Sharm El-Sheikh: Ultimate ATV Quad, Stargazing & BBQ Dinner

The best part of this Sharm El-Sheikh outing comes after sunset, when the camp lights go out and an astronomer points professional telescopes at planets and constellations. Before that, you get a full afternoon of desert activity: a 45-kilometer ATV or buggy ride, camel time, Bedouin tea, dinner, dancing, and fire tricks.

I like the useful mix of adventure and culture. The echo stop gives the desert ride a real sense of place, while bread making, herbs, tea, and the open buffet give you more than a quick photo stop. I also like the friendly staff, with guides such as Emad, Bishoy, Sasa, and Zain singled out for being patient and well organized.

The main trade-off is scale. Large multilingual groups can create waiting and confusion, the quad bikes may be old, and the riding is usually slow and tightly controlled. Bring extra water, expect persistent tipping requests during the camel ride, and consider paying for the private track if you want more freedom.

Key points to know before you book

• The 45-kilometer ride is beginner-friendly: You follow a group in a line, with staff nearby, rather than racing across open desert.
• The evening program is packed: Camel riding, bread, herbs, dinner, Tanoura dancing, fire performance, and stargazing all fit into one outing.
• The star session is the quiet highlight: The camp turns off its lights so an astronomer can show you planets and constellations through telescopes.
• A private track changes the ATV experience: You get more room and a guide of your own, instead of staying with the main convoy.
• The $35 price covers a lot: Transport, riding, camel time, food, drinks with dinner, entertainment, and stargazing are included.
• Plan for heat and tipping pressure: Wear light, comfortable clothes, carry water, and keep small cash handy if you choose to tip.

A full desert day for $35

At $35 per person, this is one of the more generous activity packages around Sharm El-Sheikh. You are not paying only for a quad ride. The price includes hotel pickup and return, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, ATV or buggy time, a camel ride, Bedouin tea and bread, an open BBQ dinner, water and a soft drink with dinner, cultural shows, and telescope stargazing.

I see the value in that combination. Many desert outings offer one main activity and a meal. Here, you move from motorized adventure to a cultural camp and then finish under the stars. The cost is especially attractive if you want a broad taste of the Sinai without arranging several separate trips.

The package is not polished in every detail. Large groups may include several languages, and the early organization can take time. You may wait while people receive instructions and are assigned to the right vehicle. Still, guides such as Emad and Bishoy are praised for keeping people together and checking that first-time riders are comfortable.

Optional extras can raise the final price. A private track, private transfer, cultural scarf, and VIP dinner are not part of the basic offer. A rider over 75 kilograms may need to pay an additional 10 euros to switch from a double quad to a single quad. The maximum weight listed for a double quad is 150 kilograms, with 75 kilograms per person.

Hotel pickup and the first safety briefing

Your day starts with pickup from your Sharm El-Sheikh hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The exact time depends on where you are staying, so confirm it the day before. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible.

At the safari station, the staff explain the riding process, help you wrap your scarf, and give basic safety instructions for the quad or buggy. This is aimed at beginners. You ride behind one another in a controlled line, and staff stay close to the group.

That approach is reassuring if you have never driven an ATV. It also explains the main criticism of the ride: you should not expect a high-speed desert race. Safety rules and the convoy format keep the pace slow. I would treat this as a scenic desert drive with a little engine noise and dust, not as a serious off-road driving challenge.

Put passports, money, and phones securely in your bag before riding. Dust and vibration are not kind to loose items. Comfortable shoes and clothes are essential, and a camera is worth bringing for the mountain views and sunset.

Protective goggles and the traditional Arafat scarf are not included in the basic price. Check what is offered at the station before buying anything. One useful tip is to inspect the scarf when you arrive, especially if you have paid for an add-on, since the included or prepaid version may not be the same black-and-white scarf sold locally.

The 45-kilometer Sinai ride

The main ride covers about 45 kilometers and includes two planned stops. The first is an echo point, where the surrounding desert mountains create a natural echo. It is a simple stop, but it gives the ride a reason to pause and lets you hear how open and bare the area is.

The second stop is at a Bedouin camp or tea point. You can drink traditional Bedouin tea before returning to the safari station. These short breaks matter because the ride can be hot, dusty, and tiring, especially in the warmer months.

You will see mountain views rather than a parade of attractions. The appeal is the change from hotel roads and resort buildings to wide desert space, with the engine convoy moving through it. If you want more time off the standard route, the private track add-on is worth considering. It provides more freedom on the ATV and a separate guide, according to the package options and direct experience shared by participants.

The regular ride is best for a first-time driver, families, and anyone who wants a safe introduction. Confident riders may find it too restricted. Some vehicles are also showing their age, and the condition of the quads is not always uniform. A buggy may be a better choice if you want to sit with another person, but the exact vehicle depends on the option you select.

Camel riding at sunset

After the quad or buggy section, a car takes you to the Bedouin camp for the evening. Here you get a camel ride with mountain views and time for sunset photographs.

The camel ride is included, but this is the part where you should set expectations clearly. It is a short cultural activity, not a long desert trek. The camel handlers may ask for tips repeatedly, sometimes before you have finished. A small amount such as two or three dollars is enough if you decide to tip, but tipping is your choice.

You might want to keep a few small Egyptian pounds or dollars separate from your main wallet. That makes it easier to handle the situation without pulling out all your money. If you do not want to ride, the package information indicates that you do not have to take part in every activity.

The sunset gives you the best photo opportunity of the day. The camp setting, camels, and mountain backdrop create a classic Sinai scene, but photographers may also offer paid pictures. Decide in advance how much you want to spend, since requests for payment can feel pushy when you are still moving between activities.

Bedouin bread, herbs, and everyday culture

The camp program is not limited to a staged show. You can watch or try traditional Bedouin bread making, learn about local herbs, and see handmade crafts. These small demonstrations help explain ordinary desert life in a way that a fast photo stop cannot.

The tea is another pleasant pause. The itinerary includes Bedouin tea, and several different teas may be available during the visit. You may also see a Bedouin pharmacy or a small bazaar area. Take care with purchases of shisha, oils, spices, and similar goods. They are not included, and the sales pitch can be stronger than the product needs.

I like this section because it gives the evening some human scale. Riding an ATV is fun, but it could happen in many countries. Tea, bread, herbs, and handmade goods connect the outing to the people who live in and around the Sinai.

BBQ dinner and a long evening show

Dinner is an open buffet with grilled chicken, kofta, rice, vegetables, fresh salads, and soft drinks. The food receives some of the strongest praise, and even picky eaters have found enough to enjoy. One portion may be enough for most people, though you can return for more from the buffet.

The meal is straightforward rather than luxurious. Expect filling grilled food and familiar side dishes, not a restaurant tasting menu. That is exactly right for this type of camp. You can eat outdoors, talk with your group, and prepare for the evening performances.

The entertainment includes Tanoura dancing, a fire performance, and an interactive Bedouin dance. The Tanoura dancer spins in a colorful costume, while the fire show provides the biggest visual moment. The dance section invites participation, so you can watch or join in.

The program can run long. Families with young children should bring a small snack, since the gap between activities may feel slow. The overall outing also takes up much of the afternoon and evening, so do not schedule a late dinner reservation or another major activity afterward.

Water deserves special attention. Water and a soft drink are included with dinner, but you may go for a long period before receiving them. In August and other hot periods, bring extra bottled water with you. There is little shade during the outdoor sections.

Stargazing under a switched-off camp

The final event is the most distinctive part of the program. Camp lights are turned off, leaving the group in darkness while an astronomy guide uses professional telescopes to show planets and constellations.

The quality of this section depends on clear skies and the amount of time available. Some schedules allow only a short look before the group moves on, so do not expect a full night of observation. Still, the lack of city light gives the session real value, especially if you normally stay around the bright resort areas of Sharm El-Sheikh.

The astronomy guide explains what you are seeing rather than simply pointing at a bright dot. Guides have been praised for explaining stars and planets in an engaging way. If astronomy interests you, this may be the strongest reason to choose this package over a basic ATV-only outing.

Bring patience. The telescope may be shared among a large group, and everyone needs a turn. Once the lights return, the dark-sky feeling disappears quickly.

Group size, staff, and language

The tour is offered in English, Italian, Russian, and Arabic. That makes it accessible to a wide mix of visitors, but it can also make instructions and transfers slower. Expect several groups operating from the same safari compound, with many riders in the desert at once.

The staff are one of the strongest parts of the outing. Emad is often praised for being attentive and organized. Bishoy is noted for keeping groups on schedule and helping people enjoy the day. Sasa, Zain, and other guides are also described as friendly and reassuring.

That personal attention matters when a rider is nervous. One first-time rider found the quad easy to handle because staff stayed nearby. Guides also help children and can walk alongside a camel if a child does not want to ride.

The standard group format is not intimate. If you want fewer people, more photographs, and less waiting, choose the private track or private transfer option if available for your booking. You will pay more, but the extra control may be worthwhile.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to you if you want one affordable package that covers adventure, food, entertainment, and a little local culture. It suits first-time ATV riders because the route is controlled and the guides stay close. Families can enjoy it too, although the long evening and heat may test younger children.

It is also a good choice for couples who want sunset pictures, a shared dinner, and stargazing without planning several separate activities. The camp gives the day a social feel, while the telescope session provides a calmer ending.

I would hesitate if your main goal is fast, technical off-road driving. The regular convoy is slow, and some quads are old. I would also think twice if you dislike organized group shows, repeated sales pitches, or tipping requests.

Pregnant women and people with back problems should not take this tour. The ATV ride, vehicle transfers, camel ride, and rough desert surface are not suitable. Comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and a camera are the practical basics.

Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Sharm El-Sheikh plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Sharm El-Sheikh desert tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety for $35 and can accept a busy, organized group setting. The best parts are the helpful guides, filling BBQ, sunset camel ride, fire performance, and telescope session. The activity feels like good value because the package keeps moving from one experience to the next.

Choose the private track if the quad ride is your main reason for going. Bring extra water, wear clothes you do not mind covering in dust, and keep small cash available for optional tips. With those expectations, this is a strong all-round introduction to the Sinai Desert and a practical choice for a first Sharm El-Sheikh safari.

FAQ

What is included in the $35 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, a professional guide and astronomer, an ATV or dune buggy experience, a camel ride, Bedouin tea and bread, BBQ dinner, water and a soft drink with dinner, cultural shows, and stargazing.

How far is the quad or buggy ride?

The ride covers approximately 45 kilometers and includes an echo stop and a Bedouin tea stop.

Is the ATV suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride uses a controlled group formation, with riders following one another in a line. Guides provide a safety briefing and stay near the group.

Can I choose a dune buggy instead of a quad bike?

The available vehicle depends on the option selected when booking. The activity offers an ATV or dune buggy experience.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes, the camel ride is included in the standard experience. Tipping the camel handlers is not included.

What food is served at dinner?

The open buffet includes grilled chicken, kofta, rice, vegetables, fresh salads, and soft drinks.

What entertainment is included?

The evening program includes Tanoura dancing, a fire performance, and an interactive Bedouin dance show.

How does the stargazing session work?

The camp lights are turned off, and an astronomy guide uses professional telescopes to show planets and constellations.

Is extra water provided during the whole tour?

Water and a soft drink are included with dinner. Because there may be a long gap before dinner, bringing extra water is recommended, especially in hot weather.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems or pregnant women?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.