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

The best part of this Hurghada outing is the change of pace: a noisy off-road jeep ride gives way to a quiet camel crossing between desert valleys, followed by an hour on horseback. You also get a farm visit, Arabian drinks, and time for photos instead of being rushed from one photo stop to the next.

I like the full one-hour camel and horse rides, which give this trip more substance than a short animal ride at a tourist stop. I also like the welcome of tea, coffee, and dates, plus the chance to see horses, goats, and other farm animals in a working desert setting.

The main caution is safety and comfort. The jeep ride can be very rough, and one detailed account raised concerns about missing seat belts and a driver using a phone. Sunset departures can also turn cold in winter, so bring a jacket even if Hurghada feels warm at the hotel.

Key points at a glance

• Two proper riding sessions: Plan on about one hour by camel and one hour on horseback.
• A lively desert transfer: The 30-minute jeep section includes dune driving and off-road tracks, with music on some departures.
• Three daily timing choices: Pick an early sunrise start at 4:00 am, an 8:00 am morning trip, or a 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm sunset option.
• Farm life beyond the rides: See horses, goats, other farm animals, a water wheel, and the surrounding desert farm.
• Strong value at $47: Hotel transport, drinks, dates, both rides, and the farm visit are included.
• Best for flexible riders: The trip suits families, couples, and active visitors, but not pregnant people or anyone with back problems.

A desert outing with more than a quick camel photo

This tour combines several familiar Hurghada activities into one half-day program. You leave your hotel, cross toward the desert, ride in a jeep, spend time on a camel and horse, then pause at a farm for refreshments and animal viewing.

That mix makes the trip useful if you want a taste of desert life without committing to a full-day safari. It also gives you several different moods. The jeep section is loud and bumpy. The camel ride is slow and steady. The horse ride feels more active. At the farm, things settle down again.

The advertised duration is two to five hours, depending on the departure and transfer arrangements. The sunset program can run longer, especially if you add dinner and stargazing. One account describes spending about five and a half hours at the desert site, with roughly an hour each way from the hotel to the farm, so I would not schedule an important evening flight or dinner immediately afterward.

Hotel pickup from Hurghada and nearby resorts

Pickup is offered from Hurghada, El Gouna, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay. The operator contacts you the day before to arrange the pickup time and transfer details, which matters because the exact timing depends on your hotel and the chosen program.

The road portion begins with a stop at a station before entering the desert. You can use the restroom or smoke there. This is a small detail, but it is worth taking seriously because facilities become limited once you leave the developed areas.

From there, the transfer moves into the desert by jeep. The listed off-road section lasts about 30 minutes and includes dune driving. Expect a firm, jolting ride rather than a smooth sightseeing transfer. Music may be played loudly, and some drivers take the rough tracks at speed. If you enjoy a roller-coaster feel, this may be one of the most entertaining parts. If you have back pain, motion sickness, or simply prefer a calm ride, it may be your least favorite.

The practical point is simple: check the vehicle before setting off, use any available restraint, and speak up if the driving feels unsafe. A past account specifically raised concerns about seat belts and phone use behind the wheel. That does not describe every departure, but it is a fair reason to stay alert.

Tea, coffee, dates, and a short desert briefing

At the desert farm, you receive Arabian tea, Arabian coffee, and dates. This is more than a snack. It gives you a short pause to cool down, meet the guides, and get a feel for the place before the rides begin.

The stop also includes a safety briefing and a guided look around the area. Do not expect a formal museum or a carefully staged cultural show. The appeal is simpler: you are at a desert farm with animals, horses, a water wheel, and open valleys nearby.

The guides speak Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, and Spanish. Names can vary by departure, but Nasser has guided some sunset programs, Arabi has led stargazing, and Tommy has handled photography on at least some trips. The language range is useful for families and mixed groups, though the exact guide and language cannot be guaranteed in advance.

One hour by camel through valleys and mountain country

The camel ride is scheduled for one hour. You travel between mountains and valleys, with breaks along the way for rest and photos. That length makes a real difference. A 10-minute camel ride is mostly a novelty and a quick picture. An hour lets you get used to the animal’s rolling motion and see how slowly the desert changes around you.

Camel riding is not physically hard in the same way as hiking, but it can be tiring. The animal’s rising and lowering movements can feel awkward, and the saddle puts pressure on your legs and hips. Wear long, light clothing to protect your skin from the sun and from rubbing. Comfortable shoes are essential, although you will not need hiking boots.

The stops are helpful. Use them to drink water, adjust your clothing, and take photographs without trying to shoot while the camel is moving. Sunset departures offer the strongest light, especially on higher ground, while the morning programs should be cooler and sharper in the early hours.

The camel ride also gives the trip its most traditional feel. You are not simply driving out to look at the desert from a vehicle. You are moving at the pace that shaped desert travel for centuries, even if the outing itself is designed for visitors.

Horse riding between the valleys

After the camel session, you start an hour-long horse ride through the valleys. This creates a good contrast with the camel. The horse is quicker and more responsive, so the ride can feel more active even when the route remains easygoing.

You should still treat this as a basic recreational ride, not a technical riding lesson or a long equestrian trek. The supplied details do not promise advanced instruction or different riding levels. If you are inexperienced, listen closely to the guide and be honest about your comfort level before setting off.

For families, this part can be a highlight, but the experience depends on each child’s confidence. One family found that about 30 minutes on each animal was enough for its children, even though the standard program offers longer sessions. That is useful to remember: an hour is included, but you can tell the guide if a shorter ride feels more suitable.

The sunset horse ride is particularly photogenic. You may be riding as the light softens across the valleys, with the camel group nearby or returning to the farm. Bring a phone or camera, but secure it well. Desert tracks are not kind to loose belongings.

The farm tour and the animals

The farm visit adds a welcome change after two hours in the saddle. You can see horses, goats, and other farm animals, along with the water wheel. The tour is modest, but it gives you a closer look at how animals fit into a desert settlement.

This is also the part where expectations matter. You are not visiting a major wildlife center. The value comes from seeing a small collection of domestic animals and the people who care for them. One account described friendly contact between a camel and its handler, and several departures included chances to feed or see small goats.

Some visits include a look at a Bedouin-style village area. There may also be a small shop selling herbs, bracelets, and handmade bags. Buying is optional, and the experience can vary. A positive feature of one departure was that the shop was presented without heavy pressure to purchase.

You may find the farm more interesting than the standard camel stop because it adds context. It shows where the animals live and gives you a glimpse of everyday desert activity rather than only a staged ride.

Choosing sunrise, morning, or sunset

The operator lists three general start periods: about 4:00 am for sunrise, 8:00 am for morning, and 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm for afternoon and sunset departures. The exact time depends on availability and the season.

The sunrise option is for early risers who want cooler air and softer morning light. It is also the hardest on sleep, particularly if your hotel is outside central Hurghada. Choose it for the atmosphere, not convenience.

The 8:00 am trip is the practical choice in hot weather. You get the rides before the strongest afternoon heat, though the desert can still be bright and warm. Bring sunscreen, water, a hat, or a scarf. Head coverings may be available to buy, but one family considered the price of 4 euros per scarf high, so packing your own is sensible.

The afternoon and sunset programs are the most popular choice for photographs and families. One family found the cooler late-day timing better for children. Sunset also brings the most memorable light, with a chance to dine by candlelight and sit outside for stargazing if you choose that version.

Winter evenings are different. After the sun drops, the desert can feel surprisingly cold. Wear long trousers and bring a proper cardigan, sweater, or jacket. Do not judge the evening temperature by the warmth at your hotel pool.

Dinner and stargazing after dark

The sunset version can include dinner and stargazing. The food is served after the rides, with some departures offering a candlelit meal and a campfire atmosphere. Dinner is not listed as part of every basic schedule, so confirm that you are booking the evening program if this matters to you.

Stargazing is led by a guide, with Arabi named on one departure as the person explaining the constellations. The value here comes from the lack of city glare. The desert sky can look far clearer than what you see from a hotel in Hurghada, and the quiet after the jeep ride makes the change feel dramatic.

Do not expect a professional observatory or a full astronomy course. This is an outdoor explanation of the stars, paired with dinner and the desert setting. For children and first-time visitors, that is likely enough. For serious astronomy fans, it is best viewed as an atmospheric extra rather than the main reason to book.

What $47 includes, and where the value sits

At $47 per person, the package covers hotel pickup and return, the off-road transfer, the welcome drinks, a one-hour camel ride, a one-hour horse ride, and the farm tour. Dates and additional drinks are also included.

That is good value if you want all three main activities. Booking the rides separately would mean arranging more transport and losing the convenience of a single plan. The price is especially fair for visitors staying in one of the covered resort areas, since transfers are included.

The value is less clear if you only want a short camel ride or a quiet desert walk. You are paying for the combination, and part of that combination is the loud jeep ride. The evening program with dinner and stargazing may also have different timing or pricing, so check the selected option rather than assuming every extra is included.

Small groups are available. That can make the rides and photo stops easier, though group size is not fixed for every departure. Ask for the small-group option when booking if personal attention matters to you.

Who should book this desert ride?

I would recommend it to families with older children, couples who want sunset photos, and first-time visitors looking for several desert activities in one outing. It is also a good fit if you want both an animal ride and a farm visit rather than a jeep-only safari.

It suits people who can handle rough transport and several hours outdoors. You should be comfortable sitting on a camel and horse, walking around a farm, and dealing with sun, dust, and changing temperatures.

I would not choose it if you are pregnant or have back problems. Those restrictions apply because of the off-road driving and the physical movement of camel and horse riding. Anyone with a strong fear of animals, motion sickness, or a dislike of loud music should also think carefully before booking.

Wear light, comfortable clothing, closed comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and bring water. Add a scarf or cap for the sun, plus a warm outer layer for sunset in winter. The desert is not a place to rely on hotel supplies.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a busy, good-value desert outing with real riding time, a farm visit, and the option of sunset dinner and stars. The one-hour camel ride and one-hour horse ride give it more substance than a quick photo stop, while the drinks, dates, and animal viewing add a pleasant local touch.

Skip it if you want a polished, quiet experience or have health concerns related to rough roads and riding. The jeep section can be wild, safety standards may feel uneven, and the day can run longer than expected. For the right person, though, the mix of speed, slow camel travel, horses, farm animals, and desert sky makes this one of the fuller short excursions around Hurghada.

FAQ

How much does the Hurghada camel, horse, and jeep tour cost?

The listed price is $47 per person. Hotel pickup and drop-off, the welcome drink, dates, the one-hour camel ride, the one-hour horse ride, and the farm tour are included.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is two to five hours, depending on the selected program and arrangements. Sunset options with dinner and stargazing can take longer, so allow extra time.

Where can pickup be arranged?

Pickup is available from Safaga, El Gouna, Hurghada, Sahl Hasheesh, and Makadi Bay. The operator contacts you the day before to arrange the pickup time and transfer information.

What languages are offered by the guides?

Guides may provide tours in Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, or Spanish. The exact guide and language for your departure may vary.

How long is the camel ride?

The scheduled camel ride lasts one hour and includes stops to rest and take photographs.

How long is the horse ride?

The scheduled horse ride lasts one hour and takes place through desert valleys.

What drinks are included?

You receive Arabian tea, Arabian coffee, and dates. Additional drinks with dates are also listed as included.

Is dinner included?

Dinner is associated with the sunset program that includes dinner and stargazing. Confirm the exact option when booking, since the basic activity details focus on drinks and dates.

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

No. The experience is not suitable for pregnant people or those with back problems because it includes off-road driving, camel riding, and horse riding.