From Hurghada: El Gouna Quad and MX Bike Safari Tour

The most unusual part of this El Gouna outing is the former seabed beneath your wheels. Shells and coral remain scattered through the canyon, so this is more than a fast ride over empty sand. You get a small glimpse of how this desert looked a million years ago.

I like the choice between a quad and a proper MX bike, plus the chance to pick an amateur or professional track after seeing them in person. I also like that the riding area covers 968,751 square feet, giving you room to practice instead of simply following a short, fixed loop.

The main caution is price. At $134 per person, this is costly for a 1 to 2 hour ride, and one booking led to an added charge after the rider changed from the circuit to desert riding. Confirm exactly what you are booking before you pay.

• Ride on Egypt’s first and only MX and ATV track: Choose a track that matches your experience, from amateur routes to professional-level sections.
• See shells and coral in the desert: The canyon is a former sea floor, with reminders of its underwater past.
• Choose an ATV or MX bike: Quads suit beginners, while an MX bike offers a more demanding ride.
• Climb toward 350 feet: The ocean-view route passes the canyon and heads up into the mountains.
• Use supplied riding gear: A helmet, gloves, and warm overalls are included.
• Allow extra time for pickup: Hotel collection can shift by up to an hour in Hurghada and up to 90 minutes in outlying resort areas.

A Former Seabed Beneath El Gouna

This ride has a better story than a standard desert safari. The El Gouna area was under the sea roughly a million years ago, and the canyon still holds shells and coral from that earlier age. You will notice these traces as you ride, particularly when the pace slows enough to look around.

That detail matters because the desert is not just a backdrop for motor sports. The canyon gives the trip a sense of place, and the shells help you see the Red Sea region as something shaped by water long before roads, resorts, and quad bikes arrived.

You can ride over dunes or choose an ocean-view route. The second option passes through the canyon before heading up the mountains to about 350 feet. The description does not promise a specific viewing platform or a long stop, so expect the scenery to be part of the ride rather than a separate sightseeing visit.

Choosing Between a Quad and an MX Bike

The choice of machine shapes the whole outing. A quad is the sensible pick if you are new to motorized desert riding or want a steadier, more relaxed way to cross the sand. The bikes are designed to be easy to operate, and beginners are welcome.

An MX bike gives you a more active ride. You need to feel comfortable balancing and handling a motorcycle, especially if you choose the professional track or the more demanding desert route. The available machines can be serious equipment: one recent rider used a KTM 450 EXC and described the two-hour MX safari as a top-level experience.

That does not mean you should choose the biggest bike simply because it is available. Ask the instructor to match the machine and track to your ability. You can inspect the tracks on arrival and decide then, which is useful if you are unsure how challenging the course will feel.

The ride duration is listed as 1 to 2 hours. That likely reflects different options or riding times, so check the exact choice at booking. A two-hour MX session offers more time to settle into the bike, while a shorter outing may suit a first attempt or a mixed family group.

Arriving at the Bike Club

Pickup is included from Hurghada, but the collection system needs attention. The pickup time can vary by about 60 minutes from the scheduled time at Hurghada hotels. If you are staying in Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or Safaga, allow up to 90 minutes of variation.

Your final pickup details arrive by email or WhatsApp at 10:00 PM the night before. Provide your nationality, hotel name, address, and room number accurately. On the day, wait at the main entrance of the hotel by the road, not at the reception entrance.

Look for the white or black bus with the GoShalabi logo. The driver can wait only five minutes because other pickups follow. I would be ready early, with your phone charged and your booking details easy to show.

This is not a good outing for a tight connection with another activity. The ride itself may last only 1 to 2 hours, but the hotel transfer can add waiting time before and after the session. Treat it as a half-day plan, especially from an outlying resort.

Safety Briefing, Gloves, and the First Lap

At the bike club, you receive an operational briefing and safety instructions before riding. An English-speaking instructor leads the activity. This is important for beginners, since the briefing should help you understand the controls, braking, track rules, and how to keep a safe distance.

Helmets, gloves, and warm overalls are provided. The overalls may seem surprising in a hot desert, but they offer useful protection from dust, wind, and grit thrown up by the bikes. Wear comfortable shoes, as these are not included with the equipment.

Keep your personal belongings secure. You are responsible for anything you bring, and the company does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged items. Leave valuables at the hotel when possible, and avoid carrying loose items that could fall out while riding.

The operation has earned strong praise for its staff and track. A French rider singled out the MX course and the staff, while another rider described the fleet as being in excellent shape and praised a very funny guide. At the same time, a separate booking reported a motorcycle breakdown in the desert and wished the machine had received more maintenance. That is a reminder to inspect your bike and report any concern before setting off.

Picking an Amateur or Professional Track

The club has separate tracks for amateur and professional drivers. You are allowed to see the tracks before making your choice, which is better than being pushed into a route you cannot judge from a sales description.

The amateur course should suit a first-time rider or someone who wants to focus on the desert setting. You can enjoy the movement of the bike without turning the outing into a test of nerve and technique.

The professional track is aimed at riders with stronger control skills. An MX bike on a serious track will feel more demanding than a quad on an easy route. If you ride regularly, this is likely where the $134 price makes more sense, since you are paying for access to a dedicated facility rather than a simple point-to-point transfer across the sand.

The information does not specify jumps, lap counts, group size, or track length. Do not assume you are buying a private lesson or a race session. Ask what the selected package includes, especially if you want the professional course or a longer ride.

Across the Dunes and Up to 350 Feet

The desert route gives you two kinds of motion. On the dunes, the surface changes under the tires and the ride feels playful. In the canyon, the surroundings become more distinctive, with shells and coral linking the ride to the area’s ancient sea floor.

The ocean-view option adds a change in scale. After passing the canyon, you ride toward the mountains and climb to about 350 feet. The supplied details do not state how long you stop at the high point, so you should expect a moving viewpoint rather than a long photo break.

I would choose the ocean-view route if scenery matters as much as speed. If you are booking mainly for the track, choose the course that best matches your ability. You may be able to make that decision after seeing the options, which is one of the more useful features of this setup.

Dust, heat, and wind are part of the deal. Comfortable footwear is required, and the provided overalls help, but you should still dress for outdoor riding. Protect your phone only if you can keep it secure, since loose belongings are your responsibility.

Is $134 Fair for a Short Ride?

At $134 per person, the cost is high compared with a basic quad excursion. The value depends on what you use: the dedicated MX and ATV facility, the large riding area, the choice of motorcycle or quad, the instructor, safety equipment, and the desert routes toward the canyon and mountains.

For a serious MX rider, the price may be easier to justify. Access to an unusual track and machines such as a KTM 450 EXC can make this feel like a specialist activity rather than a standard resort add-on. A rider who wants a proper motorcycle session should compare the selected duration and track before deciding.

For a family group or a casual first-timer, the calculation is harder. You are paying for novelty and convenience, but the actual ride may be only 1 hour. The experience is described as family-friendly, yet pregnant women and wheelchair users cannot take part, and a child’s suitability is not specified.

Be careful about upgrades or route changes. One booking became about €200 after the rider changed from circuit riding to motorcycle riding in the desert. Ask for the full added cost before agreeing to switch machines, tracks, or routes.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this outing to an adult or older teen who wants a motorized desert activity with more structure than a basic safari. Beginners can start with a quad and an amateur track, while experienced riders can ask about the MX bike and professional course.

It also works for a family group with different comfort levels, provided everyone meets the activity requirements and is happy with the riding format. One person can choose a gentler quad option while another selects a more demanding motorcycle route, but confirm how the group will be handled before booking.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet desert visit, a long cultural stop, or a carefully timed day. Pickup windows are broad, the activity is active rather than restful, and the desert scenery is viewed from a moving bike. Pregnant women and wheelchair users should not book this ride.

The English-language instruction is useful for international visitors. No other guide languages are listed, so check before booking if you need instruction in another language.

Booking Details That Can Save You Trouble

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your hotel plans are still changing.

For pickup, give your full hotel details and watch for the message sent at 10:00 PM the night before. Extended pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay must be selected as an add-on during checkout.

If you forget to book the long-distance pickup, payment may be required at the harbor. The supplied terms also say there are no cancellations after 6:00 PM the day before for extended-area arrangements. Read that condition carefully if you are staying outside Hurghada.

Bring comfortable shoes and little else. Your passport copy, nationality, hotel name, address, and room number are required for the booking and pickup process. Keep the pickup message available on your phone.

Should You Book the El Gouna Quad and MX Safari?

Book it if you want active desert riding, especially if the MX track, professional course, or larger machines appeal to you. The former seabed, canyon, coral, and mountain route give the ride more character than a generic loop, and the choice of quad or MX bike lets you set your own level.

Think twice if your main goal is low cost or a short, simple outing. $134 is a serious price for 1 to 2 hours, and the broad pickup windows can take up much of your day. Before paying, confirm the exact machine, riding time, track, route, and any possible upgrade charge.

For a beginner, choose the quad and amateur track. For an experienced rider, ask to see the professional MX course and check the condition of the bike before starting. That small bit of preparation can make the difference between a memorable ride and an expensive headache.

FAQ

How long does the El Gouna Quad and MX Bike Safari last?

The riding activity lasts 1 to 2 hours. Check availability for the exact starting time and duration offered for your selected option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Hurghada hotels. Pickup from Makadi, Safaga, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, and Soma Bay is available as an add-on.

Where do I wait for pickup?

Wait at the main entrance of your hotel by the road. Do not wait at the reception entrance or reception area.

How will I recognize the pickup vehicle?

Look for a white or black bus with the GoShalabi logo.

When will I receive pickup details?

Pickup information is sent by email or WhatsApp at 10:00 PM the night before the activity.

What riding equipment is provided?

The activity provides gloves, a helmet, and warm overalls. You need to bring comfortable shoes.

Can beginners ride the quad or MX bike?

Yes. The motorized bikes are described as easy to operate and suitable for beginners. The club also offers different tracks for amateur and professional drivers.

Can I choose between a quad and an MX bike?

You can discover El Gouna by quad or MX bike. You can also view the available tracks and select an amateur or professional option on the day.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.