Desert Stargazing from Marsa Alam – Camel Ride & Bedouin Dinner
5 hours, shared group of up to 16, camel ride, dinner and stargazing included, pick-up at 16:00. Clear skies depend on the weather.
The short answer
A 5-hour shared evening trip from Marsa Alam: a 45-minute sunset camel ride, a Bedouin dinner at a desert camp and stargazing with a guide. Clear skies depend on the weather.
- New
- Small group
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Marsa Alam · Eastern Desert
- Includes
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off, covering Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between (El Quseir if you ask) · Shared air-conditioned vehicle · Camel ride · Bedouin dinner, tea and water · Guide
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
Winter and early spring bring clearer, cooler air. Nights near the new moon give the darkest skies.
- Our Marsa Alam office, part of an Egyptian operator that has worked since 1988, runs this evening
- Licensed under ETAA No. 718 (Category A) and an IATA member
02Overview
A first look
Away from town lights, the desert near Marsa Alam has some of the darkest skies in Egypt. This evening trip uses them. A shared vehicle collects you at 16:00 and drives to a Bedouin camp. At sunset you ride a camel for about 45 minutes. After that comes dinner and tea at the camp, and later the guide leads a stargazing session, pointing out constellations and planets. Clouds and haze can limit what you see, and we cannot promise a clear night. You are back at your hotel by about 20:30. Dress warmly, because the desert cools fast.
Background
The facts
The desert around Marsa Alam is far from major city lights, so the night sky is dark enough to show many stars. The camp is a short drive from the main hotel areas.
Named in this entry
Stargazing·Camel ride·Bedouin camp·Eastern Desert·Marsa Alam·Night sky
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Guests who want a quiet, cultural evening under the stars.
Maybe not, if
- Not for anyone who needs a guaranteed clear sky, or who finds camels uncomfortable.
What lingers
- 01A camel ride of about 45 minutes at sunset
- 02Dinner and tea at a Bedouin camp
- 03Stargazing away from town lights, with a guide who names the constellations
- 04Quiet time in the desert after dark
- 05Pick-up and return from your hotel
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Dark skies away from town lights
- Camel ride and dinner included
- Quiet, calm pace
Things to Consider
- Clouds or a bright moon can hide stars
- Cool air after dark
Stop by stop
Detailed itinerary
- 1
The vehicle comes at 16:00 from Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between. The drive to the camp takes some time, and the road leaves the lights behind. Bring a warm layer in your bag.
- 2
A handler helps you onto a camel and leads the group along a track as the sun goes down. Camels stand up and sit down with a lurch, so hold the saddle firmly. The pace is slow and calm.
- 3
A hot Bedouin meal and tea are served around a fire at about 18:00. Sit on cushions on the ground, as is the custom. Mention allergies or diets to the guide when you arrive.
- 4
After dinner the fire is dimmed and the group looks up. The guide shows you how to find a few constellations and bright planets by eye. A star app on a phone is useful, but keep the screen dim.
- 5
The vehicle drives back to the hotels, arriving at about 20:30. Guests who are dropped last may arrive later. Ask for a seat by the window if you want to look at the sky on the way.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off, covering Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between (El Quseir if you ask)
- Shared air-conditioned vehicle
- Camel ride
- Bedouin dinner, tea and water
- Guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Soft drinks
- Personal expenses
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Let your eyes adjust for 15 minutes before you look up
- 02
Keep phone screens dim to protect everyone's night vision
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Children under 2 are free, ages 2 to 11 pay half and older guests pay the adult price on this shared evening. There is no minimum age, though late hours and cool air suit older children better. Young children ride the camel with an adult.
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On the ground
Where it is
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How does the pricing work for the stargazing evening?
The price is per person on a shared vehicle with up to 16 guests. It includes transfers, the camel ride, dinner, tea, water and the guide. Children below 2 are free, and ages 2 to 11 pay half, while 12 and up pay the adult rate. Our team confirms the final price after your request.02What if the sky is cloudy?
The camel ride and dinner go ahead, but the stars may be hard to see. We cannot promise clear skies, since they depend on the weather and the moon. A bright full moon also washes out fainter stars.03Is the camel ride safe for children?
Children usually enjoy it, and a handler walks beside each camel. Small children ride with an adult. Let us know ages and weights when you request, so the camp can prepare.04What should I wear and bring?
Bring a warm layer, closed shoes and a camera. Desert nights can get cold, especially from late autumn to early spring. A scarf and a hat help. Keep some cash for tips.05What if I need to cancel?
More than 72 hours ahead, keep 100% as credit toward future travel or take a 100% refund, less bank charges. Between 72 and 24 hours, keep 100% as credit or take a 50% refund. Within 24 hours, or if you don't show up, there is no refund or credit. If we have to cancel, you lose nothing.06Is the evening shared with others?
Yes, up to 16 guests share the vehicle, the camp and the stargazing. You will be with the same guide the entire evening. For a quiet private evening, ask our team about a separate arrangement.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Continue reading
From the archives
Last updated Product ID: EXC-MRS-666643
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
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