Sharm El-Sheikh: Desert Buggy Safari Adventure

The best part of this Sharm El Sheikh outing is the change of pace. One moment you are in an air-conditioned vehicle leaving your hotel, and about 20 minutes later you are steering across open desert beneath the South Sinai mountains. The one-hour buggy ride gives you a proper taste of off-road driving without taking up a full day.

I like the family-friendly buggy choices and the simple Bedouin tea stop. You can ride alone, share a double buggy, or choose a family buggy for a larger group. The main drawback is dust, heat, and a little waiting around before the driving begins, so bring water and do not expect a private, high-speed race.

Key points

• One-hour desert drive: Ride a purpose-built buggy across rough sandy ground with a guide leading the route.
• Flexible seating: Choose a single buggy, a double buggy for two people, or a family buggy for groups of more than three.
• Mountain and sunset views: Your departure time may allow you to watch the sun drop behind the South Sinai mountains.
• Bedouin tea stop: Pause at a traditional-style tent for a cup of Egyptian tea during the outing.
• Easy hotel transfer: Pickup and return use an air-conditioned vehicle, with the meeting point outside your hotel.
• Good value at $29: The price includes transport, guide, buggy, and tea, but drinks and extras cost more.

Leaving Sharm El Sheikh for the South Sinai Desert

Your day begins with pickup outside your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters in a dry desert climate, especially if you are joining the outing during a hot part of the day.

Pickup time depends on your hotel location, so confirm the exact time one day before departure. A delay of up to 10 minutes may occur. That is normal for a shared transfer, but you should avoid planning a tight dinner reservation or another activity immediately afterward.

The drive to the buggy area takes about 20 minutes. It is short enough to be easy for children, yet long enough to mark the change from resort streets to open desert. You will need to meet the vehicle outside the hotel rather than waiting inside the lobby.

The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Arabic. Your guide stays with the group through the route and gives the safety briefing before anyone sets off.

Getting Set Up on the Sand Buggies

Before driving, you receive a short explanation of how to operate the buggy safely. This is useful even if you have driven similar vehicles before, since controls and handling vary from one machine to another.

The buggies have seatbelts and are built for desert ground. You can select a single buggy if you want to handle your own vehicle, or share a double buggy with another person. Families with more than three people can use a family buggy, giving the group a more practical way to ride together.

The family setup is one of the strongest reasons to consider this excursion. Children can be part of the activity instead of simply watching adults drive. Still, the sand can be dusty and the ride may feel bumpy, so this is not a polished amusement-park attraction. You should be comfortable with an outdoor activity and follow the guide’s instructions.

Wear comfortable shoes. Sandals may let grit in, while loose footwear can be awkward around the pedals. Bring water, too. One parent described the outing as dusty but memorable, and specifically advised carrying plenty of water. That is sensible advice for anyone joining the drive.

What the One-Hour Buggy Ride Feels Like

Once the group is ready, the guide leads you into the South Sinai desert. The scenery is broad and spare: arid mountains, open sand, and plenty of sky. The appeal is not a long list of attractions. It is the feeling of moving through a place that looks very different from the coast and hotel district.

The buggy gives you more control than a passenger ride. You steer, manage your speed, and feel the vehicle respond to the uneven surface. The supplied feedback points to buggies that are powerful but easy to handle, which is a helpful balance for first-time drivers. You get the thrill of off-road motion without needing advanced driving skills.

The pace depends on the guide and the group. Some sections may feel steady and controlled, while later parts can allow more freedom to pick up speed. One particularly popular moment comes near the end, when the route may open up and give you a chance to let the buggy run more freely. Do not treat this as a competition. Staying with the group and driving safely matter more than reaching top speed.

The ride lasts about one hour, but the whole outing will take longer because of hotel transfers, the briefing, vehicle setup, the tea stop, and possible photo pauses. The short drive time is a benefit if you want to add a desert activity without sacrificing an entire day at the beach or pool.

Dust is part of the deal. It may settle on your clothes, shoes, and face, especially when several buggies travel close together. You should dress for an outdoor motor activity rather than a smart evening out. The dry air and desert breeze can feel pleasant, but the sun remains strong.

The Bedouin Tent and Egyptian Tea Stop

During the route, you stop at a Bedouin tent for Egyptian tea. This gives you a quieter break after the engine noise and sandy track. The tea is included, while other drinks are not, so bring money if you want anything beyond what the program provides.

The stop adds a small cultural element to an activity that could otherwise be only about driving. You have a chance to sit, catch your breath, and take in the desert setting instead of rushing from one driving section to the next.

Some outings may also include camel rides, based on the experience described in the supplied details, but camel riding is not listed among the standard inclusions. I would not book this buggy trip specifically for a camel ride unless it is confirmed when you reserve.

The tea stop is also where the outing can feel less hurried. Families can regroup, couples can take pictures, and you can enjoy the desert air without holding the steering wheel. It is a modest stop, not a full cultural program, but it helps break up the motorized part of the trip.

Sunset Over the Mountains

If your departure is timed late enough, you may watch the sunset over the South Sinai mountains. The timing depends on the day’s schedule and pickup time, so sunset should be treated as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed feature of every departure.

The mountain setting gives the final part of the outing its strongest visual moment. The desert changes as the light drops, with longer shadows across the sand and warmer color on the rocky slopes. Several people singled out the sunset as a lasting memory, and it is easy to see why. After an hour of driving, the quiet view gives the outing a calmer finish.

Sunset departures can also be more popular. If you want this version, check the departure time before booking and confirm it again with the operator. The listing does not promise a specific sunset schedule for every hotel or date.

Remember that a sunset departure can mean returning after dark. The exact timing depends on pickup, the route, and the time spent at the tent. Leave some flexibility in your evening plans.

Is $29 a Fair Price?

At $29 per person, this is a strong-value desert outing if you want transport and equipment handled for you. The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the air-conditioned vehicle, professional guide, sand buggy, and Bedouin tea.

That matters because arranging a buggy ride independently would usually involve finding the desert base, organizing transport, and sorting out the vehicle. Here, the basic pieces are bundled into one booking.

The value is best for families and couples who want a short adventure rather than a full-day safari. You get a real off-road ride, but not an extensive desert expedition. The one-hour driving period keeps the cost and time commitment modest.

Budget for extras. Drinks are not included, and any services not named in the program cost more. A mandatory intelligence-service charge of 1 dollar, euro, or pound is collected from each person. Bring some cash so this small payment does not catch you off guard.

Photography may also be offered at an additional cost. One family found the photographers a little expensive but appreciated that there was no hard sales pressure. You can decide at the time, and you should not feel obliged to buy pictures.

The provider also offers reserve-and-pay-later booking, which helps if your Sharm El Sheikh plans are still changing. Cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip qualifies for a full refund, according to the supplied terms.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want to see the desert without committing to a long safari. The double buggy is useful for two people who want to share the driving experience, while the family buggy helps larger groups stay together.

It also suits people who want a bit of action but do not need a full day of intense activity. The buggies are described as easy to handle, and the guide controls the route and safety briefing. You still need to be ready for dust, sun, uneven ground, and engine noise.

The outing may be less suitable if you want a quiet nature experience. The buggy is the main attraction, and motor noise is part of the experience. It may also disappoint anyone expecting an extended desert expedition, a large cultural program, or guaranteed sunset photography.

For younger children, the available information says the buggies are designed as a safe option and have seatbelts. No minimum age is provided, so confirm the child policy before booking. Do not assume that every child can drive independently. Ask how children will be seated and supervised in your chosen buggy.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Ride

Bring more water than you think you need. The desert air, sun, and physical effort of driving can leave you thirsty, and drinks are not included.

Wear comfortable closed shoes and clothes that can handle dust. A scarf can help protect your face from blowing sand, and sunglasses may make the ride more comfortable. The cultural Egypt scarf is available only if you select that add-on, so do not assume it comes with the basic booking.

Keep your valuables secure in the vehicle or with the guide before riding. The supplied information does not describe storage arrangements, so ask before you set off rather than leaving phones or wallets loose.

Expect a little flexibility in the timing. Shared hotel pickup, the safety briefing, group setup, and the tea stop all affect the final schedule. Confirm your pickup time one day ahead and wait outside your hotel.

If you want sunset, ask specifically about a departure that reaches the desert late enough for the view. The sunset depends on departure time, and not every booking will have the same light.

My Take on FTS Travels’ Desert Buggy Safari

This is a straightforward, well-priced way to add the South Sinai desert to a Sharm El Sheikh holiday. The best parts are the easy hotel transfer, the simple vehicle choices, the capable guide team, and the chance to combine driving with tea and mountain views.

The activity earns its strong reputation for good reason: people repeatedly value the friendly guides, the sense of fun, and the chance to drive at a lively pace while still feeling looked after. Families with children, couples chasing a sunset, and first-time buggy drivers all have a clear reason to book.

The tradeoffs are just as clear. You will get dusty. You may spend time waiting for other members of the group. Drinks and photos cost extra, and the mandatory 1 dollar, euro, or pound charge is separate. The driving section is about one hour, not an all-day desert adventure.

Book it if you want an affordable burst of off-road fun with very little planning. Skip it if you dislike motor noise, sandy clothes, or shared transport. For most people staying in Sharm El Sheikh, the combination of desert driving, Bedouin tea, and possible sunset views makes $29 a sensible add-on.

FAQ

How long is the buggy ride?

The off-road buggy ride lasts about one hour. The total outing takes longer because it includes hotel transfers, the safety briefing, vehicle setup, and the Bedouin tea stop.

What is included in the $29 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, a safari buggy, and Bedouin tea.

Can two people share one buggy?

Yes. A double buggy is available for two people. A single buggy is also available if you prefer to ride alone.

Is there a buggy option for larger families?

Yes. A family buggy is available for families with more than three people.

Are children allowed to join?

The buggies have seatbelts and are designed to handle desert terrain, making the activity suitable for children. A minimum age is not provided, so confirm child arrangements before booking.

Is sunset guaranteed?

No. Sunset viewing depends on the departure time. Ask about the schedule if seeing the sun set over the mountains is important to you.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water. Drinks are not included, and the desert ride can be dusty. You should also confirm your exact pickup time one day before the trip.