Hurghada: Horse Ride, BBQ Dinner, and Stargazing

Travelers looking for a unique way to experience Egypt’s desert landscape will find this tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, culture, and awe. It’s a carefully curated outing that combines horseback riding, a sunset BBQ, and stargazing, all wrapped into one memorable evening. For those who enjoy outdoor activities with a touch of authentic local flavors, this tour hits several marks.

What we love most about this experience is how smoothly it’s organized—everything from hotel transfers to the safety briefing runs like clockwork. The scenery, especially during the sunset ride, truly captures the magic of Egypt’s desert. Plus, the delicious farm-to-table dinner and the chance to peer through telescopes at the night sky make it stand out.

However, a potential consideration is the length of the trip, which can stretch into a late evening, and some may find the jeep safari a bit intense.

This tour caters well to travelers who appreciate active outdoor experiences combined with cultural touches and stunning views. It’s perfect for those with moderate fitness, curious about Egyptian desert landscapes, and eager to enjoy both daytime and nighttime magic in a safe, guided environment.

Key Points

• Authentic Desert Experience: Ride horses and camels through valleys with scenic sunset views.
• Well-Organized & Safe: High-quality gear, safety briefing, and professional guides ensure peace of mind.
• Diverse Activities: Jeep off-roading, horseback riding, BBQ dinner, and star gazing—each offering a different perspective of the desert.
• Excellent Value: At $41 per person, it includes transfers, multiple activities, and dinner, making it a comprehensive experience.
• Authentic Cuisine & Culture: Farm-to-table dinner with grilled meats, Indian rice, salads, fruits, and soft drinks.
• Night Sky Wonder: Use of telescopes and expert explanations make star gazing both educational and breathtaking.

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A Practical Breakdown of the Experience

Starting With Comfort and Convenience

The tour begins with hotel pickups in Hurghada, which is particularly convenient if you’re staying in the city. The transportation is arranged through a reliable service, ensuring you’re picked up and returned without fuss. The drive takes you roughly 17 km off-road into the desert, a journey that adds excitement before the real adventure begins. The group size seems manageable, with reviews mentioning friendly guides and helpful staff—key for creating a relaxed atmosphere.

The Desert Oasis and Safety

Once you arrive at the oasis, you’re welcomed with Arabian tea or coffee, setting a hospitable tone. The guides take time to explain the safety rules and riding instructions, crucial for those new to horseback riding or unfamiliar with desert terrain. The horse riding itself lasts about an hour, during which you’ll traverse valleys and enjoy views framed by mountain silhouettes. The terrain varies, adding interest and a sense of adventure.

Riding Through the Sunset

One of the highlights is the sunset—a time when the desert transforms with warm, golden hues. Several reviews echo how stunning this moment is. Shakeel describes the experience as “super fun,” especially the horse ride through the desert. The scenery is described as “magical,” with the towering mountains and valleys providing a dramatic backdrop.

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The Camel Stop and Photos

During the ride, brief stops are made for photos and rest, allowing travelers to take in the scenery and capture memories. The mix of horseback and camel rides offers variety—both iconic Egyptian animals—adding to the charm of the adventure.

The Desert Dinner

Back at the oasis, a delicious BBQ dinner awaits. The menu features grilled chicken, meatballs, Indian rice, vegetables, salads, fruits, and soft drinks—an impressive spread for a desert setting. Guests often praise the quality and flavor, noting that the food exceeds expectations for a tour meal. Petra mentions the food as “delicious,” urging others to try the one-hour horse ride, which is included in the price.

Stargazing and Telescope Viewing

As night falls, the guides take center stage with explanations of star groups, planets, and celestial phenomena. You’ll use professional telescopes to get a closer look at various targets in the clear desert sky, depending on the time of year. Robin describes the star gazing as “beautiful,” especially with the guide Adam, who is praised for his knowledge and enthusiasm. The experience provides a peaceful, almost surreal, end to the evening, with many noting how incredible it is to see the stars so clearly in a place free from light pollution.

The Return Journey

Finally, after an exhilarating night of star gazing, the group embarks on the off-road jeep ride back to the meeting point. The drive can be intense and fast, with some reviews cautioning about the speed—over 100 km/h—so it might not be suitable for those seeking a more relaxed ride. The trip concludes with transport back to your hotel, typically late in the evening.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Desert Riding: Unlike typical city-based excursions, this tour takes you into the desert’s wild beauty, offering both horseback and camel rides in valleys and hills. The sunset views make this a photographer’s dream, and the guided rides ensure you’re safe and comfortable.

Delicious, Farm-to-Table Dinner: The BBQ dinner is a highlight for many. Guests rave about the quality and variety of food, which feels surprising in such a remote setting. It’s a genuine taste of local and Indian-inspired flavors, served with care.

Stargazing in a Clear Sky: Gaining views of stars and planets through telescopes is a rare treat far from city lights. The guides’ explanations make the celestial sights accessible, transforming the night sky into a cosmic classroom.

Professional Guides and Safety: Several reviewers mention how helpful and fun their guides are, making the experience enjoyable regardless of riding experience. The safety briefing and gear are reassuring, especially for first-timers.

Potential Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

While this tour offers many highlights, some guests noted the length and intensity of the jeep safari, which can reach speeds over 100 km/h. For those sensitive to fast rides or with mobility concerns, this could be a concern. Plus, the stargazing portion might feel limited if you’re expecting up-close views or multiple telescopes—reviews mention only two telescopes and some waiting times. The dinner, while praised for quality, is described as basic by a few, but still tasty.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

A Final Word for Travelers

This tour offers a well-rounded experience for those looking to enjoy Egypt’s desert in a way that balances adventure with relaxation. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a taste of Egyptian nature, delicious food, and a night under the stars all in one evening. The excellent reviews reflect a consistent level of quality and enthusiasm from both guides and participants.

If you’re after a memorable, safe, and engaging desert experience that combines activity, culture, and natural beauty, this outing in Hurghada is hard to beat at its reasonable price point.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from Hurghada hotels, making it convenient for travelers staying in the city.

How long does the entire tour last? The trip typically runs from the afternoon into late evening, with the Jeep safari, horseback riding, dinner, and star gazing. Expect a full-day experience.

Is the horseback riding suitable for beginners? Yes, the guides provide safety instructions and gear, and the riding depends on your skill and comfort level. It’s designed to be accessible even for first-timers.

What kind of food is served during dinner? The BBQ dinner includes Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruits, and soft drinks, praised for its quality and flavor.

Can I do star gazing if I don’t know anything about stars? Absolutely. The guides explain star groups, planets, and celestial phenomena, making the experience educational and accessible for all.

Is this tour family-friendly? It is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year. Otherwise, it’s great for families with kids who can handle outdoor activities and some riding.

In essence, this Hurghada tour offers a lively mix of desert riding, delicious food, and starry skies—ideal for those wanting a genuine adventure with a touch of Egyptian magic.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby