Hurghada: Sea & Desert Camel Ride w/Dinner, Show, Stargazing

The best part of this Hurghada excursion is the change of pace. You leave the hotel strip behind and ride slowly through the Eastern Desert, with the Red Sea, lagoon, mountains, and wide sandy spaces appearing along the route. It feels less like a thrill ride and more like a traditional way to see Egypt.

I like the full two-hour ride, which gives you time to settle into the camel’s rolling rhythm, and I like the guides’ patient help. Names that come up often include Ramadan, Hussain, Mohamed, Rashid, and Mooka, all praised for safety, kindness, and taking photos. The main drawback is that two hours can feel long on a high, firm saddle, and drinks are not always included.

Key points

• Two hours in the saddle: This is a proper camel ride, not a quick photo stop.
• Desert and Red Sea views: Routes can include sandy valleys, open desert, a lagoon, or the coast.
• Several formats: Choose entry only, shared transfer, sunrise, or sunset with dinner and stargazing.
• Patient guides: Guides help nervous riders, organize groups by ability, and often take photos and videos on your phone.
• Good value at $26: The price can cover transport, the ride, dinner, entertainment, and stargazing, depending on your selected option.
• Prepare for heat and sand: Bring water, sunscreen, long trousers, sunglasses, and a scarf on windy days.

Riding from Hurghada into the Eastern Desert

This excursion gives you something the resort zone cannot: silence, open space, and a slower view of Egypt. From the camel’s back, Hurghada’s built-up areas fade away and the desert becomes the main event.

The route may pass through sandy valleys and broad desert plains before reaching the Red Sea or a nearby lagoon. Some outings focus more on the desert, while others include beach and coastal views. Your exact route depends on the selected program, weather, and local arrangements.

I like that the ride is not sold as a racing session. Guides lead the camels at a relaxed pace, and beginners receive an orientation before setting off. More experienced riders can enjoy the movement without being pushed into anything reckless.

The ride is also a useful introduction to camel travel in Egypt. Camels are high, broad, and slower to respond than a horse. The first few minutes can feel awkward, especially when the animal rises or kneels, but the guide explains what to do and stays with the group.

The two-hour ride, step by step

If you choose hotel pickup, you leave your accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup usually takes place 25 to 30 minutes before the start from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, 40 to 45 minutes from central Hurghada, and up to an hour from El Gouna, Soma Bay, Al Ahyaa, or Safaga.

Those are useful planning figures, but your actual pickup can be earlier because the vehicle may collect other people. The final time is sent the day before, so keep WhatsApp active and wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the confirmed time.

On arrival, allow around 15 minutes to rest and get organized. You receive safety instructions, meet your guide, and take part in a short driving test or practice session. The camels are grouped by ability, which helps first-time riders avoid feeling out of place beside confident riders.

The camels are described as well-trained and suitable for beginners and experienced riders. That does not make the ride soft or effortless. You still need to hold yourself steady, follow instructions, and accept that the saddle may rub your legs. Long trousers are much better than shorts.

The route usually includes several photo pauses. Guides often use your phone to take pictures and videos, and this is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Ramadan, Mohamed, Hussain, Rashid, and Mooka are among the guides praised for framing photos, recording short videos, and helping people who are nervous.

Some guides also allow a little faster movement when conditions permit, but you should not expect a gallop on demand. This is a guided desert outing, not a private riding lesson or a race.

Desert, lagoon, and Red Sea views

The scenery gives the ride its character. The desert is not a single flat stretch of sand. You may pass dry valleys, stony ground, open plains, and low mountain views before reaching water.

The Red Sea section adds welcome variety. Several rides reach the beach or a lagoon, giving you a chance to photograph the camel against blue water and pale sand. Sunrise trips can be especially attractive here, as the light is softer and the air cooler.

The beach stop is generally for viewing and photographs rather than swimming. Do not book this excursion expecting a long water break. The camel ride remains the main activity, and the route is built around seeing the desert and coast from the saddle.

There are some practical blemishes. One person found litter around the dunes and sea area, and windy weather can blow sand into your face and clothes. A headscarf is sensible, particularly in spring or on a breezy day. One past booking included scarves for a small extra charge, so carry your own if you want to avoid that cost.

Sunrise, afternoon, or sunset

The time of day changes the feel of the outing.

A morning or sunrise ride is the sensible choice if you dislike heat. The air is fresher, the light is gentle, and the desert can feel calm and almost empty. The sunrise option may include an Oriental breakfast afterward, making it a good fit for early risers and photographers.

An afternoon ride gives you more daylight and often leads into the sunset program. You will deal with stronger heat, so sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water matter. The late light can be rewarding, especially when the camels move across the sand toward the setting sun.

The sunset package combines the camel ride with dinner, live entertainment, and stargazing. It takes longer than the basic ride, but it also gives you an evening away from the resort dining room. The transfer, meal, show, and sky viewing can make the $26 starting price excellent value, provided you select the package that includes those extras.

The schedule can include waiting between dinner and the show. One person liked the chance to spend that pause near the horses, but if you prefer a tightly timed program, expect a little downtime.

Dinner, dancing, and the night sky

The dinner is presented as traditional Egyptian or Oriental food. It is described as plentiful and tasty, and one person rated it as the best meal of an Egypt holiday. That is a strong sign of value, though you should keep expectations sensible: this is a desert excursion meal, not a restaurant tasting menu.

Drinks may cost extra, and access to water is not always clear. Bring a bottle with you if possible, although large bags are not allowed. This is one of the most useful lessons for a hot-weather outing.

The entertainment varies in style and quality. You may see a whirling dancer, traditional dancing, or other live performance. Some people enjoy the colorful, informal atmosphere, while others expect belly dancing or a fire show and find the program less impressive. At times, the entertainment can shift into general disco dancing.

The stargazing is a better fit for people who enjoy a calm, educational finish. Guides explain the stars, and telescopes may give you a view of planets such as Saturn. You can also receive help photographing the sky with your phone. Clouds, wind, moonlight, and local conditions will affect what you see, so treat this as an added experience rather than a guaranteed astronomy show.

What the $26 price really buys

At $26 per person, the excursion is unusually inexpensive for a two-hour guided ride, especially if you choose a shared transfer or the dinner and stargazing program. The price can include hotel pickup and return, an air-conditioned vehicle, guide support, the camel ride, dinner, entertainment, and stargazing, depending on the option selected.

The entry-only version is better for independent visitors who can reach the base themselves. It keeps the price focused on the ride, but you take responsibility for getting there and back.

Shared transport is convenient from Hurghada’s main resort areas, but it is not always perfectly smooth. Pickup times can shift, and one person was taken to the wrong site before the organizer corrected the problem. Another had a vehicle without enough space and had to arrange an Uber, adding to the cost.

Private transfer is available for an extra fee. I would consider it if you are staying far from Hurghada, have a tight schedule, or care more about a direct journey than the lowest price.

Personal expenses are not included. Plan for drinks, possible scarf purchases, and anything extra requested at the base. Leave jewelry, valuables, luggage, and large bags at your hotel.

Safety, comfort, and animal welfare

The strongest practical feature is the guide support. You receive a safety briefing, a short test, and continuous supervision. Guides have helped nervous children walk beside the camel, and one child who disliked the camel was offered a horse instead. That kind of flexibility may happen, but it should not be treated as a standard inclusion.

The camels are described as friendly and well cared for, and the guides explain their character and handling. Still, you are sitting high above the ground. Follow instructions when mounting and dismounting, and do not ask for speed if you feel unsure.

The ride is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone over 110 kilograms. Helmets are provided and must be worn throughout the ride.

This is not a good choice if you want a gentle, cushioned activity. The saddle can be uncomfortable, and the constant rolling motion may tire your back and legs. If you are prone to motion discomfort or have a past back injury, choose another Hurghada outing.

What to wear and bring

Dress for sun, heat, and sand. Wear comfortable closed shoes, long trousers, seasonal clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Long sleeves can help on windy days, when sand may sting exposed skin.

Bring your passport or ID card, as requested for the activity. Keep your belongings to a minimum because luggage and large bags are not allowed. A small phone and water bottle are more useful than a full day bag.

Do not bring alcohol, drugs, pets, or jewelry. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle. Charge your phone before pickup, since guides often take many photos and videos during the ride.

Who will enjoy this Hurghada camel ride

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a classic Egyptian experience without spending a large part of their holiday budget. It also suits families with older children who can follow instructions and manage a two-hour ride.

The sunset version works well if you want one compact evening that combines several activities. The sunrise version is better for cooler temperatures and softer photos. The basic ride is the clearest choice if you care most about the camels and scenery.

You may want to skip it if you dislike animal rides, have back or mobility problems, or want a short photo stop rather than a sustained ride. Two hours is generous, but that generosity becomes a drawback if the saddle starts to hurt.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a real two-hour camel ride, not a five-minute photo opportunity. The combination of desert, Red Sea views, patient guides, and low cost is hard to beat, especially when dinner and stargazing are included.

Choose your option carefully, bring your own water and scarf, and allow extra time for shared transfers. If you prefer comfort, ask for a private transfer. If you want the best light and the fullest program, select sunset with dinner and stargazing. For cooler weather and a quieter outing, choose sunrise.

FAQ

How long does the camel ride last?

The main camel ride lasts two hours for the listed camel-riding options. The full activity can take between two and five hours, depending on the selected program and included additions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only when you choose an option with shared transfer. Entry-only tickets require you to reach the base independently. Private transfers are available for an extra fee.

How long does the transfer take?

Travel time is about 25 to 30 minutes from Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh, 40 to 45 minutes from Hurghada, and up to one hour from El Gouna, Soma Bay, Al Ahyaa, or Safaga.

What time will I be collected?

The pickup time is usually around 0 to 1 hour before the selected start time. The exact time is sent one day before the activity. You should wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup.

Is the sunset package vegetarian or dietary food available?

The provided information describes an Oriental or traditional dinner but does not specify vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or other dietary arrangements. Contact the provider before booking if you have dietary needs.

Are drinks included with dinner?

Drinks are not clearly included. Past participants have paid separately for drinks, so bring water and budget for additional beverages.

Can beginners ride the camels?

Yes. Beginners receive a safety briefing and camel orientation, and groups are organized by ability. Professional guides accompany the ride, and the camels are described as suitable for beginners and experienced riders.

Can children take part?

Children can take part when they can follow the safety instructions, but the activity information does not give a minimum age. Guides have helped nervous children, and an alternative horse ride was offered in one case, but this should be confirmed before booking.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve now and pay later option.