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

The most memorable part of this Sharm el Sheikh safari is the mountain echo stop. After riding through the desert, your guide leads you to a spot where you can call out your name and hear it bounce off the rocky walls. It is a simple, slightly silly moment, but it gives the trip more character than a straight quad-bike ride.

I like the chance to choose between a single quad, a double quad, or a dune buggy, and I like that the tour combines several easy activities in one outing. The guides can be warm and helpful, with Ibrahim and Magde receiving particular praise for looking after their groups. The main concern is inconsistent delivery: some people get a good-length ride, while others report only 10 to 15 minutes of actual driving, a very brief camel ride, or extra charges for scarves and drinks.

Key points to know before you book

• The mountain echo stop is the tour’s most distinctive moment, with time to call out names and hear the sound return.
• Quad and buggy options are available, including single and double quad bikes and, in some cases, a four-seat buggy for families.
• The camel ride may be very short, despite the advertised five to 10 minutes.
• The VIP package adds dinner and a show, including belly dancing, tanoura dancing, and a fire performance.
• Bring water, sunglasses, and a face covering, even though a scarf is supposed to be included.
• Vehicle condition and safety standards can vary, so check your quad before setting off and speak up if the brakes, lights, or tyres seem poor.

What this Sharm desert safari is really like

This is a low-cost desert outing built around a one-hour advertised quad-bike or dune-buggy ride, a camel stop, and an optional evening show. The full experience usually takes about five to six hours, including hotel pickup, waiting time, the camp visit, dinner if selected, and the ride back.

At $22.50 per person, the basic option is priced as an easy add-on to a Sharm el Sheikh holiday. You are not paying for a private desert expedition or a long off-road route. You are paying for a package of short activities, transport, a guide, and the chance to see the Sinai desert away from the hotel strip.

That distinction matters. If you want a fast, affordable taste of quad biking, this may suit you. If you expect a full hour of uninterrupted riding on open desert, you should keep your expectations in check. The actual time on the quad has been uneven, with some outings feeling close to the promised hour and others reduced to several short stretches of riding.

The overall rating of 3.8 from 75 ratings fits the experience well. There is real fun here, but the quality depends heavily on the group, the equipment, the timing, and how well the local team manages the day.

Pickup from Sharm el Sheikh hotels

Pickup is offered in an air-conditioned vehicle, usually beginning about 45 minutes before the scheduled tour time. The exact pickup depends on your hotel, and the operator says it will confirm the time a day before the outing.

That early collection window is sensible because Sharm hotels are spread across several areas. Still, allow patience. Some outings have started late, and one reported schedule changed from 12:30 to 14:30. If your evening includes another booking, leave plenty of room between activities.

The transfer itself is part of the value. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the safari area, and the return is meant to be by shuttle van. Transport quality can vary, from a comfortable SUV to a busier shared vehicle. On the way back, some groups have waited for another van or been dropped a short walk from the hotel rather than directly at the entrance.

For a smooth start, keep your phone available for WhatsApp contact and confirm the pickup point clearly. Same-day reservations may be possible, but I would not book this close to departure unless you are comfortable with a less certain pickup arrangement.

Choosing a quad bike or dune buggy

At the safari base, you choose the vehicle connected to your booking. Single quads suit adults who want to control their own ride. Double quads can work for pairs, while a buggy is the more practical choice for families or anyone who does not want to handle a motorcycle-style vehicle.

One family received a four-seat buggy after requesting it, which shows that the team may be able to help with family arrangements. You should make that request before the tour and repeat it at pickup. Do not assume that the first vehicle offered will match your needs.

The ride itself is generally slow and follows a guide in a line. That makes the activity accessible to beginners, but it also limits the feeling of freedom. You are not racing across the desert or choosing your own route. The guide controls the pace and stops the group at set points.

Some people find the quads exciting even at a gentle speed, especially at sunset or on the return ride in darkness. Others find the route disappointing because parts of it run near a busy road, with long pauses between short sections of driving.

Equipment and safety deserve close attention

This is the part I would take most seriously. Reports are mixed on the condition of the quads. Some machines have worked well enough for an enjoyable outing, while others have been described as old, difficult to restart, or fitted with worn tyres and weak brakes.

Before leaving the base, test the throttle and brakes. If something feels wrong, ask for another vehicle immediately. One group had a quad stop several times, and other reports describe machines with only one working brake or no effective lights.

Protective equipment also appears inconsistent. The supplied information does not promise helmets, and some riders have reported no helmets, goggles, or lights, particularly on late-afternoon tours that returned after dark. Sand in your eyes can make the ride uncomfortable and can make it harder to see the guide.

Bring sunglasses or protective eyewear if you have them. Wear closed shoes, long trousers, and clothing you do not mind covering in dust. A scarf is advertised as included to cover your face, but several people were asked to buy one on arrival. I would pack a light scarf from your hotel and treat any supplied face covering as a bonus.

The operator says most people can participate, and the activity can suit families and beginners. Still, the safety concerns mean you should not simply accept a defective vehicle because the group is ready to leave.

The desert ride and the mountain echo

The core ride takes you into the safari area, where the surroundings change from resort streets to dry desert and rocky Sinai hills. The scenery is stark rather than lush, and the dust is part of the experience. At sunset, the light on the mountains can be especially attractive.

After about 20 minutes of riding, the guide is meant to stop between the mountains for photographs and the echo activity. You call out a name or phrase, and the rock walls send it back. It is not a major archaeological site or a long wilderness route, but it is a fun group moment and one of the few parts that feels specific to this setting.

The stop also gives you a break from the dust and engine noise. Take your photos then, since the guides may keep the group moving once the ride resumes. Professional photographers may be present, and you may be offered photo or video packages. Those purchases are optional, so agree on the price before accepting anything.

The most positive outings have included friendly guides who helped with the riding and the photos. Ibrahim is particularly praised for being caring and attentive, while Magde has been credited with helping recover lost photographs and returning them to a resort. Individual staff members can make a noticeable difference here.

The main drawback is that the promised riding time is not reliable. Some people have spent much of the outing waiting at the base or camp, with only short rides before and after the echo stop. If quad biking is your main reason for booking, ask the operator to confirm the expected driving time before you pay.

The Bedouin tent and short camel ride

After the ride, the group visits a small Bedouin-style tent. The camel activity takes place here, usually as a brief photo opportunity rather than a real trek across the desert.

The advertised camel ride lasts five to 10 minutes, but the actual time can be much shorter. Some people have ridden for only 30 seconds to two minutes, moving up and down a short path. A single camel may serve the entire group, so you may wait your turn.

I would treat the camel ride as a quick extra, not as a separate camel safari. It can be worthwhile if you want a few photos, especially for children, but it should not be the main reason you choose this excursion. If you want sustained camel riding, look for a tour designed around that activity.

The tent stop may also include opportunities to buy drinks, shisha, scarves, photos, or other extras. Bring cash only if you want these items, and ask what is included before ordering. Water is not consistently available throughout the outing, so carry at least one litre per person, particularly for children and warm afternoons.

What the VIP dinner and show adds

The optional VIP package moves the evening to a larger camp with reserved VIP seating. Dinner is described as a table-served meal of mixed grill, salad, pasta, rice, and vegetables.

The entertainment includes belly dancing, tanoura dancing, and a fire show. The performances can be enjoyable, with the fire act often providing the biggest visual moment. The evening works best if you see it as a casual tourist show paired with dinner, not as a formal cultural performance.

Food quality is uneven. Some meals have been considered good for the price, while other plates have included dry or cool chicken and average side dishes. One child-friendly concern is the lack of readily available water. Drinks and shisha are not included, and you may be offered them repeatedly, so check the cost before accepting.

The camp facilities are basic. Toilets have been described as dirty or lacking working locks, and free-roaming dogs may be present around the dining area. If you are sensitive to basic facilities or want a polished dinner setting, the VIP upgrade may not meet your expectations.

The package can still offer decent value when dinner, entertainment, and transport are all included at a modest extra cost. I would choose it for the atmosphere and convenience, not for gourmet food.

Sunset and nighttime departures

A sunset departure can improve the experience. The mountains take on warmer colours, and the evening air is more pleasant than the heat of the day. Riding back in the dark can also feel exciting, but it raises the importance of working lights and a clear route.

Some outings have returned without proper lights on the quads. That is not a small issue. If your tour finishes after sunset, check that your vehicle has functioning lights before leaving the camp, and tell the guide if visibility becomes poor.

Late departures also bring more delay risk. The group may wait for dinner, photographs, the show, or return transport. Plan for the full five to six hours rather than counting on the minimum time.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a budget-friendly desert sampler with several activities in one booking. It works particularly well for:

• First-time quad riders who are happy to follow a guide
• Families who prefer a buggy to separate quad bikes
• Couples who want sunset photos and a casual evening show
• Visitors with limited time who want desert scenery without a full-day trip
• Anyone who enjoys simple, lively entertainment more than a formal cultural program

I would be more cautious if you want a long, fast quad ride, dependable safety equipment, a serious camel trek, or a high-quality dinner. You may also prefer another operator if your group includes very young children, although a buggy may make this particular outing easier.

The activity is listed for a maximum of 100 people, so the overall setting can be busy. Some departures may feel personal and well managed, while others may involve lines, waiting, and repeated sales pitches.

Price, extras, and cancellation

The $22.50 starting price is attractive, but check exactly which version you are buying. The VIP dinner and show are not included unless you select that option. Photos and videos, drinks, shisha, and tips cost extra, and the scarf is supposed to be included but has not always been provided without charge.

Tipping is not mandatory, though it is appreciated if a guide takes good care of your group. Set a small spending limit before arrival so the low advertised price does not grow through add-ons.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes inside that period are not refunded, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this Sharm el Sheikh safari?

I would book it if the price is your main concern and you want a mix of quad biking, mountain scenery, a camel photo stop, and optional evening entertainment. The friendly guides, easy hotel pickup, sunset setting, and echo stop can make this a fun half-day outing.

I would not book it with the expectation of a guaranteed hour on a well-maintained quad. Before departure, confirm the actual ride length, ask whether a scarf is supplied, check the brakes and lights, and carry water and eye protection.

For the best chance of enjoying it, choose a sunset time, select a buggy for small children, and treat the camel ride and dinner as extras rather than the main event. At this price, it can be good value, but you need to manage expectations and speak up when the equipment or inclusions do not match what you were promised.

FAQ

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

The full outing takes about five to six hours, including hotel pickup, transport, the desert activities, and the return. The advertised quad or buggy ride lasts one hour, but the actual driving time can be shorter.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered in an air-conditioned vehicle, normally beginning about 45 minutes before the tour time. The exact time depends on your hotel, and confirmation is expected the day before.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes. A camel ride of five to 10 minutes is included in the stated package. The actual ride may be much shorter and may function mainly as a brief photo opportunity.

What does the VIP dinner and show include?

The VIP option includes a dinner of mixed grill, salad, pasta, rice, and vegetables, along with belly dancing, tanoura dancing, and a fire show. Drinks and shisha are not included.

Is the scarf included?

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

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.