Hurghada: Horse Ride, BBQ Dinner, and Stargazing

The best part of this Hurghada outing comes when the horses carry you through mountain-framed desert valleys as the sun drops behind the hills. You get more than a standard sunset drive: there is an hour in the saddle, a BBQ dinner at an oasis, and a clear-sky astronomy session afterward.

I like the careful start, with a safety briefing and riding gear before you mount, and I like the mix of activity and quiet time. The jeep ride adds a jolt of excitement, while the telescope and star talk give the evening a slower finish. The main caution is the off-road transfer. Some drivers go very fast, and the rough ride can feel frightening, especially in the back of a vehicle without seatbelts.

Key points to know before you book

• One-hour horseback ride: Follow desert valleys, stop for photographs, and watch the sunset from higher ground.
• Desert oasis dinner: Return to a purpose-built oasis for grilled chicken, meatballs, rice, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola.
• Stargazing with a telescope: A guide explains star groups, with telescope targets depending on the night’s calendar.
• Exciting jeep transfer: The 17-kilometer route includes off-road driving, but it may feel extreme rather than relaxed.
• Support for beginners: Guides help with equipment, horse control, and riding pace, which depends on your comfort and skill.
• Good package value: At $41 per person, transfers, riding, dinner, guides, gear, and stargazing are all bundled together.

Riding into the desert from Hurghada

Your evening begins with hotel pickup in Hurghada. The exact collection time depends on your hotel, and the group first gathers at a meeting point before setting off toward the desert.

From there, the jeep travels about 17 kilometers over rough desert tracks to the oasis. This transfer is part of the experience, not just a ride between stops. It gives you a quick taste of the open desert and the mountain country around Hurghada.

You should know what kind of drive you are signing up for. Some reports describe the jeep ride as very fast and intense, with vehicles racing across the sand and passengers sitting in the rear without seatbelts. That will sound thrilling to some people and unsafe to others.

I would not treat this as a calm, scenic transfer. If you dislike sharp jolts, speed, or rough roads, ask about seating and the driving style before departure. Families with older children may enjoy it, but anyone nervous about off-road driving should think carefully.

The destination is an oasis inside the desert, used as the base for the evening’s activities. You are welcomed with Arabian tea or coffee before the guide explains the schedule and safety rules.

A sensible start for first-time riders

The horseback portion begins with riding gear and instructions. This matters because the tour is open to beginners, not only confident riders. Guides help you learn how to control the horse and adjust the pace to the ability and comfort of the group.

You should not expect a fast horseback excursion. The riding style and speed depend on the participants, so the outing is designed to keep the group together and make the hour manageable for first-time riders.

That approach is useful if you have never ridden before. The guides stay attentive, and individual riders may receive extra help. Families have also been given separate guides for children and adults, which can make the ride feel more controlled.

The horses are one of the more important parts of the experience. Several people specifically noticed that the animals appeared healthy and well cared for. Guides also allow time for photographs, so you can pause beside the horses rather than rushing from one point to another.

Wear clothing that allows you to move easily and expect dust. Sunglasses help with glare and grit, while a hat and sunscreen are essential during the warmer months. Bring water if you normally need frequent drinks, since the desert can feel hotter than the temperature at your resort.

Sunset from the desert valleys

The ride lasts about one hour and follows valleys surrounded by desert hills. This is the most scenic part of the program, especially if you like being outdoors rather than sitting in a vehicle for the entire excursion.

The route includes a stop for rest and photographs. Guides may take you toward higher ground, giving you a broad view across the dry valleys as the sun begins to fall. The colors change quickly, so have your camera ready before the group stops.

The setting feels different from Hurghada’s beach resorts. There are no boats, hotel buildings, or busy roads in the immediate view. Instead, you get open rock, sand, mountains, and the sound of the horses moving beneath you.

The ride back to the oasis is shorter after the sunset stop. That is welcome if you are new to riding, since even a gentle hour in the saddle can leave your legs and back feeling tired.

Do not expect every rider to have complete control of the route. This is a guided group ride, and the pace is set for the least confident participants. That makes the outing safer and more comfortable for beginners, though experienced riders may find it restrained.

Dinner at the desert oasis

After the ride, you return to the oasis for dinner. The meal includes Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola.

This is a practical, filling menu after time outdoors. It is not presented as a formal restaurant meal, and expectations should stay modest. The food has generally been described as good, with particular praise for the taste and quantity.

The oasis itself helps make dinner feel more special than eating from a buffet back at the hotel. You are surrounded by desert darkness, and the open-air setting connects the meal to the rest of the evening.

If you want a very cold drink, check what is available before ordering extra refreshments. One person reported buying a smoothie that was not cold and later feeling unwell. That does not establish a general problem with the included meal, but it is a useful reason to be cautious with additional drinks.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the experience. The tour includes soft drinks, and the atmosphere is built around riding, dinner, and astronomy rather than nightlife.

Learning the night sky with Nasser

The stargazing session begins after dinner. A guide explains groups of stars and points out objects visible in the clear desert sky. Nasser, also known by the nickname Marshmallow, is noted for his humor and lively explanations.

The desert is a good place for this activity because it gets you away from the bright lights of Hurghada. On a clear night, the stars can look far more distinct than they do from a resort balcony.

The telescope viewing is an extra benefit, but it needs realistic expectations. The available targets depend on the calendar, so you might view the moon, a planet, or a particular star rather than choosing any object you like.

There may also be a wait. One reported group had more than 45 people and two telescopes, one aimed at the moon and one at a star. That means the experience can feel organized and communal rather than private or hands-on.

You will not be able to handle the telescope freely. You wait for your turn, look through it, and move on for the next person. The moon can look impressive, but the telescope will not produce a giant observatory-style image.

For me, the value lies in the combination of the explanation and the setting. The guide gives you a simple way to understand what you are seeing, then the open desert lets you look up without resorting to a phone screen. If astronomy is your main reason for booking, ask how large the group will be and how much telescope time is available.

How the timing affects your evening

The full outing can take much longer than the one-hour ride suggests. One reported schedule ran from about 1:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., including pickup, the long transfer, riding, dinner, stargazing, and the drive back.

Plan this as a full afternoon and evening, not a quick activity squeezed between beach time and dinner at your hotel. Pickup and drop-off have been described as punctual, and communication is handled through WhatsApp, but the exact timing still depends on your hotel location and group arrangements.

The sunset determines part of the schedule. You may leave before the ride itself begins so the group can reach the oasis, get fitted, and start on time. The return drive happens after dark, which adds to the sense of adventure but can also make the rough road feel more dramatic.

This is a good choice for your last full evening in Hurghada if you want a single outing to fill the night. It is less suitable if you have a late dinner reservation, an early morning flight, or only a few free hours.

What the $41 price really includes

At $41 per person, this is a strong value if you want several activities in one booking. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the jeep transfer, a guide, riding equipment, an hour on horseback, welcome tea or coffee, dinner with soft drinks, and stargazing.

Comparable desert outings often separate transport, meals, and activities. Here, the bundled format keeps planning simple and gives you a full evening away from the resort.

The value is strongest for first-time riders and couples who want variety. You get scenery, animals, a sunset, food, off-road driving, and astronomy without booking separate excursions.

The value is less clear if you want a private horse ride, a quiet dinner, or serious telescope work. The group can be large, the ride follows a controlled pace, and telescope time may be brief.

The price also does not remove the need to check the practical details. Ask about the expected group size, vehicle seating, and the intensity of the off-road transfer if those points matter to you.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this to couples, families with older children, first-time riders, and anyone who wants a full desert evening rather than a single short activity. The guides are attentive with beginners, and the range of stops keeps the outing from feeling repetitive.

It also suits people who enjoy a social atmosphere. You may share the oasis, dinner, and telescopes with a sizable mixed-language group. Guides speak English, French, German, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish, although the exact language arrangement can depend on the departure.

You should reconsider if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or are bringing a baby under one year old, as the experience is not suitable for those situations. You should also be comfortable with uneven ground, horseback riding, and a rough jeep journey.

Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. Desert temperatures can change after sunset, so an extra layer may be useful if the evening is cool.

Should you book the horse ride and stargazing evening?

I would book it if you want good variety for one price and can accept a lively group setting. The sunset ride is the clear center of the experience, while the BBQ and astronomy session give the evening a satisfying finish.

I would be more cautious if the jeep transfer worries you or if you expect a quiet, private desert retreat. The driving can be extreme, dinner is simple, and a crowded telescope session may not satisfy serious astronomy fans.

For most Hurghada visitors, the strongest reason to choose this tour is the balance: a guided ride for beginners, a memorable desert sunset, a meal under dark skies, and a chance to see the moon or other celestial objects through a telescope. Reserve at least 24 hours ahead if you want the option of a full refund for cancellation, and use the flexible pay-later option if your plans are still moving.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding take place?

The activity takes place at an oasis inside the desert, reached by an approximately 17-kilometer jeep journey from the meeting point. The riding route passes through desert valleys framed by mountains.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback portion lasts about one hour. The group stops for rest and photographs during the ride.

Is the horse ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour provides a safety briefing, riding gear, and guides who help first-time riders learn how to control the horse. Speed and riding style depend on each participant’s skill and comfort.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at hotels in Hurghada are included. The collection time depends on your hotel location.

What food is served at dinner?

Dinner includes Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola. Arabian tea or coffee is served as a welcome drink.

Is the dinner a farm-to-table meal?

The supplied details describe a desert BBQ dinner but do not confirm that the ingredients are farm-to-table. Expect the listed rice, meats, vegetables, salads, fruit, and soft drinks.

What happens during stargazing?

A guide explains groups of stars and points out objects visible in the night sky. Professional telescopes are used for targets available on that night’s calendar.

Can I choose what to view through the telescope?

The telescope targets depend on the calendar. The available information does not promise free choice of objects or unlimited telescope use.

What languages are available?

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

Who should not join this experience?

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