Desert Safari Hurghada

What to Expect from the Desert Safari in Hurghada

A desert safari from Hurghada is one of the most exciting and diverse excursions you can undertake during your Egypt holiday. The Arabian Desert stretches immediately behind the hotels and beaches of Hurghada, forming a fascinating counterworld to the turquoise Red Sea. On our desert safari, you experience this impressive landscape up close, whether on a quad bike, in a buggy, in an off-road vehicle, or on the back of a camel.

The Arabian Desert east of Hurghada is a landscape full of contrasts: rugged rock formations alternate with soft sand dunes, craggy wadis run through the terrain, and in the distance the mountains of the Red Sea range rise up. This landscape was shaped over millions of years by wind, water, and extreme temperature differences, offering a quiet, majestic beauty that captivates every visitor. The desert safari from Hurghada is far more than just an adventure excursion: it is an encounter with one of the oldest and most impressive natural landscapes on Earth.

Our desert safaris depart daily from Hurghada and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you seek the adrenaline rush of a quad ride, the romance of a camel ride at sunset, or simply want to absorb the silence of the desert, we have the right excursion for you. All safaris include pickup from your hotel and are accompanied by experienced guides who know the desert inside out.

The Different Safari Options

Quad Safari: Pure Adrenaline in the Desert

The quad safari is our most action-packed desert excursion and is particularly popular with adventure seekers. On an all-terrain quad bike, you race across sand dunes, through rocky wadis, and over open desert terrain. The quad ride lasts between one and two hours of driving time depending on the excursion booked and provides an unforgettable adrenaline experience. No previous experience is required as you receive a thorough briefing on operating the quad before departure. The ride takes place in a convoy with an experienced guide at the front, so you can focus entirely on the driving experience.

Buggy Safari: Adventure for Couples and Friends

The buggy safari offers a similar adrenaline experience to the quad excursion but in a two-seater off-road vehicle. This makes it ideal for couples or friends who want to race through the desert together. The open buggies offer unobstructed views of the landscape and an intense driving sensation. With their wide tires and low center of gravity, they are particularly stable on the desert sand. The buggy safari is also a good choice for anyone who feels less confident on a quad bike.

Jeep Safari: Comfortable Through the Desert

The jeep safari takes you deep into the Arabian Desert in an all-wheel-drive vehicle, further than quads and buggies can travel. In an air-conditioned jeep, you reach remote wadis, rock drawings, and viewpoints that remain hidden from most tourists. The jeep safari is ideal for families with small children, older travelers, or anyone who prefers the comfort of an enclosed vehicle while still experiencing the wilderness of the desert.

Morning Safari, Sunset Safari, and Full-Day Safari

We offer our desert safaris at different times of day. The morning safari starts early when temperatures are still pleasant and the light bathes the desert in soft pastel tones. The sunset safari is our most popular option: you experience the spectacular display of colors as the sun sinks behind the desert mountains, painting the sky in gold, orange, and purple. The full-day safari combines morning and evening programs and offers the most comprehensive desert experience with quad riding, camel riding, Bedouin village visit, lunch, dinner, and stargazing.

Schedule and Program

Pickup and Transfer

Your desert safari begins with pickup directly from your hotel in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, or Sahl Hasheesh. The drive to the desert starting point takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Already during the journey, the landscape changes dramatically as the coastal city gives way to the stark beauty of the desert.

The Safari Experience

Upon arrival at the starting point, you receive a detailed briefing on your vehicle or camel. Then the adventure begins. The route leads through varied terrain: soft sand dunes, rocky plains, narrow wadis, and open expanses with panoramic views of the mountains. Along the way, you stop for photos at particularly scenic points. Your guide explains the geological history of the landscape, shows you tracks of desert animals, and draws your attention to the few but remarkable plants that survive in this extreme environment.

Bedouin Village Visit

A highlight of every desert safari is the visit to a traditional Bedouin village. Here you are greeted with aromatic Bedouin tea and gain an insight into the millennia-old culture of the desert dwellers. The Bedouins show you how they bake flatbread in the sand, use medicinal herbs, and live in harmony with the harsh desert environment. You can ride a camel, try henna painting, or simply enjoy the silence of the desert.

BBQ Dinner Under the Starry Sky

On evening and full-day safaris, a traditional BBQ dinner awaits you at the Bedouin camp. Over an open fire, tender grilled chicken, kofta kebabs, seasoned rice, and fresh salads are prepared. Freshly baked flatbread and Bedouin tea complete the meal. Dining under the clear desert sky, accompanied by the crackling of the campfire, is an experience for all the senses.

Stargazing in the Desert

After dinner comes a highlight that many guests describe as the most magical moment of the safari: stargazing in the desert. Far from any light pollution, the night sky above the Arabian Desert shines with a splendor rarely experienced in Europe. You see the Milky Way as a luminous band above you, recognize countless constellations, and can observe shooting stars. Your guide explains the most important constellations and shares stories that the Bedouins have passed down for generations about the stars.

Flora and Fauna of the Arabian Desert

At first glance the desert appears lifeless, but a closer look reveals an astonishing diversity of life. The Arabian Desert near Hurghada is home to Dorcas gazelles, desert foxes, jerboas, various lizard species, and scorpions. Bird life includes the desert wheatear, various raptor species, and migratory birds. The plant world encompasses acacias, tamarisk trees, and various desert shrubs that survive with minimal water.

On morning and evening safaris, you have the best chances of observing desert wildlife as these animals avoid the hot midday hours and become active at dusk. Our guide knows the tracks and signs of desert inhabitants and can show you where animals have their burrows or search for food.

Prices and Booking

We offer our desert safari excursions in various packages to suit every budget. The quad safari starts from 35 euros per person including hotel transfer, quad ride, Bedouin tea, and snacks. The sunset safari with quad, Bedouin village visit, and BBQ dinner costs from 45 euros per person. The buggy safari starts from 50 euros per person for a two-seater. The full-day safari with quad, camel ride, Bedouin village, lunch, dinner, and stargazing is available from 65 euros per person. Jeep safaris start from 40 euros per person.

Children aged 6 to 12 receive discounted rates on all excursions. Children under 6 can participate free of charge on the jeep safari and camel ride. The minimum age for driving a quad is 16, while children aged 6 and above can ride as passengers. Private excursions for families or groups are available on request and offer an exclusive desert experience tailored to your wishes.

Tips and Advice

Wear closed shoes that can get dirty, as well as comfortable, long clothing that protects against sun and dust. Sun protection is essential year-round: sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and a hat or head scarf. For quad and buggy safaris, we recommend a neck scarf or buff that you can pull over your mouth and nose to protect yourself from kicked-up dust.

For evening safaris, bring a warm jacket as desert temperatures can drop quickly and significantly after sunset, especially during the winter months from November to March. Bring a camera but protect it from fine desert dust, ideally in a sealable bag. Sufficient drinking water is provided on all excursions, but you are welcome to bring additional water.

The desert safari is available year-round. The most pleasant months are October through April when daytime temperatures range between 25 and 30 degrees. In summer from May to September, we offer exclusively morning and evening safaris to avoid the extreme midday heat. In case of extraordinary weather conditions such as sandstorms, an excursion may be rescheduled for safety reasons.

Why Choose Ra Reisen?

Ra Reisen has been offering desert safaris from Hurghada for many years and knows the most beautiful routes and hidden spots in the Arabian Desert. Our experienced guides grew up in the desert and love sharing their passion for this fascinating landscape with you. All our vehicles are regularly maintained and meet the highest safety standards. We value small group sizes so that every guest can enjoy a personal and unforgettable experience.

What sets Ra Reisen apart from other operators: we travel off the beaten tourist tracks and show you the authentic desert. Our Bedouin village visits are not staged shows but genuine encounters with families who have lived in the desert for generations. Revenue flows directly to local communities. Our German-speaking customer service is available around the clock, and flexible cancellation policies give you the peace of mind to book worry-free. Experience the magic of the Egyptian desert on an unforgettable safari with Ra Reisen.