Desert Quad Biking with Bedouin Village and Camel El Gouna

The Eastern Desert behind Hurghada and El Gouna

Behind the resorts of the Red Sea coast lies the Eastern Desert, a vast landscape of gravel plains, wadis and low mountains running toward the Nile valley. The ground is firm and open, which makes it ideal for quad biking, and the horizon is wide and empty, in strong contrast to the busy coast.

A desert quad bike safari from El Gouna takes you there in about half an hour by vehicle, so you can combine it easily with a beach day. The colours are most striking in the late afternoon, when the rocks turn red and gold, and the air is cooler than at midday. Expect dust, so bring sunglasses and a scarf.

Quad biking: what to expect

After a safety briefing of about ten minutes, your guides show you the controls, fit your helmet and set the pace. The ride is guided and relaxed, designed so that beginners feel comfortable, with the chance to go faster on open stretches if you have experience.

You ride in a line behind a guide across plains and small dunes. The two-hour ride gives time to settle in and enjoy it, while the one-hour ride is a taste. Children under 17 cannot drive a quad alone and must ride with an adult. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or for people with back or heart problems.

Visiting a Bedouin village

The Bedouin are the traditional desert people of Egypt's Eastern Desert, herders who have moved between wells and grazing for generations. On this tour you stop at a Bedouin village to see a simple desert dwelling, meet local people and hear something of their way of life.

Traditional desert tea is served, sweet and strong, often brewed over a fire. It is a short, friendly stop that adds a human side to the ride, and children especially enjoy it. Please be respectful, ask before taking photographs of people and keep a little cash for tips or small crafts. The visit is informal rather than staged.

Camel riding in the desert

The camel is the animal that made life in the desert possible, and a short camel ride is part of the default option here. The camel kneels so you can climb on, and the handler leads it at a slow, swaying walk, a calm contrast to the speed of the quad.

A camel ride is easy for most ages, offers a high view over the desert and gives the classic photograph of a camel against the sunset. Hold on as the camel stands, and follow the handler's instructions. The ride is gentle, and the combination of quad and camel lets everyone in the group enjoy the desert in their own way.

Choosing your option, timing and what to bring

Departures are in the morning at about 08:30 and in the afternoon at about 15:30. Private options keep your party separate from other guests, and a private sunset ride is slow-paced and especially pretty. There is also a seaside and desert version with a photo stop. Our team will help you choose.

Pickup is from your hotel, and our team confirms the time by WhatsApp the evening before; be ready at least ten minutes early. Wear closed shoes, long trousers and sunglasses, and bring sun cream and a scarf. Scarves are not provided. Hotel pickup in the Hurghada area is included, while El Gouna hotel pickup is arranged separately at booking.