Quad bike or buggy?
The first decision is what you want to drive. Both follow the same guided route:
| Vehicle | Seats | How it feels | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quad bike | One rider; some vehicles take a passenger | Hands-on handlebars, you lean into the turns | Confident riders who want the classic quad bike Sharm El Sheikh thrill |
| Buggy | Two, side by side | Steering wheel, closer to driving a car | Couples, nervous riders, anyone who would rather drive than ride |
How the desert safari in Sharm El Sheikh typically runs
- Hotel pick-up in an air-conditioned minivan and the drive out of town to the safari starting point.
- Briefing and a practice loop. The guide shows you the throttle and brakes and explains the convoy rules: keep your distance, stay in line and follow the guide.
- Into the desert. You ride in convoy along sandy tracks, with photo stops at the dunes and at mountain viewpoints.
- Bedouin camp. Engines off, a break in the shade and a glass of Bedouin tea.
- Camel ride. A short, slow ride that is mostly about the photo.
- Ride back to the starting point, then drop-off at your hotel.
On the evening option, the trip ends at the camp with a Bedouin dinner, a tanoura performance (the spinning, colourful skirt dance) and a fire show.
Morning, sunset or evening?
- Morning is the smart choice from June to September, when afternoon temperatures reach 35–40°C or more.
- Late afternoon gives softer light on the mountains and the classic sunset photo from the dunes.
- Evening with dinner and the shows turns the safari into a full night out. Bring a jacket from December to February, when evenings drop to around 15–17°C.
Tips from a local
- Cover up against dust. A scarf or buff over your nose and mouth and good sunglasses make a big difference, especially near the back of the convoy.
- Wear closed shoes, not flip-flops. Your feet sit close to the engine and the hot sand.
- Dress for dirt. Whatever you wear will come back a shade more beige.
- Leave valuables at the hotel, and keep your phone zipped in a pocket until the photo stops.
- Stay at the guide’s pace. The convoy rules exist for a reason: keep in line and don’t overtake.
- Drink water before you leave the hotel, particularly in summer.
- Tip if you’re happy. Tipping guides is customary in Egypt.
Who the safari suits
Adventure-minded couples, groups of friends, teenagers riding with a parent, and anyone who has spent days on the sea and wants to see the other side of Sinai. Families with younger children may prefer the family buggy safari, which runs on easier trails and seats two adults with a child.
Combining it with other trips
Balance the desert with the sea: the Ras Mohammed and White Island boat trip one day, the safari the next. For a slower meeting of desert and sea, try horse riding on the beach at Nabq. Before you go, our quad biking and desert safari guide covers the common questions in more detail.
This desert safari in Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most-reviewed trips at Mido Tours. Send your date, hotel, group size and preferred time (morning, sunset or evening) on WhatsApp (+20 10 1868 1624) and we’ll put together your quote.
