Right, so — story time. First quad bike trip I ever did here was in 2011. Got absolutely launched off a dune because I didn't listen when the guide said "slow down on the ridge." Ate sand. Like, actually ate it. Mouth full. Goggles filled. Pride destroyed.
Did I go back the next week?
Obviously.
There's something about ripping through the Egyptian desert as the sun turns everything gold that just... does something to you. I've done maybe 30 of these safari trips over the years — different operators, different seasons, sunset and sunrise, the whole thing. And honestly? It never gets old. Even when I'm sand-caked and exhausted and pretty sure I've got dust in my ears, I'm already thinking about next time.
So here's everything I know about picking the right desert adventure. Because there's a LOT of options and some are... let's say "better" than others.
The Main Options (And What They Actually Mean)
🏍️ Quad Biking Only
Just you and the dunes. 1.5ish hours of pure chaos. Best for thrill-seekers who don't need all the extras.
🌅 Sunset Combo Package
Quad biking + camel ride + Bedouin BBQ + belly dancing + stargazing. The full experience.
🐪 Camel Trek
Slower pace. Canyon views. Tea breaks. Your kids (and grandma) can actually do this one.
⭐ Stargazing Safari
Night desert trip with astronomy guide. Luxury camp. Zero light pollution. Mind = blown.
What a Typical Sunset Safari Actually Looks Like
Because I know you're wondering what you're signing up for...
The Pickup
Someone in a dusty 4x4 collects you from your hotel. Drive's about 45 minutes — plenty of time to question your life choices as the road disappears and becomes... just sand.
The Briefing (Don't Skip This)
Quick helmet/goggles situation. Guide shows you how the ATV works. Very important: LISTEN about the throttle. It's more powerful than you think. Trust me. (Sand. Mouth. Remember.)
The Actual Riding
90 minutes of absolute chaos in the best way. Dunes, flat stretches, some narrow canyon bits. Guide sets the pace — starts slow, gets faster. By the end you're properly flying.
Camel Time
20-30 minute plod to the Bedouin camp. Camels are... characters. Mine once tried to eat my scarf. Named him Kevin.
THE SUNSET
Find a high dune. Sit. Watch. Don't be on your phone (okay maybe a few photos). Just... be there. It's genuinely one of the most beautiful things I've seen anywhere.
Dinner Happens
BBQ situation — grilled chicken, kofta, that amazing fresh bread baked in the sand oven. Salads. Sweet Bedouin tea. If you're vegetarian, tell them in advance — they'll sort you.
Entertainment
Belly dancing (you WILL be pulled up to dance, resistance is futile). Traditional music. Maybe some spinning dervish action. The stars start coming out...
Home Time
Back in the 4x4, probably asleep before you hit the main road. Hotel by 10pm, covered in sand, grinning like an idiot.
🤫 Real talk though...
Ask specifically for "Mohamed's Camp" when you book — I'm not joking. It's about 40km into the desert, run by an actual Bedouin family (grandfather still makes the bread, it's incredible). Way less touristy than the camps closer to town.
Last winter I met this German couple there — Klaus and Ingrid, lovely people — and they literally said it was the best experience of their entire Egypt trip. The star visibility is INSANE because there's zero light pollution. Like, Milky Way visible with your naked eye insane.
What's Included (Usually)
🏜️ Standard Sunset Combo Gets You:
Hotel Transfer
They pick you up, they drop you back. Simple.
Quad Bike
Automatic ATV + helmet + goggles (yours to destroy with dust)
Camel Ride
Your new friend for 20-30 wobbly minutes
BBQ Dinner
Proper Bedouin feast, not sad hotel buffet vibes
Unlimited Tea
Sweet Bedouin tea hits different at night
Guide
English-speaking (mostly), knows the desert
⚠️ Okay But Seriously: Safety Stuff
⚠️ Don't Be an Idiot (Like Past Me)
- Age stuff: You need to be 16+ to drive the quad. Kids can ride as passengers though. Camels are for everyone.
- Health stuff: Pregnant? Back problems? Dodgy heart? Maybe skip the quads. The camels are gentler. Talk to your doctor if you're unsure.
- Clothes stuff: LONG PANTS. The engine gets hot and your calf will get burned if you wear shorts. Closed shoes — no sandals. Bring a scarf for your face.
- Sun stuff: Even afternoon trips need sunscreen. Desert sun is ridiculous. Your neck will burn. Your arms will burn. Everything burns.
- Stay with the group: This isn't a joke. The desert is big and featureless and getting lost is genuinely dangerous. It gets COLD after dark.
Sunset vs Sunrise: The Eternal Debate
🌅 Sunset (My Pick, 99% of the Time)
Look, the sunset safari is the classic for a reason. Golden hour makes everything look incredible — your photos will be stupid good. The temperatures are comfortable for riding. And then there's the whole dinner-under-the-stars thing with the belly dancing and the tea and just... the vibe is absolutely unmatched.
If you only do one safari, do the sunset.
🌄 Sunrise (For The Dedicated)
So the sunrise trip means a 4 AM pickup. FOUR AM. On holiday. You'll question everything as you're getting in that jeep.
But — and there's a but — the morning light is genuinely special for photography. Fewer people. Cooler temperatures for riding. And there's something kind of magic about watching the desert wake up.
No dinner though. And you'll spend the rest of the day exhausted. Worth it if you're serious about photography. Otherwise... just do sunset.
Questions Everyone Asks
I've literally never ridden a quad bike. Will I die?
No mate, you'll be fine. They're automatic — no gears. The briefing teaches you everything. Guides go slow at first. Within 20 minutes you'll feel like you've been doing this forever. Just... respect the throttle.
Is the Bedouin dinner actually good or is it tourist garbage?
Depends on the camp honestly. The big ones near town? A bit generic. The family-run ones further out? Genuinely delicious. The bread alone — cooked in this sand pit oven thing — is worth the trip. Ask for camps run by actual Bedouin families.
About the belly dancing... is it awkward?
Little bit. But in a fun way? Professional dancers from Cairo usually. You WILL get pulled up. Everyone claps. Nobody judges. Embrace the chaos. Someone will video it. You'll watch it years later and laugh.
What to wear for quad biking in Hurghada?
Crucial question. You MUST wear long trousers (jeans or heavy leggings) because the quad engine gets hot against your leg. Closed shoes (trainers) are mandatory — no flip flops. A scarf (arafat/shemagh) is essential for dust, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. Bring a light jacket in winter because the desert gets freezing after sunset.
How much does a desert safari cost in Hurghada?
Prices vary wildy. A basic "quad + tea" trip can be €15-20. The full "Super Safari" (Quad + Jeep + Camel + Dinner + Show) usually runs €30-45. Private tours go up to €80+. If someone offers you a trip for €10, run away — the equipment will be dangerous and the "dinner" will be sad.
Can I bring my kids?
Yeah! Little ones can ride as passengers on the quads (with an adult driving). The camps love families. Camel rides are super safe for kids. Just mention ages when booking — some activities have minimums.
What if I hate spicy food?
You're fine. Bedouin food is aromatic, not spicy. Grilled meats, rice, salads, bread. Very mild. If you've got dietary stuff, just tell them when you book — they're pretty good about accommodating.
Will I be covered in sand?
Yes. Absolutely yes. Eyes, ears, nose, places you didn't know sand could reach. This is not a clean activity. Wear clothes you don't love. Shower when you get back. It's part of the experience.
Right Then. Go Get Sandy.
The desert's waiting. Stars aren't going to gaze at themselves. 🌟
See All Desert TripsHow to Actually Book This
Your hotel will offer safaris but they'll charge you like 30% more. Walk down to the marina or El Dahar and find the tour desks yourself — same trips, way better prices.
Couple of operators I've had good experiences with: "Red Sea Desert Adventures" and "Sindbad Safari" — both have newer quads and actual safety training. But honestly, most are pretty similar. Just avoid the absolute cheapest options (there's cheap and there's "why is this bike held together with tape" cheap).
Book 24 hours ahead in peak season. Confirm your pickup time the day before — sometimes they're weirdly vague about it.
And then... just go. Let the desert do its thing. Eat the bread. Drink the tea. Fall off the camel (ideally not, but Kevin had other plans). Watch the stars come out and realize you're sitting in the middle of absolute nowhere and somehow that's exactly where you needed to be.
See you out there. 🏜️