Horse Riding in Sharm El Sheikh: A 2025 Review of the Amazing Desert Tour
There’s something really special about the idea of riding a horse through the desert, you know? It’s an image straight out of a storybook. So, when I found the ‘2 hours Horse Riding At Amazing Desert With Transfer’ for our Sharm El Sheikh trip, I just knew we had to try it. I wanted to see if the real thing lived up to that picture in my head. Honestly, it was a fantastic way to step away from the hotel pool and see a completely different side of the Sinai Peninsula. The whole experience, at the end of the day, felt very genuine and a bit like a small adventure. It’s the kind of activity that sticks with you, really, creating a memory that feels quite different from your typical beach holiday moments. This review is basically my way of sharing what that day was actually like, from the moment we were picked up to the quiet ride back under the stars. You just get a different perspective on things out there.
First Impressions: The Pickup and Journey to the Stables
The whole thing started very smoothly, which is always a good sign, right? The transfer service was pretty much on time, arriving in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. As a matter of fact, having the pickup included just takes a lot of stress out of the planning. You don’t have to figure out taxis or locations; they just sort of handle it for you. The driver was friendly and pointed out a few things as we left the main resort area of Naama Bay behind. It’s almost like you see the landscape change in real-time. The shiny hotels and groomed gardens gradually give way to a more raw, dusty environment that feels way more authentic. In that case, you already start to feel like you’re heading somewhere properly different.
The drive itself wasn’t very long, maybe twenty minutes or so, you know. But it was just enough to build up a bit of excitement. We turned off the main road and onto a sandy track, and that’s when you could really see the desert stretching out. Arriving at the stables was sort of a full-sensory moment. The air had that distinct, earthy smell of horses and hay, mixed with the dry, clean scent of the desert. We could hear the horses nickering softly in their stalls, which was a very calming sound. The setup was fairly simple, not a fancy equestrian center, but more of a rustic, working stable that felt perfectly suited to its surroundings. You could just tell that this was a place focused on the animals and the landscape, which, to be honest, was exactly what I was hoping for. It was pretty much the perfect starting point.
Meeting Your Four-Legged Partner: The Horses and Guides
Honestly, the horses were the stars of the show. They were really beautiful animals, mostly Arabian or Baladi horses, with sleek coats and intelligent, gentle eyes. You could see they were well cared for; they seemed calm and healthy, which is always something I look for. The guides seemed to have a genuine connection with their animals, calling them by name and speaking to them in a soft tone. There wasn’t a huge group of us, so the process of getting paired with a horse felt quite personal, you know. The head guide asked about our previous riding experience, or lack thereof in my case, and chose a horse with a suitable temperament for each person. He gave me a very serene mare named Layla, who apparently was a total professional at her job and perfect for beginners. She was just incredibly patient.
Before we set off, one of the guides gave a quick but clear briefing. He basically showed us how to hold the reins, how to signal the horse to walk, turn, and stop. It was very straightforward, not complicated at all, so even someone who has never been on a horse before can feel reasonably confident. He stressed that the horses knew the path very well and would mostly follow the lead guide anyway. In a way, this was very reassuring, it allowed you to relax and just focus on the scenery instead of worrying too much about what you were doing. The saddles were comfortable enough, sort of a cross between an English and a local-style saddle, and they made sure everything was adjusted correctly for each of us. You just felt safe and looked after.
Into the Golden Expanse: The First Hour of the Ride
Setting off from the stables felt like a really significant moment. One minute you’re on the ground, and the next you’re a little higher up, seeing the world from a completely different vantage point. The line of us on horseback, moving in single file out into the open desert, was just a pretty incredible sight. The landscape immediately opens up around you. It’s not just flat sand, you know; the Sinai desert is filled with these incredible textures. There are sweeping dunes of soft, pale sand, and then areas of harder, rockier ground. In the distance, we could see the rugged outlines of the mountains, looking kind of purple and hazy against the bright blue sky. It’s almost silent out there, which is a bit startling at first.
The only sounds were the soft clop of the horses’ hooves on the sand and the occasional gentle breeze whispering past your ears. It was so incredibly peaceful, a complete change from the noise of the town. We went at a very gentle pace, a slow walk, which was absolutely perfect. It gave you all the time in the world to look around, to take photos, and to just soak it all in. The guide at the front knew the terrain like the back of his hand, picking a path through small valleys and around interesting rock formations. He pointed out a few things along the way, like some hardy desert plants. Seriously, you start to notice the small details of the desert, things you would completely miss from a car. You feel so much more connected to the environment on horseback, it’s a completely different and more immersive way to experience it.
Sunset Views and Desert Magic: The Heart of the Experience
We had timed our ride for the late afternoon, and this was, to be honest, a brilliant decision. As we rode deeper into the desert, the sun began to dip towards the horizon, and the real magic started to happen. The quality of the light changed completely. The harsh brightness of midday softened into this warm, golden glow that made everything look sort of dreamy. The colors of the desert intensified, with the sand turning shades of orange and pink. The mountains in the distance became sharp, dark silhouettes, and the shadows of our horses grew long beside us. It was just one of those moments that you really wish you could bottle up and keep forever. The air started to cool down too, becoming much more comfortable.
Our guide led us to a high point with a sweeping view, and we stopped for a little while. This was, as a matter of fact, the peak of the whole experience. From there, we just sat on our horses and watched as the sun sank below the mountains. The sky exploded with color—vibrant oranges, deep reds, and soft purples. It was absolutely breathtaking and completely silent. You really got a sense of the vastness of the world and how small you are within it, in a very good way. Some tours stop at a Bedouin tent for tea at this point, but ours was more about staying on the move and seeing more of the landscape, which I actually preferred. It felt more like we were explorers, you know, just us and the amazing natural spectacle happening all around us. It was a really powerful and genuinely moving part of the trip.
Heading Home: The Return Journey and What You Need to Know
The ride back to the stables was a completely different experience again, which was a pleasant surprise. We began the return leg in the twilight, just after the sun had fully set. The world was cast in a soft, deep blue light, and the first stars began to pop out in the sky. Honestly, you’ve never really seen stars until you’ve seen them from the middle of the desert, far away from any city lights. The sky was so clear, and you could see so many of them. The horses, seeming to know they were heading home, were confident and steady. The mood was very quiet and contemplative; everyone in our little group was just silently taking in the beauty of the desert at night. The air was now refreshingly cool, and the quietness of it all was really profound.
What to Bring on Your Ride
Okay, so a few practical things are worth mentioning. You definitely need to wear long trousers, like jeans or leggings, you know. Your legs will thank you later, as it just protects you from any rubbing from the saddle. Closed-toe shoes, like trainers or boots, are also a must; you just don’t want to ride in flip-flops. If you’re riding during the day, a hat and sunscreen are absolutely non-negotiable, the sun is very strong out there. For a sunset ride like ours, bringing a light jacket or a long-sleeved top is a really good idea, as it does get a bit chilly once the sun goes down. And obviously, bring your phone or a camera, but make sure it’s secure, maybe in a zipped pocket or on a strap. A small bottle of water is also smart to carry with you.
Who is This Tour Good For?
At the end of the day, this experience is pretty much perfect for almost anyone. It’s especially great for beginners and families with older children, as the pace is gentle and the horses are very calm. It’s an incredibly romantic activity for couples, particularly the sunset option. If you are a nature lover or a photographer, you will absolutely love the scenery. It’s an ideal way to see the desert in a peaceful, unobtrusive way. However, if you’re a very experienced equestrian looking for a fast-paced ride with lots of cantering and galloping, this particular tour might feel a little slow for you. It’s more of a scenic trek than a technical ride. It’s really about the atmosphere and the stunning views, which, frankly, it delivers in a big way.
Read our full review: 2 hours Horse Riding At Amazing Desert With Transfer – Sharm El Sheikh Full Review and Details
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