Sharm El Sheikh: Quad bike, Safari, Camel With Dinner & Show

The best part of this South Sinai outing is the change of pace: first you power across the desert on a quad bike, then you slow down for a camel ride and Bedouin-style evening. The wide desert views and roughly hour-long quad ride give you real time behind the handlebars, rather than a quick turn around a car park.

I like the small groups and the friendly guiding. Guides stay close to the riders, and Farid has been especially helpful with photos and encouragement. I also like the value: at $20, hotel pickup, the quad ride, village visit and, when selected, dinner and a show make this a strong budget outing. The main catch is that camel riding and stargazing may be optional, and some stops can include persistent sellers or an overenthusiastic photographer.

Key points to know before you book

• About an hour on the quad: You get a proper ride over rolling sand, with stops for views and photographs.
• Small groups feel easier: Guides can stay near the riders and help if someone falls behind.
• Bedouin village visit: Tea, local customs and an evening meal add more than a simple motorized desert ride.
• Camel and stargazing options vary: Check your exact package, since these may not be included automatically.
• Bring your passport: It must have at least six months of remaining validity.
• Budget carefully: Scarves, goggles, drinks, photographs, tips and other extras are not included.

Quad biking across South Sinai

This tour begins in the afternoon, with pickup from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel. From there, you head into the desert for the main event: a quad bike ride across golden sand and rougher ground, with the mountains and open desert around you.

I like quad biking here because it gives you a sense of distance. You are not simply looking at the desert through a vehicle window. You are steering, feeling the bumps and watching the track stretch ahead. The machines are described as powerful, but you still need to follow the guide and ride at a pace that suits your ability.

The ride usually includes stops along the way. One account describes more than an hour on the quads and two stops, while another calls it a solid hour. Exact riding time can vary with the group and the package, but this is not just a five-minute demonstration.

The scenery is the main reward. Sand, rocky ground and broad views create a strong contrast with the busy hotel area of Sharm El Sheikh. At a stop, you can take in the silence and open space, though the experience may not remain completely quiet if sellers or photographers are working nearby.

What the small group changes

A small group is useful on an activity like this. Guides can keep an eye on the riders, and the group is less likely to spend long periods waiting for a large line of quad bikes to move. One small group was able to ride quickly and pass larger groups, which made the outing feel more active.

Safety also depends on good supervision. The guides ride nearby and check that nobody is in trouble. That matters if you are new to quads, unsure about the controls or nervous about uneven ground.

Still, a quad bike is not a sofa. One rider had trouble when the brakes stopped working halfway through the route. That is an important reminder to check the bike before setting off and tell the guide at once if anything feels wrong. You should not continue on a machine with faulty brakes or controls.

The ride can also be tiring. One older participant enjoyed the experience but found it physically difficult because of a health issue. You need enough strength and comfort to handle the handlebars and cope with bumps. If your health makes that uncertain, ask the operator what support is available before paying.

Photo stops, sellers and the practical annoyances

The stops are meant to give you time for photographs and views. They can be a nice break from the engine noise, but the way they are handled may shape your experience.

Some guides or photographers take photos and videos throughout the ride. Farid, in particular, has been praised for being friendly, helpful and active with the camera. That can be useful if you want pictures of yourself on the quad and do not want to rely on a phone.

The downside is that a photographer may ask you to look toward the camera repeatedly. One rider found the photo work too intrusive and felt it reduced the time available to rest, drink and enjoy the desert. If you want a quieter ride, say so at the start. You can also ask how much photographs cost before agreeing to anything.

Sellers at a photo stop are another possible irritation. Bracelets and other small items may be offered, and one visitor felt pressured even after saying no. Take only the cash you plan to spend, use a firm but polite refusal and keep in mind that these sales are not part of the core desert ride.

Water is worth buying before you leave the hotel. A small bottle was sold for 100 Egyptian pounds during one outing, which felt excessive to the person who bought it. The included items do not list bottled water, so bring your own if allowed or ask about the price first.

Camel riding at sunset

After the quad portion, the pace changes. If camel riding is included in your chosen option, you climb onto one of these traditional desert animals for a slower crossing. The gentle rocking motion is very different from the vibration of a quad and gives you a brief sense of the old Bedouin transport system.

The camel ride is less about distance and more about atmosphere. You can watch the desert change as the afternoon light fades, and the contrast between the machines and the animals makes the outing feel less one-note.

Do check your booking carefully. Camel riding is listed as included only if the option is selected, and one person expected it but did not receive it. The same applies to stargazing. The headline may present the activity as a camel, dinner and show experience, but the actual package choices matter.

If you have back, hip or balance problems, ask about the camel ride before you commit. Mounting and dismounting can be harder than the short ride itself. The supplied information does not state the ride length or provide a separate accessibility plan, so do not assume it will suit every body.

Tea and the Bedouin village

The Bedouin village is intended to add a cultural stop after the outdoor activity. You can expect a welcome, chai tea and an introduction to Bedouin traditions and daily life. This part gives you a chance to sit down, cool off and hear about the people connected with the desert.

Keep your expectations realistic. This is a short tour stop, not an extended cultural study. You will get a taste of Bedouin hospitality and customs, but the amount of explanation will depend on the guide and the time available.

That said, the village matters because it breaks up the action. Without it, the trip would be mainly a quad ride with a meal attached. Tea, conversation and a local setting give the evening a more human center.

The listed guide languages are English and Arabic. If you need detailed explanation, make sure your guide can communicate comfortably with you. Guides are a major part of the experience, and friendly help can make a big difference, especially when handling the quads or arranging the group at stops.

Dinner, stars and the evening show

Dinner takes place after the outdoor activities, with food described as traditional Bedouin dishes prepared from local ingredients. The meal is part of the value of the package, since you are not paying only for engine time. Sitting down to eat under the desert sky can be a pleasant finish to a dusty afternoon.

The exact menu is not specified, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish. If you have dietary needs, ask before departure. Personal spending is not included, and extra drinks or other purchases may cost more.

The show brings music, dance and songs linked to desert culture. It is designed as a lively evening performance rather than a quiet lecture. You can expect a group presentation with a strong entertainment focus.

Stargazing is listed only if that option is selected. The desert setting may provide a darker sky than the city, but stargazing is not guaranteed in every booking. Confirm it in writing if it is one of your main reasons for going.

The sequence described for the full option is quad riding, camel riding, village hospitality, dinner and the show, followed by a return to your pickup point. Timing can shift with the group, sunset and selected activities, so leave the rest of your evening reasonably open.

Is the $20 price good value?

At $20 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to add a desert outing to a Sharm El Sheikh stay. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as are a guide and quad ride. If your selected package also includes the camel ride, dinner and show, the price covers a lot in one afternoon and evening.

I would call it very good value for someone who wants several activities rather than a polished luxury production. The quad ride is the strongest part, especially when you get close to an hour or more behind the handlebars and have a small group.

The low price also explains why you should watch for extras. Scarves and goggles are not included. Tips are optional, and drinks, photographs, bracelets and other personal spending cost extra. Ask about prices before accepting anything, especially at desert stops.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You also need a passport with at least six months of validity, so check that before booking.

Who should choose this desert safari?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children and first-time visitors who want a straightforward desert experience. It works well if you like a mix of action, scenery, food and entertainment rather than a single focused activity.

It is also a good choice for a modest budget. The included hotel transfer means you do not need to arrange your own way to the desert, and the small-group format can feel more personal than a large coach outing.

You should think twice if you dislike sales pressure, photography stops or group entertainment. The experience is not fully private, and the desert stops may include sellers. You should also be cautious if you have health concerns that affect riding, balance or your ability to handle a quad.

If the quad is your priority, confirm the expected riding time and check the bike before departure. If dinner, camel riding or stargazing matters most, make sure those exact options appear in your reservation. That small check can prevent the biggest disappointment.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a low-cost, active introduction to the desert and like the idea of combining quad biking with Bedouin tea, a meal and a show. The best features are the generous quad time, hotel pickup, small groups and guides who stay close to the riders. Farid has also been singled out as a particularly helpful guide.

I would not book it blindly as a guaranteed all-inclusive camel and stargazing night. Confirm the package, ask about extras and set your boundaries with photographers and sellers. With those points settled, this is a fun, practical choice that offers a lot for $20.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, a tour guide and a quad bike ride are included. Camel riding, dinner and stargazing are included only if you select the relevant option.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $20 per person.

Does the tour include hotel transportation?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included.

Is camel riding always included?

No. Camel riding is listed as included if the option is selected. Confirm your package before booking.

Is dinner included?

Dinner is included only if you select the dinner option.

Is stargazing included?

Stargazing is included if the option is selected. It is not automatically included with every booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport with at least six months of remaining validity. Scarves and goggles are not included, and you may wish to bring water since drinks are not listed among the inclusions.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can reserve and pay later. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance qualifies for a full refund.