Sharm El Sheikh: Red Sea Desert ATV Quad Safari & Bedouin Tea

Summary

Quad biking through Sharm El Sheikh’s wild dunes to Bedouin tea

You’ll race across Sharm El Sheikh’s Red Sea desert on a quad bike safari, pause for sunrise views, and visit a Bedouin village for smoky tea brewed over open fire. Expect laughter, sandy hands, and genuine moments with locals before heading back across those wild dunes—something about it lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to hold on tight,” our guide said, grinning as he handed me the helmet. The sand out here near Sharm El Sheikh looks soft from a distance but it’s got this weird crunch under the tires — almost like driving over packed snow, but warmer. I could smell petrol and dust, and my hands were already gritty before we even started the quad bike safari. There was a group from Alexandria with us; one guy kept shouting jokes in Arabic that made even our guide crack up. I tried not to look nervous, but honestly, I’d never driven anything like this before.

The first few minutes were chaos (for me anyway), bouncing over dunes with wind whipping at my scarf. But after a while you get into it — there’s something hypnotic about the engine noise and all that empty space. We stopped once just to watch the sun creep higher over the Red Sea desert. It wasn’t quiet exactly, but it felt… still? Hard to explain. By the time we reached the Bedouin village, I was covered in sand and laughing at myself for worrying so much. Our host poured us tiny glasses of sweet tea; it tasted smoky and earthy — probably from the fire right there in front of us.

I tried to say “thank you” in Arabic (shukran?), which got me a smile and a gentle correction from one of the women making bread nearby. She showed me how they pat out dough with their palms — quick, practiced movements. I didn’t expect to feel so welcome or relaxed sitting on those scratchy mats with strangers. The ride back was faster somehow, maybe because we all knew what to expect by then. Or maybe because nobody wanted it to end just yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quad bike tour and Bedouin experience

• Hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh
• Test drive and learn quad bike
• Ride quad bike on sand dunes
• Reach Bedouin village
• Relax and drink Bedouin tea
• Experience Bedouin lifestyle
• Return through sand dunes

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this quad bike tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in Sharm El Sheikh.

How long does the ATV ride last?

The quad bike drive from start point to Bedouin village and back takes about an hour each way.

Do I need previous experience to drive the quad bike?

No experience is needed; you’ll get instructions and a test drive before starting.

Is Bedouin tea included during the tour?

Yes, you’ll be served traditional Bedouin tea at the village stop.

Are helmets provided for safety?

Yes, helmets are provided for all participants.

Can pregnant travelers join this activity?

No, this tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby if needed.

Is this suitable for people with spinal injuries or heart problems?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh, use of an ATV quad bike with helmet provided, guidance throughout your ride from start point to Bedouin village and back again—and yes, you’ll pause along the way for traditional Bedouin tea brewed right there in the desert before returning home sandy but happy.