Desert Safari | Hurghada

A Desert Safari in Egypt, particularly around cities like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Cairo, is a thrilling and adventurous way to explore the stunning desert landscapes of the Sahara or the Red Sea Desert. It offers visitors the chance to experience the desert's natural beauty, culture, and wildlife while engaging in exciting outdoor activities.

Overview of Desert Safari in Egypt

Egypt’s desert safaris are typically organized as half-day or full-day tours that take visitors into the heart of the desert in a 4x4 vehicle or on camelback. These tours provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast, serene, and often rugged desert landscapes that surround Egypt's coastal areas and historical sites. Some safaris also include camping, barbecue dinners, and stargazing experiences, offering an unforgettable way to connect with Egypt’s desert environment.

Key Activities in a Desert Safari

4x4 Off-Road Driving

A typical desert safari includes thrilling 4x4 off-road driving, where visitors can experience the adrenaline of navigating through sand dunes, rocky terrains, and dry riverbeds. The skilled drivers take visitors on an exhilarating ride over the dunes, providing a fun and bumpy adventure.

Some safaris even offer the chance to try dune-bashing — speeding up and down the dunes in the 4x4s for an extra burst of excitement.

Camel Riding

Many desert safaris include a camel ride, giving visitors a traditional way to explore the desert, much like travelers did in ancient times. Riding camels, also known as "ships of the desert," offers a unique and peaceful way to observe the beauty of the desert.

Depending on the tour, camel rides can range from short excursions to longer treks, providing ample opportunity to soak in the desert's quiet and serene atmosphere.

Quad Biking (ATV)

For those looking for an even more thrilling experience, quad biking (also known as ATV riding) is often included in desert safari tours. This activity allows participants to zoom across the sand dunes on an all-terrain vehicle, offering a more hands-on adventure as they navigate the desert's terrain.

Quad biking is ideal for adventure seekers and is one of the most popular activities on desert safari tours, offering plenty of excitement and fun.

Bedouin Village Visit

A common feature of desert safaris is a visit to a Bedouin village, where visitors can interact with the Bedouin people, learn about their culture, and see traditional Bedouin tents. These villages are typically set up in the desert, offering a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle that has been a part of Egypt’s desert culture for centuries.

Visitors can observe traditional crafts, such as weaving and carpet-making, and enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal, which may include grilled meats, flatbread, and tea. This experience provides cultural insight into the desert's indigenous communities.

Stargazing

The clear skies of the desert make it an excellent spot for stargazing. Desert safari tours often include a night under the stars, where visitors can relax in the cool desert air and enjoy the breathtaking sight of the stars and planets without the interference of city lights.

Some safaris even include a professional guide or astronomer who provides information about the constellations and the desert's natural surroundings.

Sandboarding

For those interested in a bit of extra adventure, sandboarding is a fun and exhilarating activity that is often available during desert safaris. Similar to snowboarding, participants ride a board down the sides of sand dunes, taking in the rush of speeding down the vast sandy slopes.

It’s a unique experience and a popular activity among thrill-seekers and families alike.

Sunset Viewing

One of the highlights of a desert safari is the chance to witness a desert sunset. The sight of the sun setting over the sand dunes creates a stunning visual, with the sky turning shades of red, orange, and purple. Many desert safari tours are timed to ensure you’re in the best position to enjoy the sunset, followed by a barbecue dinner under the stars.

Barbecue Dinner and Entertainment

Many safaris end with a traditional barbecue dinner, often served at a desert camp. The meal typically consists of grilled meats, vegetables, and salads, offering an authentic taste of Egyptian cuisine.

After dinner, there are often cultural performances such as belly dancing, tanoura dancing (traditional Egyptian dance), and fire shows, making for a festive atmosphere as guests relax and enjoy the entertainment.

Types of Desert Safari Tours

Day Desert Safaris

A day safari typically includes activities such as camel rides, quad biking, sandboarding, and visits to Bedouin villages. These tours are designed for those who want to experience the desert’s beauty and adventure without spending the night.

Overnight Desert Safaris

An overnight desert safari is a more immersive experience, where you spend the night at a desert camp. These safaris offer a chance to stargaze, enjoy traditional meals, and experience the desert’s peacefulness after dark. Some tours even provide sleeping bags and tents for a more authentic experience.

Private Desert Safaris

For those seeking a more exclusive and personalized experience, private desert safari tours are available. These tours can be tailored to your interests, offering a more intimate and customizable adventure.

Best Locations for Desert Safaris in Egypt

Hurghada

The desert safaris around Hurghada offer access to the Eastern Desert and the Red Sea Mountains. This area is known for its diverse terrain, including sand dunes, rocky landscapes, and views of the Red Sea.

Sharm El Sheikh

Desert safaris in Sharm El Sheikh typically explore the Sinai Desert and offer the chance to visit Mount Sinai or the Saint Catherine Monastery, with activities like camel rides, Bedouin experiences, and snorkeling in nearby coral reefs.

Cairo

Desert safaris from Cairo often take tourists to the Western Desert and its vast sand dunes, where visitors can explore ancient oasis towns and visit iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza from a different perspective.

Siwa Oasis

For a more remote desert experience, Siwa Oasis offers safaris through the Western Desert, where visitors can explore natural hot springs, ancient ruins, and unique desert landscapes.

What to Bring on a Desert Safari

Comfortable clothing: Light, breathable clothes are ideal for the hot desert climate, but it’s also important to have a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

Sunscreen: The desert sun can be intense, so sunscreen is essential to protect your skin.

Sunglasses and hat: To shield your eyes from the sun and sand.

Water: Staying hydrated is crucial in the desert, so bring plenty of water.

Camera: To capture the breathtaking desert landscapes and unique moments.

Conclusion

A desert safari in Egypt is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, nature, and culture. Whether you're enjoying thrilling activities like quad biking and dune bashing, learning about the Bedouin way of life, or simply taking in the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert, a desert safari offers something for every traveler. The tranquil desert, with its vast dunes and endless horizons, provides a perfect escape from the bustle of city life and an opportunity to discover the natural wonders of Egypt's wilderness.