Hurghada: Desert Jeep Safari, Camel Ride & Stargazing Dinner

Hurghada desert evening jeep safari camel ride barbecue and stargazing

You’ll ride camels across Hurghada’s desert at sunset, bounce through sand in a 4x4 jeep safari, share barbecue dinner by firelight, and gaze at stars through telescopes with an astronomer guiding you. The quiet out there feels different—real—and you’ll leave with sand in your shoes and maybe a new way of looking at the night sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari, dinner, and stargazing

• Pick up from hotel in Hurghada
• Drive to the desert
• Enjoy 4x4 Jeep safari
• Watch the sunset in desert
• Have barbecue buffet dinner
• Observe stars with telescope
• Learn about stars and planets
• Drive back to hotel

The Experience

I didn’t really expect the silence out there—like, real silence. We left Hurghada in this van that smelled faintly of sunblock and dust, and by the time we hit the edge of the Red Sea desert, I could already feel that dry warmth seeping into my shirt. Our guide, Mahmoud, kept cracking jokes about how city people always look nervous before their first camel ride. He wasn’t wrong—I probably looked ridiculous trying to get on mine (the camel’s name was Lulu, she seemed unimpressed).

The jeep safari itself was rougher than I’d pictured—sand kicking up everywhere, windows down, hair full of grit. But then we stopped on this rise just as the sun started dipping low. The colors were unreal—like someone had turned up the saturation on everything. There was this moment when everyone just got quiet for a second; you could hear nothing but a little wind and someone’s phone buzzing in someone’s bag (which made us all laugh). Dinner came after, around a fire with candles stuck in old bottles. Rice, grilled chicken, beef—simple stuff but honestly so good after bouncing around all afternoon. I tried some salad that tasted like it had been picked that morning.

After dark is when it got weirdly magical. The astronomer set up a telescope and started pointing out planets (I think I actually saw Saturn’s rings?). He explained things patiently even though I kept mixing up constellations—he just grinned and handed me more tea. It was colder than I expected once the sun disappeared; I ended up borrowing a scarf from one of the guides. Looking up at that sky—with no city lights anywhere—I felt small in a good way. Still think about that view sometimes when I can’t sleep back home.

Top questions

How long does the Hurghada desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 6 hours including transfers from your hotel.

Is dinner included during the stargazing tour?

Yes, a barbecue buffet dinner with vegetarian options is included.

Can I join if I'm not experienced with camels or jeeps?

Yes, beginners are welcome for both camel rides and jeep safaris.

Are telescopes provided for star watching?

Yes, large telescopes are provided for stargazing with guidance from an astronomer.

Is hotel pickup included in Hurghada?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Hurghada is included in the price.

What food is served at dinner?

Dinner includes rice, grilled chicken and beef, green salad, tomatoes, cheese, desserts and soft drinks.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

The tour is suitable for all ages except those with certain health conditions.

What should I bring for the evening desert temperatures?

A light jacket or scarf is recommended as it can get cool after sunset.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Hurghada by air-conditioned van, a 4x4 jeep safari into the Red Sea desert with stops for photos and camel riding at sunset; later you’ll enjoy an open buffet barbecue dinner (with vegetarian options) under candlelight before moving to an observation area where telescopes are set up for guided stargazing—all soft drinks and bottled water are covered before heading back to your hotel late evening.