Horseback Riding with Pickup and Drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh

The best part of this Sharm El Sheikh outing is the change of pace: you leave the hotel zone behind and ride beside the Red Sea beach, then head into the desert on horseback. The two-hour option can include time in the sea, which gives the trip a memorable twist beyond a simple riding-school circuit.

I like the beginner-friendly instruction and the included hotel pickup. Guides such as Sa’id have been patient with first-time riders, and the calm horses make this a reasonable introduction to riding. The main caution is that standards can vary: one report noted horses in poor body condition, beach rubbish, and pressure to buy photos afterward.

Key points to know before booking

• Beach and desert route: The ride combines the coast with a short stretch through the desert.
• Sea riding may be included: The two-hour option has included time riding in the water.
• Good for first-time riders: Guides provide basic instruction and stay with you during the ride.
• Sa’id is a praised instructor: He has helped complete beginners feel comfortable in the saddle.
• Low advertised price: The listed cost is $10 per person, but a separate five-euro tax and fee applies.
• Small maximum group: No more than 15 people are accepted, with a 150 kg weight limit.

Riding from the hotel to Sharm’s beach

Your day begins with pickup from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The included transfer is useful in this hot part of Egypt, especially if you are staying away from the riding stable or beach area.

Pickup is normally intended to be straightforward, but one booking had a serious communication problem, with no driver arriving at the expected time and a long wait before the resort helped contact the agency. That appears to be the exception rather than the main pattern, since other bookings had prompt pickup, but I would still confirm the pickup time and meeting point with the provider.

The vehicle may be a private taxi rather than a large tour bus. That is a plus if you prefer a simple transfer without spending the morning collecting people from several hotels.

Once you reach the riding area, you meet the horses and the staff. The supplied helmet is included, and a guide or professional trainer explains the basics before you set off.

What the first riding lesson covers

This experience is aimed at a broad range of ability levels. You do not need to arrive as an experienced rider, and the guide is expected to accompany you throughout the outing.

For a first ride, the most important part is not speed. It is learning how to sit, hold the reins, and respond to the horse without pulling or panicking. The guides have been praised for giving easy instructions, and Sa’id in particular has helped people who had never been on a horse before.

That said, the safety briefing may be brief. One family group spanning ages 9 to 72 enjoyed the outing but felt a fuller safety induction would have helped. If you are nervous, say so clearly before mounting and ask the guide to repeat anything you do not understand.

The horses are described in several accounts as calm and well behaved, with clean saddles and tidy equipment. That is good news for beginners. Still, horse condition has not been consistent, so take a moment to look at the horse assigned to you. If something seems wrong, speak up before the ride begins.

The maximum stated weight is 150 kg. The information does not give a minimum age, so families with children should confirm suitability when booking, even though a 9-year-old has taken part.

The beach ride and the Red Sea views

The beach is the main attraction. You ride along the shore with the sea beside you, a much more memorable setting than an enclosed arena. The pace is likely to be controlled, particularly for a mixed group of beginners and experienced riders.

The beach section is also where the heat matters most. On a hot day, horses may prefer to walk rather than move quickly, and you should not expect a fast gallop simply because you are riding on open sand. The experience is better understood as a calm coastal outing with a horse, not a high-speed equestrian session.

The shore is not guaranteed to look perfectly polished. One account found rubbish in the beach area, so this is not a carefully maintained private resort beach in every case. That may affect your impression, but it does not remove the appeal of riding beside the water.

Bring your own water. It was not always offered, and Egypt’s heat can make two hours in the sun feel longer than expected. Light clothing, sun protection, and closed shoes are sensible choices, though the tour details do not specify a clothing requirement.

Why the two-hour option is worth considering

You can choose one or two hours of riding. The one-hour option makes sense if you are short on time, unsure about horses, or simply want to try something different between other Sharm activities.

I would choose the two-hour option if your schedule allows. It gives the ride enough time to include both the beach and a portion of the desert, rather than making the experience feel like a quick mounted photo stop. The extra time has also included riding in the sea, which is the most unusual feature of the outing.

The exact route and pace can depend on the group. A complete beginner may spend much of the ride walking while learning the basics. That is not a flaw, but you should set your expectations correctly. The two-hour ticket gives you more time in the saddle, not a promise of two hours at a fast pace.

For confident riders, the possibility of moving at different paces adds interest. One first-time rider enjoyed being able to progress through different speeds with patient guidance. The guide remains the person who decides what is safe for the group.

From the beach into the desert

After the coastal section, the route heads inland for some desert riding. The contrast is the point: the sea offers cool color and open views, while the desert provides a quieter, drier setting and a glimpse of the region beyond the hotel strip.

The desert portion is described as shorter than the beach ride, especially on the two-hour outing. Do not book this expecting a full desert safari. This is a beach-centered horseback experience with some desert riding added to the route.

I like that combination because it gives you more than one setting without turning the day into a long excursion. You get the feel of riding through open ground, then return toward the coast and hotel transfer.

The terrain and route are not described in detail, so you should not assume dramatic dunes, remote camps, or a long desert trail. The value is the simple change of scenery and the chance to see a less polished side of Sharm from the saddle.

Horses, saddles, and care standards

The horses are central to the quality of this experience. Several accounts describe calm animals, good behavior, shiny coats, and comfortable-looking saddles. That matters greatly if you are new to riding, since a steady horse lets you focus on the guide’s instructions.

There is also an important qualification. One person felt the horses looked underweight and in poor body condition, particularly during a very hot day. That is a serious concern for anyone who cares about animal welfare.

You can make a practical decision at the start. Look at the horse’s general condition, saddle, and behavior. Tell the staff if you feel uncomfortable, and do not be afraid to ask questions before the group leaves. The supplied information does not explain the provider’s horse-care standards, so you must judge the situation on site.

The staff are generally described as polite and helpful, but service may not be identical on every departure. The guide’s care and attention are especially important when the group includes children, older riders, or people who have never ridden.

How the price compares with the experience

The listed price is $10 per person, which is unusually low for a two-hour outing that includes hotel pickup, drop-off, a helmet, guide support, and a choice of ride length. A separate tax and fee of five euros per person is not included, so the final cost is higher than the headline price.

Even with that extra charge, the outing can offer good value if you want a short activity rather than a full-day tour. Transport is included, and you do not need to arrange a separate taxi to the stable or beach.

The value is strongest for beginners and families who want a simple introduction to riding. Experienced equestrians may find the pace too gentle, and anyone seeking a polished, luxury stable should look carefully at the mixed comments about horse condition and the beach setting.

It is also worth asking exactly what you are paying for if you choose one hour rather than two. The description allows either option, but does not state separate prices or spell out the exact route for each.

Photos, timing, and small practical issues

Photography may be offered during the ride. One person felt pressured to buy photos before the return to the hotel. You can decide in advance that you will decline, and say so politely if you are not interested.

The tour is available with a mobile ticket, and confirmation is supplied at booking. It is commonly reserved around nine days ahead, so arranging it before your holiday rather than leaving it until the last moment is sensible.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not a private ride, but it is small enough to keep the outing manageable. Group pace will still depend on the least experienced rider, and the ride may feel more personal when numbers are lower.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that period, you should not expect a refund, and changes are not accepted. Keep the separate five-euro fee in mind when calculating the amount at risk.

Who will enjoy this horseback ride most

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want patient help and a calm horse
• Families looking for a two-hour activity near Sharm El Sheikh
• Couples who like the idea of a beach ride with a desert section
• Anyone wanting a low-cost outing with hotel transport included
• Riders who prefer a relaxed pace over a demanding equestrian session

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced rider seeking long canters, technical riding, or a carefully managed stable. The details point to a gentle group ride, not a specialist horse trek.

You should also think carefully about the heat and your comfort around animal welfare. Bring water, ask for a clear safety briefing, and inspect the horse and equipment before you set off.

Should you book the Sharm El Sheikh horse ride?

Book it if the appeal is riding beside the Red Sea, learning the basics with a helpful guide such as Sa’id, and adding a short desert route for a modest cost. The two-hour option offers the best chance of enjoying the beach, sea, and desert in one outing.

I would not book it blindly. Confirm the pickup time, ask about the five-euro fee, bring water, and make your expectations clear before mounting. If the horse condition or beach setting does not feel right on arrival, speak up.

With those checks, this is a worthwhile, simple Sharm excursion for beginners and families. Its strongest points are the setting, the patient instruction, and the chance to ride in the sea. Its weak points are uneven organization, heat, and occasional concerns about horse care.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

You can choose a ride lasting one or two hours. The two-hour option may include more time along the beach, in the sea, and in the desert.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh hotels are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. A professional trainer or guide provides basic instruction and accompanies you during the ride. Beginners should still ask for a full safety explanation before setting off.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A safety helmet is included in the experience.

Can I ride along the beach?

Yes. The route includes riding along the beach, with the two-hour option offering more time for the coastal section.

Can I ride in the sea?

The two-hour ride has included time riding in the sea. The exact route can depend on the group and conditions.

Is there a desert riding section?

Yes. The experience includes riding through the desert as well as along the beach.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The stated maximum weight is 150 kg.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What extra cost is not included?

A tax and fee of five euros per person is not included in the listed price.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes during that period are not accepted.