The Complete Guide to a Desert Safari in Hurghada

Hurghada is famous for coral reefs, but turn your back on the sea and drive twenty minutes inland and you are somewhere completely different: a silent, sun-bleached world of granite mountains, gravel plains and dry riverbeds. A desert safari is the easiest way to see it — and for many visitors it ends up being the highlight of the holiday.

Where does a Hurghada safari actually go?

Every safari from Hurghada heads west into the Eastern Desert, the strip of land between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea coast. Unlike the classic image of endless dunes, this desert is rugged: wide sandy flats for riding, rocky wadis, and behind them the jagged Red Sea Mountains. Read more in our guide to Egypt's Eastern Desert.

Our station sits on the desert road outside town. From there, the quad route runs about 25 km to a Bedouin village — roughly 45 minutes of riding each way.

Morning or evening?

Both are great, and they suit different people:

• Morning safaris start around 08:30. The air is fresher, the light is crisp and you are back at the pool by lunchtime. Choose the Quad 3 Hours or the Fun Safari with quad, buggy and jeep.
• Evening safaris leave in the early afternoon and catch the sunset — the desert glows orange and the mountains turn purple. Stay on for dinner and a show with the Quad 5 Hours, the all-in Mega Safari or the relaxed Jeep Safari.

What happens at the Bedouin village?

The village is the heart of the trip. You will be welcomed with sweet Bedouin tea, watch flatbread baked directly on hot embers and hear how desert families have lived with very little water for generations. There is usually a chance to ride a camel. We wrote a whole article about it: Inside a Bedouin Village.

Do I need experience to drive a quad?

No. Quads are automatic — a thumb throttle and two brakes. Before the ride a guide gives a short briefing and a practice loop, and the whole group rides in a convoy behind the lead guide at a pace everyone can manage. If you would rather not drive at all, the jeep programmes are perfect. Not sure which vehicle suits you? See Quad, Buggy or Jeep?

Practical tips

• Wear closed shoes and light, long clothes — sand gets everywhere. Our full list is in What to Wear on a Desert Safari.
• Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a little cash for tips and souvenirs.
• Tell us about any back, neck or pregnancy issues when you book — we will suggest the right programme.
• Children ride with a parent on a double quad or travel by jeep.

Ready?

Have a look at the safari photo gallery, compare all programmes and book online in two minutes — pick-up from your hotel is included.