Hurghada: Camel Ride & horse ride and Off-Road Jeep Tour

Hurghada’s desert is at its best when you slow down enough to hear a camel’s soft footfall, then speed up again in a rattling jeep. This outing combines one hour on a camel with another hour on horseback, plus a farm visit that brings the desert setting to life with animals, a water wheel, and local refreshments.

I like the simple hospitality here: Arabian tea, coffee, and dates before the ride, followed by time to stop for photos. I also like the choice of timing. Sunrise gives you cool air, while the afternoon departure brings softer light and a sunset, with dinner and stargazing available.

The main caution is safety and comfort. Off-roading can be rough, and one account raised concerns about seat belts and a driver using a phone. The ride is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems, so ask sensible questions before booking.

Key points to know before you go

• Two full riding sections: Plan on about an hour by camel and another hour on horseback, though the actual riding time can vary.
• A real desert-farm setting: The stop includes horses, farm animals, a water wheel, and chances to see goats and other animals up close.
• Three departure windows: Start times are listed around 4:00 am, 8:00 am, and 3:00 or 4:00 pm, depending on the version you choose.
• Sunset adds the most atmosphere: The late outing can include dinner by candlelight, a fire, and stargazing.
• Good language coverage: Guides may speak Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, or Spanish. Nasser and Arabi are two guides praised for their explanations and friendly manner.
• Bring protection from sun and cold: Sunscreen and water matter in the daytime, while a sweater or jacket is useful after sunset in winter.

A desert outing with more than a camel ride

Many Hurghada desert trips offer a short camel photo stop and little else. This one gives you a longer riding program, a horse section, a farm visit, and an off-road drive. That makes the $47 price reasonable for a half-day package, especially since hotel transport, drinks, and both riding sessions are included.

The experience is run by Scorpion Safari and serves hotels in Hurghada, El Gouna, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay. Pickup and return are included, and the operator contacts you the day before to arrange the pickup time and transfer details.

The advertised duration ranges from two to five hours. That broad range matters. A basic daytime version can be fairly compact, while the late departure with dinner and stargazing may keep you out much longer. If you have a flight, dinner booking, or another excursion later that day, confirm the exact length before you pay.

Getting from the hotel to the desert

Your day begins with a hotel pickup. The exact pickup time depends on your resort and the chosen departure window, so do not assume the listed start time is the moment you leave your room.

The vehicle first heads through Hurghada and then toward the desert. There is a short stop at a station before the off-road section, giving you time to use the restroom or smoke. This is a small but useful detail, since facilities become much less certain once you are away from the main roads.

The drive then changes character. The itinerary includes about 30 minutes of dune bashing and off-road driving. Expect a lively ride rather than a quiet transfer. One account described loud music and very rough driving, which some people found thrilling and others found too intense. If you have neck, back, or motion issues, tell the driver and guide before setting off.

Safety deserves a clear word. The location is described as monitored by cameras and operated under international health and safety standards, but practical standards can still vary during transport. Check that your seat belt is available and fastened, and ask the driver to put the phone away while moving. A fun jeep ride is not worth an avoidable risk.

Tea, dates, and a short desert briefing

Before the riding begins, you stop at the desert farm or its welcome area. You receive Arabian tea, Arabian coffee, and dates, along with a short introduction and safety briefing.

This is a pleasant pause rather than a formal cultural presentation. The refreshments give you a taste of Bedouin-style hospitality, and the guide explains what is coming next. Some outings have included extra water and a simple Bedouin breakfast, though those additions should not be treated as guaranteed parts of every booking.

The break also gives you a chance to adjust clothing, apply sunscreen, and get comfortable with the heat. Wear trousers or long, light clothing for riding. Thin fabric protects your legs without becoming too warm, and closed, comfortable shoes are better than sandals.

A headscarf or cap is useful in the open desert. Head coverings may be available to buy, but one account found the price of about €4 per scarf high, so bring your own if you want one.

One hour between mountains and valleys by camel

The camel ride is the centerpiece for many people. You mount at the farm and head into the desert for about an hour, passing between mountains and valleys. The pace is steady and unhurried, which gives you time to look around and take pictures.

Camel riding is not a smooth, rocking carriage ride. The rise and descent when the animal stands or kneels can be surprisingly sharp, and the saddle can become uncomfortable after a while. Hold on as instructed, follow the guide’s directions, and do not treat the camel as a platform for risky photos.

The scheduled rest stops are useful. You can get off, stretch, drink water, and photograph the dry valleys and surrounding hills. At sunset, the higher ground becomes especially appealing for pictures. One outing included a photographer named Tommy, described as friendly and humorous, but photography services or printed images may involve an extra charge.

The animals are part of the experience, so pay attention to how the handlers work with them. A particularly memorable detail from the farm is the chance to see camels, horses, goats, and other animals at close range. One camel was seen showing clear affection toward its handler, which added a welcome personal touch to what could otherwise feel like a standard tourist ride.

Horse riding through the valleys

After the camel section, you switch to horses for another scheduled hour. The route continues through valleys and open desert, offering a different feel from the camel ride.

A horse gives you a faster, more active ride, although the group pace and your own riding ability will shape the experience. This is not presented as an advanced riding lesson or a long independent gallop. Follow the guide and stay with the group.

Families may find this part exciting, but children need close attention and adults should be honest about their comfort level. Some participants have found 30 minutes on each animal enough, even though the program lists an hour for both the camel and horse sections. If you are new to riding, the full schedule may feel tiring, especially in summer.

The afternoon option can be the best compromise for families. The sun is less harsh than at midday, yet there is still enough light for photographs. In winter, sunset becomes cold quickly, so bring a proper cardigan, sweater, or light jacket rather than relying on a thin shirt.

The farm, animals, and water wheel

The farm visit gives the outing more substance than a simple ride out and back. You can see horses and farm animals, and the water wheel adds a useful glimpse of how water and animals fit into life in an arid place.

Depending on the day, you may see small goats that can be fed or held, along with other animals around the farm. The setting is basic rather than polished, which is part of its appeal. You are seeing a working-style animal area, not a city zoo or a staged museum.

There may also be a small shop selling herbs, bracelets, and handmade bags. The shopping stop appears to be low-pressure, but you should still bring only the money you want to spend. The main value of the farm is the chance to see the animals and meet the people caring for them, not the retail section.

Choosing sunrise, morning, or sunset

The early departure, listed around 4:00 am, is for people who want sunrise and the coolest possible desert air. It demands an early start, but morning light can be excellent for photographs and the heat is easier to manage.

The 8:00 am departure is the straightforward daytime choice. You avoid the middle of the night while still reaching the desert early. It suits anyone who wants the riding and farm visit without making dinner and astronomy the center of the day.

The 3:00 or 4:00 pm departure is the most atmospheric. You ride as the light softens, then may watch the sunset from the desert. The late program can include dinner, candlelight, a campfire, and stargazing. Guide Arabi has been praised for explaining the constellations, while Nasser has been singled out for enthusiastic talks about the stars and the nearby Bedouin village.

The evening extension changes the value of the tour. At $47, the basic riding program is fairly priced because transport and refreshments are included. With dinner and stargazing, you get a longer desert evening for the same general package price, though you should confirm exactly what is included in your selected departure.

Dinner and stars after dark

The sunset version does not end when you dismount. Dinner may be served under the stars, sometimes with candles and a fire. Several meals have been described as tasty, but no detailed menu is supplied, so do not book this as a food-focused excursion.

The dark desert sky is the real reward. Away from the hotel lights, the constellations become much easier to see. This is a guided viewing rather than a full astronomy course, but a good guide can turn a simple look upward into a memorable part of the night.

The temperature can drop after sunset, particularly in winter. The Netherlands account gave a useful warning: dusk and sunset can feel surprisingly cold, even after a warm day. Pack a layer and keep it with you rather than leaving it in the hotel transfer vehicle.

How the guides shape the day

Language is one of the stronger practical features. Guides may work in Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, or Spanish, and the operator says a small group is available.

The best accounts of the outing give credit to the people running it. Nasser is known for his lively star explanations and for showing visitors around the Bedouin village. Arabi has been praised for making the constellation session interesting. Tommy, the photographer, has been described as friendly and funny during sunset pictures.

Guide quality still depends on the group and the day. Ask questions early, especially about how long you will ride, where the rest stops are, and whether dinner and stargazing are part of your version. A good guide can make the farm feel personal. A rushed guide can make the same stop feel like a series of queues.

What to bring and what to wear

Pack light, but pack the right things:

• Comfortable closed shoes
• Long, light trousers or other desert-suitable clothing
• Sunscreen
• A bottle of water
• A hat or scarf
• A sweater or jacket for sunset and winter departures
• A phone or camera with enough battery for the full outing

Water, drinks, and dates are included, but bringing personal water is still sensible. The sun reflects off the pale ground, and you can become dehydrated without noticing during a slow camel ride.

Avoid clothing that can snag on saddles or equipment. Comfortable shoes matter more than fashionable footwear, especially during the farm walk and the transitions between camel, horse, and jeep.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. Off-roading and animal riding can both produce jolts, and mounting or dismounting may be difficult for anyone with limited mobility. The supplied information does not list a wheelchair-accessibility program.

Is $47 good value?

For $47 per person, you receive hotel pickup and drop-off, the off-road transfer, a one-hour camel ride, a one-hour horse ride, a farm tour, and Arabic tea, coffee, dates, and other drinks. That is a solid package if you want several desert activities in one outing.

The value becomes stronger for the sunset version if dinner and stargazing are included. You are not paying only for a short camel photo stop. You are buying transport, two kinds of riding, time at the farm, and potentially an entire evening in the desert.

The tradeoff is that the program is active and somewhat rough around the edges. This is not a luxury desert camp with polished facilities and a quiet private vehicle. The jeep can be loud and bumpy, the riding may feel tiring, and group timing can affect how much freedom you have.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve without paying immediately make the booking less risky. Pickup arrangements are normally confirmed the day before. Still, ask for the exact pickup time and whether your chosen departure includes dinner before you finalize your plans.

Who should book this desert tour?

I would choose this for you if you want variety. The combination of camel, horse, jeep, animals, farm life, and stars gives you more to remember than a single short ride.

Families with older children may enjoy the afternoon or sunset option, especially if they prefer cooler temperatures and want photographs in the evening light. The experience has been enjoyed by children, but adults should judge each child’s comfort with rough driving and animal riding.

It also suits first-time desert visitors who want a guided introduction without arranging separate transport, riding, and dinner. The multilingual guide support is helpful for mixed-language groups.

I would be cautious if you dislike bumpy vehicles, have a back problem, are pregnant, or want a quiet and highly controlled outing. I would also avoid booking it on a day when you need to protect your body for another demanding excursion.

Final verdict: book it for variety and sunset atmosphere

This is a good-value Hurghada desert outing with a clear strength: it packs several experiences into one manageable trip. The camel ride, horse ride, farm animals, and off-road drive give you plenty of activity, while the tea, dates, sunset, dinner, and stars add a human and atmospheric side.

Book the late departure if you want the strongest overall setting and can handle a long day. Choose sunrise if you want cooler conditions and bright morning light. Choose the daytime option if you want the core activities without the evening program.

At 4.7 out of 5 from 20 ratings, it has a strong record, but keep your expectations practical. The ride may be rough, the facilities are simple, and transport safety deserves your attention. For an active, friendly desert day at $47, I think it is worth booking, provided you are comfortable with the physical demands and confirm the exact program before leaving your hotel.

FAQ

Where does the tour pick up and drop off?

Pickup and drop-off are available in Safaga, El Gouna, Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay. The operator contacts you the day before to arrange the pickup time and transfer details.

How long does the activity last?

The advertised duration is between two and five hours. The exact length depends on the departure and whether you choose the sunset version with dinner and stargazing.

How long are the camel and horse rides?

The program includes a one-hour camel ride and a one-hour horse ride. Rest and photo stops take place during the riding sections.

What refreshments are included?

You receive Arabian tea, Arabian coffee, dates, and drinks. The late departure may also include dinner, but confirm that dinner is included in your selected option.

What departure times are available?

The listed departure windows are around 4:00 am, 8:00 am, and 3:00 or 4:00 pm. The early option is suited to sunrise, while the late option can include sunset, dinner, and stargazing.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems because it includes off-roading, camel riding, and horse riding.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water. Long, light clothing is useful in the desert, and a sweater or jacket is recommended for cold evenings and winter sunset departures.