Sharm El-Sheikh: ATV and Camel Ride with BBQ Dinner and Show

The best part of this Sharm El-Sheikh outing comes after the engines stop. Far from the hotel lights, you can use astronomical telescopes to study stars and planets while a professional astronomer explains the night sky. Before that, you cross the Sinai by ATV or buggy, ride a camel, and eat dinner at a Bedouin camp.

I like the amount of activity for $35, especially the 50-minute desert ride with two breaks. I also like the mix of fun and local flavor: Bedouin tea, bread, a camel ride, grilled food, fire tricks, Tanura dancing, and astronomy all fit into one evening.

The main drawback is that this is an active group excursion, not a quiet private desert trip. Some quad bikes need maintenance, helmet buckles can be worn, and scarves, goggles, photos, tips, or a single quad may cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• The desert ride lasts about 50 minutes, with a mountain echo stop and a Bedouin tea stop along the way.
• Ibrahim, known as Coconut, is one of the most frequently praised guides, while Omar, Sabry, Hassan, Yusuf, and Nanas are also named for friendly service.
• Dinner is a proper open buffet, with grilled meat, kofta, chicken, rice, vegetables, salads, Bedouin bread, water, and a soft drink.
• The stargazing is more than a quick look at the sky, since an astronomer uses telescopes and explains stars and planets.
• Bring cash and your own scarf if possible, and expect optional charges for photos, goggles, scarves, shisha, or a single quad upgrade.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Why this $35 desert evening offers good value

At $35 per person, this is a packed outing rather than a single-activity ride. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, ATV or buggy use, a camel ride, Bedouin tea and bread, an open buffet dinner, soft drinks, entertainment, and stargazing.

That combination matters in Sharm El-Sheikh, where separate activities can quickly add up. You are not paying only for a quad bike. You are paying for transport into the Sinai, several stops, a meal, a staged cultural program, and access to telescopes in a darker setting than you will find around the resort hotels.

I would treat the tour as good value if you want a broad introduction to the desert. It is less appealing if your main goal is serious astronomy, a long camel trek, or hours of uninterrupted off-road driving. The schedule gives you a taste of each activity, not an expert-level session in any one of them.

The high rating of 4.7 from 307 ratings fits the strongest parts of the experience: friendly guides, a full program, tasty food, and a memorable night sky. Still, keep a little cash aside for optional extras, and do not assume every small charge is included.

From your hotel to the safari station

The evening begins with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned van. The vehicle takes you to the safari station, where the guides organize the group and explain the route, safety rules, and controls for the ATV or buggy.

You will also be shown how to wrap the scarf. This is practical, not just a photo opportunity. Desert dust can blow into your face during the ride, so comfortable clothing and covered shoes make the outing easier.

You are asked to leave money, phones, passports, and other belongings in your bag while riding. That is sound advice. Keep only what you need with you, and protect cameras and phones from dust when you stop.

The languages listed for the excursion are English, Russian, Italian, and Arabic. Guides such as Ibrahim, called Coconut by many groups, and Omar are known for keeping the mood light while still helping people through the activities. Sabry has also been praised for explaining the astronomy portion clearly.

The group receives a short driving lesson before setting off. You do not need to be an expert rider, but you should listen closely, especially if you have never used a quad bike. The controls can feel stiff on some vehicles, and one rider found the accelerator and brake difficult to manage.

A 50-minute ride through the Sinai desert

The ATV or buggy section lasts about 50 minutes, including two stops. That is enough time to feel that you have crossed into the desert, without making the ride the entire evening.

The first stop is beside large mountains, where the guides demonstrate the echo of your voice. It is a simple moment, but it gives the route a sense of place. The mountains are not just a backdrop for photographs. Their shape changes how sound carries across the open desert.

The second stop is at a Bedouin camp. Here you receive Bedouin tea and can take a camel ride with a broad view toward the mountains. The camel portion is short, so think of it as a cultural photo stop rather than a long trek.

Camel handlers may ask for tips, and you may encounter people offering photographs. The practical approach is to decide in advance what you want. If you do not want photos, say so clearly. If you do, carry small cash and agree on the price before the camera comes out.

The quad bikes receive mixed practical comments. Some riders find them in good shape and easy enough for a group ride. Others report that certain ATVs need maintenance, including shaking at particular speeds or problems with fuel response. Helmet buckles may also be worn.

You will not be racing. The ride is controlled and organized, but machines vary. If your quad feels unsafe or difficult to control, tell the guide at once and ask for help or a change. For safety reasons, a double quad can be changed to a single quad based on weight or balance, with a possible extra charge of €10 per person.

Bedouin tea, bread, and the camel stop

The tea stop gives the outing a welcome pause. After the vibration and dust of the ATV ride, sitting down with Bedouin tea makes the desert feel less like a backdrop and more like a place where people live and work.

Bedouin bread is included as part of the food experience. You will also have the chance to taste it with dinner later. These small food details are useful because they add something local to an excursion that could otherwise feel like a standard motorized safari.

The camel ride offers a different pace from the quad bike. You move slowly, get a higher view, and have time to look toward the mountains. If you have back problems, though, this is not the right excursion. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women.

You should wear clothes that can handle dust and movement. Comfortable shoes are listed as essential, and I would avoid anything delicate or difficult to manage during the ride. A camera is worth bringing, but keep it protected until you stop.

BBQ dinner at the second Bedouin camp

The group then moves to another Bedouin camp for dinner and entertainment. The meal is served as an open buffet and includes grilled meat, kofta, chicken, rice, vegetables, salads, Bedouin bread, cola, and water.

Food has been one of the most praised parts of the evening. Several people found the BBQ well seasoned, and some considered it better than the food at their hotel. That does not mean you should expect a luxury restaurant. It means the meal is generous, filling, and more satisfying than a token buffet added to a tour.

The setting matters too. You eat after the desert ride, when a hot meal and a seat are especially welcome. The camp gives you a chance to relax before the evening show and astronomy session.

The entertainment includes a fire man, a Tanura show, and Bedouin dancing. The fire performance adds spectacle, while the spinning Tanura costume provides the more traditional visual part of the program. The show is designed for a broad group, so it is lively and accessible rather than a small, formal cultural performance.

If you want a calm dinner with no stage entertainment, this may feel busy. If you like a full evening with music, movement, and a bit of theater, it fits the mood well.

Fire, Tanura, and Bedouin dancing

The shows give the second half of the tour a clear rhythm. First comes dinner, then the camp turns your attention toward performance. The fire act supplies the biggest visual punch, while the Tanura dancer spins in a colorful costume.

The guides help keep groups together and explain what is happening. Ibrahim, or Coconut, is repeatedly praised for his humor and warm approach. Omar, Yusuf, Hassan, Nanas, and Sabry are also named as attentive guides who help the outing run smoothly.

Tipping is part of the local travel culture, but it should not feel compulsory. Carrying Egyptian pounds can make small tips easier, and one useful suggestion is to bring around 500 Egyptian pounds in cash if you want flexibility. You do not need to spend it all, and the included price does not require tips.

Shisha is not included. Scarf Arafat and protective goggles are also listed as extras, so check the price before accepting them. One person found a scarf charge unreasonable, especially because the dust makes a scarf useful. Bringing your own is the simplest way to avoid that issue.

Stargazing with telescopes after dark

The astronomy session is what makes this outing different from a standard quad-bike and dinner trip. After the show, you move to the stargazing area, where professional astronomers use telescopes to show stars and planets.

The timing is excellent for the subject. You are already away from Sharm El-Sheikh’s resort lights, and the desert setting gives the sky room to take over. The session is not just a pause to look upward. The astronomer explains the space world, points out objects, and helps you understand what you are seeing.

You should keep your expectations sensible. This is a group stargazing experience, not a private observatory visit. You may need to wait your turn at the telescope, especially when many people want a look at the same object.

Still, the astronomy adds real value. A quad ride can be fun but familiar. Looking at the moon or planets through a telescope gives the evening a sense of discovery. One useful tip is to ask the astronomer to photograph the moon through the telescope with your phone. This can produce a memorable keepsake without buying the separate photo package.

The sky can also be the quietest part of the evening. After engines, dinner, music, and fire, the change of pace is welcome. If you are mainly interested in astronomy, ask for the evening option that includes the stargazing session rather than choosing a daytime desert ride.

Returning through the desert at night

After the astronomy session, you drive back to the safari station for about 30 minutes. This final ride takes place at night, so it feels different from the outward journey. The desert is quieter, and the darkness becomes part of the experience.

Air-conditioned vehicles wait at the safari station to take you back to your hotel. The full outing is designed as a group program, but the transport operation has been praised for arriving early and avoiding a rushed feeling.

Toilet access is an important practical point on a long excursion. Working toilets are available at the stops, so you do not need to worry about being away from facilities for the entire evening.

The exact pickup time is not provided, so confirm it when you book. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but the distance from your hotel can affect how long you spend in the van before and after the desert activities.

What to bring and what to leave at home

Pack light, but bring a few useful items:

• Comfortable shoes with a closed fit
• Loose, comfortable clothes
• A camera or phone with protection from dust
• A scarf if you already have one
• Cash for optional purchases and tips
• Water if you prefer more than the included drinks

Do not bring your passport onto the quad bike. The instructions specifically advise leaving important papers, money, and phones in your bag during the ride.

Protective goggles are not included, so ask about them before setting out if dust bothers your eyes. You can also bring sunglasses, though they are not listed as part of the included equipment.

Photo and video sellers may offer pictures from the ride or camel stop. Prices have been reported at around £15 per person for larger photo and video packages, while individual photos may be negotiated separately. You are not required to buy them. Decide before the tour how much you want to spend, then be polite and firm.

Who will enjoy this Sharm El-Sheikh excursion

I would recommend this tour to you if you want several classic Sinai activities in one evening. It works especially well for families with teenagers, couples, solo visitors who want an organized outing, and groups looking for good value.

Teenagers and adults who enjoy engines will likely focus on the quad ride. People who prefer culture and food will appreciate the Bedouin camp, bread, tea, dinner, and dancing. Anyone curious about the night sky gets an extra reason to choose this instead of a basic desert safari.

It is less suitable if you dislike dust, loud engines, staged entertainment, or group schedules. It is also a poor choice for anyone pregnant or dealing with back problems.

The guides make a real difference. Ibrahim, known as Coconut, receives especially strong praise for his energy, humor, and kindness. Omar, Sabry, Hassan, Yusuf, and Nanas are also associated with helpful, welcoming service. Since guide assignments can change, you should not book solely to meet one named person, but good guide support is clearly an important part of this experience.

Should you book it?

Book this excursion if you want a full evening with a lot of variety for $35. You get a real amount of ATV time, a camel ride, mountain views, Bedouin tea, a filling BBQ, three styles of entertainment, and telescope stargazing. Few outings at this price cover so many different interests.

Go in prepared for imperfect equipment and optional sales. Bring a scarf, wear comfortable clothes, carry small cash, and speak up if your quad or helmet does not feel right.

I would choose it for a first desert outing in Sharm El-Sheikh, especially if you are traveling with family or friends. I would skip it only if you want a private, quiet, highly specialized astronomy session or a long, serious off-road drive.

FAQ

How much does the ATV, camel ride, dinner, and stargazing tour cost?

The listed price is $35 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the ATV or buggy ride?

The driving portion lasts about 50 minutes and includes two breaks, one at the giant mountains and one at a Bedouin camp.

What food is included at dinner?

The open buffet includes grilled meat, kofta, chicken, rice, vegetables, salads, Bedouin bread, water, and a soft drink.

Is stargazing included?

Yes. The experience includes stargazing with astronomical telescopes and a professional astronomer who explains stars and planets.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. A double quad may also be changed to a single quad for safety reasons, with a possible €10 per-person charge.