Sharm El-Sheikh: ATV Quad, Camel Ride & Stargazing BBQ Tour

Summary

Sinai desert quad bikes camel rides Bedouin dinner & stars

You’ll race ATVs across Sinai’s open desert from Sharm El-Sheikh, sip sweet Bedouin tea in a mountain camp, watch sunset from a camel’s back, then share a barbecue dinner under string lights before stargazing with a local astronomer. Expect dust on your face and laughter in your group — it’s one of those nights that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — not of food or incense, but just this dry, sun-baked air as we wrapped our scarves at the safari station outside Sharm El-Sheikh. Our guide, Youssef, had this way of folding the scarf so it actually stayed put (I still can’t do it right). The ATVs looked a bit intimidating at first — I mean, I’ve never driven anything in sand before — but after a quick run-through and some encouragement from Youssef (“just don’t let go!”), off we went. The engine noise bounced around in my helmet and there was grit everywhere, but honestly? That’s part of the fun. We stopped at this spot called Echo Stop where you yell and hear yourself bounce back — it’s silly but everyone tried it.

Later we pulled up to a Bedouin camp tucked between these low mountains. It was quieter than I expected; just the clink of tea glasses and someone kneading dough for bread over hot stones. I tried making some myself — not pretty, but warm and smoky when I finally ate it. There were camels resting nearby with their big sleepy eyes. The ride itself is less about speed and more about this slow swaying rhythm as the sky goes gold behind the hills. Someone in our group kept laughing because their camel kept stopping to sniff everything.

Dinner came after sunset: grilled chicken, kofta, rice, salads — nothing fancy but everything tasted right after all that dust and wind. There was a fire show too (one guy nearly singed his own sleeve), plus dancers spinning so fast their skirts blurred out. It felt both touristy and real at once; hard to explain unless you’re there under those string lights with sand stuck to your shoes.

Stargazing was last — lying back on scratchy mats while an astronomer pointed out constellations I’d never noticed before. The sky here is huge; you feel small in a good way. I didn’t expect to care much about astronomy but now I still think about how quiet it got when everyone looked up together. And then we piled back into the van for Sharm El-Sheikh, tired in that good way where you know you’ll sleep deep.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert ATV, Bedouin Experience, Dinner

• Hotel pickup and desert drive
• Quad bike safety briefing
• Desert quad bike ride
• Camel riding and sunset photos
• Herbal Bedouin tea hospitality
• Bedouin bread baking experience
• Bedouin BBQ dinner buffet
• Fire show and Tanoura dance
• Stargazing under desert sky
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long is the ATV quad ride from Sharm El-Sheikh?

The ATV or buggy ride covers about 45 km across the desert with two scenic stops along the way.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sharm El-Sheikh tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Do I need experience to drive an ATV on this tour?

No experience or driving license is needed; guides provide instructions and safety info before starting.

What kind of food is served at the Bedouin BBQ dinner?

The open buffet includes grilled chicken, kofta (beef), rice, salads, desserts or fruit, water and soft drinks.

Are there cultural performances during dinner?

Yes, there are fire shows and traditional Tanoura dance performances during dinner at the Bedouin camp.

Is stargazing guided by an expert?

Yes, a professional guide or astronomer leads the stargazing session explaining constellations and celestial navigation.

Can I try making Bedouin bread myself?

Yes, guests are invited to join in traditional bread-making at the camp as part of the experience.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Sharm El-Sheikh by air-conditioned vehicle, an ATV or dune buggy adventure through Sinai’s desert (with all gear provided), stops for Bedouin tea and hands-on bread baking at a mountain camp, a gentle camel ride at sunset with photo opportunities, an open buffet BBQ dinner with salads and grilled meats alongside live shows, plus a guided stargazing session led by an astronomer before returning to your hotel late evening.