REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH
Sharm El-Sheikh: Ultimate ATV Quad, Stargazing & BBQ Dinner
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by FTS Travels · Bookable on GetYourGuide
The stars pull the whole day together. This Sharm El-Sheikh excursion pairs a guided ATV/buggy ride with a Bedouin evening—camel ride, BBQ open buffet, shows, and stargazing through telescopes.
I especially like the professional guides who keep the experience organized, from the initial safety briefing to helping you get comfortable with riding. The other big win for me is the Bedouin BBQ dinner plus multiple performances, so your evening never feels like dead time.
One consideration: the quad pace is intentionally cautious for safety, and larger multi-language groups can mean some waiting during briefing and transitions.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Pay Attention To
- South Sinai From Your Hotel: The Flow of the Day
- Getting Picked Up and Ready to Ride: Safety First, Scarf Second
- ATV Quad or Dune Buggy: How the 45 km Ride Actually Feels
- Echo Stop and Bedouin Tea: Small Breaks That Make the Route Better
- Bedouin Camp Time: Camel Views, Bread, Herbs, and Crafts
- BBQ Open Buffet and the Night Shows: Food First, Then Fire
- Stargazing With Telescopes: When the Lights Go Off
- Price and Value: Why $35 Can Be a Great Deal
- Upgrades Worth Considering: Private Track and VIP Dinner
- The “Know Before You Go” Bits That Actually Matter
- Weight limits for quads
- Heat and hydration
- Tip pressure culture
- Vehicle condition
- Who Should Book This Trip (and Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book It?
- FAQ
- What vehicle will I ride: quad bike or dune buggy?
- What’s included in the stargazing experience?
- Is a scarf provided, and do I need goggles?
- How long is the quad/b buggy desert part?
- Are there weight limits for double quad riding?
- Is it okay for pregnant travelers or people with back problems?
- What should I confirm before pickup?
Key Things I’d Pay Attention To
- 45 km desert route with two scheduled stops, not just a quick loop
- Echo Stop for a weird-cool natural sound effect in the mountains
- Bedouin camp tea and bread that turns a ride into a culture break
- BBQ open buffet plus dance and fire performances at night
- Stargazing with telescopes after the lights go off, guided by an astronomer
- Group size and vehicle condition can affect how smooth the experience feels
South Sinai From Your Hotel: The Flow of the Day

This is a full afternoon-to-evening desert program. You start with an air-conditioned hotel pickup, then head out to the safari area where the day is built around three blocks: desert riding, Bedouin camp time, and a night that ends with stargazing.
The pacing makes sense for most people. You get action early, then you slow down for food, culture, and shows, and finally you get the night-sky moment at the end. If you want a trip that mixes movement with a proper “sit down and enjoy” dinner, this format works well.
The overall vibe is friendly and structured. Guides handle the route, the timing, and the handoffs between activities—especially helpful if you’re not confident riding anything new.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sharm El Sheikh.
Getting Picked Up and Ready to Ride: Safety First, Scarf Second

Your day starts with pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, then arrival at the safari station. Expect a quick but real safety briefing—plus help with the basics of riding and how to wrap your scarf.
Before you go anywhere on the sand, take the “storage” part seriously. The guidance is to keep valuables—like passports, money, and your phone—secured in your bag before the ATV ride. That’s not just formality. Desert days have dust, movement, and lots of people in one place, so protecting small valuables is smart.
What to bring is simple: comfortable shoes, a camera, and comfortable clothes. You’ll also want to plan around sun and heat even if the car rides are air-conditioned.
Also note what’s not included: you’re not given goggles, and shisha isn’t included. Protective scarf items aren’t listed as included either. If you’re the type who likes to prepare, pack what you know you personally need for comfort.
ATV Quad or Dune Buggy: How the 45 km Ride Actually Feels

Your main adventure is the desert riding segment—listed as about 45 km—with two scenic stops along the way. The exact vehicle depends on the option you choose, and some days can include quads for your group and dune buggies for others.
For first-timers, the structure matters. In the feedback I saw, people describe the ride as beginner-friendly, with riders often going in an organized pattern behind each other. You might not be doing wide-open speed runs, and that’s intentional. The priority is safety on a guided route.
A few practical notes you’ll thank yourself for:
- You’ll likely spend time on uneven desert ground, so comfortable shoes matter.
- Dust is part of the experience, so plan what you’ll do with your camera and electronics.
- Group riding means you follow instructions. It’s not the kind of activity where you can improvise.
If you’re specifically chasing adrenaline, you should know that the quad pace is often kept slow for safety. Still, the views and the feeling of driving through the Sinai mountains can be a highlight even without racing.
Echo Stop and Bedouin Tea: Small Breaks That Make the Route Better
This ride doesn’t feel like a straight line from point A to B. You get two built-in stops that turn the desert into more than just driving.
Echo Stop is the first. You’re taken into desert mountains where you can experience a natural echo effect. It’s the kind of moment that’s short, but it gives your brain a break from the riding and helps you feel the place.
Then comes the Bedouin Camp Stop for a cup of traditional tea. It’s simple, but it sets up the rest of the day. You taste something local, you stretch, and you reset before going back into the ride.
The practical takeaway: don’t treat these as filler. They’re timed to help you stay comfortable and engaged. You’ll get more out of the evening because your energy doesn’t totally crash mid-route.
Bedouin Camp Time: Camel Views, Bread, Herbs, and Crafts
After the riding segment, you return to the safari station and then transfer by car back to the Bedouin camp for the evening activities.
This is where the trip becomes more than an ATV day. At the camp, you get a camel ride with mountain views and sunset photography. The camel part is usually quick, but it’s one of the most memorable photo moments of the whole schedule—especially if sunset is clear.
You’ll also see or participate in a few cultural basics:
- Bedouin bread-making
- Exploration of local Bedouin herbs
- Handmade crafts
Even without going deep into “how it all works,” these stops help you understand that the evening isn’t only entertainment. It’s meant to show daily-life skills and materials that matter in desert living.
One practical note: camel rides can involve on-the-spot tip pressure. Some guides and hosts encourage tips immediately after you get on and during the ride. If you want to keep things calm, plan a small tip budget ahead of time so you don’t feel ambushed in the moment. One review suggested that $2–3 can be enough.
BBQ Open Buffet and the Night Shows: Food First, Then Fire

Dinner is a Bedouin-style BBQ open buffet. The menu is listed clearly: grilled chicken, kofta, rice, vegetables, fresh salads, and soft drinks. Water and soft drinks are included with dinner.
This is one of the biggest value components for me. At this price level, having a proper meal with multiple protein options, sides, and salads saves you the hassle of hunting food after a long day.
Then the entertainment kicks in. The program includes oriental shows such as:
- Tanoura dance show
- Fire performance
- Interactive Bedouin dance show
The best way to think about this: it’s not a quiet dinner. It’s a full evening event designed to keep your group moving and to give you a “you’re in the desert” feeling.
If you have kids, go anyway. One review specifically called out how much children enjoyed it. And if you’re a fussy eater, don’t stress too much—the BBQ is more varied than some “tour meals,” and at least one picky eater said they could have gone for seconds.
Two cautions worth taking seriously:
- The evening can run long, so plan for snack time for younger kids.
- Seating and crowd flow can affect how long you wait for performances or plates. Bring patience and a phone for photos.
Stargazing With Telescopes: When the Lights Go Off
This is the part people remember. After dinner, the lights are turned off and you get guided stargazing through professional telescopes.
The astronomer guides you through constellations and planets. The value here isn’t just seeing stars—it’s understanding what you’re looking at. Without guidance, you get points of light. With guidance, you start connecting patterns.
A few practical tips to make the most of it:
- Wear a layer if you get chilly, because desert nights can feel cooler once the sun drops.
- Keep your camera ready, but don’t block other people’s view.
- Give yourself enough time to actually look. This moment works best when you’re not rushing to the next photo.
One critique I saw: stargazing time might feel short for some people, so be mentally ready for a structured session. Still, for many, it’s the best payoff of the whole trip.
Price and Value: Why $35 Can Be a Great Deal

At $35 per person, the value is strong on paper because you’re not paying for one activity. You’re stacking several:
- hotel pickup and drop-off
- transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- professional guide and an astronomer
- ATV or dune buggy experience (depending on option)
- camel ride
- Bedouin tea and bread
- BBQ dinner (open buffet)
- multiple entertainment shows
- stargazing session with telescopes
That’s a lot for one price point. And the reviews lean in that direction: people repeatedly called out how much is included, and how the day feels packed with worthwhile stops instead of rushed segments.
Where the value can shift is in what you expect from the ride itself. If you want aggressive, fast driving, you may find the ATV segment is toned down. If you want guided fun plus views plus the whole evening show, this price makes more sense.
Upgrades Worth Considering: Private Track and VIP Dinner

If your package offers add-ons, two stand out in the feedback.
Private track drive: several people said it’s worth paying for because you get more freedom on the ATV compared to group-only routes. If you feel like you’ll get frustrated riding slow behind others, the private track is the most logical upgrade.
VIP BBQ dinner: one listing mentions a VIP option, though it’s not described in detail here. If your schedule allows and you want a smoother dinner setup, this could help, but the standard buffet is already a major part of the experience.
Also, consider any scarf add-ons. Some options mention cultural Egyptian scarves if you choose an add-on. Still, one review tip was to avoid buying the scarf too early if it doesn’t match what’s sold on arrival.
The “Know Before You Go” Bits That Actually Matter
There are a few details in the provided info that can affect comfort and cost.
Weight limits for quads
If you’re on a double quad, the maximum weight per person is 75 kg / 165 lb, and for a double quad the maximum total is 150 kg. If you weigh more than 75 kg, you may have to pay an additional 10 EUR to switch to a single quad. Also, double quads may be changed to single quads based on safety or balance, sometimes with an extra fee.
So if you’re traveling as a couple or sharing a quad, double-check before you arrive.
Heat and hydration
A recurring theme is that it can be hot and there may be limited water early in the day. One review mentioned no water for about two hours and only a bottle later in the evening. Because shade isn’t guaranteed, pack extra water if you can, and plan to sip regularly.
Tip pressure culture
Camel hosts and some photographers can ask for tips. One person described camel owners as forceful if you don’t tip, and another noted photographers pushing for payment before finishing the event. None of this means you must comply, but it does mean it helps to be mentally prepared with some cash on hand—so you control the situation instead of feeling put on the spot.
Vehicle condition
Most people loved the day, but a couple of reviews mentioned that buggies can feel old and need updating. This usually won’t ruin the day, but it’s good to know if vehicle condition affects your enjoyment.
Who Should Book This Trip (and Who Should Skip It)
This is a great fit if you want a mix of:
- guided ATV/buggy driving through the Sinai
- Bedouin camp culture stops
- shows and a proper BBQ dinner
- stargazing with telescopes after dark
It also works for families, and several reviews highlighted that kids enjoyed the shows and activities.
It’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. If you fall into either group, you’ll likely want a different tour format.
If you’re unsure about riding ability, you’re not alone. The ride is presented as beginner-friendly in the experience notes, and there’s also emphasis on safety personnel nearby. Still, if you have a serious physical limitation or you’re worried about comfort on a moving vehicle, consider that carefully.
Should You Book It?
Yes, if you want one day that gives you desert riding + Bedouin culture + dinner shows + telescope stargazing without having to stitch together multiple tours. At $35, the included value is hard to beat.
I’d especially book it if:
- you’re excited about the idea of stargazing with an expert
- you want a fun group event with clear structure
- you like the concept of a camel ride and sunset photos
I’d think twice or adjust expectations if:
- you’re chasing a fast, racing-style quad experience (the ride is safer and slower)
- you’re sensitive to heat and dislike waiting (group size and pacing can affect how long you sit around)
- you don’t want any tip-related moments at camel rides or with photographers
If you go in prepared—with shoes, a camera, comfort clothes, and extra water—this is one of the better “do it once” desert days from Sharm El-Sheikh.
FAQ
What vehicle will I ride: quad bike or dune buggy?
You’ll ride an ATV/quad or a dune buggy, depending on the option you select.
What’s included in the stargazing experience?
After dinner, lights are turned off for stargazing. You’ll view constellations and planets through professional telescopes with guidance from an astronomer.
Is a scarf provided, and do I need goggles?
Cultural Egyptian scarves may be included only if you select an add-on. Goggles are not included, and protective scarf items like an Arafat-style scarf aren’t listed as included.
How long is the quad/b buggy desert part?
The riding portion is listed as a 45 km desert adventure, with two scenic stops included.
Are there weight limits for double quad riding?
Yes. The max for a double quad is 75 kg / 165 lb per person, and 150 kg total. If you’re above 75 kg, you may need to switch to a single quad with an additional 10 EUR fee, and changes can also happen for safety or balance.
Is it okay for pregnant travelers or people with back problems?
No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women and not suitable for people with back problems.
What should I confirm before pickup?
Pickup time depends on your hotel location. You should confirm the exact pickup time one day before the trip. Delays of up to 10 minutes can happen.
If you tell me whether you’re considering the quad or buggy option (and your approximate weight), I can help you pick the smartest setup for comfort and value.













