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

Hurghada’s desert is at its best when you are not simply looking at it from a jeep window. This tour puts you in the saddle twice: first on a camel between mountain valleys, then on a horse across the same open desert. The bumpy jeep ride, farm stop, and sunset light give the outing a more varied feel than a standard dune trip.

I like the two full riding sessions, since one hour on a camel and one hour on a horse lets you compare two very different ways of moving through the desert. I also like the simple welcome of Arabian tea, coffee, and dates, plus the chance to see goats, camels, horses, and a water wheel at the farm.

The main caution is safety and comfort. Off-road driving can be rough, and one report noted a vehicle without seat belts and a driver using a phone. You should also avoid this trip if you are pregnant or have back problems.

Key details at a glance

• Two one-hour rides: Start with a camel ride, then ride a horse through desert valleys.
• A lively off-road transfer: The jeep section lasts about 30 minutes and can feel more like a rough amusement ride than a quiet transfer.
• A real pause at the farm: See animals, horses, a water wheel, and enjoy tea, coffee, dates, and other refreshments.
• Three useful departure choices: Pick a 4 a.m. sunrise start, an 8 a.m. morning trip, or a 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. afternoon and evening option.
• Sunset and stars: The later program can include dinner, a campfire setting, and stargazing after the riding.
• Pickup from five resort areas: Transfers are offered from Hurghada, El Gouna, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh.

From your hotel to the Hurghada desert

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel. The service covers Hurghada, El Gouna, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh, and the operator contacts you the day before with your pickup time and transfer details.

That advance message matters. Hotel areas around the Red Sea are spread out, so your actual day will be longer than the listed activity time if you are staying outside central Hurghada. The advertised duration ranges from two to five hours, but some departures, especially those with dinner and stargazing, can run longer. One family reported spending about five and a half hours at the desert site, with roughly an hour each way between the hotel and farm.

The first stop is a station before the desert. You can use the restroom or smoke there, so take the opportunity. Once you enter the desert, facilities become much less certain, and you will be spending long stretches outdoors.

A rough 30-minute jeep ride

The jeep takes you across the desert toward the farm. This is described as dune bashing and an off-road adventure, not a smooth shuttle ride. Some people enjoy the loud music, jolts, and fast turns. One family found it exciting in an amusement-ride sort of way, while another raised a fair concern about the lack of seat belts and distracted driving.

I would treat this part as a genuine comfort and safety consideration. If you have a bad back, are pregnant, or simply dislike rough vehicle rides, this tour is not a good match. Sit where you feel most secure, keep loose items packed away, and ask the driver to slow down if the ride becomes too aggressive.

The jeep ride also sets the mood. This is not a silent nature outing. It has a social, energetic style, with music and a group atmosphere. That can be fun for families and friends, but less appealing if you want a calm private ride across empty sand.

Tea, coffee, dates, and a short safety briefing

At the desert stop or farm, you receive Arabian tea, Arabian coffee, and dates. These are modest refreshments, but they make the pause feel connected to local desert hospitality rather than just a quick equipment change.

There is also a guided introduction and safety briefing before the riding begins. Use this time to ask about the order of the camel and horse rides, the length of the photo stops, and what happens if you need a break. Guides may speak Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, or Spanish, and small groups are available.

The guides are one of the stronger parts of the outing. Nasser received particular praise for explaining the stars and showing the Bedouin village during an evening program. Arabi was singled out for making the constellation talk interesting. These names may not be available on every departure, but they give you an idea of the guide-led character of the experience.

One hour on a camel between mountain valleys

The camel ride is scheduled for about one hour. You move between desert mountains and valleys, with stops to rest and take photographs. Those pauses matter because camel riding can be tiring, especially if you have never done it before.

A camel’s rolling gait puts pressure on different parts of your body than horse riding. Wear trousers or long, light clothing, and choose shoes that stay secure. The desert sun can be strong even when the air feels pleasant, so sunscreen and water are essential. The operator includes drinks and dates, but you should still carry water for the riding itself.

The scenery is simple but effective: pale sand, rocky slopes, open valleys, and changing light. The sunrise and sunset departures give the desert more color and texture than the bright middle of the day. Sunset is especially useful for photographs, with one stop described as a good point for views and family pictures.

Animal interaction is part of the farm setting, but do not expect a full wildlife program. The focus is riding. You may see camels, horses, goats, and other farm animals, and some departures include the chance to feed small animals. The farm also has a water wheel, which gives the stop a more lived-in feel than a bare staging area.

A second hour on horseback

After the camel ride, you change to horses for roughly one hour through the valleys. This sequence is a good reason to choose this tour instead of a camel-only outing. The horse feels quicker and more direct, while the camel is slower and higher, so the contrast keeps the afternoon from becoming repetitive.

Riding ability is not specified in the tour details, so you should not assume an advanced riding program. This is presented as a guided desert ride, not a technical lesson or long-distance equestrian trek. Listen closely to the guide, follow the pace set for the group, and tell the staff if you are uncomfortable.

Families can find the riding manageable, but children’s comfort will vary. One family with two children found a shorter period on each animal sufficient, even though the scheduled program allows an hour for each ride. If your children are young or new to riding, ask whether the staff can adjust the time rather than assuming you must stay in the saddle for the full hour.

The desert light is often the highlight of the horse ride on the afternoon schedule. Riding back as the sun drops gives the outing a clear visual ending, especially when the route reaches a higher viewpoint. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from dust and keep your hands free while mounted.

The farm, animals, and Bedouin-style welcome

The farm tour fills in the gaps between the riding sessions. You can see horses and farm animals, watch the care of the animals, and visit the water wheel. This is a useful stop for anyone who wants more than a packaged ride through empty desert.

Some departures may include extra food or contact with the village. A breakfast prepared by village women was provided on one outing, along with a small shop selling herbs, bracelets, and bags. The shop was described as informative rather than pushy, but shopping is not the central promise of the tour, and you should not count on those extras appearing every time.

The animal setting also gives families something to do while others take photographs or rest. Small goats have been available on some trips for feeding and handling. The exact animal activities can vary, so think of them as possible additions to the farm visit rather than guaranteed separate attractions.

Choosing sunrise, morning, sunset, or stars

The four listed start times give this tour a useful range:

• 4 a.m. sunrise: Best for cooler air and early desert light. You will need to be ready for a very early hotel pickup.
• 8 a.m. morning: A straightforward choice if you want daylight without the late finish.
• 3 p.m. afternoon: A good family option during hot months, since the strongest heat has eased by the riding time.
• 4 p.m. sunset and evening: The fullest version, often adding dinner, a campfire atmosphere, and stargazing.

Sunset is the most praised timing for the combination of camel, horse, and photography. Winter evenings can become surprisingly cold, especially around dusk, so pack long trousers and a sweater, cardigan, or light jacket. Summer riders should focus on thin, breathable clothing, a hat or scarf, sunscreen, and water.

The evening option adds a second act after the riding. Dinner is served in a candlelit or campfire setting, and a guide may explain constellations away from the bright lights of the resort. If the sky is clear, the desert gives you a much better view of the stars than Hurghada’s hotel strip.

What the $47 price really covers

At $47 per person, the price is strong if you use the full package. You are paying for hotel pickup and return, the jeep transfer, one hour on a camel, one hour on a horse, a farm tour, drinks, dates, and guiding. That is a lot of moving parts for a half-day desert outing.

The value depends heavily on the departure you choose. A short morning trip may focus on the rides and farm, while the afternoon and evening schedule can add sunset, dinner, and stargazing. Check the exact option before booking so you know which extras are included in your price.

Small groups are available, which can improve the pace and make it easier to ask for help or photographs. The standard group size is not specified, so confirm this if personal attention matters to you. Multilingual guiding is another useful value point for mixed-language families and couples.

Extras can cost more. A headscarf or cap was offered at about 4 euros per item on one outing, so bring your own hat or scarf. Bring your own water and sunscreen as well, even though drinks are provided during the program.

Comfort, safety, and what to pack

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suited to sun, dust, and animal contact. Long, lightweight trousers are more useful than shorts for riding, and a scarf can protect your neck and face from sun and dust.

Pack:

• Water
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable closed shoes
• A hat or scarf
• A warm layer for sunrise or sunset
• A phone or camera with some dust protection

The activity site is described as monitored by cameras and operated under international health and safety standards. That is useful reassurance, but it does not remove the need to judge the conditions for yourself. The off-road vehicle concerns noted above are important, particularly for anyone who needs seat belts or has limited mobility.

You should not book if you are pregnant or have back problems. Camel mounting, horse riding, and rough jeep driving all place stress on the body. The same warning applies to anyone recovering from an injury, even if the formal restrictions do not list every medical condition.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would recommend this for families, couples, and first-time desert visitors who want several activities in one booking. The farm animals and shorter photo breaks help keep the day varied, while the sunset and stars add a memorable finish.

It also suits people who want an active outing but are not looking for a technical riding lesson. You get time on two animals, yet the route remains guided and organized. The multilingual staff is helpful when your group includes different nationalities.

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet, private experience, advanced horseback riding, or a carefully controlled vehicle transfer. The music, group energy, and bumpy jeep section are part of the appeal for some people and a drawback for others.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your holiday schedule is still moving. Pickup details are arranged the day before, so keep an eye on your messages and confirm your hotel location.

Should you book this camel and horse tour?

Book it if you want a good-value desert sampler with two rides, a farm visit, and hotel transport in one package. Choose the late afternoon departure if sunset photos, dinner, and stargazing matter most, or choose the morning if you prefer a simpler finish and less nighttime chill.

Skip it if rough driving worries you, if you have back problems, or if you want a slow and polished equestrian experience. For most able-bodied visitors who enjoy a bit of dust, noise, and variety, the combination offers more than a basic camel ride, especially at the $47 price.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The camel ride is scheduled for one hour, with rest and photo stops along the route.

How long is the horse ride?

The horse ride is scheduled for one hour through desert valleys.

Which pickup areas are covered?

Pickup and drop-off are available in Hurghada, El Gouna, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and Sahl Hasheesh.

What refreshments are included?

You receive Arabian tea, Arabian coffee, dates, and drinks during the experience.

Can I choose a sunrise or sunset departure?

Yes. Available start times are listed as 4 a.m., 8 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The later program can include 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-road driving, camel riding, and horse riding.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water. For early morning or sunset trips, a warm sweater or jacket is also sensible.