El Gouna: Desert & Sea Horse Riding With Swimming Optional

The most unusual part of this El Gouna-area outing is the change of scenery beneath the saddle. You ride across sandy desert paths, then head toward the Red Sea, with sunrise, afternoon, and sunset departures offering very different moods. The optional swim with your horse is available only on the four-hour VIP ride, not on the standard two-hour trip.

I like the way the team introduces you to the horse before riding, including washing, grooming, and feeding. I also like the small-group format and the effort to match riders by ability. Beginners get a calmer start, while stronger riders have a better chance of finding their pace. The main catch is location: the stable is in Makadi, not central El Gouna, and a shared group ride may limit faster riding.

Key points at a glance

• Ride from desert paths to the Red Sea: The scenery changes from open sand and valleys to seaside views.
• Choose your pace carefully: Riders are grouped by ability, but shared groups are guided at a steady pace rather than run like a riding lesson or race.
• The four-hour VIP option includes the horse swim: Standard two-hour rides do not include swimming.
• Sunrise brings the Oriental breakfast: The breakfast is offered only on the 5:00 AM departure.
• Sunset adds dinner and stargazing: The evening option includes a desert meal and live performance after the ride.
• Check the location before booking: Despite the El Gouna title, the riding base is in the Makadi area.

From hotel pickup to the stable in Makadi

This is best viewed as a half-day outing, not simply a two-hour ride. The riding time may be two or four hours, but pickup, transport, arrival time, and the pre-ride briefing bring the full activity to roughly three to five hours.

If you select transport, an air-conditioned vehicle collects you from your hotel. Pickup is usually scheduled around zero to one hour before the chosen start time, with the exact time sent the day before. Keep your phone connected to WhatsApp, since that is the main way the team sends updates.

Travel time depends heavily on your resort. From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, allow around 25 to 30 minutes. Central Hurghada takes about 40 to 45 minutes. From El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa, the journey can take up to an hour.

That detail matters. If you are staying in El Gouna, the name of the activity may suggest a nearby stable, but the base is in Makadi. A private transfer can make the journey more comfortable, though it costs extra. If you prefer to handle transport yourself, the entry-only option lets you arrive independently.

At the stable, you have about 15 minutes to rest before the program begins. Your guide meets you at the entrance and can be contacted by phone or WhatsApp if you have trouble finding the meeting point.

Meeting the horse before the ride

The introduction is one of the better parts of the program. Before you set off, the staff explains the safety rules and gives you an introduction to your horse. You can learn how to wash, groom, and feed the animal, which gives the experience more substance than simply climbing into a saddle for photographs.

A short driving test is also part of the preparation. Helmets are provided and must be worn throughout the ride. Safety equipment is available on request, though I would confirm the details at the stable and make sure your helmet fits properly before leaving.

The horses are described as trained for all riding levels. The practical advantage for a beginner is clear: you do not need to arrive as an experienced rider. One recent two-hour outing included a first-time rider who managed well because the horse was well trained and the guide kept a close eye on her.

Still, this is a guided outdoor ride, not a private riding lesson. You will receive basic instructions and supervision, but the schedule is built around moving through the desert with a group. If you have never ridden before, expect a calm introduction rather than advanced coaching.

The horses have received some of the strongest praise connected with this activity. They have been described as clean and well cared for, rather than thin or poorly kept. That is important in Egypt, where standards can vary between stables. I would still take a moment to look at your horse, ask questions, and tell the guide immediately if you feel uncomfortable.

Two hours through desert and forest paths

The standard ride lasts two hours. Routes can pass through sandy valleys, open desert plains, and forest paths before heading toward the Red Sea. The appeal is the contrast: you are not looking at the same stretch of sand for the entire outing.

The desert gives you wide views and a quiet sense of space. The forest paths provide a more enclosed route, while the seaside section changes the color and feel of the ride. Photo stops are built into the program, so you should have moments to pause rather than trying to take pictures while handling the horse.

The pace depends on the group. Riders are sorted by ability, which helps keep beginners comfortable. If you book a shared ride, though, do not expect long stretches of fast riding. A group must stay together, and a faster rider can pull the party apart. One person who wanted more speed found that this was difficult in a group setting.

That is not necessarily a flaw. For many people, a steady walking ride is safer and more relaxing, especially in unfamiliar terrain. If you have substantial riding experience and want more freedom, ask about a private tour before booking. A private guide is available for an extra fee.

The guides are English-speaking and are there to manage safety while adding cultural information about the area. The pace is intended to be comfortable, not competitive. You should tell the guide your riding level at the start rather than waiting until you are already on the trail.

Sunrise, afternoon, or sunset

The time of day changes this outing more than you might expect.

The 5:00 AM sunrise ride is the special choice for early risers. The desert is cooler and quieter, and the first light gives the sandy routes a softer look. This is also the only departure that includes the Oriental breakfast. If breakfast matters to you, do not assume it comes with every morning ride. Choose the sunrise option specifically.

An afternoon ride works well if you want a simpler schedule. It avoids the very early pickup and leaves the morning free for your hotel or another activity. The desert can be hotter, so bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable clothing. On windy days, long sleeves or longer trousers help protect you from blowing sand.

The sunset ride is the most event-filled option. After riding through the desert as the light fades, you continue with an Oriental dinner, a live performance, and stargazing. The combination makes the evening feel more like a full desert program than a plain riding excursion.

Stargazing depends on conditions and the amount of light around the site, so I would treat it as a pleasant addition rather than the sole reason to book. The real draw is the change from daylight riding to a desert meal and evening show.

The VIP four-hour ride and horse swim

The four-hour VIP option is the one to choose if the swim is your main goal. It is a private ride with a stop in the Red Sea where you can swim with your horse. This is a rare feature and the clearest reason to pay more than the basic $26 starting price.

The swim is not part of the regular two-hour ride. It is also not included in the quad bike and horse combination. Check the exact option name before paying, since several packages use similar wording but include different extras.

A four-hour ride requires more stamina than a short introductory outing. You should be comfortable sitting on a horse for an extended period and bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes if needed. The supplied information does not specify changing facilities, so pack lightly and ask the team about practical arrangements before setting out.

The VIP format also solves the main weakness of a shared ride: pace. With a private group, the guide can focus more closely on your ability and schedule. That makes it a better fit for couples, confident riders, or anyone who wants the horse swim without being tied to a large group’s speed.

The quad bike and horse combination

The double-adventure option pairs one hour of quad biking with one hour on horseback. It is scheduled in the cooler morning hours, which is sensible for two outdoor activities in the desert.

This option is a good match if you want variety and are less interested in a long period in the saddle. You get the motorized desert experience followed by a shorter, quieter ride. The tradeoff is that you do not receive the full two-hour horseback route, and the option does not include the Red Sea swim.

I would choose the combo for a first visit to Hurghada when you want to sample more than one activity. If horses are your main interest, spend the full two hours riding instead.

What the $26 price really covers

At $26 per person, the basic experience can offer good value, especially for a two-hour ride with a safety briefing, guide, helmet, desert and seaside routes, and photo stops. The price is more attractive if your hotel is nearby and you do not need a private transfer.

Do not treat $26 as the price of every version. Shared hotel transport, private transfers, the four-hour VIP ride, the sunset dinner and show, the sunrise breakfast, and the quad bike combination are separate choices. The final cost depends on which package you select.

I see the best value in the standard two-hour ride for a beginner or casual rider. It gives you a real introduction without requiring a full day. The best value for a couple may be the private four-hour package if the horse swim is a priority, since the private setting also removes some of the pace problems found in a shared group.

Personal expenses and private guide fees are not included. Bring only what you need, since large bags, luggage, jewelry, alcohol, drugs, and pets are not allowed. Leave valuables at your hotel.

Comfort, clothing, and safety

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can handle dust and sand. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are essential. Swimwear is useful only if you have booked the VIP swim option, but it is still worth packing if your selected plan includes a Red Sea stop.

Longer clothing helps on windy days, when sand can blow across the route. A helmet is supplied and must remain on during the ride. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle.

This activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds. These limits are important because riding places repeated pressure on the back and requires you to mount and dismount a horse.

The team conducts safety instructions and a short riding test before departure. Tell the guide your honest ability level. The safest and most enjoyable ride is one where the staff knows if you are a complete beginner, an occasional rider, or someone comfortable at faster speeds.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the standard ride to couples, solo visitors, and families with suitable older children who want a quiet desert activity instead of a loud motor tour. The horse care and introductory session add a personal touch, while the Red Sea section gives the outing more variety than a simple stable loop.

Beginners are well served by the trained horses, safety briefing, and ability-based grouping. Still, beginners should choose a shared ride only if they are happy with a measured pace. You may find the group too slow if you already ride regularly.

The sunset version suits anyone who wants dinner and entertainment along with the ride. Early risers should choose the 5:00 AM departure for the Oriental breakfast. Confident riders and couples who want the swim should consider the private four-hour option.

I would be cautious about booking this if you are staying far from Makadi and dislike long transfers. The journey can reach an hour from several resort areas. I would also avoid it if you want a fast, athletic riding session, since the standard group format is controlled by the least experienced rider.

Should you book this horse ride?

Book it if you want a relaxed way to combine Egypt’s desert and Red Sea settings, and if you value a gentle introduction to the horses. The strongest reasons are the cared-for animals, helpful guides, small groups, and range of departure times.

Choose the package carefully. The basic two-hour ride does not include swimming, the sunrise breakfast is limited to the 5:00 AM departure, and the location is in Makadi rather than directly in El Gouna. For the most distinctive version, pay for the private four-hour ride with the horse swim. For the simplest and best-priced introduction, select the two-hour option and accept a steady group pace.

FAQ

Where is the horse-riding base located?

The riding base is in the Makadi area, even though the activity is presented as an El Gouna experience. Travel time can be about 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, 40 to 45 minutes from central Hurghada, and up to an hour from El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa.

How long does the activity last?

The overall activity takes about three to five hours, depending on the option and transfers. The standard horse ride lasts two hours, while the VIP ride with a swim stop lasts four hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select an option with shared transfer. You can also choose entry only and reach the base independently. Private transfers cost extra.

Is swimming with the horse included in every ride?

No. The horse swim is included only with the four-hour VIP horse-riding option. It is not included with the standard two-hour ride or the quad bike and horse combination.

Is breakfast included?

The Oriental breakfast is offered only with the 5:00 AM sunrise ride. It is not included with every departure time.

Are beginners allowed to join?

Yes. Horses are trained for all riding levels, and riders are grouped by ability. A safety briefing and short riding test take place before the ride.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. Bring swimwear if you have booked an option with a Red Sea swim. Long clothing can help protect you from sand on windy days.

Who cannot participate?

Pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and people over 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds, cannot participate.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available, depending on the booking choice.