Morning or Afternoon Safari? Timing Your Desert Trip

The Sinai desert near Sharm El Sheikh feels like a different place at dawn, in the afternoon and at sunset. Our safaris cost the same at every time of day, so the real question is when to ride. Here is each time slot, season by season, starting with our most flexible option, the afternoon quad safari.

The time slots at a glance

• •Sunrise (pickup around 04:00): the morning quad safari and the earliest dune buggy safari leave in the dark and ride as the sun comes up. On the quad safari you're back at your hotel around 07:00.
• •Morning (pickup around 08:00): the dune buggy safari has a second departure, and the private morning quad safari can also leave at about 08:00.
• •Afternoon (pickup around 14:00 in winter, 15:30–16:00 in summer): the afternoon quad safari and the afternoon buggy ride in the warm part of the day and finish as the light softens.
• •Evening (pickup between 15:00 and 17:30): the Super Safari and the Super Sand Buggy Safari add a sunset, a Bedouin dinner and a show. On the Super Safari you're back around 21:30.

The daytime trips take about 3 hours with hotel transfers, including about 1 hour 20 minutes of riding and a stop for Arabic tea with the Bedouins. The evening trips take about 4 hours.

Summer (June to September): go early or go late

In July and August, average highs reach around 38 °C, too hot for the open desert at midday. Two good choices:

• •Sunrise. A 04:00 pickup sounds hard, but it's the coolest part of the day, the first light on the mountains is beautiful, and you're back around 07:00 with the whole day free.
• •Late afternoon or evening. In summer the afternoon pickup moves later, to 15:30–16:00, so you ride as the heat eases. The evening safaris reach the desert in the late afternoon and finish with dinner under the stars.

Drink plenty of water and cover your head; our quad biking guide has more tips, and the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh page covers the weather month by month.

Winter (December to February): the afternoon is the sweet spot

From December to February, days average around 22–23 °C, but nights drop to around 13–15 °C, and the desert feels cold before dawn and after sunset, so the summer advice turns around:

• •The afternoon quad safari (pickup around 14:00) rides in the warmest, sunniest hours and finishes in golden late-afternoon light.
• •The sunrise trips still run, but you'll want a warm jacket and a scarf for the first hour.
• •The evening safaris are lovely in winter, with an earlier pickup (around 16:30 on the Super Safari); bring a warm layer for dinner.

Our winter guide has more ideas for the cooler months.

Spring and autumn: any time works

From March to May and in October and November, the desert is comfortable from morning to evening, so choose by the rest of your day. Two easy combinations:

• •Sunrise quad, then the sea. You're back around 07:00, in good time for parasailing later that morning (pickup around 10:30). Our parasailing guide explains how it works.
• •Beach morning, desert afternoon: a swim after breakfast, then the afternoon quad safari.

Which time suits you?

• •Families with young children: the afternoon or the evening, because a 04:00 wake-up is hard with small children. Children aged 6–12 pay €7 on the quad safaris and €11 on the Super Safari (under-6s go free), and children aged 6–11 pay €10 on the dune buggy safari. More ideas in Sharm El Sheikh with kids.
• •Photographers: sunrise and sunset, when low light brings out the colours of the sand.
• •Dinner in the desert: the evening. Our Super Safari vs Super Sand Buggy comparison and our camel riding guide help you choose.

The price is the same at every time

You don't pay extra for sunrise or sunset:

• •Morning or afternoon quad safari: €15 per adult (€17 with a camel ride), €7 per child aged 6–12.
• •Dune buggy safari: €20 per adult and €10 per child aged 6–11, at any departure.
• •Super Safari: €24 per adult, €11 per child aged 6–12.
• •Super Sand Buggy Safari: €25 per adult, €15 per child aged 5–11.

All include hotel pickup and drop-off, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. Compare every trip on our price list.

What to bring

At any time, bring a scarf against the dust, sunglasses and comfortable shoes. Add sun cream in the afternoon, and a warm layer at sunrise and on winter evenings. Our packing list for Sharm El Sheikh covers the rest.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of day for a desert safari in Sharm El Sheikh?

It depends on the season. From June to September, go at sunrise or in the late afternoon and evening to avoid the midday heat. From December to February, the afternoon is the warmest and most comfortable time. In spring and autumn, any time works.

What time is pickup for the afternoon quad safari?

Around 14:00 in winter and between 15:30 and 16:00 in summer. The trip takes about 3 hours, including hotel transfers and about 1 hour 20 minutes on the quad.

Is the sunrise safari worth the early start?

If you don't mind a 04:00 pickup, yes: it's the coolest time of day in summer, the light is beautiful, and you're back at your hotel around 07:00 with the whole day free.

Is the morning safari more expensive than the afternoon one?

No. The morning and afternoon quad safaris cost the same, €15 per adult (€17 with a camel ride) and €7 per child aged 6–12, and the dune buggy safari costs €20 per adult at every departure time.