Desert Safari in Hurghada — Quads, Jeeps, Camels and Sunset, Explained

Most people come to Hurghada for the sea, then discover that the desert is just as close. A few minutes inland, the town gives way to sand, rocky hills and wide, silent valleys. A safari is the easiest way to see it — and for many visitors it ends up being the favourite day of the holiday.

Choose your ride

• Quad bikes are the classic. You drive your own, in a line behind a guide, across open sand. It is fun, dusty and suitable for most adults who are comfortable on a simple vehicle.
• Buggies are like small open cars for two people — a good option if you want to share the driving or ride with a child.
• Jeeps (4x4) carry a group with a driver. No driving, less dust, and the best choice for families with young children or anyone who just wants to enjoy the view.
• Camels usually appear as a short ride at the Bedouin camp, rather than the main way to travel.

Many tours combine two of these, for example quads out to the camp and a camel ride once you arrive.

Morning or sunset?

Morning safaris are cooler in summer and the light is clear and bright.

Afternoon and sunset safaris are the most popular. The colours over the mountains as the sun goes down are spectacular, and many tours continue into the evening with dinner and stargazing far from the lights of the town.

What happens at the Bedouin camp

Most safaris stop at a Bedouin-style village or camp. Typically you will:

• drink sweet tea and watch bread being baked on an open fire
• learn a little about life in the desert
• take a short camel ride
• on evening tours, have dinner and a show, and look at the stars

It is a simplified, visitor-friendly experience rather than a documentary — but it is relaxed, friendly and a lot of fun.

What to wear and bring

• A scarf or buff to cover your nose and mouth from the dust — many tours provide one, but your own is better.
• Sunglasses — essential on a quad.
• Closed shoes, not flip-flops.
• Clothes you do not mind getting dusty. Light, long sleeves protect from the sun.
• A jacket for evening tours — the desert gets cold quickly after sunset, especially in winter.
• Water and a little cash for drinks, photos or tips.

Safety and children

• Listen to the briefing and keep your distance from the vehicle in front.
• Ask for a slower group if you are nervous; good guides adjust the pace.
• Age rules for driving quads vary by operator. Children often ride with a parent or go in a jeep instead.
• If you are pregnant or have back problems, choose a jeep rather than a quad or buggy.

Book your safari

Compare the best-rated desert safaris in Hurghada, with real traveller reviews. And if you come back dusty and stiff, our Moroccan hammam and massage is the perfect next-day recovery — we collect you from your hotel and you pay in cash.