Hurghada: Horse Ride, BBQ Dinner, and Stargazing

A desert horse ride is a fine way to see Hurghada beyond the resort strip. You follow valleys framed by bare mountains, pause for photos, watch the sun drop, then return to an oasis for dinner and astronomy. The one-hour horseback ride is the heart of the outing, and first-time riders receive help with the gear and basic controls.

I like the mix of open-air activity and quiet evening sky. The sunset from the desert hills gives the ride a clear purpose, while the BBQ and telescope session keep the experience going after dark. The main caution is the jeep transfer: the off-road drive can be fast and rough, with one account describing speeds above 100 kilometers per hour and no seatbelts in the rear.

What makes this Hurghada desert evening different

• A 17-kilometer off-road approach: The adventure starts before the horses, with a jeep ride from the meeting point to an oasis in the desert.
• A full hour on horseback: You ride between valleys rather than simply taking a short photo loop beside the stables.
• Sunset from higher ground: The route includes a stop for photos, rest, and views as the light changes.
• Dinner in a desert oasis: Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola are served after the ride.
• Astronomy after dark: A guide explains star groups, then telescopes are used for visible targets based on the night’s calendar.
• A multilingual operation: English, French, German, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish support is available.

From your Hurghada hotel to the desert oasis

Pickup time depends on your hotel, so your evening begins with a transfer rather than a fixed departure hour. Communication is handled through WhatsApp, and the operation has been described as responsive and organized. Pickup and return transfers are included for Hurghada hotels.

You first travel to a meeting point, then board a jeep for roughly 17 kilometers of off-road driving. This is not a quiet shuttle ride. The route is part of the entertainment, with jolts, dust, and open desert replacing the smooth roads around the resort.

I would take the jeep section seriously when deciding if this is right for you. Some people enjoy the speed and rough terrain, while others may find the ride frightening. One account describes very fast driving and rear seating without seatbelts, so ask about seating and safety before departure if this is a concern.

The location is monitored by cameras and is described as following international health and safety standards. That is reassuring, but it does not remove the need to speak up if the jeep ride feels too aggressive. You can also expect the overall outing to take much of the afternoon and evening. One schedule ran from about 1:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., including transfers.

Tea, a safety briefing, and choosing your pace

At the oasis, you receive Arabian tea or coffee before the riding program begins. This welcome drink gives you time to settle in, look around, and meet the guides before getting on a horse.

The guide explains the schedule and safety rules, then helps with the riding gear. This matters if you have never ridden before. Several people with no prior riding experience were able to take part because the horse guides offered hands-on instruction and stayed attentive during the route.

Do not expect one fixed speed for everyone. Your riding style and pace depend on your skill and comfort level. Beginners can ride with support, while experienced riders may have more confidence controlling the horse, but the group still follows the guide’s plan.

The horses are an important part of the experience. The available feedback describes them as happy and healthy, and the guides are said to handle them with care. That will matter to anyone who wants a desert ride without feeling uneasy about animal treatment.

Wear clothes that allow movement and protect you from the sun. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing are specifically recommended. The desert can feel hotter than the temperature at your resort, so do not judge the conditions from the hotel pool area.

One hour between desert valleys

The horseback route lasts about an hour and moves through valleys surrounded by mountains. This gives you more time in the desert than a short stable circuit, but it remains accessible to people who are still learning the basics.

The scenery is spare and dramatic. There are no trees, shops, or city sounds to distract you. You see the contours of the valleys, the dry ground, and the changing light on the mountains. The attraction is the openness, not a long list of sights.

The group stops for photographs and a rest break during the ride. This is useful because it gives beginners a chance to adjust and gives everyone time to take pictures without trying to manage a horse at the same time.

You should not assume you will gallop. The speed is based on ability and comfort, and the safety briefing sets the tone. For a first ride, that is a good arrangement. You can focus on balance, steering, and the scenery instead of worrying about keeping up.

The best timing comes near sunset. As the sun lowers, the hills and valleys take on stronger shapes, and the desert feels less harsh than it does in full afternoon heat. The sunset stop is one of the strongest parts of the program, especially if you enjoy photographs with horses and mountains in the frame.

Sunset views, then back to the oasis

The ride reaches a point where you can watch the sunset from the desert hills. Guides help with photographs and give you time to rest before the shorter ride back.

This pause makes the evening feel less rushed. You are not simply riding from one activity to the next. There is a clear break to enjoy the light, take pictures, and let the temperature drop before dinner.

The return ride is shorter, so the main riding time is the outward route through the valleys. If you want a long equestrian excursion with several hours in the saddle, this is not that. If you want a manageable hour with a sunset stop, the length is more practical.

Guides have been praised for being attentive and entertaining. Adam is specifically associated with the stargazing session in one account, while Nasser, nicknamed Marshmallow, is remembered for his humorous astronomy explanations. The names may vary by departure, but the guide-led format is consistent.

BBQ dinner at the desert oasis

After the horses return, dinner is served at the oasis. The meal includes Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola. It is a broad buffet-style selection rather than a fine dining event.

I would rate the meal as a useful and welcome part of the evening. After an hour outdoors and an off-road transfer, you will want something filling, and the combination of rice, meat, vegetables, salad, and fruit gives you more choice than a single plate of grilled food.

Expect simple desert dining, not a restaurant meal with a long menu. One account called the dinner basic, while several others found it good or delicious. That difference is fair: the meal is included and practical, but the strongest reasons to book are the riding, sunset, and stars.

Soft drinks are included. Alcohol is not allowed, and drugs are prohibited. A separate paid drink was described as not cold enough and followed by stomach trouble, so I would stick with the included refreshments unless you have a clear reason to buy something extra.

The description also uses the phrase farm-to-table lunch, but the actual schedule provided is an evening BBQ dinner. You should plan around dinner, not lunch.

Stargazing with two telescopes

After dinner, the guide explains star groups visible in the clear desert sky. The lack of city light gives this part real value. Even without a telescope, the sky can feel very different from what you see around Hurghada’s hotels.

The telescope session depends on the calendar and on which targets are available that night. You may view the moon, planets, or other specific objects. The program does not promise the same sight every evening, so the astronomy portion changes with the date and conditions.

The guides add humor to the explanation. Nasser, also called Marshmallow, has been singled out for making the star talk entertaining, and Adam has been praised for his work during the stargazing. You are not simply left beside equipment without context.

There is one practical limit. On a busy evening, the group can be large. One account describes more than 45 people sharing two telescopes, one set for the moon and another for a star or other specific target. That means waiting your turn, and you should not expect private, unlimited telescope use.

The moon can look impressive through the telescope, but the view is brief and shared. If you want a serious astronomy lesson or extended observation time, this may feel too light. If you want an accessible introduction to the night sky after a sunset ride, it fits well.

Is $41 good value?

At $41 per person, the package includes hotel pickup and return in Hurghada, the jeep transfer, guide support, riding gear, one hour of horseback riding, tea or coffee, BBQ dinner, soft drinks, and stargazing.

That is strong value if you want several activities in one evening. Booking each element separately would likely be less convenient, and the transportation alone would be useful for reaching a desert location away from the resort. You also avoid having to arrange a horse stable, dinner, and an astronomy session on your own.

The value depends on what you care about most. Horse riding and sunset are the most reliable reasons to book. Dinner adds comfort, while the stargazing can be excellent on a clear night but may involve queues for the telescopes.

The group format also affects the price. You are joining a shared outing rather than receiving a private guide and private telescope time. That keeps the cost reasonable, but it means the evening may feel less personal when many people are present.

Reserve-and-pay-later booking is available, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and babies under one year old are not suited to this activity. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted.

Who will enjoy this evening most?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, couples, families with older children who can manage the activity, and anyone who wants a change from Hurghada’s beach routine. The program gives you enough structure to feel looked after, but the desert setting still feels far removed from the resort.

It is especially good for a final holiday evening. The ride, sunset, dinner, and stars create a natural sequence, and you do not need to be an experienced rider or amateur astronomer to enjoy it.

Think twice if you dislike fast off-road driving, rough vehicle rides, or shared group activities. The jeep section may be the hardest part for you, and the telescope portion may involve waiting.

You should also expect sun and heat before sunset. Bring protection, drink water, and avoid treating the horse ride as a cool evening activity from the start. The temperature can be more demanding in the desert than it feels at your hotel.

Should you book the horse ride and stargazing tour?

Book it if you want a good-value evening with several distinct parts: a real desert ride, a sunset stop, a filling dinner, and a guided look at the night sky. The horse guides are attentive with beginners, the sunset setting is special, and the astronomy talk adds something you would not get from a standard desert transfer.

Skip it if you want a calm, private outing or have strong concerns about fast jeep driving. Also skip it if your main goal is serious telescope viewing, since busy departures can mean two telescopes shared among a large group.

For most able-bodied visitors who accept those limits, the $41 price is fair. Bring sun protection, wear suitable clothes, and ask about the jeep seating before setting off. That preparation will help you enjoy the best parts of the evening without being surprised by the roughest one.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The experience takes place in the Red Sea Governorate near Hurghada, with the main activities held at an oasis inside the desert.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at Hurghada hotels are included, with collection time depending on the hotel location.

How far is the jeep ride to the oasis?

The jeep travels about 17 kilometers off-road from the meeting point to the desert oasis.

How long is the horse ride?

The horseback ride lasts about one hour, with a stop for photographs and rest.

Do I need previous horse-riding experience?

No previous experience is stated as a requirement. Guides provide a safety briefing, riding gear, and help with controlling the horse. Your riding style and speed depend on your skill and comfort.

What food is served?

Dinner includes Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola.

Is stargazing included?

Yes. A guide explains star groups, and professional telescopes are used to view targets available according to the calendar.

Can I see the moon through the telescope?

The moon may be one of the available targets, depending on the night and the telescope setup. Telescope use is shared among the group.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather.

Who should not join this experience?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or babies under one year old. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.