El Gouna: Desert & Sea Horse Riding With Swimming Optional

El Gouna’s desert looks best from horseback, where sandy tracks, open plains, and the Red Sea shift around you at a calm, human pace. I like the chance to groom and feed the horse before riding, and I like that beginners are grouped separately from stronger riders. The main catch is location: the stable is in Makadi, not El Gouna, so the drive can be longer than the name suggests.

I also like the choice of formats. You can book a simple two-hour ride, add a shared transfer, choose a sunrise breakfast, or pay more for a private four-hour ride with a swim stop. Group rides are friendly and good value, but a recent practical complaint is worth noting: faster riding can be limited when the group has mixed abilities.

Key points at a glance

• Ride from desert tracks to the Red Sea: The scenery changes from sandy valleys and plains to seaside riding.
• Beginner-friendly horses and guides: A safety briefing, short driving test, and skill-based groups help new riders settle in.
• Swimming is not part of the standard tour: You need the four-hour VIP option for the horse swim stop.
• Sunrise and sunset change the whole mood: The early ride includes an Oriental breakfast, while the sunset program adds dinner, a show, and stargazing.
• The stable is in Makadi: Allow roughly 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, 40 to 45 minutes from Hurghada, and up to an hour from El Gouna and farther resorts.
• Small groups offer a more personal ride: Private tours cost extra, but they are the better choice if pace and individual attention matter.

What the $26 price really gets you

At about $26 per person, the standard two-hour ride is priced as an accessible Red Sea activity rather than a luxury horse excursion. That makes it useful for a mixed holiday group: one person can try riding for the first time without committing to a full day, while an experienced rider still gets a proper outing beyond the hotel grounds.

The value depends on the option you choose. A two-hour ride with shared transport covers the main riding program and hotel pickup and drop-off from major resorts. The entry-only ticket costs less in terms of what it includes, but you must reach the stable yourself. If you are already nearby or have your own transport, that can make sense. If not, the transfer is a practical part of the price.

The four-hour VIP ride is a different purchase. It is designed as a private outing and includes the rare chance to swim with your horse in the Red Sea. You should not compare its price directly with the basic ride because it offers twice the riding time, private attention, and the swim stop.

The quad and horse combination is aimed at people who want variety rather than a slower, more focused riding session. One hour on a quad bike followed by one hour on horseback gives you two ways to see the desert, though neither activity receives the same amount of time as a dedicated two-hour ride.

Arriving at the Makadi stable

The first planning detail is also the easiest to miss: this activity is marketed for El Gouna, but the stable is in Makadi. From Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, the transfer takes about 25 to 30 minutes. From central Hurghada, allow 40 to 45 minutes. From El Gouna, Soma Bay, Safaga, or Al Ahyaa, the drive can take up to an hour.

Shared transfers are included only when you select an option with transport. Pickup usually happens between zero and one hour before the chosen start time, with the exact time sent the day before. You should wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time and keep your phone connected to WhatsApp for updates.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters in Egypt’s heat. A private transfer is available for an extra fee if you prefer not to collect several hotels along the way. Bring only what you need. Large bags, luggage, jewelry, pets, smoking in the vehicle, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.

At the stable, you have about 15 minutes to rest before the ride begins. Your guide greets you at the entrance, and you can use WhatsApp or the phone contact if you have trouble finding the meeting point. This short pause is useful after the drive and gives you time to prepare without rushing.

Meeting your horse before the ride

The program does not simply place you on a horse and send you into the desert. You receive a safety briefing, meet the horse, and take part in a short driving test before the main ride. Helmets are provided and must be worn for the full outing.

I especially like the practical introduction to horse care. You learn how to wash, groom, and feed the horse. That gives the activity a more personal feel than a quick mounted photo stop, and it helps first-time riders understand how to behave around a large animal.

The horses are described as trained for all levels, and riders are grouped by ability. That is important for a beginner who may want a steady pace and clear support. It also helps experienced riders avoid spending the whole ride waiting for someone who has never handled a horse.

Still, you should set your expectations correctly. This is a guided adventure, not a racing session. Group pace is controlled for safety, and a mixed group may not allow much fast riding. If you want more freedom over pace, a private tour is the better choice.

Two hours across desert and sea

The standard ride usually combines several types of scenery. You might cross sandy valleys, pass over open desert plains, follow forest paths, and head toward the Red Sea. The appeal is the change of setting: instead of looking at the desert from a vehicle, you move through it slowly enough to notice its texture and silence.

The desert portion is the strongest part for many riders. You get broad views and a feeling of space, with the horse’s movement setting the rhythm. The guides lead the route and keep watch over the group, adding local context as you go.

Near the water, the mood changes. Riding beside the Red Sea brings a cooler, more open feeling, and it gives you the best chance for photographs. Photo stops are included, but the quality and amount of time depend on the group size and pace. In a larger group, the guide has to make sure nobody is left behind, so you should not expect a private photo session at every stop.

The basic two-hour program does not include swimming. This is a common point of confusion, especially because the tour title mentions sea riding and the longer options include water activities. If getting into the Red Sea with your horse is central to your plans, select the four-hour VIP option rather than assuming the standard ride includes it.

Choosing sunrise, afternoon, or sunset

The time of day changes the character of the ride more than you might expect. The 5:00 AM sunrise departure is the quietest and coolest choice. Early light spreads over the desert, and the Oriental breakfast is available only with this departure. If breakfast matters to you, choosing any other morning time will not provide the same add-on.

Sunrise also makes sense during hot months because you begin before the strongest heat. You will need to wake early and arrange your hotel routine around the pickup, but the cooler air can make the ride more comfortable.

An afternoon ride offers a more relaxed schedule. It works well if you do not want a pre-dawn start or if your hotel plans fill the morning. The desert takes on softer colors later in the day, and the Red Sea route gives you a pleasant change from a pool or beach afternoon.

The sunset option is the fullest evening program. You ride as the light fades, then continue with an Oriental dinner, live performance, and stargazing in the desert. This is more than a horse ride, so it suits you if you want a complete evening rather than the shortest possible activity.

The tradeoff is time. A dinner and show program takes longer than the basic two-hour outing, and the return to your hotel may be later. You should also remember that the dinner and stargazing format is separate from the VIP ride with swimming. Check the exact option before booking so you do not pay for the wrong combination.

The four-hour VIP swim stop

The VIP option is the most distinctive version of the activity. It provides a four-hour private ride and a swim stop with your horse in the Red Sea. That extra time allows the outing to feel less like a scheduled loop and more like a private day in the desert.

Swimming with a horse is the feature that sets this option apart, but it also requires more preparation. Bring swimwear, a towel if the operator permits one, sunscreen, and a change of comfortable clothes. Jewelry is not allowed, so leave watches and valuables at your hotel.

You should also consider your riding comfort. Four hours on horseback is a serious commitment, even at a relaxed pace. The standard restrictions exclude people with back problems, mobility impairments, or a body weight over 110 kilograms. Pregnant women cannot participate.

The VIP ride is best for confident riders, couples, or families who value privacy and want the water stop to be the main event. It is not automatically the best deal for everyone. If you mainly want desert scenery and a first taste of horseback riding, two hours is enough and costs less.

What the combination tour adds

The quad and horse combo gives you one hour on a quad bike and one hour on horseback, usually in the cooler morning hours. I see this as a good choice for someone who gets bored doing one activity for too long or wants to compare motorized and animal-powered ways of seeing the desert.

The two halves feel quite different. A quad bike gives you a faster, more mechanical ride, while the horse section is slower and more dependent on the group. You will not get the full two-hour horseback route, so choose this option for variety, not for extended time with the horses.

It may also suit friends with different interests. One person can enjoy the quad portion while another appreciates the horse ride, though both follow the same combined schedule. The supplied details do not promise a swim stop with this package, so you should not book it expecting time in the Red Sea.

Group size, pace, and the private upgrade

Small groups are one of the better features of the standard program. They allow the guide to watch each rider, explain instructions, and keep the outing more personal. This matters most if you are new to horses or feel unsure about controlling one.

The horses have received strong praise for being well cared for and well trained. That is a meaningful part of the value. A calm, properly maintained horse can make a first ride feel manageable, while poor animal care would quickly spoil the outing.

The main group limitation is speed. In a shared ride, the guide must keep the group together. If riders have very different abilities, faster riding may be restricted. You can request a private guide or private transfer for an additional cost, and the private format is the clearest answer if you want a more flexible pace.

I would choose private service for a special occasion, a couple who already rides, or anyone unhappy with the idea of moving at the slowest group pace. For a first-time rider, a small shared group may actually provide the right amount of structure.

What to wear and what to leave behind

Wear comfortable clothes that allow your legs to move freely. Comfortable shoes are required, along with sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. On windy days, long clothing helps protect you from blowing sand.

Bring swimwear only if you have chosen an option that includes swimming, especially the four-hour VIP program. Keep your belongings to a minimum because large bags and luggage are not permitted. Leave jewelry and valuables at your hotel.

The sun can feel strong even when the air is pleasant. Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and sand, while long sleeves can be useful in windy conditions. Helmets are supplied, but you must wear one throughout the ride.

The activity is offered with an English-speaking guide. Pickup is available from accommodation when selected, and entry-only booking lets you arrange your own way to the stable. You should confirm the exact start time and pickup details the day before.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this activity to you if you want a gentle outdoor break from resort life and like the idea of seeing both desert and sea in one outing. It suits beginners because of the safety briefing, test drive, trained horses, and skill-based grouping.

It is also a good fit for couples who want a sunset ride and dinner, families with suitable participants, and experienced riders who choose the private option. The grooming and feeding session adds a useful touch for anyone interested in horses rather than simply wanting a mounted photograph.

I would be cautious if you dislike early starts, long transfers, or organized group pacing. The location can be up to an hour from some resorts, and the standard ride does not include swimming. People with back problems, mobility impairments, or a body weight above 110 kilograms cannot take part, and pregnant women are not permitted to ride.

The overall rating of 4.3 from 43 reviews reflects a generally positive experience with a few practical limits. The strongest points are the friendly staff, well-kept horses, helpful guides, straightforward pickup, and comfort beginners receive. One poor experience focused on dissatisfaction with the photos, while another pointed out the Makadi location and the lack of fast riding in a group. Those are fair reasons to read the inclusions carefully and choose private service when needed.

Should you book it?

Book this ride if you want an easygoing way to combine Hurghada’s desert with the Red Sea, especially if you are new to horseback riding. The $26 standard option offers good value for two hours, a safety introduction, horse care, a guide, and optional shared transport.

Choose the sunrise ride if you want the Oriental breakfast, the sunset package if dinner and stargazing appeal to you, and the VIP four-hour option if swimming with your horse is the main reason for going. If you are an experienced rider who wants speed, do not rely on a shared group. Pay for the private format or choose another activity built around faster riding.

FAQ

Is the horseback ride located in El Gouna?

The stable is in Makadi, not El Gouna. Transfer time can reach about one hour from El Gouna, while the ride is around 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh and 40 to 45 minutes from central Hurghada.

Does the standard two-hour ride include swimming?

No. Swimming with your horse is included only in the four-hour VIP horse-riding option with a swim stop.

Is an Oriental breakfast included?

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

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included when you select an option with shared transfer. Entry-only booking requires you to reach the stable independently, and private transfers are available for an extra fee.

Can beginners join the horseback ride?

Yes. The program includes a safety briefing and short driving test, and riders are grouped by skill. The horses are trained for different levels, and the activity is guided at a relaxed pace.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Bring swimwear for an option that includes swimming. Large bags, luggage, jewelry, pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.