El Gouna: Red Sea Desert Quad Safari & Bedouin Shisha Stop

Summary

Quad biking El Gouna to Wadi Billy fossils and desert shisha

You’ll ride quad bikes from El Gouna deep into the Red Sea desert, cross Wadi Billy canyon with its fossil-studded rocks, then rest at a Bedouin camp for tea and shisha before heading back—faces sandy but spirits high.

What’s the experience like?

We’d already been bouncing along the edge of El Gouna for about ten minutes when I realized I was grinning under my scarf — you can’t really help it with all that wind and sand in your face. Our guide, Mahmoud, kept glancing back to check if we were keeping up (I was not, but he didn’t seem bothered). The quad bikes rattled and kicked up little clouds behind us, and there was this salty tang in the air that mixed with engine oil and something dry—maybe the rocks heating up? It’s hard to describe. But you know you’re not anywhere near the sea anymore.

The main thing I remember about driving through Wadi Billy — which they said is the second biggest canyon in the world, who knew? — is how quiet it got when we stopped. Just us, our bikes ticking as they cooled down, and this weird silence except for a bird somewhere far off. Mahmoud pointed out these old coral fossils stuck in the stone. He handed me a chunk of rock with what looked like a shell pressed into it; I almost dropped it because my gloves were too big (he laughed, said “Egyptian hands are smaller than yours”).

After all that dust and sun, sitting at the Bedouin camp felt like stepping into another world. Someone passed around sweet tea that tasted smoky—I’m still not sure what they put in it—and a shisha pipe appeared out of nowhere. I tried it once (coughing fit) while one of the guys showed us how to pour tea without spilling. We didn’t stay long but honestly, that slow moment under the shade has stuck with me more than any photo I took. Then we headed back toward El Gouna, faces gritty but weirdly happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning quad safari in desert canyon

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to motor park in El Gouna
• Take driving safety test
• Drive quad through dry canyon
• Stop to view coral and shell fossils
• Complete 35 KM roundtrip

Top questions

How long is the quad safari from El Gouna?

The trip lasts about 3 hours including stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from El Gouna.

How far do you drive on the quad bikes?

The round trip covers approximately 35-40 kilometers.

Do you need experience to drive a quad bike?

No prior experience is needed; there’s a short driving test at the start for safety.

What do you see during the quad safari?

You’ll pass through Wadi Billy canyon and stop to see ancient coral and shell fossils in desert rocks.

Is food or drink provided on this tour?

You’ll be served bottled water, hospitality tea, and have a chance to try shisha at a Bedouin camp.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to rough terrain.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup from El Gouna, bottled water along the way, all activities with your guide—including stops at Wadi Billy canyon—and time to relax with tea and shisha at a Bedouin camp before returning by midday.