REVIEW · HURGHADA
Hurghada: Sea & Desert Horseback Riding, Stargazing, Dinner, Show
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A night ride with stars overhead. This Hurghada experience mixes horseback riding near the Red Sea with optional stargazing as the sky darkens.
You can keep it simple with the ride only, or upgrade to a sunset-style evening with sky viewing, dinner, and a show. I especially like that it stays beginner-friendly without feeling childish or too easy.
I love the focus on well-trained, gentle horses and guides who watch your safety but still let you enjoy the ride. I also like the practical comforts: air-conditioned pickup and bottled water included.
One thing to consider is that the full sunset setup depends on good weather, so your start time experience may shift or get rescheduled if conditions are poor.
In This Review
- Quick takeaways before you go
- Hurghada’s Makadi Bay: Where the sea view sets the mood
- The horseback ride: what you’ll actually do (and how it feels)
- What to wear so you don’t regret it
- Sunset upgrade: stargazing that turns the night into an event
- Dinner and the Egyptian show: the cultural finish without the rush
- Timing, pickup, and group size: keeping expectations realistic
- Price and value: does $41.34 feel fair?
- Who should book this Hurghada horse-and-stars tour?
- Practical tips that make the night smoother
- Should you book this sea-and-desert horseback riding and stargazing in Hurghada?
- FAQ
- How long is the horseback riding and stargazing tour in Hurghada?
- Is pickup included?
- What is included in the price?
- Do I choose horseback riding only or can I add stargazing, dinner, and a show?
- What time of day is best for the stargazing option?
- Do I need prior riding experience?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- How many people are on the tour at most?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Quick takeaways before you go
- Makadi Bay scenery: Sea views plus beachy terrain make for a smooth ride setting.
- Choose your evening level: Ride-only, or add stargazing, dinner, and a show for a full night plan.
- Guides keep you comfortable: Safety-minded guidance that works for beginners through experienced riders.
- Comfort basics are covered: Air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water are part of the package.
- Small-ish group by scale: Maximum 100 travelers, which helps keep the vibe from turning into a moving crowd.
- Helmet? Ask early: Helmets may not be listed as included, but you can request one and they can accommodate.
Hurghada’s Makadi Bay: Where the sea view sets the mood
Makadi Bay is a resort strip along the Red Sea Riviera. Think sandy beaches, hotel and spa areas, and plenty of marine life nearby—often spotted during snorkeling and scuba excursions in the wider region. The key point for this tour is that the ride happens around Makadi Bay, so you’re not riding far inland with zero scenery.
Why this matters: you get the best of both worlds in a short window of time. You’ll feel the coastal air and see that classic Red Sea horizon while you’re on horseback—then the timing shifts toward night sky viewing when the light fades.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada.
The horseback ride: what you’ll actually do (and how it feels)
The main activity is a horseback ride around Makadi Bay, with a horse provided for each person. The tour is designed for all levels, including beginners, and that shows in how the guides handle the experience—steady pace when you’re new, and room to do a bit more if you’re comfortable.
In practical terms, plan for a guided ride where you’re learning the basics of control and posture on the horse. If you want to move faster than a walk, the guides can teach you a small trot for beginners, but only if you’re ready and they judge it safe. That balance is a big part of why this kind of activity works for families: you’re not just “watching yourself ride,” you’re being coached.
A small but important tip: if you’re concerned about a helmet, ask at the start. At least one family-style ride reported they requested helmets and the team provided them without drama. If you personally need one for comfort or fit, it’s worth bringing up right away rather than assuming it’ll appear.
What to wear so you don’t regret it
Even though this is a short tour, you’re on an animal at a specific gait, so your clothing matters:
- Wear closed-toe shoes with a solid sole (no slippery sandals).
- Long pants help keep you comfortable against saddle and brush.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses are smart. You’ll be outside for the whole ride and then into evening.
Sunset upgrade: stargazing that turns the night into an event
If you choose the sunset option, the evening is built around the sky. As the sun sets over the Red Sea, you shift from ride mode to night mode, and you’ll get stargazing led by an expert guide who explains what you’re seeing. This is not just pointing at stars and saying good luck—it’s structured so the sky has meaning.
Why this is valuable: most vacation nights are either dinner-and-bed or a show that ends before you get the real night atmosphere. Here, you get a quiet pause first. The guide’s explanations can help you connect the dots faster—so you enjoy the view instead of feeling lost in it.
A practical consideration: stargazing tends to feel cooler as the light drops, even if you don’t expect it to. Bring a light layer you can stash and pull on later, especially if you run warm in the day but get chilly at night.
Dinner and the Egyptian show: the cultural finish without the rush
After stargazing, dinner comes next, followed by a show. The dinner is described as featuring local and international options, which is useful if you’re traveling with mixed tastes—kids who want familiar food, and adults who want to try something new.
The show is presented as a celebration of Egyptian cultural heritage. That’s the safest way to think about it: it’s meant to be entertaining, but it’s also part of how the evening introduces local culture right after your sea-and-desert activities.
Timing-wise, this order matters. You’re not stuffed at the start of the ride, then totally hungry halfway through. You get a ride first, then the evening becomes a full “experience flow” ending with performance energy.
Timing, pickup, and group size: keeping expectations realistic
This tour runs about 3 hours total. That’s short enough that it fits easily into a Hurghada schedule, but long enough that you actually get multiple parts: the horseback ride, and—if you book the sunset package—the stargazing, dinner, and show.
Pickup is included, and it’s done in an air-conditioned vehicle. That’s a comfort win in Hurghada, especially if you’re starting from a hotel area and don’t want to find your own ride.
Group size is capped at a maximum of 100 travelers. That number matters because it suggests you shouldn’t expect a private feel, but it also should not become a chaotic free-for-all. You’ll still likely have time with your guide during the ride and not just be swallowed by the crowd.
One operational note from real-world experience: pickups can be a little late sometimes, but the tour has a reputation for holding to the planned timing once the group gets moving. Still, I’d rather you build in a bit of slack in your day, just in case.
Price and value: does $41.34 feel fair?
At about $41.34 per person, this is one of those “good value if you use the full offering” tours. Here’s why.
Included basics:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Horse for each person
Then, depending on which option you choose, you may add:
- Stargazing with an expert guide
- Dinner with local and international choices
- An Egyptian show
So if you book the ride-only option, you’re mainly paying for a guided horseback experience around Makadi Bay plus transport. If you book the sunset evening, you’re stacking additional components without paying separate admission fees for each one. For many people, that makes the overall cost feel more balanced than piecing together solo activities.
Also consider the booking pattern: it’s typically booked about 27 days in advance on average. That doesn’t mean you must rush, but it does suggest it’s popular—especially the sunset version.
One more cost reminder: tipping is not included. That means you’ll want a little cash on hand for the guides or staff as you feel appropriate.
Who should book this Hurghada horse-and-stars tour?
This is a strong match if you:
- Want an activity that’s more than a beach day
- Like animals and want hands-on time (not just watching)
- Travel as a family and need something that can work for kids and adults
- Enjoy evenings with a plan: ride first, then sky viewing, then dinner and show
- Are a beginner or intermediate rider who still wants guidance
It may not be ideal if you:
- Want a very long or advanced riding experience. This is designed as a short, guided outing.
- Dislike animals or feel nervous around horses, even with safety coaching.
- Plan to schedule around tight sunset timing without any flexibility, since weather can affect what happens.
Practical tips that make the night smoother
These are the small things that keep this kind of tour from feeling stressful:
- Ask about helmets at the start if that’s important to you.
- Wear shoes you’d be comfortable walking in afterward.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses for the ride; then pack a light layer for after sunset.
- Have cash ready for tipping, since it’s not included.
- If you’re a photo person, decide where you want to stand for stargazing so you’re not scrambling after the guide starts explaining.
If you’re booking the sunset option, it helps to treat it as an evening event, not a quick stop. You’ll get more out of it when you don’t rush dinner or try to beat the crowds right after.
Should you book this sea-and-desert horseback riding and stargazing in Hurghada?
I’d book it if you want a compact 3-hour experience that mixes the Red Sea coast with a desert-sky moment. The tour earns trust through its gentle horse setup, safety-focused guides, and the way the sunset option turns into a complete evening with dinner and a show.
Skip it or wait to decide if you’re mainly looking for an all-day adventure or you’re picky about being outdoors only when conditions are perfect. Since the full experience needs good weather, you’ll want flexibility in your schedule.
If you’re after a fun, family-friendly ride plus a sky view you can understand thanks to a guide, this is a solid choice in Hurghada.
FAQ
How long is the horseback riding and stargazing tour in Hurghada?
The experience is about 3 hours.
Is pickup included?
Yes. An air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included.
What is included in the price?
It includes air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and a horse for each person.
Do I choose horseback riding only or can I add stargazing, dinner, and a show?
You can choose horseback riding only, or select optional activities. The sunset tour option includes stargazing, dinner, and a show.
What time of day is best for the stargazing option?
The sunset tour is designed so stargazing happens after the sun sets.
Do I need prior riding experience?
No. The tour is designed for all levels, from beginners to experienced riders.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How many people are on the tour at most?
The maximum group size is 100 travelers.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.
