Hurghada Desert Safari: Quad, Buggy, Jeep or Stargazing – Which to Choose?

Just behind Hurghada's beaches begins the Eastern Desert – rocky mountains, wide sandy valleys and Bedouin camps. A desert safari is the most popular excursion after a boat trip, but there are many versions: quad bike, dune buggy, Super Safari, jeep or a calm stargazing evening. This guide compares them and explains how a typical safari works, what to wear and how to stay safe.

The safaris at a glance

Safari	Duration	Best for
Quad bike	3–4 hours	A short adventure
Super Safari	5–6 hours	Quad, jeep, camel and dinner in one trip
Dune buggy	3–4 hours	Speed with more stability
Stargazing	About 5 hours	A calm evening, couples and families
Private jeep	4–5 hours	Families, photographers, your own pace

The desert safaris compared

1. Quad bike safari

The classic: after a briefing and a practice lap, you ride in convoy along desert tracks with photo stops, usually ending at a Bedouin camp. Choose a morning tour to avoid the heat or a sunset tour for the light. You can ride a single quad or share a double quad. Book the quad bike safari.

2. Super Safari

The Super Safari packs everything into one trip: a quad ride, a jeep drive, a camel ride, tea and bread baked in the sand at a Bedouin camp, then dinner and a show before returning after dark. It's the best choice if you only do one desert trip.

3. Dune buggy safari

Buggies have a roll cage, seat belts and room for two side by side, so they feel more stable than quads – a good choice for couples or anyone who wants speed with a bit more safety. See the dune buggy safari.

4. Stargazing safari

Far from the lights of the resorts, the desert sky is full of stars. On the stargazing safari you look through a telescope with a guide and enjoy a Bedouin dinner – relaxed, quiet and ideal for families with children or anyone who prefers not to drive. Read about stargazing in Hurghada.

5. Private jeep safari

A private desert safari by jeep takes your group at its own pace, with stops wherever you like for photos. It's the best option for families with young children, older travellers and anyone who can't ride a quad.

6. Horse riding

For something different, horse riding along the desert or the beach is a calmer way to experience the landscape, with options for beginners.

How a safari day works

You're collected from your hotel and driven to a safari base on the edge of town. After a safety briefing, the convoy heads out with a guide in front and one behind. At the Bedouin camp, you drink sweet tea, see bread baked in the sand, ride a camel and – on evening trips – have dinner and watch a show. More detail in this desert safari guide and about Bedouin culture.

What to wear and bring

• Closed shoes and light long trousers.
• Sunglasses and a scarf – it's dusty; many operators provide a headscarf.
• A warm layer from November to March – desert evenings get chilly.
• Sunscreen and water for daytime trips.
• A little cash for drinks and optional photos.

Safety tips

• Choose a good operator that provides helmets and maintains its vehicles.
• Follow the guide and ride at the group's pace; keep your distance from the vehicle in front.
• Health: quads and buggies aren't recommended during pregnancy or for back problems – choose a jeep or the stargazing trip instead.
• Children: usually ride as passengers – check the minimum age for your trip.
• Animals: choose camps that treat camels and horses well.

Pickup from the resorts

Safaris pick up from hotels in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay; the further from Hurghada, the earlier the pickup. See the pickup areas and our Makadi Bay guide.