Hurghada Desert Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner by Jeep

Planning a trip to Hurghada and looking for something off the beaten path? This Hurghada Desert Sunset & Stargazing Tour offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and awe-inspiring scenery—all within a manageable five-hour experience. It’s a fantastic way to escape the busy city and get a taste of Egypt’s vast desert landscape while enjoying a delicious dinner and marveling at the night sky through a powerful telescope.

What makes this tour special? We love that it combines off-road Jeep rides, camel encounters, and authentic Bedouin hospitality with the thrill of stargazing guided by an expert astronomer. Plus, the whole experience is quite accessible at just $40 per person, making it an appealing choice for many travelers.

One thing to consider: some reviews mention that the journey to the desert can be quite long and the seating in the vehicle may not be the most comfortable, especially for those prone to travel fatigue. Still, the overall value and memorable experiences make it suitable for those seeking an authentic adventure—especially if you’re eager to see the stars and experience Bedouin culture firsthand.

If you’re in Hurghada and eager for a mix of adrenaline, cultural insights, and celestial wonder, this tour could be exactly what you’re after—just be prepared for a full, fun evening under the desert sky.

Key Points

• Affordable Price & Value: At just $40, the tour offers a comprehensive experience blending adventure, culture, and stargazing.
• Diverse Activities: Expect Jeep safaris, camel rides, Bedouin hospitality, and a telescope-guided night sky viewing.
• Expert Guides & Astronomer: Knowledgeable guides, including a professional astronomer, enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Authentic Cultural Touch: Handmade carpet, bracelet, and necklace demonstrations give a glimpse of Bedouin craftsmanship.
• Stunning Sunset & Starry Skies: The sunset views and celestial sights create unforgettable moments.
• Group Size & Logistics: Tours are typically shared with up to 98 travelers, with hotel pickup included, making logistics straightforward.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Journey Begins: Pickup & Journey into the Desert

Most travelers are picked up around 4:00 PM, with the exact time depending on your hotel location in Hurghada. From there, you’ll board an air-conditioned vehicle to set off on a roughly 26 km off-road drive into the desert mountains and hills. This part is a bit of a rollercoaster, with reviews noting the long drive and sometimes cramped seating — so if you’re prone to motion sickness or don’t enjoy bumpy rides, it’s wise to prepare accordingly.

The Jeep ride is the highlight of the journey, with many reviewers describing it as “exciting” and “adventurous,” especially as you cross dunes and rocky slopes. The scenery, especially as the sun begins to set, offers dramatic vistas that are worth the bumpy ride.

Visit to the Bedouin Village & Camel Rides

At the desert’s edge, you’ll arrive at a Bedouin-style campsite where camels are waiting. Usually, guests get about 20 minutes here, which is enough for some memorable photos and a chance to experience a short camel ride. Many reviewers mention that the camel ride is a highlight, with some describing it as “unforgettable” and perfect for photos, even if it’s a brief encounter.

In addition, you’ll be welcomed with herbal Bedouin tea inside a traditional tent, offering a cozy break to enjoy local hospitality and learn a little about Bedouin customs.

Sunset & Bedouin Dinner

As the sun dips behind the mountains, the desert transforms into a stunning canvas of colors. This is often described as “breathtaking,” with some travelers noting the romantic, candlelit ambiance created by the team. The dinner is a substantial part of the experience, with five hot dishes served—reviewers mention that the food is “delicious” and more than enough for a satisfying meal, although a few pointed out portions could be larger.

The dinner is cooked on-site by a Bedouin man, adding an authentic touch to your meal. The menu typically includes various hot dishes and soft drinks during sunset and dinner time, making for a relaxed, scenic dining experience under the stars.

Stargazing with a Professional Telescope

Post-dinner, the star of the show is the telescope session. A professional astronomer guides you to a dedicated telescope area featuring the Maeda brand telescope, known for its high magnification and clarity. Reviewers universally praise the telescope’s power, noting that photos taken through it are impressive.

Guided by an expert, you’ll see planets, stars, and celestial clusters. Some guests mention that even during a full moon, the astronomer managed to point out interesting objects, demonstrating their skill. The telescope session lasts around 2 hours, giving ample time for observation and questions.

Optional Quad Biking & Additional Activities

For those wanting a bit extra, there’s an option to enjoy a 30-minute quad bike ride around the desert, picked up in a Jeep. This adds a bit more adrenaline to the evening but isn’t included in the base price. Many reviewers found the ride exhilarating and a perfect complement to the other activities.

Returning to Hurghada

After a memorable night under the stars, the group is transferred back to the hotel, usually around 10:00 PM. The entire tour lasts about five hours, making it a manageable outing that balances adventure with relaxation.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, with names like Ibrahim, Mosa, and Adam standing out for their knowledge and enthusiasm. One reviewer mentions Ibrahim’s “amazing” knowledge of the stars and desert, making the telescope session particularly engaging.

The sunset and desert landscape are consistently praised, with comments about the “splendid sunset behind impressive mountains” and the “breathtaking views.” Several reviewers also mention that the dinner exceeded expectations and that the combination of food, scenery, and celestial viewing was well worth the price.

However, some reviews point out logistical issues. A few mention the long drive to the desert, which can be uncomfortable if you’re not used to bumpy rides or cramped seating. There are also occasional complaints about the pickup process or the shortness of the dance show, but these seem to be minor concerns compared to the overall experience.

Practical Details & Tips

• Pricing & Value: At $40 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package that combines adventure, culture, and stargazing. The inclusion of hotel pickup, dinner, and expert-guided astronomy makes it a good value.
• Timing: The tour generally starts around 2:00 PM with pickups, with activities lasting until roughly 10:00 PM. Be prepared for a full evening.
• Group Size: The tour accommodates up to 98 people, so expect some crowding, especially during prime sunset and stargazing times, but the guides keep things organized.
• Comfort & Logistics: The ride to the desert can be lengthy and bumpy; bring motion sickness tablets if needed. The seating may be tight, so wear comfortable clothes and be ready for the ride.
• Additional Costs: Extras include goggles or scarves ($5), shisha ($15), and tips. Transfers from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, and Safaga are available for an extra $5 per person.
• Weather: Desert nights can get chilly, so pack a light jacket or shawl for stargazing.

The Sum Up

This Hurghada desert tour is a well-rounded and memorable experience that appeals to those looking for adventure with a cultural twist. The combination of off-road Jeep rides, short camel rides, and authentic Bedouin hospitality creates a genuine desert atmosphere. The star-gazing session guided by a knowledgeable astronomer adds a magical finish to the evening, making it perfect for travelers eager to see the night sky in a stunning, unspoiled setting.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want a value-packed, active evening that offers plenty of photo opportunities, cultural insights, and the chance to marvel at the cosmos. While the journey can be long and the seating uncomfortable at times, the overall experience delivers a unique, authentic taste of Egypt’s desert beauty and Bedouin traditions.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group eager for adventure, this tour offers a great mix of scenery, culture, and celestial sights that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with transfers available from Hurghada hotels and some nearby locations for an extra $5 per person.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately five hours, starting around 2:00 PM with pickups and ending around 10:00 PM.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
The tour is scheduled to coincide with sunset and star-gazing, so late afternoon into evening is ideal for the full experience.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for families with very young children due to the long drive and outdoor nature of activities.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, modest clothes suitable for outdoor desert conditions. Bring a jacket or shawl for the cooler night air during star gazing.

Can I do the quad ride?
Yes, a 30-minute quad option is available and can be booked as an add-on, offering extra fun for those seeking more adventure.

What about food options?
The dinner includes five hot dishes, with soft drinks served during sunset and dinner. The portions are generally generous, but some guests suggest bringing extra snacks if needed.

Is the star gazing suitable during a full moon?
While a full moon can reduce the visibility of stars, many reviewers still enjoyed the telescope session thanks to the astronomer’s expertise in pointing out planets and celestial objects.

What’s the dress code for the Bedouin tent?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine—just be prepared for outdoor conditions, and possibly cooler at night.

How many people typically go on this tour?
The tour can accommodate up to 98 travelers, so expect a somewhat lively group but plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the sights.

This desert sunset and stargazing tour in Hurghada offers a compelling mix of adventure, culture, and cosmic wonder. With knowledgeable guides, authentic Bedouin hospitality, and stunning natural scenery, it’s a memorable way to connect with Egypt’s desert landscape in a meaningful way.