Hurghada: Horse Ride, BBQ Dinner, and Stargazing

This is a fun, full-day Red Sea desert outing that strings together three very different moods: one-hour horseback riding at golden hour, a BBQ dinner in an oasis, and then the calm, upside-down magic of telescope stargazing. The part I’d flag for your expectations is the jeep off-roading, which can feel fast and intense, especially for anyone who gets nervous on rough rides.

I like how the tour actually builds in breaks and guidance, from the welcome Arabian tea and a safety briefing before you mount up, to photo pauses during the camel segment. Just be ready for desert heat and time on the move, since hotel pickup and transfers can make this a long day.

Key Things I’d Put On Your Radar

• 17 km off-road jeep transfer to reach the oasis out in the desert, not just a quick drive
• One-hour horse ride between valleys with help for first-timers and a speed set to your comfort
• Arabian tea or coffee on arrival, then a real desert sunset setup
• BBQ dinner with specific mains like grilled chicken, meat balls, Indian rice, plus fruits and salads
• Telescope stargazing after dark, with targets changing based on the calendar (and group time at the scope)

Getting From Hurghada To The Desert Oasis Takes Time

Your day starts with hotel pickup in Hurghada, with pickup time based on where your hotel is located. After you meet at the starting point, you head out in a jeep for about 17 km of off-road driving until you reach the oasis area inside the desert.

This transfer matters more than you might think. It’s a chunk of the experience, and it sets the tone. The desert air feels different the moment you leave the city behind, and the off-road stretch gets you ready for the slower, steadier pace that comes with horses later.

If you’re trying to plan around meals or rest, build in the idea that this can run long. One traveler reported a schedule that ran roughly from early afternoon to evening return, so treat it like a full outing, not a quick excursion.

The Off-Road Jeep Safari: Prepare for Fast Desert Driving

Once you’re in the adventure jeep, expect real off-road terrain, not a smooth road ride. In one review, a husband and wife had a very different take on the same experience: for him it was exciting, for her it was scary. The reason was speed and seating.

So here’s my practical advice. If you know you get uncomfortable with fast driving or you hate being bounced around, consider that this part may not match your comfort level. If you handle it fine, the dark desert drive can be a lot of fun, with the wider sense of space that only shows up when you’re away from lights.

On the plus side, the tour notes that the location is monitored by cameras and complies with international health and safety standards. You’ll also see that the horse segment is guided and paced, so at least the riding portion is not just thrown at you.

Horse Riding Into The Desert: Where The Magic Actually Starts

The highlight is the one-hour horseback ride. After you arrive at the oasis, you get a welcome drink, then your guide explains how the program works and covers safety rules before anyone mounts up.

Then you ride for an hour between desert valleys, with the timing planned for sunset. This is not about racing across sand. It’s about moving through the desert with mountains framing the scene and getting that wide-open feeling that’s hard to create from a beach or a road.

If you’re a first-timer, that’s where this tour earns its good ratings. The riding gear is provided, and the guide sets riding style and speed based on what you’re comfortable with. You’ll still want to take it seriously. Listen to your guide, keep your posture steady, and treat the horse like a partner, not a ride.

One more thing that surprised people: the sun can hit hard out there. Even if Hurghada feels warm all day, desert sun can feel more intense once you’re riding. Bring the basics: sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

Photo Pauses, Camel Segments, and Short Breaks

Between the horse portion and the next meal phase, the program includes stops for photos and rest during the camel ride segment. This is a nice rhythm for a long day because it breaks the mental load. You get a moment to reset, take pictures, and stretch instead of feeling locked onto a single activity.

It also gives you a chance to see more of the desert from another angle. Horses move at a steady pace through the valleys, while camel moments tend to feel slower and more scenic, which can be great if you want your photos to feel less like action shots and more like desert portraits.

If you care about photos, do this: keep your phone protected from heat and glare, and be ready to shoot when the group stops. Timing matters in desert light.

Dinner In The Oasis: BBQ You Can Expect To Fill You Up

After the rides and breaks, you head back to the oasis area for dinner. The meal is included and it’s more specific than vague buffet claims. You’ll get Indian rice, grilled chicken, meat balls, vegetables, salads, fruits, and cola.

This is a key value point for the $41 price. You’re not just paying for rides and a show. You get an actual meal after dark, which is when you’d usually be paying extra in Hurghada.

Is it fancy? One review described the dinner as basic, which is a fair note if you’re expecting restaurant-level presentation. Still, most of the feedback points to the food being enjoyable and plentiful. If you’re hungry after time in the desert, this menu is built for that.

One practical caution from a review: someone who bought an extra smoothie later had a stomach issue and said the drink wasn’t cold. I can’t generalize from one case, but if you have a sensitive stomach, stick to the included soft drinks first, and treat extra chilled drinks as optional.

Stargazing With A Telescope: Great Views, Expect Turn-Taking

After dinner, the professional guide talks about star groups and then you look up at the night sky in a dark, clear desert setting. Then the telescope comes out, with the targets based on the calendar.

This part is usually where the wow factor lives. People described the stargazing as exceptional and surreal, especially on nights with clear visibility. If you’ve ever wished you could see more than points of light, this is the moment.

But manage expectations. Stargazing can happen in a group, and in one review the telescope experience was described as limited by the number of people waiting their turn. The same guests said there were about 45 people, and that there were only two telescope view options, focusing on the Moon and one other target that night. They also noted you cannot touch the telescope.

So what does that mean for you? You’ll likely get a meaningful look, especially at the Moon, but it won’t be a private, unlimited session. If you’re traveling with someone who cares most about astronomy close-up, ask about how the telescope time is handled before you join, or keep your mindset flexible and enjoy the sky as a whole.

Languages, Guides, And The Human Side Of The Desert

A big reason these kinds of tours work is the guide energy. This tour runs with guides across multiple languages, including English, French, German, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish.

From the guide names that came through in feedback, you might meet staff like Adam for stargazing and Nasser (sometimes written like Marshmallow) for star explanations. Even without knowing who you’ll get, the pattern is consistent: the stargazing guide brings personality, and the horse guides focus on helping you mount confidently.

That matters when you’re doing something physical in a place that feels unfamiliar. Good guidance turns a potentially stressful activity into a straightforward one.

Price and Value: What $41 Actually Buys You

At $41 per person, you’re not paying only for one activity. You’re paying for a package that includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, a guide, riding gear, the horseback tour, welcome tea or coffee, BBQ dinner with soft drinks, and stargazing with a telescope.

Here’s the value math in plain terms. Many Hurghada excursions charge separately for transport, dinner, and “extras” like stargazing. This one rolls it into one day, and the night-sky portion is not something you get on most standard desert safaris.

Is it perfect? No. The jeep segment can feel extreme for some people, and the telescope time can be shared among a large group. Still, if your goal is a full desert experience that ends with real sky viewing, this price looks like strong value.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Should Pass

This tour makes a lot of sense if you want:

• A one-hour desert horse ride with safety rules and pacing for your comfort
• A sunset-focused schedule and a meal waiting for you afterward
• A desert stargazing component with a telescope and a guide explaining what you’re seeing
• Hotel transfers that reduce planning stress in Hurghada

It may not be a great fit if you:

• Feel very uneasy with fast off-road driving and rough seating situations
• Need wheelchair access (the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)
• Are pregnant (not suitable)
• Are traveling with a baby under 1 year (not suitable)

Also think about the desert sun. Even if you stay in the shade during setup, you’ll spend time outdoors riding and watching sunset. If heat makes you miserable quickly, plan to take it slow with water and shade when you can.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Bring what the tour asks for: sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. Wear shoes that work on sand and don’t slip easily, since you’ll be around horses and riding gear.

And since the tour allows no alcohol and no drugs, plan your evening around included soft drinks and whatever water you prefer before pickup. Keep the focus on comfort and safety.

One more tip: if stargazing is a top priority for you, arrive ready to watch and not expecting unlimited close-ups at the telescope. Enjoy the guide talk, the sky, and the Moon even if you only get a short turn at the scope.

Should You Book This Hurghada Horse Ride, BBQ Dinner, and Stargazing?

I’d book it if you want a desert day that feels complete, not just one activity. The combination of sunset horseback riding, a real BBQ dinner, and telescope stargazing is a solid mix of action and calm, and the included hotel pickup lowers the effort.

I’d hesitate if your main concern is avoiding anything that could feel fast or rough. The jeep safari is a known variable in comfort levels, and the telescope experience can be shared in larger groups.

If you’re reasonably fit, comfortable with heat, and you’re excited about stars as much as rides, this is a strong choice. It’s the kind of evening you’ll remember long after you’ve packed the beach bag back in your suitcase.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada.

How long is the horseback riding part?

The horseback tour lasts for one hour.

What is included in the BBQ dinner?

Dinner includes Indian rice, grilled chicken, meat balls, vegetables, salads, fruits, and cola. Soft drinks are included.

Is alcohol included or allowed?

No alcohol is allowed on the tour.

Is stargazing done with a telescope?

Yes. After dinner, you’ll do star watching and use a professional telescope, with targets depending on the calendar.

What languages are available for the tour?

The tour is offered in English, French, German, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish.

What should I bring and not bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

When can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.