Sharm: Quad Bike or Car Buggy, Camel ride & optional VIP Bedouin Dinner & Show

Sharm’s desert safari is at its best when the sun drops behind the Sinai mountains and your quad bike rolls back through the dusk. You get a lively mix of desert driving, mountain echoes, and camel photos, all for a low starting price.

I like the choice between a single quad, a shared quad, or a dune buggy, and I like the friendly staff members who can make the day feel personal. Guides named Ibrahim and Magde have earned special praise for helping riders, while photographer Geno has been singled out for clear, well-composed pictures.

The main caution is that the advertised one-hour ride and five-to-ten-minute camel ride may be shorter in practice. Equipment, pickup times, scarves, food, and safety arrangements have also varied, so confirm the details before you pay for extras.

Key points to know before you book

• The base price is $22.50 per person: This covers the vehicle ride, camel ride, transport, taxes, and a dust scarf according to the published inclusions, but the VIP dinner costs extra.
• The ride may not last a full hour: Some outings have delivered much less driving, with time spent waiting at the camp or photo stops.
• The camel stop is brief: Expect a quick ride and photographs, not a long camel trek.
• Sunset tours offer the best atmosphere: Mountain views and a return ride in the dark can be memorable, but check the lighting and safety setup.
• The dinner package adds a full evening program: You get mixed grill, salads, pasta, rice, vegetables, belly dance, tanoura, and fire performances.
• Bring water and confirm scarf charges: Some people were asked to buy scarves despite the published inclusion, and drinks are not included.

Riding into Sharm El Sheikh’s desert

The tour begins with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, usually around 45 minutes before the stated start time. The exact pickup depends on your hotel, and the operator is supposed to contact you the day before with the final time.

That early pickup window matters. A stated tour time of 4:30 p.m., for example, may not mean you begin driving at 4:30. One outing began about 45 minutes late, while another pickup went smoothly. If you have dinner plans afterward, leave plenty of room.

The transfer itself is practical rather than scenic. You ride in a shuttle van or SUV to the safari area, then sort out your quad bike or buggy. The maximum group size can reach 100 people, so this is not a quiet private desert outing unless your own booking happens to be small.

At the base, you choose the vehicle option you booked. A single quad suits an adult who wants direct control. A double quad works for two people who want to ride together. Families can request a buggy, including a larger model for four people, but it is wise to make that request clearly before departure.

Quad bikes, dune buggies, and the real length of the ride

The advertised driving time is one hour. That sounds like the main event, but the actual riding time has not been consistent. Some people enjoyed a substantial ride, while others reported only 10 to 15 minutes of driving, broken into several short sections.

You should expect stops. After roughly 20 minutes of riding, the group pauses between the mountains for photographs and an echo demonstration. The guide encourages you to call out names or words and listen as the sound returns from the rock walls.

This is a simple activity, but it is one of the more distinctive parts of the trip. The echo gives the outing a sense of place, and it breaks up the motorized ride. The drawback is that the stop can feel padded if you expected continuous driving.

The desert route may also run near a busy road rather than through remote open country. That is important if you picture a long, fast ride far from traffic. You may find yourself following a line of other quads at a modest pace, with waiting time when the group stretches out.

Equipment condition is another point to take seriously. Some riders found the quads fun and dependable enough, while others reported worn tires, damaged body panels, or weak brakes. A few machines reportedly stopped and needed staff help to restart.

Before setting off, check your quad’s brakes, throttle, tires, and lights. If something feels wrong, ask for another machine immediately. This is not a place to be shy about safety. Reports also differ on helmets and lighting, with some evening riders saying they had neither helmets nor working lights.

The tour includes a scarf to help cover your face from dust, but several people were asked to buy one on arrival. Take the published inclusion with you when confirming the booking, and ask plainly if there is any charge. You may also want sunglasses, closed shoes, and clothes you do not mind coating with fine dust.

The camel stop is more photo opportunity than ride

The camel visit takes place at a small Bedouin tent. The published duration is five to ten minutes, but the real stop can be much shorter. Some people received only a quick ride up and down a path, sometimes lasting about 30 seconds to two minutes.

Think of this as a short introduction to riding a camel and a chance to take photographs. It is not a long trek across the desert, and the camel may be shared among many people waiting their turn.

That distinction matters if the camel is your main reason for booking. If you mainly want the quad or buggy ride, the brief camel stop adds a pleasant extra. If you want a serious camel excursion, this package is unlikely to meet that expectation.

The stop can also feel crowded and commercial. There may be pressure to buy photographs, videos, drinks, or other extras. You can enjoy the photo opportunity without buying everything offered, and it is best to settle prices before agreeing to professional pictures.

Sunset, echoes, and the best time to go

A sunset departure gives the outing more atmosphere. The sun dropping behind the Sinai mountains can turn the photo stop into the strongest part of the afternoon, and a return ride in the dark can feel exciting.

Night riding also brings the clearest safety concerns. Dust makes it harder to see, especially when several vehicles are moving in both directions. Some riders reported no lights on the quads, so ask the guide to confirm that your vehicle is properly lit before leaving the base.

The late afternoon also makes the camp portion more comfortable than the hottest part of the day. Still, bring at least one litre of water per person. Water was not reliably available during the ride, and drinks at dinner are not included.

If you choose a daytime departure, you may have better visibility but less dramatic light. The experience remains centered on driving, the echo stop, the camel, and the camp, so your choice should depend on whether you value cooler temperatures and sunset more than straightforward visibility.

What the VIP dinner and show adds

The optional VIP package takes you to a larger Bedouin-style camp after the riding portion. You sit in the VIP area for a meal served at your table, followed by entertainment.

The stated dinner includes mixed grill, salad, pasta, rice, and vegetables. The program includes belly dancing, tanoura spinning, and a fire show. The performances can be the most polished part of the evening, especially the fire act, and they give the trip a festive finish.

Food quality has been uneven. Some people found the meal good enough for the price, while others received dry or cold chicken and average side dishes. One person became ill after eating, although a single report cannot establish the cause. Use normal judgment with any buffet or camp meal, and do not expect restaurant-level cooking at this price.

The camp also has basic facilities. Bathrooms have been described as dirty, and some locks did not work. Dogs may wander around the dining area, which can be amusing to some people and unwelcome to others. Shisha and drinks cost extra, and you may feel pressure to purchase them.

A further practical issue is the transfer sequence. After the show, you may return to the vehicle base to hand back the quad or buggy, then transfer again to the hotel. That can mean waiting around, especially if the vans are not ready. One departure involved an additional 30-minute wait and a drop-off short of the hotel.

If you book the VIP option, ask how the evening transfer will work. The extra dinner and show can be good value, but only if you are prepared for a long, informal camp evening rather than a tightly timed restaurant visit.

Guides, staff, and photo services

The human side of this tour can change the experience considerably. Ibrahim has been praised for being helpful, friendly, and caring, and Magde has been noted for leading the quads and helping when photographs went missing. Staff communication through WhatsApp has also been useful for some bookings.

That does not remove the need to speak up. If you need a four-seater buggy, say so when booking and again at the base. If your vehicle has a problem, stop and ask for a replacement. If your pickup is late, contact the operator rather than waiting without information.

Professional photographers may follow parts of the outing. Their pictures and videos are not included, and the sales approach can be persistent. Some images have been excellent, especially work by a photographer called Geno, while fire-written names and similar add-ons have produced blurry results.

I would not pay for a large package before seeing a sample. If you want pictures, ask to view the exact images first, and keep your own phone protected from dust in a sealed pouch.

Is $22.50 good value?

At $22.50, the base package is inexpensive for an outing that includes hotel transport, taxes, an hour of advertised quad or buggy time, a camel stop, and a face scarf. Even with a shorter riding session, the price can make sense if you want a simple desert activity and do not expect luxury.

The value drops if you add the VIP dinner, paid drinks, shisha, photographs, videos, or replacement scarf. Those extras can change a cheap half-day into a much more expensive evening, especially for a family.

The strongest value comes from the mix of activities. You are not paying only for a quad ride. You also get mountain echoes, camel photographs, a camp, and optional entertainment. The weaker value appears when the ride is cut short and the extra time becomes waiting.

This is a budget safari, not a precision-run adventure operation. If you judge it by the low price and remain flexible, it may be enjoyable. If you expect well-maintained machines, exact timings, clear safety gear, and a long uninterrupted ride, you may be disappointed.

Who should book this Sharm desert safari?

I would recommend it to adults and families who want an easy taste of desert activities without committing to a full-day trip. It suits first-time quad riders, people who enjoy group entertainment, and anyone looking for sunset photographs near the Sinai mountains.

Children can enjoy the buggy and camel elements, but the vehicle arrangement should be confirmed in advance. The published information says most people can participate, but it does not give detailed age, height, or weight rules.

I would be cautious if you have limited mobility, need a fixed return time, or are uncomfortable with dust, basic bathrooms, possible waiting, and informal camp arrangements. I would also think twice if the camel ride or a full hour of driving is your main goal.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Within 24 hours, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. Poor weather may lead to another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you want a low-cost, action-filled afternoon with quad or buggy driving, a quick camel ride, mountain echoes, and the option of a dinner show. The best memories are likely to come from the sunset light, the friendly guides, and the fun of riding through the dust.

Book with realistic expectations. Confirm the pickup time, vehicle type, scarf policy, lighting, safety equipment, expected driving time, and VIP price before departure. Bring water, protect your eyes and phone from dust, and treat the camel stop as a photo moment.

If those conditions sound acceptable, the price makes this a reasonable addition to a Sharm el Sheikh holiday. If you want a longer ride, better-maintained machinery, or a calm and exact schedule, choose a more specialized desert operator.

FAQ

How long does the Sharm quad bike and camel tour last?

The stated duration is about five to six hours, including pickup, transfers, riding, the camel stop, and optional dinner and entertainment.

How much does the basic tour cost?

The listed starting price is $22.50 per person. The VIP Bedouin dinner and show cost extra unless you select that option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the operator normally contacts you the day before with a pickup time based on your hotel location.

How early does pickup begin?

Pickup generally starts about 45 minutes before the tour time, though the exact timing depends on where your hotel is located.

Can I choose a quad bike or dune buggy?

Yes. The activity offers a choice of quad bike or dune buggy options. Single and shared quad arrangements are available, and a larger buggy may be requested for families.

How long is the quad or buggy ride?

The advertised driving time is one hour. Actual riding time has varied, with some outings delivering much less, so confirm the expected schedule before setting off.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes. The basic package includes a camel ride listed as five to ten minutes, although the actual ride may be shorter and may focus mainly on quick photographs.

What food is served with the VIP package?

The dinner includes mixed grill, salad, pasta, rice, and vegetables. Drinks and shisha are not included.

What entertainment is included in the VIP dinner?

The evening program includes belly dancing, tanoura, and a fire show.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, while poor weather may result in another date or a full refund.