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

The main appeal here is simple: you get a taste of Sinai desert adventure in half a day, without committing to a long excursion. You can choose a quad bike or buggy, stop to hear your voice bounce off the mountains, then pose with a camel before heading back.

I like the low price and the choice of a sunset departure, when the mountains turn warm and the return ride can take place in the dark. I also like the friendly staff, with guides such as Ibrahim and Magde singled out for patient, caring help. The catch is important: ride and camel times can be much shorter than advertised, and equipment and safety standards may vary.

Key points at a glance

• Choose your vehicle: Ride a single or double quad bike, or select a dune buggy option where available.
• Echo stop in the mountains: After the initial ride, you stop to call out and hear the sound return from the rock walls.
• Camel encounter: The advertised camel ride is 5 to 10 minutes, but actual rides may be as brief as 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
• Optional evening show: The VIP package includes a mixed grill dinner, salads, pasta, rice, vegetables, belly dancing, tanoura, and a fire show.
• Bring water and expect dust: A scarf is advertised as included, but some participants were asked to buy one for about $5.
• Value depends on expectations: At $22.50 per person, it is inexpensive, but it may feel disappointing if you expect a full hour of riding.

What this Sharm el Sheikh desert safari is really like

This is a short, activity-packed outing in the safari area outside Sharm el Sheikh. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before the scheduled start, depending on your hotel. Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle, and the total outing lasts roughly five to six hours, including transfers, waiting, the optional dinner, and entertainment.

The basic package includes a quad bike or buggy ride, the mountain echo stop, a visit to a small Bedouin tent, and a camel photo stop. The VIP option adds an evening at a larger camp, where you eat at a table while watching several stage acts.

At $22.50, the price is hard to ignore. You are not paying for a polished luxury excursion. You are paying for a convenient introduction to desert driving, some memorable photos, and the chance to add a show and meal without arranging separate transport.

That bargain comes with uneven delivery. The advertised quad or buggy ride lasts one hour, but several accounts describe only 10 to 15 minutes of actual driving, sometimes split into short sections. The camel ride is also inconsistent. You should treat the published duration as an aim, not a firm guarantee.

Pickup from your hotel and the road to the safari area

The operator contacts you the day before to confirm your pickup time. The exact time depends on where you are staying, and the vehicle should arrive around 45 minutes before the activity begins.

Transport is supplied in an air-conditioned vehicle, though the type can vary. Some groups have used an SUV, while others have been collected in a shuttle van. One positive point is that hotel pickup is included, which makes this easier than trying to reach the safari base yourself.

Build in patience. Some departures have run late, and the stated tour time may shift. One scheduled 12:30 departure was changed to 14:30, while another pickup problem involved a same-day booking and cancellation dispute. For a smooth start, confirm the pickup time on WhatsApp and wait at the agreed meeting point.

The maximum group size is listed as 100 people. That is a large possible group, although smaller private arrangements can happen. One family described having two single quads, a double quad, and a double buggy, with the children enjoying the outing. If you want a private ride, ask before booking rather than assuming the group will be small.

Quad bikes, buggies, and the actual riding time

You can select a quad bike or a dune buggy car. Single and double quads are available, and a four-seat buggy may be provided for families if requested. The buggy can be the more practical choice for parents with young children, but confirm the vehicle size before the day of the trip.

The desert ride itself is the heart of the outing, yet this is where expectations need the most adjustment. The advertised duration is one hour. In practice, some participants have driven for only 10 or 15 minutes, with the route broken up by photo stops, the camel visit, waiting, and transfers between activity areas.

The route may run beside a busy road rather than through remote open desert. That does not erase the fun, but it changes the experience. You are getting a supervised recreational ride in a popular safari zone, not a long wilderness journey.

Equipment condition has also been uneven. Reports include quads with worn tires, broken body panels, and faulty or weak brakes. Other outings have run without trouble, and the guides have been praised for helping with stalled machines. Before setting off, check the brakes, throttle, tires, and engine. If something feels unsafe, ask for another vehicle immediately.

Safety equipment deserves direct attention. Some participants reported no helmets, lights, or protective eyewear, especially on late afternoon rides that continued into darkness. Dust can sting your eyes, and low light makes it harder to follow the guide. Ask what safety gear is available and bring sensible eye protection if you have it.

The ride is likely to suit you if you want a first taste of desert driving and do not need speed or distance. It is less suitable if you are an experienced rider looking for well-maintained machines, a long route, or careful off-road instruction.

The mountain echo stop after about 20 minutes

After the opening section of the ride, the guide leads you toward a mountain area for a photo stop and an echo demonstration. You call out a name or phrase, then listen for the sound returning from the rock walls.

It is a modest activity, but it gives the outing a clear sense of place. Children usually enjoy shouting names, and it creates a natural pause after the dust and engine noise. It is also one of the easier places to take photos, especially when the sun is low.

Do not expect a long geological visit. The stop can feel brief, and some accounts describe waiting around near a rough area before moving on. The echo is best understood as a quick desert photo opportunity, not a major sightseeing stop.

The Bedouin tent and the camel ride

The route continues to a small Bedouin tent. Here you can take camel photos and receive the short camel ride included in the package.

The published camel time is 5 to 10 minutes. Actual experiences have ranged from roughly 30 seconds to two minutes, with the camel moving up and down a short path while people take turns. In some cases, a second brief ride was offered when someone asked.

That makes this part useful for photos but unreliable as a riding experience. If you have always wanted a camel picture in the Sinai desert, it can fill that role. If you are expecting a proper camel trek, you will probably find it too short.

A single camel may serve the whole group, so expect a queue. Keep the stop in perspective: this is a quick add-on to the quad excursion, not the main event.

Sunset timing and the return ride

A sunset departure can be the best version of this experience. The mountains look more dramatic as the light softens, and one evening outing finished with a quad ride back to base in the dark. That can be exciting, but it also brings a serious practical concern.

If your quad has no working lights, the route becomes difficult to see. Dust from other vehicles and oncoming groups can make visibility worse. Ask the guide about the return conditions before choosing a late departure, especially if you are riding with children or have limited experience.

The timing may also stretch. The basic activity is described as about five hours, while the full outing can take five to six hours. The evening package adds dinner and entertainment, and some people have waited for a return vehicle afterward. Keep your evening free rather than booking a restaurant immediately after the tour.

What the VIP dinner and show includes

The optional VIP package moves you to a larger camp after the riding portion. The meal is served at your table and includes mixed grill, salad, pasta, rice, and vegetables.

The entertainment includes belly dancing, tanoura spinning, and a fire show. These acts give the evening more structure than the basic riding package and make the VIP option attractive for families or anyone who wants a full night out rather than a quick vehicle ride.

The quality of the meal has been mixed. Some people found it good enough for the price, while others described dry or cold chicken and average food. Drinks and shisha are not included, and you may be approached to purchase them. Bring your own expectations down to a simple camp dinner, not a restaurant meal.

The venue itself can feel basic. Bathrooms have been described as dirty and lacking working locks, and dogs may wander around the dining area. That does not affect everyone’s experience, but it is worth knowing if you are traveling with small children or prefer polished facilities.

The show is often the strongest part of the VIP add-on. Belly dancing and fire performances provide the entertainment, while tanoura adds a traditional Egyptian stage element. The package is worth considering if you want an easy evening of food and entertainment. It is less appealing if your main goal is quality dining.

Photos, scarves, drinks, and extra charges

A scarf to cover your face from dust is listed as included. This point has caused confusion, because some people received one while others were asked to buy one for about $5. Bring a scarf from your hotel so you are not dependent on how the policy is handled that day.

Professional photographers are present, but photos and videos cost extra. There can be pressure to buy them, and one special photo service, writing a name in fire, was reported to cost $15. The resulting image was not considered worth the charge, while photographer Geno was praised for producing clearer pictures.

You may want photos because it is awkward to handle a phone while riding. Still, decide your budget before the trip. You do not need to buy every package, and a companion can often take pictures during the stops.

Drinks and shisha at dinner are also extra. Carry at least one litre of water per person. Water may not be available for long periods, and children can become thirsty quickly in the heat and dust.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would suggest this outing to:

• Families wanting a low-cost desert activity with a buggy option
• First-time quad riders
• People who want sunset photos and a simple evening show
• Visitors with only half a day available
• Anyone happy to treat the camel stop as a photo opportunity

I would be cautious about booking it if you:

• Need reliable one-hour riding time
• Expect a long camel trek
• Want top-condition equipment and formal safety gear
• Prefer quiet desert routes away from roads and large groups
• Are looking mainly for a high-quality dinner

The friendly staff can make a major difference. Ibrahim received especially warm praise for being caring and helpful, while Magde was credited with strong support on the quad route and with helping recover lost photos. These personal touches matter, but guide assignments are not guaranteed.

Practical details before you book

The activity has a 3.8 rating from 75 reviews, which fits the mixed picture: plenty of fun, but inconsistent timing, equipment, and extras. The most common strengths are the friendly guides, easy pickup, sunset setting, and enjoyable quad or buggy element.

Wear clothes and shoes that can handle heavy dust. Cover your mouth and eyes, and do not wear anything you would hate to stain. Bring water, sunscreen, and a scarf even though one is advertised as included.

Confirm three points before departure:

• The exact pickup time and hotel meeting point
• The vehicle type, especially if you need a four-seat buggy
• What safety equipment and riding time are being provided

Most people can participate, but the operator does not provide detailed ability requirements in the supplied information. If you have concerns about riding, children, or physical comfort, ask the provider before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Within 24 hours, refunds are not provided, and changes are not accepted. If poor weather cancels the outing, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Sharm quad bike and Bedouin dinner tour?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, convenient introduction to desert activities and can accept a basic setup. The sunset scenery, echo stop, friendly guides, and fire show can make a memorable evening, particularly for families and first-time riders.

Skip it if the advertised durations are essential to you. The biggest risks are a much shorter quad ride, a token camel ride, uneven vehicle condition, and extra charges for scarves, drinks, shisha, and photos.

My practical choice would be the quad or buggy package only if I cared most about the ride and photos. Add the VIP dinner and show if you want a complete evening and are comfortable with average food and simple camp facilities. At this price, it can be good value, but only when you see it as a casual desert outing rather than a carefully controlled safari.

FAQ

How long does the Sharm quad bike and buggy experience last?

The full outing takes approximately five to six hours, including hotel pickup, transport, riding, stops, and the optional dinner and show.

What vehicle options are available?

You can choose between a quad bike and a dune buggy car. Single and double quads are available, and a four-seat buggy may be provided if requested.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes. The package includes a camel ride advertised as lasting 5 to 10 minutes. The actual ride may be much shorter, with some rides lasting about 30 seconds to two minutes.

Is the VIP dinner and show included in the basic price?

No. The VIP Bedouin dinner and show are included only if you select that option when booking.

What food is served with the VIP dinner?

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

Is a scarf included?

A scarf to cover your face from dust is listed as included. However, some people have been asked to buy one on arrival, so bringing your own scarf is sensible.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.

Is hotel pickup provided?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel, generally beginning about 45 minutes before the tour time. The exact pickup time depends on your hotel location and should be confirmed the day before.