Star Gazing Safari tour By ATV Quad, Bedouin Dinner, telescope – Sharm El Sheikh

This star gazing safari in Sharm El Sheikh promises a blend of adventure, culture, and astronomical wonder. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions give us a clear picture of what to expect. It combines off-road ATV riding, a traditional Bedouin dinner, and observing celestial sights through a digital telescope, creating a unique evening under the desert sky.

What really stands out are the stunning desert views during the quad ride, the cultural richness of the Bedouin village, and the opportunity to see planets like Jupiter and Saturn up close. However, some reviews point out issues like long waits and older equipment, so managing expectations is key. If you’re someone who loves adventure with a cultural touch and is eager to gaze at stars, this tour could be a great fit—especially for those who love a mix of fun and learning.

Key Points

• Adventure and Culture: Combines ATV rides, camel rides, and Bedouin traditions.
• Astronomical Experience: Offers star viewing with a digital telescope, ideal for astronomy fans.
• Value for Money: Around $22, with included transportation, dinner, and activities.
• Group Size & Flexibility: Usually up to 30 travelers, with the chance for group discounts.
• Some Drawbacks: Possible long waits, older equipment, and variable service quality.
• Best For: Adventurers, culture seekers, and stargazing enthusiasts.

What the Tour Entails: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Starting with the Desert Ride

The adventure kicks off with pickup from your hotel, typically around 5:30 pm, and a ride in an air-conditioned vehicle. Once on site, you’ll hop onto an ATV quad bike, ready to navigate the rugged terrain of the desert. Expect a thrilling ride that gets your adrenaline pumping while offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Multiple reviews highlight the fun of quad biking, with some mentioning that the quads are older or less maintained, which might affect comfort or safety. For example, one reviewer described the quads as “really old,” but still found the experience enjoyable, especially with guides ensuring safety. The ride lasts long enough to get a real sense of the desert’s raw beauty, allowing you to feel the wind and see the changing scenery as the sun begins to set.

Bedouin Village & Cultural Immersion

After the quad, you’ll arrive at a traditional Bedouin camp. Here, the focus shifts from adrenaline to cultural discovery. You’ll get to see and maybe even try a camel ride—an authentic way to explore the desert from a different perspective. While some reviewers noted that the camel ride isn’t always guaranteed, most agree it’s a worthwhile addition if available.

The camp features a Bedouin show, where performers demonstrate traditional music, dance, and perhaps storytelling. These performances add a layer of cultural richness, making the experience more than just a tourist trap. The dinner is served in a Bedouin tent, offering local flavors and drinks like tea, soda, and water. Reviewers have praised the delicious food and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who explain the cultural context of the performances.

Stargazing with a Digital Telescope

As darkness falls, the focus shifts to celestial wonders. The tour provides a digital telescope operated by guides who are well-versed in astronomy. Many guests have shared that they appreciated learning about the stars, planets, and asteroids, with some getting a close-up view of the moon, Jupiter, and Saturn.

One reviewer mentioned, “Interesting seeing the moon close up in the telescope,” which highlights how this part of the tour offers authentic insights into the cosmos. However, some have noted that the star viewing can be limited by weather—cloud cover or light pollution may reduce visibility. Still, the opportunity to observe planets with professional equipment makes this a memorable highlight.

Overall Duration & Flow

The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, making it a manageable evening outing. The timing is designed to maximize sunset views, followed by dinner and star observation once the skies are dark. Some guests felt the long wait times for dinner or shows were a downside, but the overall experience remains worthwhile for many.

Value for Money: Is It Worth $22?

At just $22 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the included transportation, ATV ride, cultural evening, and stargazing. For budget travelers, it’s a chance to enjoy multiple activities in one evening without breaking the bank.

However, reviews indicate that some extras or VIP options might offer more personalized service, but at a higher cost. Also, be aware of extra government safari fees, which can be paid in cash on-site. These fees are mandatory but are not included in the initial booking price.

What Reviewers Say: Authentic Insights

Guests have shared a mix of glowing comments and constructive criticisms. For example, a reviewer called it a “memorizing experience” and appreciated the friendly guides like Mohamed and Ahmed, who made everyone comfortable. They liked the extensive Bedouin show and dinner and felt it was well worth the money.

Conversely, some reviews mention long waits for dinner and shows, particularly when larger groups are involved. One critic pointed out that the equipment for star gazing was somewhat outdated, limiting the viewing time and clarity. In a similar vein, one guest said the quads were “really old and poorly maintained”, impacting comfort and safety.

Despite these issues, many reviewers agree that the combination of adventure, culture, and star-gazing makes this tour memorable. Guests have also appreciated the knowledgeable guides who explain the night sky, often adding fun facts about planets and constellations.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Arrive early to avoid long waits and get the most out of your evening.
• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, as desert evenings can get chilly.
• Bring cash for government fees and any extras like drinks or souvenirs.
• Remember that star visibility depends on weather conditions—clouds or light pollution may limit your stargazing experience.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, inform your guide beforehand, especially since the quad involves some rugged terrain.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour appeals most to adventure seekers, culture lovers, and astronomy enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to spend an evening in Sharm El Sheikh, combining thrilling rides with cultural insights and a chance to gaze at the stars, this tick all those boxes. It’s perfect for groups, families, or solo travelers eager for a mix of outdoor activity and authentic local experiences.

However, if you prefer well-maintained equipment or a more luxurious experience, or if you’re sensitive to long wait times, it might be worth considering other options or managing expectations accordingly.

This Star Gazing Safari in Sharm El Sheikh offers a compelling mix of adventure, culture, and astronomy, all wrapped into a single evening. The ATV ride through the desert delivers adrenaline and scenic views, while the Bedouin dinner and show provide culture. The highlight, for many, is gazing at planets through a digital telescope, which makes the universe feel surprisingly close.

For those on a budget or seeking an activity that combines outdoor fun with educational moments, this tour offers significant value. The experience is most suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy a mix of activities and are adaptable to some logistical quirks like long waits or older equipment.

Ultimately, it’s a fun, authentic night out that captures the essence of desert life and the magic of the night sky—an experience that, despite some imperfections, tends to leave guests with unforgettable memories.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, starting around 5:30 pm and finishing in the evening.

Are all activities included in the price?
Most activities, including ATV riding, Bedouin dinner, and star gazing, are included. However, there is a mandatory government safari fee payable in cash on-site.

Can I see planets like Jupiter and Saturn?
Yes, the guides use a digital telescope to help guests observe planets like Jupiter and Saturn, weather permitting.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the desert evening; layers are recommended due to temperature drops after sunset. Closed shoes are advised for ATV riding.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children should be comfortable with outdoor activities and be supervised during ATV rides and camel rides.