Sharm El-Sheikh: Desert Buggy Safari Adventure

The best part of this Sharm El-Sheikh outing is the chance to drive through the South Sinai desert, not simply view it from a vehicle. After a short safety briefing, you take the wheel of a purpose-built buggy and follow a guide through wide-open sand and mountain scenery.

I like the family-friendly buggy choices and the simple mix of action and local flavor. You can share a two-person buggy, use a family buggy for groups of more than three, then pause at a Bedouin tent for Egyptian tea. The main drawback is dust, and the ride may feel too controlled if you want a long, high-speed race.

Key points at a glance

• A one-hour off-road ride: The driving section gives you real time behind the wheel rather than a brief photo stop.
• Single, double, and family buggies: Choose a solo ride, share with one other person, or arrange a family buggy for groups over three.
• Sunset over South Sinai: Your departure time may include sunset views across the desert mountains.
• Hotel pickup included: An air-conditioned vehicle takes you from outside your hotel to the desert site, about 20 minutes away.
• Bedouin tea stop: The ride includes a pause at a Bedouin tent for traditional Egyptian tea.
• Good value at $29: The price covers transport, guide, buggy use, and tea, with a small mandatory security charge added separately.

Leaving Sharm El-Sheikh for the South Sinai Desert

Your outing begins with pickup outside your hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh. The transfer vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters in a hot, dry region where even a short ride can feel tiring without cooling.

The desert site is about 20 minutes from town, though your exact pickup time depends on your hotel location. Allow for a possible delay of up to 10 minutes, and confirm the pickup time one day before the trip. Pickup is outside the hotel, so do not wait inside the lobby expecting the driver to come find you.

The journey itself is part of the change in mood. Sharm El-Sheikh is built around resorts, beaches, and busy streets. Within a short distance, the views shift toward bare mountains, sand, and open desert. This is not a full-day expedition into remote Sinai, but it gives you a clear taste of the region beyond the resort zone.

The driving portion lasts about one hour. The entire outing takes longer because of hotel transfers, instruction, preparation, and the Bedouin tea stop. Some bookings may feel like a several-hour activity from pickup to return, so avoid scheduling another tight excursion immediately afterward.

Learning the Buggy Before You Set Off

You receive a short lesson before driving. The team explains how to operate the buggy and how to handle it safely on desert ground. This keeps the activity accessible to people who have not driven a sand buggy before.

The vehicles have seatbelts and are designed for desert terrain. You can choose a single buggy for one driver or a double buggy for two people. Families with more than three people can use a family buggy, which is a useful option when younger children are part of the group.

The information provided describes the buggies as suitable for children, but it does not give a minimum age or height rule. If you are booking with small children, ask the operator how the family arrangement works for your particular group. The vehicle setup may also affect who drives and who rides as a passenger.

The safety briefing is short, so you should listen carefully and ask questions before setting off. This is a guided ride, not an unsupervised rental. You follow the guide’s route and pace, which helps keep the group together and makes the activity more manageable for families.

One Hour of Sand, Wind, and Mountain Views

Once the ride begins, the appeal is direct and physical. You feel the desert air, watch the mountains open around you, and steer across sandy ground instead of sitting behind a bus window.

The South Sinai scenery is stark rather than colorful. Expect broad, dry views, rocky mountains, pale sand, and a lot of sky. The beauty comes from the scale and silence of the setting. If you want polished attractions or many different stops, this may feel simple. If you enjoy open space and outdoor motion, the simplicity works in its favor.

The pace can vary. Some riders have enjoyed being allowed to move quickly while still following safety rules. Others have wished for a faster ride. That difference usually comes down to the group, the guide, and the conditions on the day. You should book this for a guided desert adventure, not a competitive motorsport session.

Dust is part of the deal. One family described the ride as very fun but dusty, and that is a fair warning. Wear comfortable shoes, as requested, and choose clothing you do not mind getting dirty. A scarf can be useful for covering your mouth and nose, especially if another buggy is ahead of you. FTS Travels also offers cultural Egypt scarves as an add-on, though they are not part of the standard price.

Bring water. Drinks are not included, and the dry air can make you thirsty faster than you expect. Egyptian tea is included at the Bedouin tent, but it should not be treated as a replacement for drinking water during the ride.

The Bedouin Tent and Egyptian Tea Stop

The pause at a Bedouin tent gives the experience a welcome change of pace. After the noise and dust of the buggies, you stop to sit and drink Egyptian tea in a desert setting.

This is a short cultural touch, not an in-depth visit to a Bedouin community. It adds context and gives you time to rest, talk with your group, and take in the surroundings. The tent is also a natural point for photographs, particularly if the light is soft near sunset.

The included tea is a nice value detail because drinks beyond that are not covered. If you want anything else, plan to pay separately. The material provided does not list a full meal or additional refreshments as part of the program.

Some experiences may also offer camel rides, as one booking description refers to camel riding alongside tea. The core program information specifically includes the buggy, Bedouin tea, and guide, so you should confirm whether camel riding is included in your selected departure rather than assuming it is standard.

Sunset Timing in the Mountains

Sunset depends on your departure time. When the schedule lines up, the desert mountains provide the most memorable part of the outing. The light changes quickly across the bare peaks, and the open setting gives you a wide view without city buildings in the way.

Do not book this activity solely on the promise of sunset unless the operator confirms the timing. Pickup time varies by hotel, and the listed program says sunset is dependent on departure. A daytime ride still offers the main buggy experience, but an evening departure adds atmosphere and cooler light.

The sunset stop can also affect how the ride feels. At the warmest part of the day, the desert may feel harsh and exposed. Later departures are often more comfortable, though you should rely on the confirmed schedule rather than guessing.

Why the $29 Price Works

At $29 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to add an active desert outing to a Sharm El-Sheikh holiday. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English, Italian, or Arabic-speaking guide, the buggy, and Bedouin tea.

That package matters because separate transport can be awkward in a resort area, and the desert site is not within an easy town walk. The air-conditioned transfer also saves you from arranging a taxi to an unfamiliar starting point.

The price does not include drinks, optional extras, or the cultural Egypt scarf add-on. A mandatory charge of 1 $€£ per person is also collected for intelligence services. The notation is unclear because it lists three currency symbols, so confirm the exact currency and amount before departure.

The main value question is your expectation. If you want an hour of driving, simple desert scenery, a tea stop, and transport for less than the cost of many full-day excursions, the price is attractive. If you want a long route, several cultural visits, or a large variety of activities, you may find the program too narrow.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your hotel plans are still changing. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those terms make it easier to fit the activity around weather, arrival plans, or other excursions.

What Families and Couples Should Know

Families are one of the strongest matches for this outing. The buggies have seatbelts, children can ride in the vehicles, and the double and family options help keep groups together. A family with two adults and two children can ask about the best buggy arrangement rather than booking separate solo vehicles automatically.

The experience has enough excitement for children, but it is not only a children’s activity. Couples can share a double buggy, and the sunset option gives the ride a more relaxed, scenic feel. Solo adults may prefer a single buggy if they want full control of the vehicle.

You should consider dust, heat, and noise before booking for very young children. The activity information confirms that buggies are designed to be safe for children, but it does not provide age limits or protective equipment details. Ask the operator for those specifics if they affect your decision.

The guides receive especially strong praise for being friendly, fun, and safety-minded. One booking specifically thanked Mr. Elsharqawey and the Square Safari team for creating an exciting ride while keeping control of the group. That combination is important here. The guide determines how well the ride balances speed, safety, and enjoyment.

What to Wear and Carry

Comfortable shoes are the only listed clothing requirement, but practical desert clothing will make the outing easier.

• Wear closed, comfortable shoes that can handle sand.
• Bring water, since drinks are not included.
• Expect dust on clothing and footwear.
• Consider a scarf or face covering for dusty stretches.
• Keep your belongings secure during the ride.

Photography can add to the cost. A photographer may be present, and one booking found the photo prices a little high, though there was no reported pressure to buy. You can decide at the site, but do not assume photos are part of the $29 package.

The desert is a strong setting for pictures, especially at sunset. Still, protect your phone from sand and avoid carrying loose items that could fall from the buggy. The tour is about steering and scenery, so pack lightly.

The Best Fit for This Sharm El-Sheikh Excursion

I would recommend this for you if you want a short, active break from the pool and beach. It works especially well for families, couples, and first-time desert visitors who want driving time without committing to a full-day safari.

It is also a good choice if hotel transport matters. The pickup, 20-minute transfer, guide, and return ride simplify the day. You do not need to arrange your own way to the desert base.

I would be more cautious if you dislike dust, cannot comfortably handle a bumpy outdoor ride, or want complete freedom to drive at your own speed. The route is guided, and the pace may be limited by safety and the rest of the group.

The one-hour driving time is enough for a taste of off-road riding, but not enough for a major expedition. Think of it as a compact desert adventure with a tea stop, not a full cultural tour of South Sinai.

Should You Book the Desert Buggy Safari?

Book it if you want affordable desert driving with simple logistics. The strongest parts are the family-friendly buggy choices, the friendly guides, the open mountain scenery, and the chance to pair an active ride with Bedouin tea and sunset.

Before paying, confirm your pickup time, the exact mandatory security charge, the buggy arrangement for children, and whether camel riding is included in your departure. Bring water, expect dust, and leave room in your schedule for the transfer and stop.

For $29, this is a sensible add-on to a Sharm El-Sheikh stay. It offers enough action to feel like an adventure, while the tea stop and sunset give it more character than a simple vehicle ride.

FAQ

How long is the buggy ride?

The off-road buggy section lasts one hour. The full outing takes longer because it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the transfer, safety instruction, and the Bedouin tea stop.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your Sharm El-Sheikh accommodation are included. Pickup takes place outside the hotel.

How far is the desert starting point from Sharm El-Sheikh?

The buggy location is around 20 minutes from Sharm El-Sheikh by vehicle. The exact transfer time can vary by hotel location.

Can two people share one buggy?

Yes. A double buggy is available for two people. Single buggies are also available.

Is there an option for larger families?

Yes. A family buggy is available for families with more than three people. The vehicles have seatbelts and are described as suitable for children.

Is Bedouin tea included?

Yes. The program includes Egyptian tea served at a Bedouin tent. Other drinks are not included.

What languages are available?

Guides are available in English, Italian, and Arabic.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible.