Hurghada: Star Stargazing Desert Adventure by Jeep & Dinner

The best part of this Hurghada excursion comes after dark, when the desert turns into a quiet outdoor observatory. You’ll look at the Moon and seasonal planets through a professional telescope, then learn how to spot constellations and find north using the North Star. Guides including Nasser, Abu, and Marshmallow are praised for making the astronomy clear and fun.

I like the mix of simple desert life and easy adventure: feeding farm animals and seeing bread made, then racing over the sand in an off-road vehicle. I also like the value, since dinner, drinks, transfers, camel and horse rides, and telescope viewing are all included. The main caution is the rough drive, and some drivers have been described as too fast, so this is not the right outing for anyone with back trouble or a strong fear of bumpy roads.

Key points at a glance

• 17 km of desert off-roading: Expect a lively, very bumpy ride in a large Toyota Land Cruiser style vehicle rather than a small open Jeep.
• A short camel and horse ride: Each advertised ride lasts about five minutes, with longer optional riding sometimes available.
• Sunset from a high desert hill: You’ll have time for photos and a drink while the sand and dunes catch the evening light.
• Dinner by candlelight: The buffet includes grilled chicken, meatballs, rice, salads, vegetables, and cola.
• Real telescope viewing: Depending on the season and weather, you may see the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, or Venus.
• A strong guide-led astronomy session: Guides such as Nasser and Abu explain constellations, zodiac signs, planets, and desert traditions in several languages.

The ride from Hurghada into the desert

Your evening begins with hotel pickup, followed by the trip to the desert meeting point. If your hotel is in Hurghada proper, the transfer is included. Hotels in Safaga, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna carry an extra €5 charge, and a national park fee of €1 per person is also payable.

The included desert drive covers about 17 kilometers. This is not a gentle sightseeing transfer. The Toyota Land Cruiser type vehicles bounce over sand and uneven ground, and several people compare the ride to a roller coaster. You’ll need to hold on firmly, especially on the steeper bumps.

That rough ride is part of the appeal for many people. It gives the outing a proper desert-adventure feel rather than making the evening simply a dinner stop with stars afterward. At the same time, comfort and safety depend heavily on the driver. One report describes a driver using no hands and laughing when a passenger became frightened. That is not acceptable conduct, so tell the guide at once if the driving feels unsafe and ask for slower driving.

The vehicles can also be awkward to enter and leave. One passenger specifically noted that the large off-road cars were not as easy to climb into as the word Jeep might suggest. Wear shoes you can move in, and take care on the steps.

Tea, dates, and a small farm in the desert

The first stop is an oasis area where you’re welcomed with tea, Arabian coffee, and dates. This small touch helps set the tone. You are not simply being driven out to a viewing platform. You get a brief look at how plants, animals, and hospitality fit into life at a desert settlement.

The farm visit includes green plants and animals. Children can help feed the animals, and you might see goats, horses, baby lambs, and other farm life. Some people also get to hold young animals or watch a Bedouin woman prepare traditional bread.

This part is modest rather than polished. That is exactly why I find it useful. The stop gives you something more grounded than the usual tourist performance, though the amount of time available can depend on how the groups are organized. One person felt there were occasional pauses while another activity was taking place, while others found the schedule well paced.

If you are bringing children, animal feeding may be one of the most memorable parts. Still, the full evening runs into darkness and cooler temperatures, so very young children may tire. The activity is not suitable for people with animal allergies.

Five minutes on a camel, then five minutes on horseback

The camel ride is short, about five minutes. It gives you the basic sensation of sitting high above the sand and taking a few photographs, but it is not a long camel trek. You may see camels with humorous names, including Ferrari, which gives you a sense of the friendly mood around the activity.

The horse ride is also advertised at about five minutes. Some outings include a little more riding or offer an optional longer ride, but you should book this experience expecting a brief introduction rather than a full equestrian session.

For first-time riders, this can be a good arrangement. You get to try both animals without committing to a long ride. One person who was nervous around horses was able to ride at a very slow pace after asking the guide to take it easy. If you are worried, say so clearly before setting off.

The animals are described as well cared for, and the staff help people on and off. Even so, riding involves movement and uneven ground. Pregnant women and people with back problems should not book this trip.

Sunset from a high hill

After the animal activities, you are driven to a high hill for sunset. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The open desert gives you a wide view, and the light on the sand and dunes changes quickly as the sun drops.

A drink is provided while you watch. Guides usually help with photographs, and a photographer may be available to capture sunset and nighttime images. The professional photos can be a nice extra, but ask about the package price before agreeing to buy. One person was pleased with the photographs but unhappy that the price did not change when they decided not to take the package.

Bring your own camera if you want control over the pictures. The desert setting, horses, camels, and sunset give you plenty of natural photo opportunities without needing a paid package.

Dinner under the stars

Dinner follows at the desert camp. The meal includes grilled chicken, meatballs, rice, salads, vegetables, and cola. It is served with a candlelit atmosphere, which makes the setting feel special without requiring a fancy dining room.

The food receives especially strong praise, and several people describe it as tasty and better than expected. One comment found the food slightly cool, so do not expect restaurant-style hot service from a remote desert buffet. Portions are described as generous, and extra smoothies may be available for an added cost.

The meal matters because it gives the evening a pause. After the noisy off-road ride and short animal activities, sitting down to eat lets you enjoy the quiet. The camp setting also gives you a taste of desert hospitality, with local customs and simple food playing a bigger role than decoration.

Alcohol is not part of the included package. One report describes disruptive drinking by other members of a group, which affected the atmosphere. If you are booking this for astronomy and a calm evening, the experience is best suited to people who will respect that setting.

The astronomy session is the main event

After dinner, you first spend about 15 minutes lying on your back and looking at the sky without equipment. This is a worthwhile step. Your eyes need time to adjust, and looking up without a screen or telescope helps you notice the scale of the sky.

The guide then brings out a professional telescope. What you can see depends on the season and cloud cover, but possible targets include the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and Venus. Several people describe seeing Saturn’s rings as a highlight. Others enjoyed the Moon in detail, while Jupiter can be impressive when conditions are right.

The weather controls this part of the evening. Cloud, wind, and haze can reduce the number of visible stars or make telescope viewing less sharp. One cloudy night produced fewer stars but still offered a fine view of the Moon. Another windy evening made the session harder to enjoy.

The guide-led explanation adds real value. Nasser is praised for explaining star positions and constellations with humor and clear demonstrations. Abu and Marshmallow are also singled out for entertaining explanations of astronomy, astrology, zodiac signs, and how to use the North Star to find north. Arabi is reported to explain the sky in both English and German.

The experience uses several languages, including English, German, French, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish. Ask at booking if you need a particular language, since the exact guide and group arrangement can vary.

Do not expect a full professional astronomy course. The session is designed for curious visitors, not trained observers. You will learn the main constellations, hear stories about horoscope signs, and look at selected objects through the telescope. The lesson works best when you ask questions.

How much does $48 buy you?

At $48 per person, this is a strong package if you want several Hurghada activities in one evening. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, a 17 km off-road trip, welcome drinks, a farm visit, animal feeding, camel and horse rides, sunset viewing, dinner, and telescope stargazing.

Individually, the attractions would be less satisfying. A very short camel ride alone would not justify the price, and neither would a basic sunset stop. Together, they create a varied half-day or evening outing with transport already arranged.

The astronomy session is what gives this trip its identity. Many desert excursions offer a meal and a performance. Here, the telescope and sky explanation provide a more memorable finish. You are paying for the combination of access, equipment, staff, food, and transport rather than for luxury.

There are some possible extra costs. The €5 transfer fee applies to the listed outlying hotel areas, and the €1 national park fee is separate. Photography packages and smoothies may also cost extra. Bring Egyptian pounds if you plan to tip or buy anything, though tipping is not forced. One person suggested carrying about 1,000 Egyptian pounds for tips, but that amount is a personal guideline, not a required payment.

What to wear and pack

The desert can be warm in the afternoon and surprisingly cold after sunset. Several people arrived in shorts and T-shirts and spent the evening shivering. Bring long trousers, a jumper, and a warm jacket, especially in winter. A blanket is also useful.

Wear comfortable closed shoes for the farm, hill, and vehicle stops. Bring water and a camera. The operator lists comfortable shoes, water, and a camera as the main items.

You should also plan for dust and bumps. Keep phones and cameras secure during the off-road section, and avoid loose items that can fly around the vehicle. If you have back problems, this is not a sensible choice.

Who will enjoy this desert evening?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want to combine several Hurghada activities without booking separate outings. Families with older children can enjoy the animals, sunset, and telescope, though the evening becomes cold and dark. Couples get a pleasing candlelit meal and a quiet sky afterward.

It also works well for solo visitors. One solo woman felt safe and found the staff welcoming. The multilingual guides help international groups mix easily, and guides such as Nasser, Mahmoud, and Marshmallow are often praised for their humor and personal attention.

You should think twice if you want a quiet, slow desert evening from start to finish. The off-road ride is rough and can be fast. The camel and horse rides are brief. Group energy, weather, and the behavior of other participants can also affect the mood.

The trip is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with animal allergies. If you have mobility concerns, ask the operator directly before booking, since the vehicle steps, uneven desert ground, and animal rides may be difficult.

Should you book Scorpion Safari?

Book it if you want a good-value evening that mixes adventure, local desert life, food, sunset, and astronomy. The strongest reasons are the telescope session, the clear explanations from guides such as Nasser and Abu, the excellent sunset setting, and the surprisingly solid dinner.

Go prepared for a rough ride, a short animal experience, possible cold, and weather that may limit the stars. Tell the driver or guide immediately if the speed feels unsafe. Pack warm clothes even when Hurghada is sunny, and confirm any extra transport, park, or photography costs before you go.

For most people seeking a memorable break from a resort stay, this is worth booking. The desert silence and telescope viewing give it more substance than a standard safari. If your priority is comfort, long riding time, or guaranteed clear skies, choose something gentler and keep your expectations modest.

FAQ

How much does the Hurghada stargazing desert adventure cost?

The listed price is $48 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hurghada. Hotels outside Hurghada may require an extra charge.

Which hotel areas have an extra transfer charge?

A €5 extra charge applies to hotels in Safaga, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

Is there another fee to pay?

A national park fee of €1 per person applies.

How far is the off-road drive?

The desert drive covers about 17 kilometers.

How long are the camel and horse rides?

The included camel ride lasts about five minutes, and the included horse ride lasts about five minutes.

What food is included at dinner?

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

What can I see through the telescope?

Available targets depend on the season and weather. Possible targets include the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and Venus.

Which languages are available?

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

Who should not book this experience?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with animal allergies.