Hurghada: Horse Ride, BBQ Dinner, and Stargazing

A horse carries you through desert valleys while the mountains turn dark at sunset. That is the heart of this Hurghada outing, but the evening adds a lively jeep ride, an oasis dinner, and a clear-sky telescope session. I like the one-hour riding time and the care given to first-time riders. I also like that guides such as Adam and Nasser, known as Marshmallow, bring humor to the night.

The main drawback is the transport. The off-road jeep ride can feel rough and, according to one account, quite frightening, especially in the back without seatbelts. Stargazing can also involve waiting if the group is large and only two telescopes are available.

Key points at a glance

• Horse riding at sunset: Spend about an hour riding between desert valleys, with stops for photos and rest.
• A real off-road approach: The route from the meeting point to the oasis covers about 17 kilometers by jeep.
• Dinner under the desert sky: Expect Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola.
• Telescope viewing: The guide explains star groups and points out available targets based on the night’s calendar.
• Good support for beginners: Safety gear, a briefing, and horse guides make the ride approachable for first-time riders.
• Strong value at $41: Hotel transfers, riding equipment, dinner, drinks, and stargazing are all included.

Riding into Hurghada’s desert at sunset

This is not simply a short horse ride added to a dinner outing. The horse ride is the evening’s main event, and the timing gives you the best light of the day. You set out between desert valleys, with mountains framing the route and the sun dropping toward the horizon.

The ride lasts about an hour. That is long enough to feel like a proper outing rather than a quick photo stop, but it is not an all-day horseback trip. You stop along the way to rest and take pictures, often on higher ground where the sunset opens out around you.

I would choose this for the scenery rather than for speed. Your riding style and pace depend on your ability and comfort, so a first-timer should not expect a fast gallop. The guides adjust the ride to the group, which is useful when people with different levels of confidence share the same outing.

The horses are fitted with riding gear, and the guide gives a safety briefing before you start. Several first-time riders found the staff attentive, and one account specifically noted that the horses appeared happy and well treated. That matters if animal welfare is part of your decision.

The 17-kilometer jeep ride sets the tone

Pickup begins at your Hurghada hotel, with the exact time depending on where you are staying. From there, you travel to a meeting point and continue by jeep for roughly 17 kilometers to the desert oasis.

The drive is part of the entertainment. It is an off-road trip rather than a smooth transfer on a paved road. Some people will find the bumps and sharp movements fun. Others will find the driving too aggressive, particularly when seated in the rear.

One person described very high speeds and no seatbelts in the back. That is a serious point to consider, even though the official information says the site is monitored by cameras and follows international health and safety standards. If rough driving makes you uncomfortable, ask about seating and driving conditions before departure.

The transport also makes the outing longer than the core activities suggest. One reported schedule ran from about 1:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., including pickup and return. You should plan for a half-day to full evening, not just a quick sunset ride.

Arabian tea before the horses

At the oasis, the program begins with Arabian tea or coffee. This is a useful pause after the transfer and gives you time to get settled before the safety talk.

The guide explains how the evening will work, shows you the riding rules, and helps with the equipment. If you have never ridden before, tell the guide clearly. The staff can then give you more hands-on help with controlling the horse and staying comfortable in the saddle.

The activity is offered in English, French, German, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish. That does not guarantee every language at every departure, but it gives you a good idea of the available support.

The setting itself is simple and atmospheric. The oasis acts as your base for the meal and evening astronomy, with the desert around it and few competing lights. Do not expect a luxury camp or a polished resort restaurant. The appeal is the location and the change from Hurghada’s hotel zone.

What the one-hour horse ride feels like

You ride through valleys rather than along a flat enclosed track. The route provides changing views, with dry hills, open desert, and sunset colors adding most of the drama.

The guides lead the group and control the pace according to ability. A beginner can learn the basics without being pushed into something beyond their comfort level. Experienced riders may find the pace gentle, but that is part of the safety approach.

You should wear clothing that protects you from the sun and allows free movement. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. The desert can feel hotter than the temperature at your hotel, especially during the afternoon ride.

The stop for photographs is well placed. You have a chance to rest, take pictures with the horses, and watch the sunset without trying to manage a horse and camera at the same time. Bring your phone, but protect it from dust and keep a firm grip in the jeep.

Once the sun drops, you return to the oasis. The ride back is shorter according to one account, leaving more time for dinner and the astronomy session.

Dinner at the oasis

The included BBQ dinner is a full plate rather than a token snack. The meal includes Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola.

I would describe the food as solid excursion fare. Several people praised the dinner, while one person found it basic. Those views can both be true: this is a generous meal for the price, but it is not a restaurant tasting menu.

The meal works because it comes after the ride, when you are ready to sit and eat. The oasis gives dinner a better setting than a roadside stop, and the open desert makes the transition from sunset to night feel natural.

The package includes soft drinks, but not alcohol. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. If you want additional drinks, check the arrangements at the oasis rather than assuming they are included. One person bought a smoothie and later reported stomach trouble, so I would stick with the included options if you have a sensitive stomach.

The supplied details describe the meal as dinner, not lunch, despite a separate mention of a farm-to-table lunch experience. Plan on an evening BBQ rather than a daytime farm visit.

Looking up through the telescope

The stargazing begins after dinner. A guide explains star groups and points out objects visible on the night of your visit. The telescope targets depend on the calendar, so the exact views change with the date and available sky conditions.

The dark desert setting is the reason to book this part. Away from Hurghada’s hotel lights, the stars can appear far clearer than they do from the coast. The session may include views of the moon, stars, and planets when they are available.

The guide called Nasser, also known as Marshmallow, received particular praise for his humor and explanations. Adam was also singled out for making the astronomy session memorable. The guides do more than point a telescope at the sky. They explain what you are looking at and keep the group involved.

There is a practical limitation. One account described a group of more than 45 people with only two telescopes, one aimed at the moon and one at a star or other specific target. That can mean waiting, and the view is brief rather than private. You are not given free use of the telescope.

If astronomy is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations realistic. This is an entertaining introduction under a dark sky, not a professional observatory visit. The stars overhead may be the best part, even when the telescope queue is slow.

How much value do you get for $41?

At $41 per person, the package includes several separate costs: hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada, jeep transport, a guide, safety equipment, about an hour of horse riding, tea or coffee, a BBQ dinner, soft drinks, and stargazing.

That is strong value if you want variety in one evening. Booking the riding, desert transport, dinner, and astronomy separately would likely require more planning and could cost more. The package also removes the need to arrange transport to a remote desert location.

The price is less attractive if you want a quiet private ride or serious astronomy. The outing can combine people with different riding levels and languages, and the telescope time may be shared among a large group.

I see it as a good choice for couples, families with older children, first-time riders, and anyone who wants a lively desert night without booking several separate activities. It is less suitable for someone who dislikes bumpy vehicles, wants a calm luxury meal, or needs a wheelchair-accessible program.

Timing, clothing, and practical details

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but pickup time depends on your hotel location. Keep your afternoon and evening open, since the full outing can run for several hours.

Wear weather-appropriate clothing, but prepare for strong sun during the ride and cooler air after dark. Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. Closed, comfortable footwear is sensible for riding, although the supplied details do not specify a required shoe type.

The program is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or babies under one year old. Riding style and speed depend on each participant’s skill and comfort, so speak up if you are nervous or inexperienced.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the outing for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada schedule is still changing.

Who should book this evening?

I would recommend this to you if you want several classic desert activities packed into one outing. The horse ride gives the evening a real sense of movement, the sunset adds the memorable setting, and dinner plus astronomy keeps the program going after dark.

It suits beginners especially well because the guides provide a briefing, equipment, and support. Families should consider the long transfer and rough jeep ride before booking. A first-time rider may enjoy the horse, while a nervous passenger may find the jeep more difficult than the riding.

Couples can use it as a special evening, and solo visitors can join a social group without needing to organize anything alone. The multilingual setup also helps if your party includes people who prefer different languages.

Should you book the Hurghada horse ride?

Book it if you want good variety for $41, enjoy outdoor activity, and do not mind a long or bumpy transfer. The strongest parts are the hour-long horse ride, sunset views, supportive guides, generous dinner, and dark desert sky.

Think twice if you need a smooth vehicle ride, a small private group, or extended telescope access. The stargazing is atmospheric and fun, but the equipment may be shared by a large crowd.

For most visitors, this is a well-priced way to leave the resort for an evening and see a different side of the Red Sea Governorate. Bring sun protection, expect an energetic jeep ride, and tell the horse guides your comfort level from the start.

FAQ

How much does the horse ride and stargazing tour cost?

The price is $41 per person.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at hotels in Hurghada are included.

How long is the horse ride?

The horseback portion lasts about one hour.

Is the tour suitable for first-time riders?

Yes. The program includes a safety briefing, riding gear, and guides who help beginners learn how to control the horse.

What food is included?

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

Are drinks included?

Arabian tea or coffee is provided on arrival, and cola is included with dinner.

Is stargazing included?

Yes. A guide explains star groups, and a professional telescope is used to view targets available according to the calendar.

Which languages are available?

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

What should I bring?

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

Who cannot take part?

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