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

The best part of this Sharm El Sheikh outing is the change of pace: first you charge across the desert on a quad bike, then you slow down for Bedouin tea, camel riding, and dinner beneath the stars. The broad South Sinai views give the ride a real sense of place, rather than making it feel like a quick amusement-park circuit.

I like the small groups, which can mean more room to ride and more help from the guides. I also like the value: at $20 per person, hotel pickup, the quad ride, a village visit, and dinner can make this one of Sharm El Sheikh’s better low-cost outings. The catch is that the experience can be uneven, with optional camel rides and stargazing, paid drinks, persistent souvenir sellers, and one report of faulty brakes.

Key points before you book

• Quad time is the main event: Some groups spend a solid hour or more riding, with stops for views and photos.
• Small groups can move faster: You may spend less time waiting than in a large convoy.
• The Bedouin stop adds culture: Expect chai tea, a village visit, food, and an evening performance.
• Check your package carefully: Camel riding and stargazing are included only if you select those options.
• Bring your own scarf and goggles: They are not included, and desert dust can be unpleasant without them.
• Budget for extras: Water, photos, scarves, goggles, and other purchases cost extra, and tipping is optional.

From Sharm El Sheikh to the South Sinai desert

Your afternoon begins with hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh. The tour includes transport to and from your hotel, which matters in a desert outing because you do not need to arrange a taxi or work out where to meet the group.

The exact timing deserves a quick check before you pay. The experience is described as beginning in the afternoon, while one useful tip from a rider was to go at 9 a.m. because the heat becomes strong later in the day. If your booking offers a morning departure, that may be the more comfortable choice. If not, carry water and protect yourself from the sun.

The listed languages are English and Arabic. Guide quality appears to be an important part of the day. Farid received special praise for being friendly, helpful, and taking photos and videos during the safari. That can be a nice bonus, but you should also be clear about how much photography you want. One rider found the photographer too intrusive, especially when the group had stopped to rest.

Getting comfortable on the quad bikes

The quad bike ride is the heart of the outing. You are given a quad and head across golden sand, rising and falling over dunes and rougher ground. The route is described as a safari, not a technical driving course, but you should still expect dust, bumps, noise, and sun.

Several details make the ride more appealing than the low price might suggest. One group had more than an hour on the quads, with two stops along the way. A small group was able to move past larger groups and ride at a quicker pace. That is useful if you want actual driving time rather than a long wait behind a line of vehicles.

The stops break up the ride and give you a chance to look across the desert. The scenery is the real reward here: wide golden stretches, rugged South Sinai views, and the shifting light of late afternoon. Bring your phone or camera, but protect it from sand. If a photographer is working with your group, decide early whether you want photos or prefer to enjoy the route without repeated poses.

Safety deserves a realistic note. Some riders felt well supervised, with guides nearby throughout the route. Another rider reported that the brakes stopped working halfway through the trail. That is not a detail to ignore. Before setting off, check the controls and tell the guide at once if anything feels wrong. Do not treat a mechanical problem as part of the adventure.

You should also judge the ride against your own health and comfort. One older rider’s grandson loved the activity, while the rider struggled because of a health issue. A quad bike trip can be great fun, but it is not a gentle sightseeing ride. If you have back, joint, balance, or other health concerns, ask the operator what the route involves before booking.

Two desert stops, with different purposes

The first stop may be used for photographs and a short pause. This is where the experience can feel rushed if the photographer focuses on staged shots rather than giving you time to rest, drink, and enjoy the view. You can politely set limits at the start: ask for a few photos, then say you want time without the camera.

A second stop was described as more relaxed, with time to rest and take in the view. These pauses matter because quad riding takes more effort than it appears from a distance. The combination of heat, dust, vibration, and a firm grip on the handlebars can leave you ready for a drink before the next section.

There may also be people selling bracelets or other small items at a stop. One rider felt repeatedly pressured after saying no. If you do not want to buy anything, a short, firm refusal and moving back to the group is best. Carry only the cash you plan to spend, and remember that you are not required to purchase souvenirs.

Camel time and the Bedouin village

As the sun drops, the program shifts from engines to camels. The camel ride is a slower, more traditional way to cross the sand, and it gives you a taste of how Bedouins have moved through this region for centuries. The swaying pace is very different from the quad bike, so this section works as a calm contrast to the noisy ride.

There is an important booking detail here. Camel riding is listed as included only if you select that option. One person expected the camel ride and stargazing but did not receive either, so do not assume the headline includes every activity. Check your exact package and confirm the inclusions with the guide when you arrive.

At the Bedouin village, you can expect a welcome with chai tea and an introduction to local traditions and daily life. The value of this stop is not that it gives you a full picture of Bedouin culture in one evening. It gives you a short, accessible window into desert hospitality, food, tea, music, and the social setting that links them.

You may find the village portion more memorable if you treat it as a cultural encounter rather than a museum visit. Listen to the guide, accept the tea if you would like it, and notice how the evening changes once the quad engines are off.

Dinner by the fire and an evening show

Dinner is served after the village visit if you have chosen the dinner option. The meal is described as authentic Bedouin food made with local ingredients, served around a fire. The exact menu is not provided, so anyone with dietary restrictions should ask before booking rather than assume that alternatives are available.

Food appears to be one of the more highly praised parts of the outing. One rider called it amazing, while others rated the whole day as strong value. At $20, adding a meal to transport, quad riding, a village visit, and entertainment gives the tour a lot of content for the price, provided your chosen package includes dinner.

The show brings music, singing, and traditional dance into the evening. It is designed as a lively finish, with stories and desert themes presented through performance rather than a long lecture. One couple described the show as a highlight of a well-organized day.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is an evening performance arranged for a tour group, not a private cultural event. Still, it adds atmosphere and gives you something to watch while the desert night settles in.

Stargazing is also conditional. If your package includes it, the open desert setting and reduced city light can make it a pleasant extra. The supplied information does not promise a specific telescope, astronomy guide, or length of time, so book it for the chance to look at the night sky, not for a formal astronomy program.

What the $20 price really covers

The headline price of $20 per person is low for an outing that can include hotel transfers, a guide, a quad bike ride, camel riding, dinner, and a show. It is particularly good value for someone who wants several activities in one afternoon and evening instead of paying for separate transport and entertainment.

The price needs careful reading. Camel riding, stargazing, and dinner are shown as options, so the final cost can vary. Scarf rental or purchase, goggles, drinks, photographs, souvenirs, personal spending, and tips are not included.

Water deserves special attention. One rider was charged 100 Egyptian pounds for a small bottle and felt the price was unreasonable. Bring water from your hotel if the operator allows it, or ask about drink prices before buying. You should also carry enough money for genuine needs, but avoid feeling obliged to spend at every stop.

Tipping is optional. If a guide gives you useful help, handles a problem well, or makes the day easier, you can tip according to your satisfaction. It should not be treated as a hidden required fee.

The experience has a 3.9 rating from 280 reviews, which suggests a good but not flawless outing. Most of the strongest praise centers on the fun of the quad ride, the views, friendly staff, pickup service, food, and value. The lower points concern extras, pressure to buy, photography, missed optional activities, and equipment.

Who will enjoy this desert safari?

You are a good match for this trip if you want an active half-day outing with several parts. It suits couples looking for something beyond the hotel pool, families with older children who can manage a quad bike, and first-time visitors who want a quick taste of desert scenery and Bedouin-style hospitality.

It also works for budget-conscious visitors. The transport and several activities are bundled together, and the small-group format may give you more riding time than a large convoy.

You may want a different plan if you dislike dust, heat, engines, staged photos, or sales pitches. It is also not the best choice if you want a quiet desert walk or a carefully presented cultural program. The quad ride is noisy and physical, and the evening stop is built around group entertainment.

For families, check age and driving rules directly with the operator because those details are not supplied here. Do not assume every child can drive a quad. A camel ride may be calmer, but it still involves mounting, dismounting, and sitting on a moving animal.

Practical advice for a smoother ride

Wear closed shoes and clothes that can collect dust. A scarf can protect your face and neck, but scarves and goggles are not included, so bring your own or expect to pay for them.

Use sunscreen and bring water. The desert can feel especially hot during the riding portion, and the afternoon schedule may expose you to the strongest sun.

Take your passport. The instructions require a passport with at least six months of remaining validity.

Keep your phone secure while riding. If you want photos, ask the guide how they will be taken and whether there will be time to stop without pressure. Farid was praised for taking pictures and videos, but another person found the photography distracting.

Confirm the optional parts at the start. Ask three simple questions: Does my booking include camel riding? Does it include dinner? Is stargazing included? That quick check can prevent the disappointment reported by someone who missed the camel ride and stargazing.

The booking terms are flexible. You can reserve and pay later, and cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. That makes it easier to wait for a suitable weather forecast or settle your daily plans.

Should you book the Sharm quad bike safari?

I would book this if you want good-value desert action and can accept a few rough edges. The quad ride, South Sinai views, small groups, hotel pickup, dinner, and show create a full evening for a modest price. The strongest guides can make the outing feel personal, and Farid’s friendly help shows how much the day can improve when the staff are attentive.

I would not book it blindly. Confirm the exact options, ask about quad condition, and be ready to decline paid extras. If you do that, this is a sensible choice for a fun desert outing, especially for first-time visitors to Sharm El Sheikh who want a mix of riding, scenery, food, and entertainment in one package.

FAQ

Where does the experience take place?

The experience takes place in South Sinai, Egypt, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $20 per person. The final price may depend on which options you select, including dinner, camel riding, and stargazing.

What languages are available?

The available languages are English and Arabic.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is the camel ride always included?

No. The camel ride is included only if you select that option when booking.

Is stargazing always included?

No. Stargazing is included only if you select that option.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport with at least six months of remaining validity. A scarf and goggles are not included, so you may wish to bring your own. Water, sun protection, and suitable clothing are also practical choices for the desert ride.