Hurghada: Horse Ride, BBQ Dinner, and Stargazing

Horseback riding at sunset is the heart of this Hurghada excursion. You leave the resort area by 4×4, cross the desert toward a small oasis, then ride through mountain-framed valleys as the light fades. Afterward, you eat dinner under the open sky and learn the main star groups from guides such as Adam and Nasser, also known as Marshmallow.

I like the mix of activities for $41, especially the horse ride and telescope session. I also like the careful setup for first-time riders, with safety gear, a briefing, and guides who can stay close to nervous riders. The main consideration is the rough jeep transfer, which one account describes as fast and unsettling, plus the fact that a large group can mean a wait at the telescopes.

Key points to know before booking

• One-hour desert horse ride: Follow valleys and hills, with photo and rest stops along the way.
• Sunset from the desert: The ride is timed to reach a high point or open view as the sun drops.
• Dinner at a desert oasis: Expect Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola.
• Telescope viewing: The guide explains star groups and uses professional telescopes for objects available that night.
• Rough 4×4 transfer: The 17-kilometer off-road drive is part of the adventure, but it may feel intense.
• Good for first-time riders: Speed and riding style are adjusted to skill and comfort.

From Hurghada hotels to a desert oasis

Your day begins with pickup at your Hurghada hotel. The exact collection time depends on where you stay, and the vehicle first takes the group to a meeting point before the desert drive begins.

From there, the 4×4 travels about 17 kilometers off-road to the oasis. This is not a smooth sightseeing transfer. The desert track adds excitement, but some passengers may find the speed and rough surface uncomfortable. One account describes driving at more than 100 kilometers per hour, with passengers sitting in the back without seatbelts, so ask about seating and safety if that worries you.

The transfer is worth considering when you plan your evening. A reported schedule ran from about 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., including pickup, activities, and the return drive. That makes this a substantial half-day and evening outing, not a quick sunset stop.

At the oasis, you receive Arabian tea or coffee before the main activities begin. The guide explains the schedule and safety rules, then helps you prepare with riding gear. The site is monitored by cameras and is described as meeting international health and safety standards.

One hour on horseback through the valleys

The riding route takes you through desert valleys framed by mountains. This is the most active part of the outing, and it gives you a better sense of the desert than simply stopping for photographs beside a road.

You do not need to be an expert rider. The guides provide a safety briefing and adjust the pace to the group’s ability and comfort. First-time riders have been given close support, including individual guides for family members in one account. That kind of attention matters when you are handling a horse in unfamiliar terrain.

The ride lasts about one hour. Expect a steady route rather than a long-distance riding expedition. The horses take you through the desert, with stops for rest and photographs. Guides may let confident riders handle the horse more independently, while cautious riders can keep to a slower pace.

Sun and heat are the practical concerns. The desert can feel hotter than Hurghada’s resort area, even when the evening later becomes cool. Wear suitable clothing, use sunscreen, and bring a hat and sunglasses. Long trousers may also feel more comfortable than shorts during the ride, though the required clothing is not specified.

The horses are an important part of the experience. Feedback about their condition and treatment has been positive, which will matter to anyone who cares about animal welfare. Still, you should treat the ride as a guided activity, not a chance to race or make the horse gallop. Your speed depends on your ability and comfort, and the guide has the final say.

The supplied description briefly refers to a camel ride during the photography stop, although the title, inclusions, and the rest of the program describe horseback riding. If camel riding matters to you, confirm the exact schedule before booking. The clear and repeated part of the experience is the one-hour horse ride.

Sunset from a high desert viewpoint

The route is timed around sunset, with the horses taking you toward an elevated point or open valley view. The mountains and empty desert give the sunset a broad setting, without resort buildings in the immediate view.

This is also the best time for photographs. You can stop with the horses, rest, and take pictures before returning to the oasis. Bring your phone or camera, but protect it from dust during the 4×4 ride. A hat and sunglasses are useful before sunset, while an extra layer may help later in the evening.

The sunset portion is not a separate long walk or viewing platform. It is tied to the horseback route, so the quality of the experience depends partly on your comfort in the saddle and on the day’s light and weather. If you want a quiet sunset with no physical activity, a simpler desert viewpoint may suit you better.

For most people, the timing works well. You get the heat and color of late afternoon first, then return to the oasis as darkness makes the dinner and astronomy session possible.

BBQ dinner at the oasis

Back at the oasis, dinner includes Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola. Arabian tea or coffee is provided earlier, while the meal includes soft drinks.

The food is best understood as a practical group dinner rather than a fine dining event. It gives you a full meal after riding and before the evening astronomy session. Some diners found it delicious, while another described it as basic. That difference is fair: the setting is memorable, but the menu is straightforward.

The stated information also uses the phrase farm-to-table lunch in the highlights, but the detailed schedule places the meal after sunset as dinner. Plan for an evening BBQ, not a separate daytime lunch.

You may want to bring extra water, although water is not listed among the included items. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. If you have food allergies or special dietary needs, ask before booking, since no alternative menu is provided in the information available.

The oasis itself gives the meal a sense of place. You are not simply eating at a restaurant in Hurghada, then returning to the hotel. The meal is part of a desert evening, with the dark sky becoming the main backdrop.

Stargazing with Nasser and two telescopes

After dinner, a guide explains the star groups visible in the sky. Nasser, nicknamed Marshmallow, has been praised for his humor and ability to keep the astronomy talk lively. Adam has also been singled out for making the stargazing portion memorable.

The setting helps. Away from Hurghada’s resort lights, the night sky can appear much clearer, especially on a cloudless evening. The program uses professional telescopes to view objects available according to the night’s calendar. The moon and particular stars or planets may be included, but the exact targets change.

Keep your expectations realistic. This is a guided group session, not private telescope access. One account describes a group of more than 45 people sharing two telescopes, one aimed at the moon and another at a star or other selected object. You may need to wait your turn, and you will not operate the telescope yourself.

That arrangement has two sides. Seeing the moon through a telescope can be striking, and a clear sky over the desert is special even without magnification. But if astronomy is your main reason for booking, a large group and limited viewing time may disappoint you.

The guide’s explanation adds value beyond simply looking upward. You learn how to identify star groups and understand what is visible that night. The talk may feel long if you are mainly waiting for a telescope turn, but the humor helps keep the session relaxed.

How the price compares with the time and inclusions

At $41 per person, the outing offers a lot for one evening: hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, the 4×4 transfer, guide services, riding equipment, about an hour on horseback, tea or coffee, dinner, soft drinks, and stargazing.

I consider the price good for visitors who want several experiences in one booking. Paying separately for a desert transfer, horse ride, dinner, and astronomy activity could be less convenient, even if you might find a more private version of one activity elsewhere.

The value depends on what you want most. If you mainly want a quiet telescope session, the group size weakens the deal. If you want an active desert outing with food and a sunset included, the package makes more sense.

The long transfer is part of the calculation. You are paying for an evening away from the resort, but you are also spending time in vehicles. The overall schedule can stretch from early afternoon into the evening, so do not book it on a night when you need to catch another activity.

Languages, comfort, and safety details

Guiding is available in English, French, German, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish. That is useful because the safety instructions and riding advice need to be clear, especially for people who have never ridden before.

Riding gear is included, and a safety briefing takes place before the ride. The group’s riding style and speed depend on everyone’s skill and comfort. Tell the guide at once if you are nervous, inexperienced, or uncomfortable with the pace.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or babies under one year old. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. The desert can be hot before sunset and cooler later, so layers are sensible.

The off-road vehicle deserves the most caution. The fast, rough drive is exciting for some people and frightening for others. Families should think about how children will cope, and anyone with back, neck, or motion-sickness problems should ask for more information before paying.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans may change. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Who will enjoy this evening most?

I would choose this tour if you want variety and do not mind a busy schedule. It suits first-time horse riders, couples looking for a sunset activity, families with older children who can manage the ride, and anyone who wants to see the desert after dark.

It is also a good choice if you want an easy way to combine four things: off-road driving, horseback riding, dinner, and stargazing. The guides appear to be a major part of the experience, particularly during the riding instruction and astronomy talk.

I would think twice if you dislike fast 4×4 driving, need a quiet private setting, or want a serious astronomy program. The telescope viewing is shared, and the evening can feel long if you are not interested in every part of the schedule.

The rating of 4.8 from 203 ratings reflects a strong overall response, but the lower-scoring comments point to real issues: the rough transfer, a basic dinner, a large stargazing group, and one report of stomach trouble after buying an extra drink. Stick to the included food and drinks if you are cautious, and ask about any extra purchases.

Should you book the Hurghada horse ride?

Book it if the idea of riding through desert valleys at sunset, eating under the stars, and sharing a telescope session sounds like a good evening. At $41, the package offers solid value, especially for first-time riders who want guides, equipment, transport, and dinner handled in one go.

Skip it if the 4×4 ride sounds stressful or if you expect private, detailed astronomy. The strongest part is the combination of horseback riding, sunset scenery, and the desert setting. The weakest part is the possibility of a crowded telescope session and a rough ride back.

For most active visitors staying in Hurghada, I would put this on the shortlist. Bring sun protection, expect a full afternoon and evening, tell the guide your comfort level, and treat the stargazing as a shared introduction rather than a private observatory visit.

FAQ

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $41 per person.

What does the tour include?

It includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, a guide, riding gear, the horseback tour, Arabian tea or coffee, BBQ dinner with soft drinks, and stargazing.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback portion lasts about one hour.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What food is served at dinner?

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

Are telescopes used during the stargazing?

Yes. A professional telescope is used to view targets available in the sky according to the calendar.

Which languages are available?

Guiding is available in English, French, German, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish.

Who should not book this activity?

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