Desert safari from Hurghada: quad bikes, Bedouin dinner and stargazing
The desert safari is the most booked land excursion in Hurghada. It leaves from the hotels in the late afternoon, heads into the Eastern Desert that borders the city to the west, and combines quad or buggy riding, a camel ride, a stop at a Bedouin camp, dinner and stargazing. The desert is made of stone and sand, with ochre hills and a few dunes: it is not the Sahara of the postcards, but the landscape is open and the sky, far from any light, is full of stars. The whole outing usually lasts 5 to 7 hours. For a full day on land, compare it with the Roman quarries of Mons Claudianus and Mons Porphyrites, or with the excursions to Luxor.
Highlights
The quad or buggy track
The vehicles drive in convoy behind a guide on tracks of sand and gravel. A scarf and sunglasses are essential against the dust; most operators lend them.
Sunset over the desert
The outing is timed for late afternoon so that you reach the camp when the light turns low and the hills go from orange to purple.
The Bedouin camp and the camels
At the camp you drink tea, take a short camel ride, then have dinner (grills, rice, bread) before, depending on the package, a music or dance show and stargazing.
Practical info
Tips
- We found no official price: prices depend on the operator, the vehicle (quad, buggy or jeep) and what is included (dinner, drinks, show, transfer). Compare three offers and ask exactly what is included, how long the quad ride lasts and the minimum age to drive. Wear long trousers and closed shoes, and bring a light jacket: the temperature drops after sunset, especially from November to March. Skip the quad if you have back problems. Book a reputable agency through your hotel or online rather than on the street, and check that insurance covers the activity.
How to get there
The transfer from your Hurghada hotel is usually included, both ways, in the operator's vehicle. The camps are half an hour to an hour from the city. There is no public transport to the desert: go through an agency or a driver. See also getting around Hurghada.
Opening hours
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