as a strong guide who helped riders feel comfortable. One group also appreciated that guides checked often to see if everything was all right and took the reins when extra help was needed.

That hands-on support is especially useful for first-time riders. You do not need to know every command before you arrive, but you should expect to listen closely and follow instructions. A calm guide can help you sit correctly, control the reins, and understand when to slow down.

English is the stated guide language. Yet one account said the guide did not speak English well enough. If clear verbal instruction is important to you, confirm this when arranging the ride or at pickup. You can also agree on simple signals for stopping, slowing, and changing pace before leaving the stable.

The most serious concern raised was that inexperienced riders were galloping within minutes. That is not appropriate for everyone. You are entitled to say no to a faster pace, and the guide should respect that choice. A safe ride is not measured by speed. For many people, a relaxed walk with time to look around will be more enjoyable.

Safety gear and the details to confirm

Safety gear is included, and helmets should be part of the preparation. However, one recent account said a helmet was provided only after it was requested. I would ask directly for a helmet before mounting, even if nobody offers one immediately.

The available information also refers to a 100-kilogram rider limit. One rider said this limit was not properly checked, which is a concern for both rider safety and horse welfare. If you are near or above that figure, contact the operator before booking and ask for the current policy. Do not assume that a lack of enforcement means the ride is suitable.

The horse’s condition matters just as much. Look for a clean, properly fitted saddle and a horse that has access to water. If the animal seems distressed by heat or unusually difficult to control, speak up before leaving.

These checks take only a few minutes. They also help you judge the operation for yourself rather than relying on a polished description. The best signs are clear instructions, properly fitted equipment, calm horses, and a guide who takes your ability seriously.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, the outing is reasonably priced for a three-hour activity with hotel pickup, a guide, horse rental, safety gear, and about two hours of riding. You are paying for more than a short photo stop, and the desert-to-sea route gives the activity real variety.

The value is strongest if you are staying in Hurghada and want a simple half-day addition without arranging transport yourself. Water is included, and the welcome drink is meant to be included as well, though I would verify it because one booking did not receive one.

The price does not include food. That is not a major issue for a three-hour trip, but eat before pickup if your hotel schedule allows. Do not expect lunch or a full stable visit as part of the package.

The ride may be especially good value for a mixed group. A confident rider can potentially gallop, while a beginner can receive closer support. The value drops if you want a long, advanced riding session, formal riding instruction, or a guaranteed beach gallop. This is a scenic group outing, not a private training lesson.

Who will enjoy this Makadi Bay ride

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a guided introduction rather than a full riding course.
• Couples or families who like outdoor activities and open views.
• Mixed-ability groups, provided everyone agrees on a comfortable pace.
• Experienced riders who want the chance to ride faster through desert and along the coast.
• Visitors based in Hurghada who value included hotel pickup.

I would be more cautious if you have no interest in horses, dislike heat, or need a fully controlled private ride. You should also check first if you are close to the stated weight limit, if helmet use is non-negotiable, or if you need detailed English instruction.

Photos and videos can be part of the appeal. One booking specifically praised the guides for making high-quality videos during the ride. This is not stated as a formal included service, so ask before assuming you will receive footage.

Booking, cancellation, and practical timing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also makes sense if your Hurghada plans may shift, since you can hold a place without paying at once.

Starting times vary, so check availability rather than assuming a fixed morning or afternoon departure. Hotel pickup is included, but the exact transfer schedule is part of the booking details.

Wear clothing that lets you move freely and covers your legs against the saddle. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and extra water are sensible additions. Keep your phone secure, especially if you plan to take pictures while riding.

Before setting off, ask four direct questions: Are helmets ready for everyone? Is water available for riders and horses? What pace will suit my ability? Does the 100-kilogram limit apply to this booking? Clear answers will tell you a lot about how the ride is managed.

Should you book it?

Book this Makadi Bay ride if you want a modestly priced outing that combines desert riding and Red Sea views in one compact trip. The strongest parts are the setting, the chance to choose a gentler or faster pace, and the personal care associated with guides such as Didi and Anita.

I would not book without confirming the safety details if you are a complete beginner, near the stated weight limit, or particular about helmets and horse welfare. The experience can be a lovely introduction to riding in Egypt, but the conflicting accounts show why a quick check before mounting matters.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding activity last?

The full activity lasts three hours, including pickup and return to Hurghada. About two hours are spent on horseback in Makadi Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from Hurghada. Wait at your hotel reception and look for a driver holding a sign with the name Gamila Horse.

What language does the guide speak?

The stated guide language is English. Because one recent account raised concerns about English communication, confirm this if detailed instructions are important to you.

What is included in the price?

The $35 price includes the horseback riding, a tour guide, water, safety gear, and a welcome drink. Food is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

The activity is presented as suitable for different ability levels, and some beginners have received close help from the guides. You should still explain your riding experience before starting and confirm the helmet and safety arrangements.