Sharm El-Sheikh: Desert Buggy Safari Adventure

The best part of this Sharm El Sheikh outing is the chance to take the wheel and cross the South Sinai desert under your own power. You get wide mountain views, a warm desert breeze, and a proper off-road ride rather than a quick photo stop. I especially like the air-conditioned hotel transfer and the Bedouin tea break, which gives the trip a welcome pause.

The main thing to consider is dust and heat. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and expect a little grit on your clothes and face. The ride is made suitable for children, but the pace may feel controlled rather than extreme, especially for anyone hoping for a full-speed motorsport session.

Key points to know before booking

• One hour behind the wheel: The buggy portion lasts about an hour, with transport and the tea stop adding to the total outing.
• Good for families: Double buggies take two people, and a family buggy is available for groups of more than three.
• Sunset depends on timing: A late departure can bring striking views over the desert mountains, but sunset is not guaranteed on every departure.
• Tea in a Bedouin tent: The stop adds a cultural touch and a chance to catch your breath after the dusty ride.
• Simple all-in value: At $29 per person, the price covers transport, guide, buggy use, and Bedouin tea, but not drinks or optional extras.

Leaving Sharm El Sheikh for the desert

Your day begins with pickup outside your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters in South Sinai, where even a short wait in the sun can feel tiring. The drive to the buggy site takes about 20 minutes, though your exact pickup time depends on where your hotel is located.

I would confirm the pickup time one day before the trip. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, so it is wise to be ready outside rather than waiting in your room or lobby. The pickup point is outside the hotel, not necessarily at the reception desk.

This transfer is short, but it makes the outing easy to fit into a holiday schedule. You do not need to arrange a taxi to a remote desert base, and you can leave the driving to someone else until the fun begins. English, Italian, and Arabic are available during the activity.

Getting ready for the one-hour buggy ride

At the desert site, you receive a short safety briefing before driving. This covers how to operate the buggy and how to handle the vehicle on rough desert ground. The buggies have seatbelts and are designed for this type of terrain, so you are not being asked to control a normal road vehicle on sand.

You can choose a single buggy if you want to drive alone, or a double buggy for two people. Families with more than three people can request a family buggy. That arrangement is useful because parents can share the ride with children instead of splitting into separate vehicles.

The description specifically presents the buggies as suitable for children, and several family bookings included children as young as four and eight. Still, children should be comfortable with the noise, bumps, dust, and open desert setting. The activity is safe in its design, but it is not a quiet sightseeing ride.

Wear closed, comfortable shoes. Loose sandals are a poor choice for a dusty off-road vehicle, and you will want footwear that stays secure as the buggy moves over uneven ground. Bring water, too. Drinks are not included, and the heat can catch you out even when the desert air feels pleasant.

Following the guide through South Sinai

Once the briefing is over, you set off behind a professional guide. The route gives you a broad view of the arid mountains and open desert around Sharm El Sheikh. This is not a polished theme-park track. The appeal comes from the rough ground, the space around you, and the feeling of moving through a stark natural setting.

The guide leads the group and helps keep the ride safe. That balance matters. You want enough freedom to enjoy the buggy, but you also need someone who knows the route and can keep the group together. One particularly praised guide, Mr Elsharqawey, was thanked by name for keeping the ride lively while still being careful. You cannot assume he will lead every departure, but the feedback gives you a useful idea of the guide style to expect.

The pace can vary. Some riders found the ride exciting and appreciated being allowed to open up a little during the final section. Others wished they could go faster. That difference comes down to the group, the route, and the guide’s safety decisions.

I would describe this as a fun desert adventure, not a high-speed racing session. If you are new to buggies or are bringing children, that is a benefit. If you already ride off-road vehicles and want a hard-driving challenge, the controlled pace may feel modest.

The desert scenery is part of the reward

The South Sinai desert is spare and powerful. You see dry mountain forms, open sand, and a horizon without city buildings or traffic. The lack of clutter is what makes the setting work. You are not simply sitting in a vehicle and looking out a window. You are moving through the terrain and feeling the desert air as the buggy carries you across it.

The views change with the light. In the afternoon, the mountains can look harsh and bright. Near sunset, the same desert takes on softer colors, and the low sun makes the ridges more defined. The timing of your departure decides whether you get this sunset view, so it is worth checking the schedule before booking if that is your main reason for going.

Dust is unavoidable. It adds to the off-road character, but it can also bother your eyes, clothes, and phone. Keep valuables protected and expect to finish the ride looking less polished than when you started. This is one of those outings where practical clothing matters more than looking smart.

Egyptian tea at a Bedouin tent

During the route, the group pauses at a Bedouin tent for Egyptian tea. This stop breaks up the driving and gives you a chance to sit, cool down, and take in the setting without a motor running beneath you.

The tea is included, while other drinks are not. That distinction is worth noting because the desert can make you thirsty. Think of the tea as a short cultural stop, not a full meal or extended visit. The supplied details do not promise food, so you should eat before the trip if you need something substantial.

The tent also gives the outing a little more local character than a simple buggy rental. You get a glimpse of a traditional desert hospitality setting and a chance to slow down. I like that contrast: first the engine, dust, and rough ground, then a warm drink and a quieter pause.

A sunset may be part of the stop, depending on the departure time. The mountains provide the backdrop, and the setting should appeal to couples as much as families. One couple described the sunset as a highlight, while family groups found the combination of riding and tea easy to enjoy together.

Is $29 a fair price?

At $29 per person, this is a strong value if you want a short desert outing with transport included. The price covers pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, buggy use, and Bedouin tea. You are paying for a complete activity rather than only hiring a vehicle at a desert base.

The one-hour drive is the core of the trip, so set your expectations correctly. The total time is longer because of hotel transfers, the safety briefing, and the tea stop, but the actual buggy session is not an all-day safari. For a holiday activity that fits neatly into a morning or afternoon, the length works well.

The price does not include drinks or extras. A mandatory charge of one dollar, one euro, or one pound is collected from each person for intelligence services. The wording allows the charge to be taken in one of those currencies, so keep a small amount of cash available.

Optional photos may also cost extra. One rider found the photographers a little expensive but noted there was no hard sales pressure. You can enjoy the ride without buying photographs, but if you want official action shots, ask about the price before agreeing.

There is also an optional add-on for cultural Egypt scarves from FTS Travels. Since it is not part of the standard package, treat it as an extra purchase rather than part of the $29 value.

Who will enjoy this most?

This activity suits families, couples, and first-time buggy riders. Families benefit from the double and family buggy options, the short transfer, and the seatbelts. Children can take part, but parents should prepare them for heat, dust, engine noise, and a bumpy ride.

Couples get a simple outdoor activity with a chance for sunset scenery and tea afterward. The experience is active without requiring a full day away from Sharm El Sheikh. It can work especially well when you want something different from the beach, pool, or boat trips.

It also suits anyone who wants to try a buggy without committing to a long desert expedition. The instruction is short, and the vehicles are built for desert use. You do not need advanced off-road experience.

I would be more cautious if you dislike dust, want a luxury outing, or expect a long, fast ride with complete freedom. The guide controls the route, and the pace may be more family-friendly than thrilling. For some people, that is exactly the point. For others, it may leave them wanting more speed.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Bring water, even though it is not included. Comfortable shoes are listed as essential, and I would add light clothing that you do not mind getting dusty. Keep phones and cameras protected during the ride.

Confirm your pickup time the day before. Hotel location affects the schedule, and a delay of up to 10 minutes can occur. Be outside the hotel at the agreed time so the driver can find you easily.

Choose your buggy arrangement before departure if possible. A double buggy suits two people, while families with more than three people can use a family buggy. If one person in your group wants to drive alone, a single buggy is available.

If you want sunset, ask specifically about a departure that reaches the Bedouin tent near sunset. The outing includes sunset views only when the timing allows it. Do not assume every start time will provide the same light.

The activity can be reserved with payment later, which helps if your Sharm El Sheikh plans may change. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Keep in mind that this flexibility does not remove the need to confirm pickup details.

Should you book the Sharm El Sheikh buggy safari?

I would book this for a well-priced, family-friendly desert ride with simple logistics and a little local flavor. The air-conditioned transfer, one-hour buggy session, guided route, Bedouin tea, and possible sunset make a good package for $29.

Book it if you want to drive through the desert without arranging transport yourself, and if you like active sightseeing with a relaxed cultural stop. It is also a sensible choice for families with children who want a shared adventure rather than a long, demanding excursion.

Skip it if your main goal is serious off-road driving or a full-day desert expedition. The ride may feel too controlled or too short for experienced buggy fans. For most holidaymakers, though, the mix of desert scenery, easy pickup, family options, and reasonable price makes this one of the better short activities in Sharm El Sheikh.

FAQ

How long is the buggy ride?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh are included in the price. Pickup takes place outside the hotel.

How long is the transfer to the desert site?

The drive from Sharm El Sheikh to the buggy location takes around 20 minutes.

Can two people share one buggy?

Yes. A double buggy is available for two people. A single buggy is also available if you prefer to drive alone.

Is there a buggy for families with more than three people?

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

Can children take part?

Yes. The buggies have seatbelts and are designed for desert terrain, making the activity suitable for children. Families should still prepare children for dust, heat, noise, and bumps.

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 about the schedule if sunset is important to you.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water. Drinks are not included, and the ride can be dusty and warm.