Hurghada: Horseback Riding Desert & Red Sea Swim Flexible Hours

4.88

(145 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, she’s gentle — just talk to her like a friend,” our guide said, handing me the reins outside the stables in Hurghada. I was a bit nervous (haven’t been on a horse since I was a kid), but the way he patted the mare’s neck made it feel less like a lesson and more like being let in on something local. The early light had that soft gold you only get near the sea, and you could smell hay mixed with salt and something sweet from someone’s tea nearby. We set off at our own pace — no rush, no group pressure.

The desert felt endless at first, all pale sand and little gusts of wind that kept tossing my hair into my mouth (not glamorous). Our guide, Mahmoud, pointed out tracks in the sand — foxes maybe? — and laughed when my horse tried to nibble his sleeve. After a while we reached the edge of the beach. Suddenly there was color everywhere: blue water, bright scarves on some kids running past, even our horses’ shadows looked sharper. I remember thinking how quiet it got except for hooves hitting wet sand and a few gulls overhead.

I didn’t expect to actually swim with my horse in the Red Sea — thought it’d be just wading — but Mahmoud grinned and said “trust her.” The water was cool but not cold; you could feel your legs floating as the horse moved deeper. It was weirdly peaceful (and yeah, I got soaked up to my waist). Later we walked back slowly for photos with the younger horses at the stable. Someone handed me mint tea before we left — hot glass between sandy fingers. I still think about that view over the water as we rode back toward town. Not sure I’ll ever forget it.