Sharm El Sheikh: ATV, Camel Ride with BBQ Dinner and Show

The main draw is simple: you get a Sinai desert ATV ride, a camel stop, dinner, and an evening show for about $23. The route includes Echo Mountain and a Bedouin-style camp, so the day mixes engine noise, desert views, local-style entertainment, and a little time under the open sky.

I like the smooth hotel pickup and the guides who keep the mood light while helping people through their first quad-bike ride. I also like the value: a 45-minute or so ATV outing, dinner, entertainment, and transport would cost much more in many resort areas. The catch is that the desert operation can feel crowded and loosely organized, with extra charges for photos, drinks, bracelets, or tea.

Key points to know before you book

• The ATV ride is the main event: Expect a guided convoy across a shared desert safari area, with stops for photos and mountain views.
• The camel experience is brief: It may be little more than a short walk beside the camp and a photo opportunity.
• The guides can make the day: Abdul, Armando, Alfredo, and Gilberto are praised for being friendly, funny, multilingual, and attentive.
• The evening has a Bedouin-camp setting: You get BBQ-style food, dance entertainment, a fire show, and in some cases a chance to look at the stars.
• Crowds are the chief weakness: A tour advertised for a maximum of 15 people can still join a much larger shared riding operation.
• Bring extra water and a light jacket: The desert can be hot on the ride and chilly once the evening show begins.

What the $23 tour really gives you

At $23 per person, this is a budget-friendly package rather than a polished luxury excursion. You are paying for a connected string of activities: pickup from your Sharm el Sheikh hotel, a transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, ATV instruction, a desert ride, a camel stop, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment.

That combination is the reason the tour appeals to so many people. You do not need to arrange separate transport to the desert or negotiate with several operators. For first-time visitors, that convenience matters. You can spend one afternoon and evening getting a broad taste of desert activities without committing to a costly private safari.

The price also tells you what not to expect. This is not a private ride through untouched desert, and it is not a carefully paced cultural visit. The operation serves several groups, and timing can slip while people gather, take photos, or wait for others to finish. I would book it for variety and value, not for solitude.

The experience carries a 4.7 rating from 394 reviews, with 94 percent recommending it. That is a strong result, but the lower scores point to the same issues again and again: crowds, waiting around the show, sales pressure, uneven food, and basic safety procedures.

Hotel pickup and the trip into the Sinai

Pickup is included from your Sharm el Sheikh hotel, and the transfer is made by air-conditioned vehicle. The pickup is one of the safer parts of the plan because you do not have to find the desert base yourself. Timing is usually confirmed on the day, with one booking account describing communication through WhatsApp.

The tour lasts about five hours. The exact rhythm can vary, since the desert ride and evening program depend on how quickly different groups move. Some people have described the outing as feeling like a full day because of the pickup, transfer, riding, camp time, and return.

A small-group limit of 15 people is listed, but do not mistake that for a private desert experience. The ATV area is shared, and one account described hundreds of quad bikers moving between stops. You may ride with your own guide, but you can still encounter a large number of other vehicles on the route.

That matters for safety and enjoyment. The guides try to keep the group together, yet less careful drivers can create a hectic ride. Keep your attention on the ATV, leave sensible space, and do not treat the convoy like a race.

Learning the ATV before the ride

You receive instruction before setting off. The aim is to help you understand the basic controls and follow the guide through the desert. This makes the outing workable for first-time riders, and several people specifically praised the staff for helping them feel looked after.

The ATV route appears to last roughly 45 minutes for some groups, with short stretches of riding between stops. Expect a guided procession rather than free riding. You may travel for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, then stop for photos or regroup with the convoy.

The ride itself is the strongest part of the package. The open desert gives you a clear sense of space, and the change from Sharm el Sheikh’s resort streets to bare Sinai terrain feels worthwhile. You get the fun of controlling the quad without needing advanced riding skills.

Still, the riding area is not guaranteed to feel wild or empty. Dust, engine noise, other groups, and waiting can be part of the scene. If you want a fast, technical route or a private ride, this is the wrong choice. If you want a simple introduction to quad biking, the format works well.

Wear clothes you do not mind getting dusty. Bring water, since one account said only one bottle was provided around the BBQ, and keep your phone protected during the ride. Photos and videos are often offered for sale, so decide in advance if you want them rather than feeling pressured at the stop.

Echo Mountain and the desert photo stops

Echo Mountain is one of the named stops and gives the ride a clear destination beyond simply driving in circles. The mountain visit adds a scenic pause, and the stops let you take in the desert without sitting on the ATV the entire time.

These pauses can be a mixed experience. They are useful for photographs and catching your breath, but they also create opportunities for sales. Children at some stops may offer bracelets or beads, and these are not free. Bedouin tea may also cost extra and is not necessarily included in the booking.

I would carry small notes only if you actually want to buy something, and I would politely decline if you do not. The trip is cheap, but the add-on selling can chip away at the relaxed feeling.

One guide, Abdul, was praised for taking photos during the quad safari. Other guides named in the feedback include Armando, Alfredo, and Gilberto. Gilberto was especially appreciated for checking on the group and speaking several languages, while Alfredo reportedly helped a guest stay warm during the evening show.

Those details matter more than polished equipment. A patient guide can make a dusty convoy feel friendly. A rushed guide can make the same route feel like crowd control.

The camel stop: ride, photo, or both

The camel portion is advertised as an option, but you should keep your expectations modest. Several descriptions make it sound like a short camel walk near the camp rather than a long desert trek.

One person described crossing the road and returning, mainly for photographs. That can still be fun if you have never sat on a camel, but it is not a serious riding experience. The ATV is the true transport activity; the camel is a brief cultural touch.

There are also concerns about the condition of some camels. If animal welfare is important to you, look carefully at the animals and feel free to skip this part. One person chose not to ride after seeing camels that appeared poorly kept.

Handlers may expect tips, and one account described pressure to tip. Keep that in mind before you mount. A tip should be your choice, not a surprise charge tied to a photo.

Bedouin camp, herbal medicine, and the evening meal

After the ride, the tour moves to a Bedouin-style village or camp. This is where the activity shifts from driving to food and entertainment. One useful feature is the chance to learn about traditional herbal medicine, which adds a bit of local context to what could otherwise be a standard dinner stop.

The BBQ meal is included, but the serving style is basic. Some people found the food tasty, while others disliked the portions or presentation. One person said the plate was filled rather than offering a true all-you-can-eat buffet. Another received a second serving of pasta, rice, and salad after asking.

I would treat the meal as convenient fuel, not as a reason to choose this tour. Food safety was also raised as a concern in one serious account, which described illness after dinner. That single report does not establish a pattern, but it is sensible to use caution with any buffet in a hot desert setting. Drink bottled water, and bring snacks if you have dietary concerns.

Extra items can cost more. Water, drinks, popcorn, shisha, tea, photographs, videos, and souvenirs may be offered separately. One person found shisha reasonably priced, while another disliked the constant selling. Ask the price before accepting anything.

Dance, fire show, and the long wait

The evening program usually includes Bedouin-style entertainment, dancing, and a fire show. This is the part many people enjoy most, especially the fire performance. Some tours also include stargazing after the show, which can be a pleasant finish away from the resort lights.

The quality and timing are less reliable than the concept. One account described a show with long gaps between dances. Another reported waiting one to two hours before the show began because the group was waiting for other people. A different account mentioned losing nearly an hour and a half at the camp.

That is the biggest practical warning in the whole excursion. The show may be enjoyable once it starts, but the evening can drag if the program is delayed. Bring patience, a light jacket, and realistic expectations.

Animal performances may also be part of the entertainment. If you dislike the use of animals in shows, ask what is planned or skip the performance. The tour is not the best fit for someone seeking a carefully produced cultural presentation.

Safety, comfort, and the realities of a shared safari area

The tour is described as suitable for most people, with a maximum group size of 15, but the riding environment can still feel busy. The guides make an effort to organize the convoy, yet the setup is not the same as a tightly controlled motorsport course.

Follow the guide’s instructions and keep your speed under control. The greatest risk may come from other riders who stop suddenly or drive carelessly. The desert ride is fun when you treat it as a guided outing, not a chance to show off.

The heat can be intense, so take water. Cover your skin, use sun protection, and expect dust. After sunset, temperatures can drop, especially while you sit watching the show. A light jacket is a smart addition.

The air-conditioned transfer is useful after the ride. Pickup and drop-off have generally been described as smooth, though the overall operation can feel busy, with staff moving between groups and vehicles.

Who will enjoy this Sharm el Sheikh excursion?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families who want several classic Sharm el Sheikh activities in one inexpensive booking. It works especially well if you have never ridden an ATV and want a guide nearby. The named guides, including Abdul, Armando, Alfredo, and Gilberto, have received strong praise for being funny, helpful, and attentive.

It also suits you if you like a social atmosphere. You will probably meet other people, share the riding area, and watch entertainment with a crowd. The low price makes it easy to fit into a resort holiday.

I would not choose it for a quiet desert escape, a private celebration, or a serious camel trek. It is also a poor match if you need a tightly timed schedule, dislike sales pitches, or expect restaurant-quality food and a polished stage show.

Should you book the ATV and BBQ tour?

Book it if your priority is maximum variety for a low price. The ATV ride is enjoyable, pickup is convenient, and the camp adds dinner, dancing, and a fire show without requiring several separate bookings. The guides can make the experience warmer and easier, especially for first-time riders.

Skip it if crowds, waiting, animal performances, or sales pressure will ruin your evening. If you do book, bring water, a jacket, sun protection, and patience. Remember that photos, drinks, tea, souvenirs, and tips may cost extra, and cancel at least 24 hours before the start time if your plans change, since later cancellations are not refunded.

FAQ

How long does the Sharm el Sheikh ATV tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, including the desert activities, camp dinner, entertainment, and hotel transport.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your Sharm el Sheikh hotel are offered in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $23 per person.

Is the ATV ride suitable for first-time riders?

The tour includes instruction on how to use the quad bike, and most people can participate. It is a guided ride rather than an independent rental.

Is the camel ride included?

A camel ride is offered as part of the experience, but it may be brief and can function mainly as a photo opportunity.

What entertainment is included?

The camp program includes live entertainment, dance performances, and a fire show. Some accounts also describe stargazing after the show.

Is the tour private?

No. The booking information gives a maximum of 15 people, but the ATV route takes place in a shared safari area that can have many other riders.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.