Sharm El-Sheikh: Desert Buggy Safari Adventure

The best part of this Sharm El Sheikh outing is the change of pace: within about 20 minutes of leaving your hotel, you are out among bare mountains, open sand, and a warm desert breeze. You get one hour of buggy driving, plus a stop at a Bedouin tent for Egyptian tea. I like the easy hotel transfer and the choice of single, double, or family buggies. The main drawback is dust, and the ride may feel too controlled if you want a long, high-speed off-road run.

I also like that the activity works well for families. Seatbelts, a short operating lesson, and a guide leading the route give children a safer way to enjoy the excitement. Sunset can add real magic, but it depends on your departure time, so you should not assume every booking includes sunset views.

Key points at a glance

• About 20 minutes from your hotel: An air-conditioned vehicle takes you from Sharm El Sheikh to the desert riding area.
• One hour behind the wheel: Choose a single buggy, share a double buggy, or use a family buggy for groups of more than three.
• A proper safety briefing: You receive basic instructions before setting off, and a guide accompanies the ride.
• Bedouin tea in the desert: The pause at a Bedouin tent adds a small cultural touch to the motorized adventure.
• Good for families: Seatbelts and purpose-built desert buggies make this a practical choice for parents and children.
• Bring water and comfortable shoes: Dust, sun, and dry air can make the ride thirsty and messy.

Leaving Sharm El Sheikh for the South Sinai desert

Your outing begins with pickup outside your hotel. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters in Sharm El Sheikh, especially after time in the sun. Pickup time depends on your hotel location, and a delay of up to 10 minutes can occur, so keep a little patience in reserve.

The drive to the buggy site takes about 20 minutes. That short transfer is useful because you do not spend half the day on a coach before reaching the activity. It also gives you a quick shift from resort streets to the wide, dry country around South Sinai.

The scenery here is spare rather than lush. You will see arid mountains, open desert, and plenty of space around you. The appeal is not a long list of sights. It is the feeling of getting away from the hotel zone and moving through a place that feels much bigger and quieter.

Your pickup and drop-off are included, as is the guide. The pickup point is outside the hotel, not necessarily in the lobby, so check the exact meeting time and location the day before.

Getting ready for your buggy ride

At the riding site, you receive a short explanation of how to operate the buggy safely. This is useful even if you have driven similar vehicles before. It gives you a chance to understand the controls and the pace expected on the route.

You can choose a single buggy or share a double buggy with another person. Families with more than three people can use a family buggy, which is a practical option when you want to stay together rather than split into separate vehicles.

The buggies have seatbelts and are built for desert conditions. That does not make the activity risk-free, and you still need to follow the guide’s instructions, but it does make the ride more manageable for families. The supplied information specifically presents the buggies as suitable for children, though no minimum age is given. If age limits matter for your group, confirm them before booking.

Wear comfortable shoes. Sand can get into open footwear, and you will want something that stays secure while you climb in and out of the buggy. Bring water as well. One family who took the ride with children aged eight and four found it very enjoyable, but specifically advised bringing plenty of water.

One hour of off-road driving

Once the briefing is finished, the guide leads you into the desert. The point is not to cover a famous archaeological site or reach a particular monument. This is a simple outdoor thrill, with the reward coming from the open space, the rough ground, and the chance to drive through South Sinai scenery.

The buggies are described as powerful and easy to handle. That combination suits a mixed group, since some people may want excitement while others are trying a buggy for the first time. You can expect a guided ride rather than a completely free-roaming session. That means the pace and route are managed for safety and for the group as a whole.

This is also where expectations matter. One rider wished the group could go a little faster, while another enjoyed being allowed to let loose toward the end. Your experience may depend on the group, the guide, and the conditions that day. If you want a private race or a long, aggressive ride, this probably is not the right product. If you want a lively introduction to desert driving with a clear route and a guide nearby, it makes better sense.

Dust is part of the deal. A family described the activity as great fun but very dusty, which is exactly the practical warning you need. Wear clothing you do not mind covering in fine sand, and protect cameras and phones as best you can. The provided information does not list goggles or face coverings, so you may want to ask what is supplied before you go.

The driving section lasts one hour. The total outing takes longer because it includes hotel transport, the safety briefing, the tea stop, and time around the riding area. The experience description also refers to sunset views, but sunset depends on the departure time. An afternoon booking may give you the best chance of seeing the mountains change color, while another departure may return before sunset.

Tea at a Bedouin tent

The stop at a Bedouin tent gives the outing a pause from the engine noise. You are served Egyptian tea, included in the price, and get a chance to sit for a moment before continuing or heading back.

This is not presented as a long cultural program, and you should not expect an extended visit with a detailed presentation. Think of it as a short desert break with a local drink and a change of setting. That modest stop helps keep the activity from feeling like one continuous motor ride.

The tea is also useful in practical terms. You can catch your breath, take in the surroundings, and enjoy the mountains without bouncing over uneven ground. Drinks beyond the included Bedouin tea are not covered, so bring water or budget for anything else you want to drink.

Sunset is the other possible highlight at this point in the trip. If your timing lines up, the low light can make the desert and mountains feel far more dramatic. Still, the departure time controls this, so sunset should be treated as a bonus, not a guaranteed part of every booking.

Why families find this easy to book

The activity is designed with several group types in mind. Couples can share a double buggy, solo riders can choose a single, and larger families can request a family buggy for more than three people.

That flexibility helps with both cost and comfort. Parents may prefer to ride with younger children, while older children may enjoy a separate buggy if the operator allows it. The available information does not provide a child age chart, so you should confirm the arrangement for your particular children.

The short transfer is another advantage for families. You are not committing to a full-day excursion, and the activity can fit neatly into a Sharm El Sheikh holiday that also includes beach time. At the same time, the dust and heat can wear on younger children. Water, secure shoes, and light clothing will make the outing easier.

The ride has also worked well for couples. The sunset option gives you a more scenic version of the experience, while sharing a double buggy keeps the activity social. You should expect an active, noisy hour rather than a quiet romantic excursion, but the tea stop gives you a calmer interval.

What the $29 price includes

At $29 per person, the price is attractive for an outing that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the buggy ride, a professional guide, and Bedouin tea. The air-conditioned transfer adds value because you do not need to arrange your own transport to a desert site.

The price is especially reasonable for families if the family buggy lets you keep the group together. It is less of a bargain if you mainly want a very long driving session, since the actual buggy time is about one hour and the route is guided.

You should also account for extras. Drinks are not included, and one $/€/£ is collected from each person for intelligence services as a mandatory charge. The wording allows for a small payment in one of those currencies, so have a little cash ready and confirm the exact currency accepted.

Photography may be offered during the outing, but it is not included. One rider found the photographers a little expensive, though there was no strong sales pressure. You can enjoy the trip without buying photos, so consider this an optional extra rather than part of the value calculation.

If you choose the add-on for Cultural Egypt Scarves: Travel-Inspired Elegance by FTS, that is separate from the basic activity. It is not included unless you select it.

How the experience is run

The available languages are English, Italian, and Arabic. A guide accompanies the group, gives the safety instructions, and leads the desert route. One rider gave special thanks to Mr. Elsharqawey and Square Safari, though the experience provider is FTS Travels. Since guide assignments can change, do not assume a particular person will lead your trip.

The best feedback centers on the staff’s friendly manner and safety awareness. Riders liked being allowed to move quickly while still feeling that the team kept control of the activity. That balance is important on a buggy ride. You want enough speed to feel the thrill, but you also want clear instructions and a guide who watches the group.

The activity is not described as private. You may ride with other people, and the speed can reflect the least experienced driver in the group. That is a fair trade for the low price and family-friendly setup, but it is worth knowing before you arrive.

Small details that make a big difference

Bring water, even though it is not listed among the required items. Dry air, sun, dust, and engine heat can make you thirstier than expected.

Wear comfortable, closed shoes and clothing that can handle sand. The ride is outdoors, and dust is a normal part of it, not an unusual problem.

Check your pickup time the day before. The exact time depends on your hotel, pickup is outside, and a delay of up to 10 minutes is possible.

If sunset matters to you, ask about the departure time before booking. The trip can include mountain sunset views, but the timing determines whether you see them.

The cancellation policy is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Sharm El Sheikh plans are still shifting.

Who should book this safari

I would recommend this for families, couples, and first-time buggy riders who want a short desert adventure without paying for a full-day program. The air-conditioned transfer, safety briefing, seatbelts, and different buggy sizes make it easy to fit into a normal holiday schedule.

It also suits you if you care about scenery as much as speed. The open South Sinai mountains, desert air, tea stop, and possible sunset give the outing more variety than a simple vehicle rental.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is maximum speed, solitude, or a long technical off-road route. The ride is guided, group conditions can affect the pace, and one hour of buggy driving may feel brief to serious motorsport fans.

FAQ

How long is the buggy ride?

The off-road buggy portion lasts one hour. The full outing takes longer because it includes hotel transfers, the safety briefing, and the Bedouin tea stop.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included in an air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup takes place outside the hotel, and the exact time depends on your location.

Can two people share one buggy?

Yes. A double buggy is available for two people. Single buggies are also available.

Is there a buggy for larger families?

Yes. A family buggy is available for families with more than three people.

Is Bedouin tea included?

Yes. Egyptian tea at a Bedouin tent is included. Other drinks are not included.

Is sunset guaranteed?

No. Sunset views depend on the departure time. Ask for the pickup time if seeing the sunset is important to you.

Should you book it?

Book this Sharm El Sheikh desert safari if you want a well-priced, family-friendly taste of off-road driving with a short transfer and a little local atmosphere. The strongest reasons are the easy logistics, friendly guides, flexible buggy arrangements, and the chance to combine driving with tea and mountain views.

Skip it if you want a private, high-speed session with no group limits. For most holidaymakers, though, $29 is a fair price for an accessible desert outing, especially if you bring water, accept the dust, and treat the sunset as a welcome extra rather than a promise.