Hotels near Eastern Desert Safari

The Eastern Desert begins just minutes from Hurghada's hotel strip, and a desert safari is the best way to experience it. Most excursions depart in the late afternoon and include a quad-bike ride across rocky desert terrain, a camel ride, a stop at a Bedouin camp for tea and a barbecue dinner, and a stargazing session after dark. The absence of light pollution out here makes the Milky Way visible to the naked eye.

Prices range from EUR 20-35 per person depending on the operator and whether a dune buggy or quad bike is included. The typical duration is 4-5 hours (roughly 15:00 to 20:00). Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are standard. Some operators offer sunrise safaris as an alternative, which are quieter and cooler but do not include the Bedouin dinner or stargazing. Children aged 6 and over can usually ride camels and attend the camp, though quad bikes typically require a minimum age of 16.

Pro Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes and long trousers - the desert sand kicks up at speed, and flip-flops will not survive the quad-bike section. Bring a scarf to cover your nose and mouth if it is windy.