Sharm El-Sheikh: Stargazing with Luxury Dinner

When it comes to experiencing the Sinai Desert, few activities offer quite the same blend of culture, cuisine, and celestial beauty as a stargazing tour with a luxury dinner. Although we haven’t personally participated, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a vivid picture of an evening that’s both memorable and packed with value. This tour promises a combination of Camel rides at sunset, a VIP Bedouin-style BBQ dinner, professional star gazing, and lively entertainment—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Sinai Mountains.

What we genuinely appreciate about this experience is its diverse range of activities—from the peaceful sands of a camel ride at sunset, to the awe-inspiring night sky through high-powered telescopes, topped off with traditional shows. The price point, at just $32 per person, appears to offer good value considering the inclusions. However, some reviewers note that the flow of the evening can feel a bit disjointed, and there’s a touch of commercialism that might not appeal to everyone. This experience best suits travelers looking for an authentic, scenic, and culturally rich desert night without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Affordable Luxury: At $32, this tour provides a surprisingly comprehensive experience with multiple activities.
• Varied Activities: Camel rides, a gourmet BBQ, and star gazing make for a well-rounded evening.
• Authentic Entertainment: Expect Bedouin music, fire shows, and traditional dance performances.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides and astronomers are on hand to enrich your experience.
• Breathtaking Views: Panoramic mountain scenery and desert sunsets create perfect photo opportunities.
• Some Criticisms: Be aware of potential disjointed pacing and possible sales pitches during the evening.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Transportation and Timing

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Sharm El-Sheikh, usually in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort after a day of sightseeing. Pick-up times depend on your hotel’s location, and it’s advised to confirm exact details a day beforehand. Typically, the experience kicks off around late afternoon—often around 3:30 to 5:30 pm—allowing for a relaxed pace and plenty of time to enjoy each activity.

Camel Ride at Sunset

The first highlight is a 10-minute camel ride across the peaceful Sinai sands. This gentle trip offers an authentic taste of Bedouin life and spectacular views of the Sinai Mountains bathed in the golden hour light. Travelers often find this a calming, visually stunning start to the evening. One review mentioned being led by young guides who, despite some complaints about tips, provided an enjoyable experience. The ride isn’t lengthy but sets a perfect tone for the evening’s culture.

Bedouin-Style VIP BBQ Dinner

Next up is a buffet dinner served in a Bedouin-style setting, with excellent views of the mountains. The menu includes grilled meats, fresh salads, traditional bread, and oriental dishes, with soft drinks and seasonal fruit to complement the meal. Many reviews praise the quality and taste of the food, calling it both delicious and filling. One traveler appreciated the inclusive nature of drinks and fruits, making it feel like a true feast under the stars.

This segment can be somewhat rushed, as the tour aims to balance dinner with entertainment and star gazing. Some reviewers noted that background music was sometimes absent, creating quiet moments that feel a bit awkward, but overall, the atmosphere tends toward cozy and cultural.

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Star Gazing with Experts

After dinner, the main event begins: professional telescopes and expert guides lead you into a 30-minute guided stargazing session. This is often a highlight, especially for astronomy enthusiasts. Reviewers mention that the guides are knowledgeable, walking you through constellations and sharing interesting facts about planets and stars. The telescopes allow for close-up views of the night sky, making the experience both educational and awe-inspiring.

However, some travelers found the star explanation to be rushed or too fast, with limited time to actually look through the telescopes. One reviewer notes that only about 10 seconds per person were available for viewing, which may feel a bit hurried if you’re eager for a prolonged gaze.

Bedouin Entertainment and Night Views

Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy live Bedouin music, fire shows, and Tanoura dances. These performances add vibrant energy and a touch of tradition to the night. Several reviews compliment the fire show as mesmerizing and the dancing as lively. The panoramic views of the Sinai Mountains during sunset and after dark are stunning, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

Additional Activities and Optional Sales

Some reviews mention a pharmacy or herbal sales pitch that feels out of place or somewhat lengthy. This seems to be a common occurrence, with guides explaining Bedouin oils and herbs, which some travelers found tiresome. The tour doesn’t include water pipe smoking (shisha), so if that’s a must-have, you’ll need to seek it elsewhere.

Overall Pacing and Flow

While the activities are engaging individually, multiple reviewers point out that the transition between activities can be disjointed. There are moments of silence or waiting, and some felt the experience could be better organized or explained. Still, the overall value remains high, especially considering the multi-faceted nature of the tour, offering a bit of everything for curious travelers.

Reviews at a Glance

• The delicious dinner and stunning sunset views are consistently praised.
• Guides like Mr. Zain are helpful, making the trip smoother.
• Some critiques mention hasty star explanations and sales pitches that detract from the magic.
• The fire and dance shows are frequently highlighted as highlights.
• The value for the price stands out, with many reviewers feeling they got their money’s worth.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for hot days and cooler desert nights.
• Bring a camera for capturing the sunset, stars, and performances.
• Confirm your pickup time a day before to avoid delays.
• Keep in mind the tour length—it typically wraps up after late evening, around 11 pm.
• Be prepared for some moments of silence or waiting periods, especially during transitions.
• If you’re interested in astronomy, request a longer star gazing session if possible, as some feel the 10-second telescope view is brief.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a balanced mix of culture, adventure, and celestial wonder without spending a fortune. It’s particularly good for those who love authentic Bedouin ambiance, enjoy stunning desert scenery, or are curious about stars and astronomy. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find something to love here.

However, if you prefer a seamless, polished experience, or dislike sales pitches, this tour might feel a bit chaotic at times. It’s also not suitable for wheelchair users or those seeking a very peaceful, uninterrupted star gazing session—some reviews cite the hurried explanations and occasional silence.

Final Thoughts

The Sharm El-Sheikh Stargazing with Luxury Dinner tour offers a compelling glimpse into desert life, celestial sights, and local culture—all at an accessible price. It’s a fun, varied evening that combines scenic beauty, delicious food, and engaging entertainment. While it may not be perfect in flow or presentation, the authentic touches, knowledgeable guides, and unforgettable views make it a worthwhile option for many.

If you’re after a value-packed night under the stars, with a good dose of Bedouin tradition and a touch of astronomy, this tour might be just right for you. Just be prepared for some bumps along the way and keep your expectations realistic—what you gain in authenticity and scenery, you might miss in seamless flow.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a camel ride, VIP BBQ dinner, water, soft drinks, fruits, Bedouin tea and bread, traditional shows, and a star gazing experience with telescopes and guides.

How long does the tour last?
It typically starts in the late afternoon and ends around 11 pm, allowing plenty of time for each activity.

Is the star gazing session long enough?
Many reviews suggest the star gazing is about 30 minutes, with roughly 10 seconds per person at the telescopes. Some find this brief but still worthwhile.

Can I buy souvenirs or herbal products?
Yes, some stops include explanations about Bedouin oils and herbs, but these are sales pitches, and many find them less enjoyable than the main activities.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for hot daytime temperatures and cooler desert evenings are recommended.

Are children allowed on this tour?
The tour isn’t specifically geared toward children, but families with children comfortable in outdoor night settings should be fine.

Is there much walking involved?
The activities involve short walks—camel rides, moving between dining and star gazing areas—but expect some waiting around.

Can I upgrade or extend the star gazing?
The standard experience offers about 30 minutes. Requests for longer sessions depend on guide availability but aren’t guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users due to the nature of activities and terrain.

In essence, this tour offers a taste of Bedouin life, stunning desert vistas, and a starry sky, all in one affordable package. Perfect for curious travelers who enjoy variety and cultural authenticity, even if it’s not perfectly polished.

You can check availability for your dates here: