Dining in The Desert

When it comes to memorable travel experiences, few things can match the magic of dining outdoors in a true desert setting. This desert dinner tour in Hurghada offers just that—an evening of delicious food, scenic views, and starry skies, all wrapped up in Bedouin hospitality. We’ve looked into what makes this experience special, what to expect, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Three things we particularly love about this experience include the chance to enjoy a candlelight BBQ dinner in the open desert, the opportunity for camel riding—a fun and scenic way to explore—and the star gazing through telescopes, which adds an extraordinary touch to the evening.

A potential consideration is the quality of the food, which some reviewers found not quite worth the price, especially the vegetarian options. For those more interested in the landscape, cultural experience, and starry skies, this tour remains a fantastic choice.

This experience is best suited for romantic couples, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting an authentic Bedouin night out. If you’re after a relaxing yet engaging evening with beautiful scenery, this desert dinner might just be your perfect evening in Hurghada.

Key Points

• Authentic Bedouin Hospitality: Experience local culture in a traditional desert tent.
• Stunning Scenery: Enjoy sunset views, wildlife, and the mountain landscape.
• Camel Riding: Add a fun, scenic element to your desert adventure.
• Star Gazing: Explore the night sky with telescopes for a memorable finish.
• All-Inclusive: Dinner, soft drinks, and transportation included, offering good value.
• Limited Group Size: Max of 15 travelers, making for an intimate experience.

What to Expect from the Desert Dinner Tour

This 3-hour adventure begins with convenient hotel pick-up around 5:00 pm in air-conditioned 4WD vehicles, ensuring comfort on the roughly 30-minute drive to the desert. The tour is designed for those with a moderate physical fitness level, as you’ll be engaging in some mild activities like camel riding and strolling in the desert terrain.

The Journey and Arrival

Once in the desert, you’ll be welcomed by friendly Bedouins in their traditional tent, creating an authentic atmosphere right from the start. The setting is breathtaking—surroundings of mountains, wildlife, and the vast open sky. As the sun begins to set, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the changing landscape glow with warm hues, a truly picturesque moment perfect for photos and taking in the desert’s serenity.

Bedouin Dinner and Cultural Touches

The highlight is the candlelight BBQ dinner, where you’ll be served traditional non-alcoholic drinks along with your meal. The menu includes grilled meats and vegetarian options, though some reviews note the vegetarian dishes might not be perfectly cooked. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, with hosts eager to share their culture and hospitality.

Camel Riding & Scenic Exploration

A camel ride is integrated into the experience, allowing you to see the desert from a different perspective. It’s a brief ride but provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to connect with this iconic desert animal.

Star Gazing and Telescope Viewing

The evening culminates with star gazing through telescopes, a feature that elevates this tour from merely a dinner outing to an unforgettable night under the stars. The clear desert skies in Hurghada are ideal for spotting constellations, planets, and celestial phenomena. As one reviewer put it, the star watching was the highlight for many, with the night sky offering a spectacular display.

Drop-off and Overall Experience

After a relaxing few hours, you’ll be transported back to your hotel. The entire experience is designed to be immersive, combining natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and gentle adventure.

The Dining Experience: Food, Drinks, and Ambiance

The dinner is served in a traditional Bedouin tent, creating a cozy, authentic ambiance. Soft drinks and mineral water are included, making for a stress-free dining experience. The value of the experience hinges heavily on the scenery and atmosphere—many find the setting alone worth the price, even if the food isn’t gourmet.

One guest expressed that the ambiance was “spectacular,” and the star gazing, in particular, made it a night to remember. However, it’s fair to say that the quality of the food may not satisfy everyone, especially vegetarians, with some reviews mentioning undercooked vegetables and average meat dishes.

The Value for Money

At $87.24 per person, this experience offers a combination of transportation, culture, and entertainment, which many agree is reasonable considering the exclusive desert setting. For those keen on stargazing and cultural authenticity, the price is justified. If you’re mainly interested in gourmet dining, this might not be the best choice, but for a memorable night out in the desert, it’s hard to beat.

The Logistics: Timing, Group Size, and Practical Details

The tour starts at 5:00 pm, with pickup and drop-off included, which is convenient. The small group size—a maximum of 15 travelers—ensures a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. The duration is approximately 3 hours, giving enough time for sunset views, dinner, camel rides, and star gazing without feeling rushed.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

The tour is booked on average 23 days in advance, a good reminder to plan ahead. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before means you can be flexible if your plans change. Weather can impact the experience—poor weather might lead to rescheduling or full refunds—so it’s wise to check the forecast.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer appreciated the friendly guide Mustafa and the driver Tarrek, describing the experience as “unforgettable,” and highlighting the natural beauty of the surroundings. Others found the ambiance “spectacular,” with many praising the peaceful desert environment and star gazing, which truly stood out as the tour’s highlight.

However, some notes about the food quality serve as a reminder that this tour leans more toward cultural and scenic enjoyment rather than culinary excellence.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This desert dinner is ideal for those wanting a romantic, peaceful evening away from the city, with highlights including stunning sunset views, camel rides, and star gazing. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an authentic Bedouin experience in Hurghada.

If you’re looking for a fun, scenic adventure that combines natural beauty with cultural elements, and don’t mind a casual meal, you’ll likely find this trip rewarding. However, those expecting gourmet food or vegetarian dishes cooked to perfection might want to temper expectations.

The Sum Up

Dining in the Desert in Hurghada provides a beautiful backdrop for a memorable night out. The combination of sunset views, Bedouin hospitality, camel rides, and star gazing makes it a well-rounded, authentic experience. While the food quality may vary, the atmosphere and natural scenery make it worth considering, especially for couples and those looking to connect with local culture in a relaxed setting.

The small-group setup and inclusive transportation add to its appeal, ensuring a personalized and hassle-free evening. For travelers craving a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, this desert dinner offers a genuine taste of Bedouin hospitality under the open sky.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off at your hotel, making transportation both easy and comfortable.

How long does the entire experience last?
The experience runs approximately 3 hours, starting around 5:00 pm and ending around 8:00 pm.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers dinner, soft drinks, mineral water, transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, and all fees and taxes.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour begins, with full refunds available.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the maximum number of travelers per group is 15, which helps create a more intimate experience.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian dishes are included, though some reviews mention they may not be cooked to perfection.

What should I wear for this experience?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor desert conditions, and consider bringing a light jacket for the evening as temperatures drop.

In essence, this desert dining experience offers a lovely blend of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and gentle adventure. Perfect for those wanting to escape the city and enjoy an enchanting night under the stars.