Sharm El-Sheikh: Ultimate ATV Quad, Stargazing & BBQ Dinner

The best part of this Sharm El-Sheikh outing is the change of pace: one moment you are bouncing across the Sinai Desert on a quad, and later you are sitting quietly under a dark sky with an astronomer pointing out planets. I especially like the combination of desert adventure and a proper Bedouin-style evening, rather than a quad ride by itself.

I also like the included camel ride, tea, bread-making, dinner, shows, and telescope session. At $35 per person, that is a lot of activity for the money. Guides such as Bishoy, Emad, Sasa, and Zain have been singled out for being attentive and well organized.

The main drawback is group size. Several companies use the same safari area, so the desert can feel busy, and the quad ride is usually slow and tightly controlled. You should also expect persistent tip requests from some camel handlers and photographers.

Key points to know before booking

• The quad route covers 45 kilometers, with stops at an echo point and a Bedouin camp for tea.
• The evening includes much more than ATV riding, with camels, bread, herbs, crafts, dinner, dancing, fire performances, and stargazing.
• The quads are beginner-friendly, but the pace is controlled and may feel tame if you want a fast ride.
• A private track option gives you more freedom, with your own guide and off-track riding.
• The stargazing is a real part of the program, using professional telescopes after the camp lights go out.
• Bring extra water and sun protection, since some early portions offer little shade.

From your hotel to the Sinai safari station

Your day begins with pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. The exact time depends on your hotel, so confirm it the day before. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, which is normal for a route collecting people from several properties.

At the safari station, guides explain the route and safety rules. You will learn how to operate the quad or dune buggy and how to wrap the desert scarf. Store your passport, money, and phone securely before riding. Dust, bumps, and speed make an open pocket a poor place for valuables.

The tour is offered in English, Italian, Russian, and Arabic. That helps, but it also explains some waiting at the start. A large group may need to be divided by language, vehicle type, and riding ability. Guides such as Emad and Bishoy have been praised for keeping people together and checking on less confident riders.

The setup is friendly to first-time riders. You follow the person ahead in a line, with staff nearby. Several families have found it easy enough for children and beginners, though pregnant women and people with back problems should not take part.

The 45-kilometer quad or buggy route

The main ride covers about 45 kilometers through the Sinai Desert. You can choose an ATV or dune buggy, depending on the option booked. Another option, sometimes listed as the Quad Runner adventure, provides the standard desert ride.

The route is not a free-for-all. For safety, the group travels at a controlled speed and follows a set line. That makes it manageable if this is your first time on a quad, but it can disappoint experienced riders hoping to race across open ground.

Expect dust, sun, and a fair amount of vibration. Comfortable clothes and shoes are sensible, and a camera is useful for the scenery, though you should protect it from grit. The supplied information does not include goggles, so bring suitable eye protection or expect to purchase protective equipment at the station.

The desert views are the reward. Brown mountain walls and open gravel stretches give you a strong sense of South Sinai, even though the route operates in a busy tourist area. Other safari groups may be visible, especially near the station and stops.

Echo Stop and Bedouin tea

One stop takes advantage of the natural echo in the desert mountains. Your guide will demonstrate how sound carries and bounces across the rock. It is a short, simple stop, but it breaks up the ride and gives you a chance to look around rather than stare at the back of another quad.

The second stop is connected with Bedouin life. You pause for traditional Bedouin tea, often served as part of the camp visit. Several types of tea may be available during the afternoon, along with bread made in the traditional style.

This is one of the more useful cultural parts of the outing because it gives the desert setting some human context. The experience is not a long visit to a remote settlement, and you should not expect a detailed study of Bedouin society. It is a brief introduction built into a commercial desert excursion.

Camel riding at sunset

After returning to the safari station, you transfer by car to the Bedouin camp. There, the program shifts from motors to animals, food, and evening entertainment.

The camel ride is included, and the mountain views make it a good time for photographs. Sunset adds warm light to the desert, so keep your camera ready. The ride is generally short, but it gives you the classic Sinai image that many people want from this kind of outing.

You should know about the tipping pressure. Some camel handlers ask for money immediately and may continue asking during the ride. Carry a small amount of Egyptian pounds or dollars if you want to tip, but do not hand over personal items. One uncomfortable incident involved a request for a bracelet, so keep valuables out of sight.

If you do not want to ride, the camel portion is not compulsory. You can choose to remain nearby and take photographs instead. Families should also know that a young child may dislike the height or movement, although staff have helped children who became nervous.

Bread, herbs, and handmade goods

At the camp, you can watch or try traditional Bedouin bread-making. The bread and tea are small details, but they help turn the stop into more than a staged photo break.

You may also see local herbs and handmade crafts. This section gives you a look at traditional desert remedies and practical goods. It is worth listening to the explanation, but be cautious about buying oils, spices, or other products simply because they are described as organic or special. Prices can be higher at the camp than elsewhere.

The cultural presentation is brief and tourist-friendly. It is best understood as an introduction, not a full account of Bedouin customs. Still, paired with the tea, bread, camel ride, and mountain setting, it adds variety to a day that could otherwise be only engines and entertainment.

BBQ dinner and the evening shows

Dinner is served as an open buffet. The usual selection includes grilled chicken, kofta, rice, vegetables, salads, water, and a soft drink. Several people have found the food surprisingly good, with the rice and grilled dishes receiving particular praise.

The meal is filling, but picky eaters should take note. The menu centers on grilled meat, rice, potatoes, vegetables, and salad, so choices may be limited if you avoid those foods. Bring a small snack for young children if they tend to get hungry during a long evening.

The entertainment includes a Tanoura dance, a fire performance, and an interactive Bedouin dance show. The Tanoura performer spins in a colorful costume, while the fire act supplies the biggest visual moment. The dance section invites audience participation, so you can join in or watch from your seat.

The shows create a lively camp atmosphere, but they also extend the evening. If you prefer a short excursion, the combination of dinner, dancing, and stargazing may feel long. If you want a full afternoon and night out, the steady flow of activities is a strength.

Stargazing under a switched-off camp

After dinner, the camp lights are turned off for the stargazing session. An astronomer uses professional telescopes to show constellations and planets, explaining what you are seeing.

This is more than a quick look upward. Guides have provided clear explanations of the night sky, and some people consider this the highlight of the entire program. South Sinai’s desert setting gives the session a strong sense of place, especially when the camp goes dark and the stars become easier to see.

The time under the sky may feel short if the group is large. If stargazing is your main reason for booking, manage your expectations: this is a guided part of a broad excursion, not a dedicated astronomy night. Still, it is a memorable way to finish the program, and the telescope makes it more useful than simply standing outside for a few minutes.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, the tour offers strong value if you want several different experiences in one day. Hotel transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, the quad or buggy ride, camel ride, tea, bread, dinner, soft drink, shows, and telescope session are included.

The price also saves you from arranging separate transfers between the safari station and camp. That matters because the route has several stages, and a private taxi would add cost and planning.

Some extras are not included. Shisha, the Arafat scarf, and protective goggles cost more. Cultural scarves, a private track drive, private transfers, and a VIP BBQ dinner depend on the option selected or require an add-on.

The private track is the clearest upgrade for keen riders. It gives you more freedom, your own guide, and off-track riding rather than the standard slow line. If quad biking is your main goal, the extra cost may be worthwhile. If you mainly want the camel ride, meal, shows, and stars, the standard $35 package already covers the important parts.

Group size, pace, and practical comfort

This is a large operation. Multiple companies use the same compound, and many quads may be in the desert at once. That can create delays during briefing, vehicle allocation, and transfers.

The upside is active supervision. Staff ride near the group and check on beginners. The downside is that you will not have a quiet, private desert experience unless you select a private option.

Water deserves attention. One bottle is provided around dinner, but some people have wanted more, especially during hot months such as August. Bring extra water if your hotel and tour arrangements allow it. There may be long stretches without shade, so wear light, comfortable clothing and protect your skin.

The quads are another variable. Some vehicles have been described as old and in need of renewal. They still provide the advertised ride, but do not book this expecting a polished, high-powered machine.

Pickup and drop-off are included, and the return is by comfortable vehicle. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Sharm El-Sheikh plans are still changing.

Who will enjoy this South Sinai outing

I would recommend it most to first-time visitors who want a broad taste of desert life without arranging several separate activities. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all find something here, though younger children may tire during the long evening.

It suits you if you want:

• A beginner-friendly quad or buggy ride
• Sunset photographs and a camel experience
• A filling Egyptian-style BBQ
• Traditional music, dance, and fire performances
• A guided look at stars and planets
• A good amount of activity for a moderate price

It is less suitable if you want solitude, fast riding, or a small specialist group. People with back problems and pregnant women should not participate. The weight limit also matters: the maximum for a double quad is 75 kilograms per person, with 150 kilograms as the total limit. If your weight is above 75 kilograms, a single quad may require an additional €10 fee. Staff may change a double quad to a single one for balance and safety.

Should you book this Sharm El-Sheikh desert tour?

Book it if you want variety and value. The strongest part is the full sequence: a 45-kilometer desert ride, tea and bread, sunset camels, a generous BBQ, live shows, and telescopes under the night sky. Guides such as Emad, Bishoy, Sasa, and Zain have helped make the busy operation feel friendly and organized.

Skip it if your priority is a quiet desert escape or serious ATV riding. For that, pay for the private track option or choose a smaller private excursion. Otherwise, bring water, expect tip requests, protect your valuables, and treat the quad ride as one part of a long cultural evening rather than the whole event.

FAQ

Where does the experience take place?

It takes place in South Sinai, in the desert outside Sharm El-Sheikh.

What is the price?

The listed price is $35 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How far is the quad or buggy ride?

The standard adventure covers 45 kilometers and includes two stops.

What happens at the two desert stops?

You stop at an echo point to hear the natural sound effect in the mountains, then visit a Bedouin camp area for traditional tea.

Is a camel ride included?

Yes. The camel ride is included, along with views of the mountains and time for sunset photographs.

What food is served at dinner?

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

What entertainment is included?

The evening includes a Tanoura dance, a fire performance, and an interactive Bedouin dance show.

Is stargazing included?

Yes. After dinner, the camp lights are turned off, and an astronomer uses professional telescopes to show constellations and planets.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. The double quad also has a maximum weight of 75 kilograms per person, with a 150-kilogram total limit.