Tour in Hurghada Arabian Night and Star Watching

Exploring Hurghada: An Authentic Bedouin Night and Star Watching Adventure

If you’re looking for an evening filled with culture, lively entertainment, and unforgettable desert scenery, the Hurghada Arabian Night and Star Watching tour might just be your perfect match. This experience offers a well-rounded mix of traditional Arabic activities, animal interactions, and a mesmerizing night under the stars. Based on the many reviews and detailed tour features, it promises a fun, engaging, and value-packed outing.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the chance to try ATV quad biking across desert sands, the experience of riding camels and horses, and the chance to enjoy authentic Bedouin hospitality in a peaceful oasis setting. The vibrant evening entertainment, including belly dancing and Tannoura shows, adds a lively cultural flavor. Plus, the star gazing component offers a rare opportunity to see Egypt’s clear night skies away from city lights.

However, one point to consider is the animal welfare aspect. Some reviews highlight concerns about the treatment of camels, which might be a hesitation for animal lovers. It’s good to be mindful of this and perhaps inquire about animal conditions beforehand.

This tour is ideal for those wanting a full evening of fun and cultural insight—perfect for first-time visitors or travelers seeking an authentic Bedouin experience with plenty of photo opportunities. If you’re eager to combine adventure, tradition, and a touch of magic under the stars, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

• Cultural immersion with Bedouin-style activities and hospitality
• Adventure elements like ATV quad biking and animal rides
• Evening entertainment with belly dancing and Tannoura shows
• Star gazing in a clear desert sky away from city lights
• Flexible options for additional activities like horse carriage rides
• Value at $45 per person, including dinner and activities

The Full Experience of Hurghada’s Arabian Night and Star Watching Tour

Let’s break down the experience step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and how it all comes together for a memorable night.

Convenient Pickup and Transport

The tour begins with a comfortable air-conditioned transfer to the desert area, guided by a professional and friendly guide. Pickup is offered from Hurghada, Makadi, Soma Bay, Safaga, and El Gouna hotels, with additional fees for some locations—ranging from €5 to €10 per person. This ease of transportation means you won’t need to worry about navigating or organizing your own trip, especially after a day of sightseeing.

Sahl Hasheesh: Starting Point for the Adventure

The excursion kicks off in Sahl Hasheesh, a popular resort area, where you’re greeted with a sense of anticipation. The first part involves 1 hour of ATV quad biking — a highlight for many travelers. The reviews note that the ATV rides are a fun way to explore the desert landscape, though some mention that riding in group settings can be quite lively and slightly noisy.

Animal Encounters and Photos

Next, you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels and horses, and take photos with these animals along with sheep, goats, birds, parrots, ducks, chickens, and a peacock. These moments are often a hit, especially for families or animal enthusiasts. One reviewer pointed out that the horses seemed well cared for, but there were concerns about the treatment of camels, with some describing their condition as poor and experiencing distress.

This highlights an important point: while the experience is fun, animal welfare varies, and some animals may be in discomfort. If this is a concern, consider this aspect when choosing your activity or ask your guide about the animals’ wellbeing.

Traditional Bedouin Hospitality and Oasis Setting

The tour transitions to a Bedouin-style camp located inside a small oasis farm outside Hurghada. Here, you’re welcomed with traditional Arabic hospitality, offering a chance to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. The setting provides a lovely contrast to the busy city, with animals roaming freely and the chance to snap some memorable photos.

Dinner and Live Entertainment

A buffet dinner is included, with vegetarian options available. The meal includes soft drinks, coffee, and tea, making it a satisfying part of the evening. Following dinner, the night comes alive with belly dancing and Tannoura shows, showcasing lively Arabic dance traditions. Reviewers have enjoyed the entertainment, noting the energy and authenticity of the performances, which add a vibrant cultural touch.

Additional Activities and Personal Choices

For those wanting more, options like horse carriage rides or extra quad biking are available, often at an additional cost. These activities allow you to customize your experience, extending your evening of adventure.

Star Gazing: The Night’s Highlight

The journey ends with star gazing using telescopes. The desert offers some of the clearest skies, making this a real highlight for astronomy fans or anyone looking for a peaceful moment away from city lights. This part of the tour is appreciated for its tranquility and the chance to experience Egypt’s night sky in its full glory.

Practical Details: What to Know Before Booking

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, starting at 4:00 pm. It typically involves up to 30 travelers, which is a manageable size for a group, ensuring you get enough attention from guides and a more intimate experience.

Cost and Value

Priced at $45 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience—from adrenaline-pumping ATV rides to cultural shows and star gazing. When you consider that dinner, transportation, and multiple activities are included, it offers decent value, especially for travelers wanting a full evening of entertainment.

Additional Costs

Remember, some extras like head scarves (around $3 each), entrance fees ($2), and optional activities may incur additional charges. Pickup from certain hotel areas also costs a few euros, so factor these into your budget.

Booking in Advance

Most travelers book about 54 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. Planning ahead ensures you secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

Authenticity and Traveler Insights

Based on reviews, the tour generally delivers on its promises, with many participants enjoying the fun activities and lively entertainment. However, concerns about animal welfare have been raised, specifically regarding camels. Some reviewers noted that the horses appeared cared for, but the condition of camels was less positive, with reports of sores and distress.

One traveler, Nicole, shared that the horseback and camel rides provided great photo opportunities and scenic views, though she remarked that guides didn’t offer much historical or cultural commentary, focusing more on the activities rather than storytelling.

Another, Sarah, expressed disappointment about the treatment of camels, describing their condition as “awful,” and noted the sounds of their suffering, which is a critical reminder to choose experiences ethically whenever possible.

The Entertainment: Energy and Authenticity

The belly dancing and Tannoura shows received positive feedback for their vibrancy. Travelers enjoyed the lively performances that added genuine cultural flavor to the evening. The setting in the oasis farm adds to the authenticity, making the experience feel more rooted in local traditions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers looking for a mix of culture, entertainment, and outdoor activities. Families and groups who enjoy photo ops with animals and lively shows will find it particularly appealing.

However, those with animals sensitivities or ethical concerns about animal treatment might want to research further or inquire about animal welfare beforehand. The star gazing component makes this a good choice for those wanting a peaceful, awe-inspiring end to their day.

Final Thoughts

The Hurghada Arabian Night and Star Watching tour packs a punch for its price. It combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty, offering a full evening of fun with plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments. The balance of activities keeps the experience lively without feeling rushed, making it a great choice for travelers eager to see a different side of Egypt.

While the animal treatment concerns are worth noting, many guests enjoy the overall experience, especially the authentic Bedouin hospitality and evening entertainment. For those seeking an active, engaging, and culturally rich night, this tour provides good value and a taste of traditional Egyptian life under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is available from Hurghada, Makadi, Soma Bay, Safaga, and El Gouna hotels, with additional fees depending on the location.

What is included in the price?
The tour price of $45 includes air-conditioned transportation, a buffet dinner with vegetarian options, soft drinks, coffee/tea, bottled water, ATV quad biking, camel and horse rides, and use of telescopes for star gazing.

Are there any optional activities I can add?
Yes, you can opt for additional activities like horse carriage rides or extra quad biking, often at extra costs.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, a hat or headscarf (though scarves can be bought on-site), and a camera for photos. Remember to bring cash if you wish to purchase additional scarves or pay for extras.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, starting at 4:00 pm and ending after star gazing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but always check with the tour operator if you have very young children or specific needs.

How is the animal treatment?
While some animals like horses seem cared for, there are concerns about the condition of camels, which some reviews describe as poor and distressed.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing you to plan with confidence.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty that suits travelers eager for an authentic Egyptian experience. It’s a great way to spend an evening outside the city, with enough activities to keep everyone entertained and a scenic starry sky to top it off. Just keep ethical considerations in mind regarding animal welfare, and you’ll be set for a memorable night under Egypt’s stars.