El Gouna: Sunset Quad Bike Safari & Dry Canyon Fossils

Summary

Sunset quad biking El Gouna desert fossil canyon ride

You’ll race across El Gouna’s desert on quad bikes, pause for tea and shisha with Bedouins, and see ancient coral fossils inside Wadi Billy’s Dry Canyon. Watch sunset spill over stone cliffs before riding back through cooling sand, with a local guide leading every step. It’s equal parts thrill and quiet awe.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there — not in a bad way, just… you know, like the desert has its own slow heartbeat. We got picked up right from our hotel in El Gouna (I was still half-asleep), then met our guide at the motor park. He had this easy grin and showed us how to handle the quad bikes — honestly, I was nervous but he made it seem like no big deal. The engine’s first rumble under my hands felt weirdly exciting.

The ride itself was wild — sand everywhere, sun starting to drop behind these endless dunes. Our first stop was a Bedouin camp. There was this smoky smell from the shisha and they handed us tiny glasses of sweet tea. I tried to say thank you in Arabic and got a laugh from one of the women there (definitely butchered it). It felt friendly though, not awkward. The quiet out there is different; even the wind sounds softer somehow.

Wadi Billy — or the Dry Canyon — is something else. Our guide pointed out old coral fossils stuck right into the rock walls. Hard to imagine all that used to be underwater millions of years ago. I ran my hand over one of the shells; it was rough and cool against my palm, which stuck with me for some reason. Then we climbed up to this spot about 30 meters above sea level for sunset. Everyone just kind of went silent for a minute when the light hit those canyon walls — orange and pink everywhere. I still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quad bike tour through Dry Canyon

• Pick up from El Gouna hotel
• Arrive at motor park
• Quad driving training and briefing
• Drive into desert through Dry Canyon
• Stop at Bedouin camp for drink and shisha
• Visit Wadi Billy canyon and see fossils
• Reach top of Wadi Billy for sunset view
• Ride quad bike back to motor park

Top questions

How long is the El Gouna sunset quad bike safari?

The round trip by quad bike through Wadi Billy (Dry Canyon) covers about 40 km.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from El Gouna hotels or ports are included.

What do you see at Wadi Billy during the tour?

You’ll see ancient coral and shell fossils embedded in the canyon walls.

Is dinner provided on this safari?

Yes, dinner is included as part of the experience.

Are there any age or health restrictions?

The minimum age is 18 years; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Will there be a guide during the quad bike ride?

Yes, a professional guide leads the entire excursion.

Do you need prior experience to drive a quad bike?

No previous experience is required; training is given at the motor park before departure.

What should I wear on this tour?

The dress code is smart casual; comfortable clothes are best for riding quads in desert conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your El Gouna hotel or port, quad driving instruction at the motor park, all transport by air-conditioned minivan, guidance throughout from a local expert, stops at a Bedouin camp for hospitality drinks and shisha, entry to Wadi Billy canyon with time to explore fossil sites, plus dinner before heading back as dusk settles over the sand.