Information
Landmark: Desert SafariCity: Hurghada
Country: Egypt
Continent: Africa
Desert Safari, Hurghada, Egypt, Africa
Overview
A desert safari in Egypt-whether you’re setting out from Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, or Cairo-offers an exhilarating way to roam the golden dunes of the Sahara or the rugged stretches of the Red Sea Desert, with the sun blazing against endless skies.Visitors can soak in the desert’s rugged beauty, hear the rustle of wind through dry brush, and meet its unique wildlife-all while diving into thrilling outdoor adventures.In Egypt, desert safaris often run for half a day or a full day, carrying visitors deep into the sands in a rumbling 4x4 or swaying gently on camelback.These tours let you step right into Egypt’s wide, quiet deserts-places where wind shapes the sand into rippling waves-stretching between the coast and ancient ruins.Some safaris let you camp under the open sky, share smoky barbecue dinners, and lie back to watch the stars, creating a vivid, unforgettable connection with Egypt’s desert.A desert safari often kicks off with heart-pounding 4x4 off-road driving, as visitors weave over rolling sand dunes, bump across rocky ground, and rumble through dry, sun-cracked riverbeds.Expert drivers whisk visitors across the dunes, the tires kicking up sprays of sand in a wild, bumpy rush.On some safaris, you can hop into a 4x4 and tear up and down the dunes, sand spraying against the windows for an extra jolt of excitement.Many desert safaris offer a camel ride, letting visitors sway through the sand the way travelers once did centuries ago.Swaying gently on a camel’s back-the so‑called “ship of the desert”-you can take in the soft gold of the dunes and feel the quiet stretch for miles.Depending on the tour, you might ride a camel for a quick half-hour loop or spend hours trekking over sun-warmed dunes, with plenty of time to drink in the desert’s still, hushed air.If you’re after an extra shot of adrenaline, many desert safari tours include quad biking-also called ATV riding-where you can tear across the sand with the wind in your face.Participants can tear across the sand dunes on an all-terrain vehicle, feeling the grit whip past as they steer through the desert’s rugged curves.If you’re after adventure, quad biking tops the list on desert safaris-it’s a crowd favorite, kicking up dust and delivering pure, fast-paced fun.On many desert safaris, you’ll stop at a Bedouin village, where you can chat with locals, hear stories of their way of life, and step inside a low, hand-woven tent that smells faintly of wood smoke.These villages rise from the desert sands, giving you a brief look at the nomadic way of life that’s shaped Egypt’s desert culture for hundreds of years.Visitors can watch artisans weaving colorful patterns or knotting fine carpet threads, then sit down to a Bedouin meal of smoky grilled meat, warm flatbread, and sweet, fragrant tea.This experience offers a glimpse into the lives of the desert’s indigenous communities, from the rhythm of their dances to the scent of sage drifting through the air.Under the desert’s clear night sky, stars spill across the darkness, making it a perfect place to lie back and watch them shine.Desert safari tours often wrap up with a night beneath a sky thick with stars, where you can sink into the cool desert air and watch planets shine clear and sharp, far from the glow of the city.On some safaris, you might have a professional guide or even an astronomer pointing out constellations overhead and explaining the desert’s wildlife rustling in the cool night air.If you’re craving a little extra thrill, try sandboarding-an exhilarating ride down sun-warmed dunes that’s often part of a desert safari.Much like snowboarding, riders glide down the sides of sand dunes on a board, feeling the warm grit of sand spray at their ankles as they race across the wide, golden slopes.It’s one of those rare experiences everyone talks about, drawing both thrill‑seekers and families-think laughter, wind in your hair, and that rush you feel in your chest.One of the best parts of a desert safari is watching the sun sink behind the dunes, the sand glowing deep gold.As the sun drops behind the sand dunes, the sky deepens into streaks of red, orange, and royal purple, glowing like embers in the fading light.Many desert safaris are planned so you can catch the sunset at its peak, the sky burning orange, before ending the night with a barbecue dinner beneath a blanket of stars.Many safaris wrap up with a traditional barbecue, the scent of grilled meat drifting through a desert camp where the evening’s entertainment begins.The meal usually features smoky grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and crisp salads, giving you a true taste of Egyptian cooking.After dinner, guests often gather to watch lively cultural performances-belly dancing, swirling tanoura dancers in bright skirts, and blazing fire shows-creating a festive buzz as everyone settles in to enjoy the night.On a day desert safari, you might ride a camel across warm, shifting dunes, try your hand at quad biking or sandboarding, and stop by a Bedouin village to glimpse their way of life.These tours let you soak in the desert’s golden dunes and thrill of adventure, all without having to stay overnight.An overnight desert safari lets you sink into the silence of the dunes, spending the night under a sky crowded with stars at a desert camp.On these safaris, you can gaze at a sky scattered with stars, savor traditional dishes rich with spice, and sink into the quiet calm of the desert at night.Some tours will hand you a tent and a warm sleeping bag, so you can camp out under the stars for the real thing.If you’re after something more exclusive and tailored, you can book a private desert safari-just you, a guide, and the sound of wind over the dunes.You can shape these tours around what you love, whether that’s tracing quiet cobblestone streets or chasing the best coffee in town, for an experience that feels entirely your own.Hurghada’s desert safaris take you deep into the Eastern Desert, where wind-carved sand stretches to the jagged peaks of the Red Sea Mountains.This region stretches from wind-swept sand dunes to jagged rock formations, with glimpses of the Red Sea shimmering in the distance.In Sharm El Sheikh, desert safaris take you deep into the golden stretches of the Sinai, with stops at Mount Sinai or the ancient Saint Catherine Monastery, plus camel rides, Bedouin campfires under the stars, and snorkeling among the bright coral reefs just offshore.Many desert safaris set out from Cairo, crossing into the Western Desert’s sweeping dunes, where travelers wander through age-old oasis towns and see landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza glinting in the distance from a fresh vantage point.For a truly remote desert adventure, head to Siwa Oasis, where you can join safaris across the Western Desert, soak in steaming hot springs, wander among crumbling ancient ruins, and take in the rippling gold of untouched sandscapes.For a desert safari, wear light, breathable clothes to stay cool under the scorching sun, and tuck a light jacket or sweater into your bag for when the evening air turns crisp.Sunscreen: Out here, the desert sun beats down hard, so rub some on before your skin feels like it’s baking.Wear sunglasses and a hat to keep the glare out of your eyes and stop gritty sand from stinging.Water: In the desert, staying hydrated can make all the difference, so pack enough to sip even when the sun feels like it’s pressing on your skin.Camera: used to catch the moment, like freezing a drop of rain midair.
