Hurghada: Horse Ride, BBQ Dinner, and Stargazing

The desert looks best from horseback. This Hurghada outing combines a one-hour horse ride through mountain-framed valleys, a sunset stop, dinner at a desert oasis, and a guided look at the night sky. At $41 per person, it packs several popular desert activities into one evening.

I especially like the friendly horse guides and the quiet sunset setting. First-time riders receive safety gear and help controlling the horses, while experienced riders can enjoy a little more freedom at a sensible pace. The food, including grilled chicken, meatballs, rice, vegetables, salads, fruit, and soft drinks, also gives the evening real value.

The main drawback is the off-road transfer. The desert jeep ride is exciting for some people, but one section may feel rough and fast, with passengers seated in the back without seatbelts. Stargazing can also feel crowded when large groups share only two telescopes.

Key Points Before You Book

• One hour on horseback: Ride through desert valleys, stop for photos, and reach a hilltop viewpoint for sunset.
• A full evening for $41: Hotel transfers, a guide, riding equipment, dinner, soft drinks, tea or coffee, and stargazing are included.
• A real desert arrival: The activity begins with a 17-kilometer off-road jeep ride from the meeting point to the oasis.
• Good for first-time riders: Guides explain safety rules and help beginners learn how to handle the horses.
• Stars with a telescope: A guide explains star groups, and two professional telescopes are used for objects visible that night.
• Plan for heat and rough roads: Bring sun protection, and do not expect a smooth, quiet ride in the desert jeep.

From Hurghada Hotels to the Desert Oasis

Pickup begins at your hotel, with the exact time based on its location. The organizers have used WhatsApp to keep in touch with guests, and pickup and drop-off have generally been described as punctual.

You first travel to a meeting point, then switch to a desert jeep for about 17 kilometers of off-road driving. This is not just a simple transfer. The ride is part of the adventure, with rough tracks and open desert views along the way.

I would prepare for this section rather than treat it as a surprise. Some people enjoy the speed and jolts, while others find the drive too intense. One account described the jeeps reaching very high speeds and carrying passengers in the rear without seatbelts. That raises a real safety concern, especially for children, nervous riders, or anyone with back or neck problems.

The full outing can take much of the afternoon and evening. One reported schedule ran from about 1:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., including transfers. The exact length depends on hotel location, pickup arrangements, and the pace of the group. You should not book a tight dinner reservation or another evening activity afterward.

Tea, Safety Rules, and Getting Ready to Ride

At the oasis, you are welcomed with Arabian tea or coffee. This is a useful pause after the drive and gives you time to settle in before the main activity.

A guide explains the schedule and riding rules. You receive riding gear, and the staff help beginners get comfortable with the horses. For a first ride, this matters more than flashy promises about speed. A calm introduction and a guide nearby can make the difference between enjoying the hour and spending it worrying about the reins.

The horses were described as happy and well cared for, which will matter to anyone who pays close attention to animal welfare. Guides also appear to match their support to the rider. Families have been given separate guides for children and adults, helping everyone feel more secure.

The riding style and speed depend on the ability and comfort of the group. Do not expect a fast gallop simply because you have ridden before. The focus is on a supervised ride through the desert, with the pace adjusted for safety.

One Hour on Horseback Through Mountain Valleys

The horse ride takes you through valleys surrounded by desert mountains. The scenery changes as the sun drops, and the open setting gives you a stronger sense of place than a short photo stop beside a vehicle.

You make stops along the way to rest and take pictures. The ride also reaches a hill or high point where you can watch the sunset. This is the most memorable part of the outing for many people, and it gives you time to enjoy the view without being rushed through a standard desert photo stop.

If you have never ridden before, expect some muscle soreness afterward. Even a gentle one-hour ride uses your legs and balance. Wear practical clothing, avoid loose items that could get caught, and bring a hat and sunscreen. Sunglasses help during the bright afternoon ride, but keep them secure.

The desert sun can feel stronger than it does at your hotel. One useful tip is to dress for heat during the riding portion, then bring an extra layer for the cooler evening. Weather-appropriate clothing is specifically recommended, and the temperature may change once the sun disappears.

The guides receive strong praise for being attentive and entertaining. Adam was singled out for making the stargazing enjoyable, while other guides helped first-time riders learn how to control their horses. The staff’s attitude seems to be one of the best parts of the experience.

Sunset From a Desert Hill

The sunset stop gives the tour its natural rhythm. You ride while the desert is still bright, pause at a higher point, then return as evening arrives.

I like this arrangement because you get more than one quick view. The horse ride lets you see the desert from several angles, while the stop provides time for photographs and a quiet look at the mountains. You do not need to be an experienced rider to enjoy this part.

The return ride is shorter, according to the available details. By then, the light is fading and the oasis becomes the main focus. If photography matters to you, charge your phone before pickup and bring a small power bank. The tour includes photo stops, but it does not state that professional photography is provided.

BBQ Dinner at the Oasis

After riding, you return to the oasis for dinner. The meal includes Indian rice, grilled chicken, meatballs, vegetables, salads, fruit, and cola or other soft drinks.

This is a generous spread for the price, though you should think of it as a group BBQ dinner rather than a restaurant meal. One person described the food as delicious, while another found it basic. Both views can be true: the meal provides a satisfying selection after an active afternoon, but it is not designed as a special gourmet event.

The included drinks are soft drinks. If you want something extra, such as a smoothie, you may have to buy it separately. One person reported an unpleasant stomach problem after purchasing an additional drink, so I would be cautious with extras and stick to sealed or clearly handled items if you have a sensitive stomach.

Alcohol and drugs are not permitted. That rule is clear and fits the setting, since the program combines horses, off-road vehicles, and night activities.

Stargazing With Two Telescopes

After dinner, the guide explains star groups visible in the clear desert sky. The group then uses professional telescopes to view objects available that night, depending on the calendar.

The desert is a good place for this because you are away from the bright lights of the resort area. On a clear evening, you may see the moon and other selected targets through the telescopes. The guide also adds stories and explanations, making this more than simply pointing at a bright object.

Adam was praised for his presentation, and another guide, known as Nasser and nicknamed Marshmallow, was described as funny while explaining the stars. A lively guide helps during a late evening activity, especially after dinner and a long ride.

You should keep your expectations sensible. Large groups may share the stargazing area. One group of more than 45 people had only two telescopes, one aimed at the moon and one at a star or other selected target. You may need to wait for your turn, and you cannot freely handle the equipment.

That makes the telescope portion less private than the sunset ride. If your main goal is serious astronomy, this may feel limited. If you want a fun introduction to the night sky, it works better. The best part is often the open sky itself, not the length of time spent looking through the telescope.

How Much Value Do You Get for $41?

At $41, this is a strong-value package if you want several activities in one evening. Hotel pickup and drop-off, the desert jeep transfer, a guide, riding gear, one hour of horseback riding, tea or coffee, dinner, soft drinks, and stargazing are all included.

Booking each piece separately would likely require more planning and transport. Here, the evening moves from one activity to the next without you having to arrange a vehicle into the desert. The price is especially fair for someone who wants a first horse ride, sunset views, dinner, and a basic astronomy session in one outing.

The value drops if you dislike group activities or rough transport. You are paying for a busy shared program, not a private horse ride or a private astronomy lesson. You may wait during telescope viewing, and the jeep ride can be tiring before the horseback portion even begins.

The tour has a rating of 4.8 from 203 ratings, with particularly strong praise for organization, guides, the sunset, and the overall mix of activities. I would give the highest marks to the range of experiences for the price, while keeping the transport and group size in mind.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this for couples, families with older children, first-time riders, and anyone who wants a full desert evening without booking several separate trips.

It suits you if you like a bit of adventure, do not mind a long afternoon, and want your desert experience to include more than driving over sand. The guides can help beginners, and the riding pace is based on comfort and skill.

It may not suit you if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or are bringing a baby under one year old. It is also a poor match if you dislike horses, rough roads, darkness, or group waiting times.

Families should pay close attention to the jeep section. The horseback ride itself is supervised, but the off-road transfer may feel more intense than expected. Ask about seating and safety arrangements before departure if that is important to you.

The activity location is monitored by cameras and follows stated international health and safety standards. Even so, sensible caution remains important. Wear the provided gear, listen to the riding briefing, and tell the guide if you feel uncomfortable with the horse or vehicle speed.

What to Bring for the Evening

Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. I would also add closed, comfortable shoes, a phone with plenty of battery, and a light layer for after sunset.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs. Keep valuables to a minimum, since the program includes jeeps, horses, dinner, and outdoor movement between several areas.

The tour is offered with guides speaking English, French, German, Russian, Arabic, or Spanish. When booking, confirm the language you need so the safety instructions and astronomy talk are clear.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. That is useful if your Hurghada plans may change, but you should still confirm the pickup details and meeting point ahead of time.

Should You Book This Hurghada Horse Ride?

I would book it if you want good value and variety rather than a quiet private outing. The sunset horseback ride is the heart of the experience, and the combination of dinner and desert stars gives the evening a pleasant sense of occasion.

I would hesitate only if the fast off-road ride sounds unpleasant or if your main reason for booking is telescope time. The astronomy portion can be crowded, and the two-telescope setup may mean waiting.

For most visitors, the strongest plan is to treat the jeep ride as an adventure, the horse ride as the main activity, the sunset as the highlight, and the stargazing as a relaxed extra. At $41, that is a fair trade for a long, lively evening beyond Hurghada.

FAQ

How much does the Hurghada horse ride and stargazing tour cost?

The experience costs $41 per person. Hotel transfers, the guide, riding gear, horseback riding, tea or coffee, BBQ dinner, soft drinks, and stargazing are included.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at hotels in Hurghada are included, with pickup time based on the hotel location.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback portion lasts one hour. It takes place between desert valleys and includes stops for rest, photos, and sunset viewing.

Is the activity suitable for first-time riders?

Yes. The guides explain the safety rules, provide riding gear, and help beginners learn how to control the horses. Riding speed and style depend on the comfort and skill level of the group.

What food is served at dinner?

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

How does the stargazing session work?

A guide explains star groups visible in the sky, then the group uses professional telescopes to view targets available that night. The exact objects depend on the calendar.

Who should not book this experience?

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