Quad Biking in Sharm El Sheikh: A First-Timer's Guide

Most people who go quad biking in Sharm El Sheikh have never ridden a quad before, and that's fine: the bikes are automatic, the guides ride with the group, and the route is chosen for beginners. Here is what to expect on a 3-hour morning quad safari or its afternoon version, and how to enjoy it safely.

What happens on a quad safari

1. Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle; the drive to the quad station on the edge of the desert is short.
2. Helmet and safety briefing. A guide shows you the controls and the rules for the ride, and you try the bike before setting off.
3. The ride: about 1 hour 20 minutes in total on the quad, following the guide in a line across the Sinai sands, with stops for photos.
4. Bedouin village: a break in the shade with Arabic tea, and a chance to learn how the Bedouin live in the desert.
5. Ride back and hotel drop-off. The whole trip takes about 3 hours.

How a quad works

A quad (ATV) has four wheels, handlebars and an automatic gearbox, so there's no clutch and no gears.

• •Throttle: a lever you press with your right thumb. Gentle pressure is all you need.
• •Brakes: levers on the handlebars, like a bicycle.
• •Steering: turn the handlebars and lean slightly into the turn.

Ten minutes in, most riders feel comfortable. The guide sets the pace, and the group waits for anyone who needs more time.

Safety tips that actually matter

• •Wear the helmet, and keep it fastened.
• •Keep your distance from the quad in front: two or three bike lengths, more in dust.
• •Follow the guide's line. It avoids soft sand and hidden rocks.
• •Slow down before turns, not in them.
• •Keep both hands on the handlebars, and stop before taking photos.
• •Tell the guide if you want to go slower; there's no prize for speed.

Our safety guide to Sharm El Sheikh has more tips for the desert and the sea.

What to wear and bring

• •A scarf or buff to cover your nose and mouth from dust. Scarves and safety glasses aren't included, so bring your own.
• •Sunglasses.
• •Closed shoes, not flip-flops.
• •Sun cream and, in winter, a warm layer for the ride back.
• •A phone strap or zip pocket for your phone.

Our packing list has the full checklist.

Morning or afternoon?

Both trips are identical apart from the light and the temperature:

• •Morning is the cooler option and the one to choose from June to September.
• •Afternoon (pickup after lunch) rides into the softer light of late afternoon, which is lovely for photos in the cooler months.

If you'd like the sunset and dinner too, the Super Safari adds a camel ride and an evening at a Bedouin camp to a quad ride.

Prices

• •Adults: €15, or €17 with a camel ride.
• •Children aged 6–12: €7, or €10 with a camel ride.
• •Children under 6: free.
• •Hotel pickup and drop-off, guide, helmet and Bedouin tea are included.

Tell us your children's ages when you book, and we'll confirm who can drive and who rides as a passenger. If you'd rather drive side by side, the dune buggy safari is the alternative. Not sure which desert trip to pick? See how to choose your desert safari.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to ride a quad in Sharm El Sheikh?

No. The quads are automatic, you get a safety briefing and a short practice before the ride, and a guide leads the group at a pace that suits beginners.

How long is the quad ride?

The whole trip takes about 3 hours, including hotel transfers. Of that, about 1 hour 20 minutes is riding the quad, with a stop at a Bedouin village for tea.

Can two people share one quad?

Ask us when you book: whether someone can ride as a passenger depends on their age and the group. If you want to ride together, a dune buggy seats two side by side.

What is the best time of day for a quad safari?

From June to September, the morning safari avoids the midday heat. The rest of the year, both the morning and afternoon safaris are comfortable.