Makadi Bay: Horse Riding in Desert & Sea w Guide + Transfers

Makadi Bay gives you two very different views in one ride: open desert under a wide sky, then the Red Sea sparkling beside the sand. The two-hour horseback outing is a pleasant way to see the area at a slower pace, with the steady beat of hooves replacing the noise of resort life.

I like the included Hurghada transfer, which saves you from arranging a taxi, and I like that guides such as Didi and Anita have been praised for calm handling and personal attention. The main concern is consistency: one serious account describes weak helmet control, limited English, and unsuitable riding for beginners, so confirm safety procedures, horse care, and your riding level before setting out.

Key points to know

• Two hours on horseback: The full activity lasts about three hours, with roughly two hours spent riding in Makadi Bay.
• Desert and sea in one route: You can expect golden sand, sea views, a breeze, desert plants, and possible views of scattered ruins.
• Guides named Didi and Anita: These guides have been praised for helping beginners and allowing experienced riders more freedom.
• Faster riding may be possible: Some outings have included cantering or galloping in the desert and beside the sea, but the pace should match your ability.
• Transfers from Hurghada are included: Wait at your hotel reception for a driver holding a Gamila Horse sign.
• Safety needs a quick check: Helmets and horse welfare matter. Ask for your helmet and confirm the riding plan before mounting.

From Hurghada to the Makadi Bay stables

Your day begins with pickup in Hurghada and ends with a return to the same area. The total activity is listed as three hours, so the drive and arrival process take part of that window, leaving about two hours for the actual ride.

Wait at your hotel reception and look for a driver carrying a Gamila Horse sign. That small detail matters in a resort area where several companies may be collecting people at the same time. The transfer is included in the $35 price, which gives this outing a useful advantage over arranging separate transport to Makadi Bay.

The exact pickup time depends on availability, so check the starting options when booking. You receive a live English-speaking guide during the activity, but one account reported difficulty communicating in English. If you have little riding experience, tell the operator clearly before pickup and ask how the guide will match the horse and pace to your ability.

At the stable, you are introduced to your horse. The description presents the horses as having different personalities, from quiet and steady to more energetic. That sounds appealing, but it also makes the initial briefing important. You should know how to stop, steer, mount, and respond if the horse speeds up.

Two hours between golden sand and blue water

The central ride takes you through Makadi Bay, where the desert meets the Red Sea. The setting is the main reason to book. Instead of riding only around a fenced stable or along a dull road, you get changing views: broad golden sand, open desert, scattered plants, and the sea shining on the horizon.

The desert section should feel spacious and quiet. You hear hooves on the sand, feel the warmth of the sun, and catch the sea breeze as the route moves near the coast. This is not an archaeological tour, but the mention of scattered ruins adds a sense of age to the surroundings. Treat them as part of the scenery rather than a formal historic stop, since no detailed site visit is described.

The Red Sea changes the mood. The desert is dry, still, and spare. The water adds movement, light, and a cooler breeze. Riding beside it gives the outing more variety than a simple desert trek, and it creates good moments for photographs if the guide allows stops.

You should not expect a full beach day. Food is not included, and the experience focuses on riding rather than swimming, snorkeling, or a long coastal visit. Water is included, but one person reported that the promised welcome drink was not provided. If that small extra matters to you, confirm it before departure and carry any additional refreshment you need.

What the riding pace may feel like

The ride is presented as suitable for different levels, and the most useful reports describe a sensible range of attention. An experienced rider was allowed to gallop through the desert and along the sea, while a mother with no previous riding experience was given support without being pushed too far.

That is the ideal arrangement. A beginner should have time to settle into the saddle, learn the horse’s responses, and gain confidence before any faster movement. A capable rider may find a slow walk too tame, so the possibility of a canter or gallop adds value for people who already ride.

Do not assume that every outing will include a gallop. The pace depends on your ability, the horse, the guide, and the conditions that day. If you want faster riding, say so when booking, but do not pressure the guide if the horse or group is not suited to it.

The strongest positive accounts describe guides who frequently checked that everything was comfortable and, when needed, took the reins. That kind of hands-on support is especially useful in open desert, where a nervous rider can feel exposed. It also means the experience can work for a mixed group, at least when the guide manages the pace carefully.

There is a serious caution here. One account describes beginners being asked to gallop after only a few minutes, helmets being offered only after a request, and horses needing strong vocal direction from the guide. It also raises concern about a stated 100 kilogram weight limit not being applied. You should treat this as a reason to ask direct questions, not as proof that every outing is unsafe.

Before you ride, confirm that helmets are available and required, that the horse is watered and ready, and that the guide speaks enough English to explain basic instructions. If anything feels rushed, ask for a slower pace. A good horseback experience should feel controlled, not like a test of courage.

Horses, guides, and the human side of the ride

The best part of this experience may be the connection between rider and horse. A quiet horse can make a first ride feel manageable. A spirited horse can give an experienced rider more energy, but only if the guide handles the match well.

Didi receives particular praise for being friendly, attentive, and reassuring. Anita is also described as a strong guide, with careful support for both a confident rider and a first-timer in the same group. Those names are useful when you arrive, though guide assignments can change.

The horses have been described as calm, well-trained, and in good condition in several accounts. There is also mention of guides making high-quality videos during the ride. That can be a valuable extra, since it is difficult to photograph yourself while keeping control of a horse. Ask how the videos are delivered and if any charge applies, as the provided details do not explain that part.

Horse welfare should be part of your own decision. Look at the animals before mounting. You want to see horses that appear alert, properly equipped, and not left standing in harsh sun without water. The negative account raises exactly this concern, so it is fair to ask where the horses wait, how often they receive water, and how long they work.

These questions do not need to spoil the mood. They help you choose responsibly and set a clear standard before the ride begins.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, this is a reasonably priced half-day-style activity, though the ride itself is two hours rather than three. The cost includes the horseback experience, an English-speaking guide, water, safety gear, and transportation from Hurghada.

The included transfer adds real value. A separate taxi to Makadi Bay could make a short activity less attractive, especially if you are traveling alone or do not want to negotiate transport. The guide and equipment also keep the price simple.

You are not paying for a meal, and none is included. The welcome drink is listed as included, but one account says it was missing, so I would consider it a bonus rather than a guarantee unless the operator confirms it. Bring appropriate sun protection and any snack you may need, since the activity is active and food is not supplied.

The price is strongest for a visitor who wants a memorable desert and sea setting without committing to a full-day excursion. It is less compelling for a serious equestrian who expects a long, technical ride, formal instruction, or a dedicated beach gallop. This is a sightseeing ride with the chance for faster movement, not a riding school lesson.

Practical preparation for the saddle

Wear clothing that lets you move comfortably and protects you from the sun. Long trousers are the practical choice for a saddle, and closed shoes are sensible. The desert can feel hot, while the coastal breeze may make the ride feel cooler, so dress for both conditions.

Use sunscreen before pickup and protect your eyes from sand and bright water glare. The activity includes water, but carrying a small personal bottle is still sensible if permitted. Food is not included, so eat beforehand if your pickup time falls between meals.

Do not arrive assuming that every rider will receive the same pace. Tell the guide if you are a beginner, an occasional rider, or an experienced equestrian. Also state your comfort level with trotting, cantering, or galloping.

Ask these practical questions at the start:

• Is my helmet fitted and required for the ride?
• How long will we walk before any faster riding?
• Can the guide keep beginners at a slower pace?
• Has my horse been watered and rested?
• What should I do if I feel uncomfortable?

The activity includes safety gear, but the account about helmets being supplied only on request shows why you should check rather than wait. Good preparation makes the ride more relaxed and gives the guide useful information.

Who will enjoy this Makadi Bay outing

This ride suits you if you want desert scenery without giving up sea views. It works well for couples, families with mixed riding experience, and visitors staying in Hurghada who want a short activity outside the resort.

It may also suit a confident rider looking for a chance to canter or gallop in an open setting. The reports of riding at speed through the desert and beside the water suggest that experienced riders may find enough freedom to make the outing exciting.

Beginners can enjoy it, but only if the operator respects a gradual pace. The positive account involving a first-time rider is encouraging, while the negative account is a clear reminder to verify the safety approach. Parents or guardians should be especially direct when asking how children or inexperienced riders are managed, since no specific age policy is provided here.

This is not the right pick if you dislike heat, dust, animal contact, or the possibility of an energetic horse. It is also not ideal if you need a fully detailed schedule, a meal, or a formal lesson in riding technique.

Booking details worth checking before you go

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful if your Hurghada schedule may change, though you still need to check available start times.

The advertised language is English. Since one account reports that the guide did not speak English well, ask for confirmation if clear instruction is important to you. This matters most for first-time riders, people nervous around horses, and anyone hoping to ride at speed.

The overall rating is 4.7 from 72 ratings, which suggests that the experience usually delivers what people want: pleasant horses, good views, reliable pickup, and kind guide support. The lower account is too specific to ignore, however. The right response is not to dismiss the trip, but to make safety and horse care part of your booking conversation.

Should you book the Gamila Horse ride?

Book it if you want a short, scenic horseback outing with transport from Hurghada and the chance to ride through both desert and coastal scenery. The price is fair, the setting is memorable, and guides such as Didi and Anita have been associated with careful support, personal attention, and a good experience for mixed ability levels.

I would book with two conditions: confirm the helmet and safety routine, and ask how the guide handles beginners, weight limits, and faster riding. If the answers are clear and the horses look well cared for, this can be one of the more enjoyable ways to see Makadi Bay beyond the hotel area.

If you want a guaranteed gallop, a long professional ride, or a full meal, choose another activity. If you want two hours in the saddle, wide desert views, sea air, and a straightforward transfer at a modest price, Gamila Horse is worth considering.

FAQ

How long does the Makadi Bay horse ride last?

The full activity lasts about three hours, including pickup and return arrangements. The horseback riding portion is listed as two hours.

Where does the tour pick up?

Pickup is included from Hurghada. Wait at your hotel reception for a driver holding a sign with the name Gamila Horse.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and return transportation between Hurghada and Makadi Bay are included.

What languages are available?

The activity provides a live English-speaking guide. You should confirm the level of English instruction if you need detailed riding guidance.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. Water is included, and a welcome drink is listed, though it is sensible to confirm the drink before departure.

Is safety equipment provided?

Safety gear is included. Since one account reported that a helmet had to be requested, ask for a properly fitted helmet before mounting.

Can beginners take part?

The experience is presented for different riding levels, and beginners have been supported on previous outings. Confirm the pace and beginner policy before riding, as one account raised concerns about inexperienced riders being asked to gallop quickly.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.