Sharm El-Sheikh: Desert Buggy Safari Adventure

The best part of this Sharm El Sheikh outing is the mix of desert driving and mountain scenery. You get behind the wheel, not just into a vehicle, then stop at a Bedouin tent for tea while the dry South Sinai air and wide views do the talking.

I like the simple family setup and the included hotel transfer. The buggies have seatbelts and are built for desert ground, while the short safety briefing helps first-time drivers get moving. The main drawback is dust, heat, and a ride that some confident drivers may find a little too controlled or short.

Key points to know before booking

• One hour of buggy driving: The main off-road ride lasts about an hour, with extra time for pickup, instruction, and the tea stop.
• A practical family choice: Double buggies carry two people, and a family buggy is available for groups of more than three.
• Sunset depends on timing: The mountain sunset is not guaranteed on every departure, so confirm the pickup time and ask when you book.
• Tea adds a local pause: You stop at a Bedouin tent for Egyptian tea rather than spending the whole outing behind the wheel.
• Good value at $29: The price includes transport, guide, buggy use, and tea, with only extras and a mandatory one-unit service charge excluded.
• Expect dust: Comfortable shoes, water, and clothes you do not mind getting dusty will make the ride easier.

Leaving Sharm El Sheikh for the South Sinai desert

Your outing begins with pickup outside your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters in a dry desert climate and gives you a cool break before and after the ride.

The drive to the buggy site takes about 20 minutes. Pickup time depends on where your hotel is located, so confirm the exact time one day before departure. A delay of up to 10 minutes can occur, and the meeting point is outside the hotel rather than inside the lobby.

That detail is worth taking seriously. Keep your phone nearby, wait outside at the agreed time, and allow a little breathing room in your day. The total outing lasts longer than the one-hour ride because it includes hotel transfers, the safety briefing, and the tea stop.

Getting ready for your buggy ride

At the desert site, you receive a short explanation of how to operate the buggy safely. This is useful if you have never driven one before, and it also sets the pace for the group.

The vehicles are fitted with seatbelts and designed for desert terrain. You can book a single buggy or share a double buggy with another person. Families with more than three people can use a family buggy, which keeps the group together instead of splitting everyone into separate two-person vehicles.

The activity is described as suitable for children, but the supplied details do not give a minimum age. If you are booking with young children, check the arrangement for your group before paying. Children may find the ride exciting, yet the noise, bumps, dust, and heat are worth considering.

The briefing is short, so listen closely even if you have driven similar vehicles before. You will want to know how the guide expects the group to move and where you should slow down.

One hour across the desert by buggy

Once the ride begins, the attraction is the freedom to move through the open desert under your own control. You are not simply watching the South Sinai scenery through a bus window. You are handling the vehicle, following a guide, and feeling the changes in the sandy ground.

The desert here is defined by dry air, broad views, and rugged mountains. It is not a theme-park ride with constant tricks or elaborate staging. The appeal is the plain pleasure of moving across an open, arid setting with the mountains around you.

You may find the speed thrilling, especially during the faster stretches. At the same time, the group must stay safe, so the pace is not unlimited. One booking party with three children under nine enjoyed the ride, while another driver wished the buggies could go a little faster. That gives you a fair idea of the balance: exciting enough for a family outing, but not built solely for high-speed driving.

The guide leads the route and helps keep the ride orderly. Good guidance matters here because the desert can look simple from a distance, yet the surface changes under the wheels. You should expect a guided off-road ride rather than the freedom to choose your own route.

The Bedouin tent and Egyptian tea stop

The pause at the Bedouin tent breaks up the driving and gives you a chance to cool down. You are served Egyptian tea, and the stop offers a small cultural element to an otherwise active excursion.

This is not presented as a long cultural program, so keep your expectations in check. The tea stop is brief and simple, but it gives you a place to rest, take in the setting, and enjoy a different side of the desert.

Bring water of your own. Drinks beyond the included tea are not part of the price, and the dry air can leave you thirsty even if the ride feels manageable. One family specifically advised carrying plenty of water, and that is sensible advice.

If your departure lines up with sunset, the mountain views can become the most memorable part of the outing. Sunset is dependent on the departure time, so do not assume every booking includes it. Ask about the timing when confirming your pickup.

What the ride feels like for families

Families are a natural match for this activity because the transport is arranged, the driving lesson is brief, and seating can be adapted to the size of your group. A double buggy works for two people, while a family buggy is available for groups of more than three.

The seatbelts and desert-ready design provide useful reassurance, but this is still an off-road activity. Expect vibration, dust, and some uneven movement. Children who enjoy engines and outdoor activities are likely to have a good time, while very young children or anyone sensitive to dust may find it tiring.

The ride is also suitable for couples. A shared buggy lets you take turns driving or enjoy the route together, and a sunset departure adds a quieter, more scenic finish. The activity works best when one person is comfortable driving and the other is happy to share the ride.

You should also think about clothing. Wear comfortable shoes and practical clothes. Light-colored outfits may show dust quickly, and loose accessories could be inconvenient in a moving vehicle. The official advice only requires comfortable shoes, but water and sun protection are sensible additions.

How much value you get for $29

At $29 per person, this is a fairly strong package if you want several basics handled in one booking. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned transfer, a guide, the buggy ride, and Bedouin tea.

You are paying for about an hour of active driving rather than a full-day desert expedition. That makes the cost easier to judge. If your main goal is to try a buggy, see the desert, and return to your hotel without arranging transport, the package is well priced.

The value is less clear for someone seeking a long, technical off-road route or a full cultural program. The driving time is limited, and the tea stop is modest. Photographs may cost extra, and drinks are not included. One person found the photography prices high, although there was no pressure to buy.

There is also a mandatory charge of one $€£ per person for intelligence services, as stated in the booking information. The wording does not clearly identify which currency applies, so ask for clarification before the trip. That small extra cost is easy to overlook.

The tour allows you to reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Sharm El Sheikh plans are still changing. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those terms make the booking less risky, provided you keep track of the deadline.

Transport, language, and practical timing

The included air-conditioned vehicle is one of the useful parts of this package. Desert outings can be tiring, so a cool transfer makes the start and finish more comfortable than arranging your own ride.

The activity is offered in English, Italian, and Arabic. The guide accompanies you during the desert route, and the short operating lesson takes place before the ride begins.

Exact pickup time varies by hotel location. Since the pickup is outside the hotel and can be delayed by up to 10 minutes, arrive early and keep your group together. Confirm the final time one day before the activity.

The driving itself lasts one hour, but plan for a longer block of time because of transfers and the tea stop. The provided information does not give a fixed total duration, so avoid scheduling another activity immediately afterward.

The parts I would plan around

The dust is the biggest practical issue. It is part of the setting, not a fault in the tour, but it can get into shoes, hair, and clothing. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid bringing anything delicate or difficult to clean.

The heat can also shape your enjoyment. The air-conditioned transfer helps, but the buggy ride takes place outdoors in an exposed desert setting. A sunset departure may feel more comfortable than a hotter daytime ride, though the exact departure time depends on the schedule.

The photo add-on is optional. You can enjoy the ride without buying pictures, and the activity does not require you to purchase extras. If you want photographs, ask about the price before agreeing.

The speed may not satisfy every experienced driver. The guide’s job is to keep the group safe, so you should expect supervised fun rather than an unrestricted race. Families may see this as a benefit, while confident adult drivers may want a longer or faster outing.

Who should book this desert safari?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and first-time buggy riders who want a short outdoor activity with transport included. The double and family buggy options make the seating practical, and the tea stop gives the outing a little variety.

It is also a good choice if you have only part of a day free. You get desert scenery, off-road driving, a guide, and a local tea stop without committing to a long expedition.

I would be more cautious if you want serious off-road driving, a long route, or a quiet cultural visit. The central feature is the buggy ride, and the cultural element is limited to the Bedouin tent and tea. You should also think twice if you dislike dust, heat, or bumpy vehicle movement.

Should you book the Sharm El Sheikh buggy safari?

Book it if you want an affordable, easy-to-arrange desert outing with a real chance to drive. The strongest reasons are the $29 price, hotel transport, family seating, safety equipment, and the combination of buggy time with tea and possible sunset views.

Before booking, confirm your pickup time, ask about the applicable one-unit service charge, and check the buggy arrangement for children. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and expect dust. If you approach it as a lively one-hour desert ride rather than a full-day adventure, this safari offers solid value.

FAQ

How long is the buggy ride?

The off-road buggy portion lasts about one hour. The full outing takes longer because it includes hotel transfers, the safety briefing, and the Bedouin tea stop.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh are included in an air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup takes place outside the hotel.

How far is the buggy site from Sharm El Sheikh?

The buggy location is around 20 minutes from Sharm El Sheikh by vehicle.

Can two people share one buggy?

Yes. A double buggy is available for two people. You can also choose a single buggy.

Is there a buggy option for larger families?

Yes. A family buggy is available for families with more than three people.

Are children allowed to ride?

The buggies have seatbelts and are designed for desert terrain, making the activity suitable for children. The provided information does not state a minimum age, so confirm the arrangement for your children before booking.

Is Bedouin tea included?

Yes. Egyptian tea at a Bedouin tent is included. Other drinks are not included.

Can I see the sunset?

You may see the sunset over the mountains if your departure time is scheduled for it. Sunset is dependent on the timing of your trip.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water. Expect dust during the ride, and remember that drinks and other extras are not included.