Sharm El-Sheikh: ATV and Camel Ride with BBQ Dinner and Show

Stargazing begins with engine noise. This Sharm El-Sheikh evening combines desert riding and telescope-guided views of the night sky, led by professional astronomers who explain what you’re looking at as darkness settles in. I like that the plan has real pacing (driving, stops, dinner, then stars), and you’re not stuck waiting around. One thing to keep in mind: it’s a physically active ride, and it’s not suitable if you’re pregnant or have back problems.

What really wins me over is the mix of big moments: a camel ride over the mountains plus a full Bedouin camp evening with shows, then astronomy time when the sky turns into the main event. I also like that you’re in air-conditioned transport for pickup/drop-off, and the whole experience is built around comfort stops with breaks. The main drawback is that some extra-selling can happen around photos and scarves, so bring cash and plan to be firm if you’re not interested.

Key highlights you’ll feel immediately

• Hotel pickup and a smooth start: air-conditioned van, quick instructions, and time to get sorted before riding
• ATV/buggy time that doesn’t drag: about 50 minutes of driving with two built-in breaks
• Bedouin camp stops with real variety: tea and camel views, then dinner and a show with fire man, Tanura, and Bedouin dance
• Telescope stargazing with professional astronomers: expect guided views of stars and planets rather than just staring
• Guides who set the tone: names like Hassan, Omar, Yusuf, Sabry, and Ibrahim (Coconut) come up for a reason

How the evening starts: pickup, scarves, and your first safety briefing

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned van. You’ll meet your guides and the rest of your group at the safari station, where you get a quick rundown of what happens next. Before you head out, you’ll be helped with scarf-wrapping so you look the part and stay comfortable for the desert wind.

Here’s what matters for your comfort: you’ll be riding in the open and spending time outdoors after dark. Wear clothes you can move in and that handle temperature swings. The tour also makes it clear that when you’re on the buggy/ATV, you should keep your valuables stored away in your bag—think money, phones, and personal papers (like passports). That’s smart in a place where you’ll be bouncing around and passing your time at speed.

One practical note from the experience itself: some guests flagged that quad/ATV condition and helmet fit can vary. It’s not a reason to panic, but it’s a reason to do a quick check on your ride and helmet before you roll.

ATV or dune buggy in the Sinai desert: what the ride really feels like

You’ll drive for about 50 minutes total, including two breaks. The ATV/buggy portion is the main adrenaline chunk, and it’s where the group energy shifts from “setup” to “let’s go.” If you chose the quad runner option, you may also get additional adventure in the Sinai desert—best if you like a longer, more active outdoors feel.

A few details that help you plan:

• You’ll learn how to drive before setting off, but don’t assume the controls will feel identical to every vehicle you’ve used.
• For safety, there can be changes from double quads to single quads depending on weight or balance. An extra fee may apply (noted as €10 per person).
• Some people noted quads that needed minor adjustments and others noted a mechanical issue on their ride. If you feel unusual vibration or the accelerator/brake feel off, speak up early so it gets sorted.

Safety-wise, the tour does keep you in a guided setup. One guest mentioned that helmet buckles were very worn, which is worth taking seriously. Before you start, tighten everything properly and do a quick head-movement check to make sure the helmet stays put.

If you want this to be fun rather than stressful, go in with a simple mindset: control first, speed second.

The two driving breaks: echo time and Bedouin tea with mountain views

That 50-minute driving block includes two breaks, and both are more than filler.

Break #1: the echo stop

You’ll pause in a spot where the sound carries through giant mountains—one of those desert moments that feels almost like a movie scene. It’s short, but it’s a good reset for your legs and your eyes after the dust-and-speed part.

Break #2: Bedouin tea plus camel ride panoramas

The second break is at a Bedouin camp where you’ll get Bedouin tea. Then you’ll ride a camel with panoramic views of the mountains. This is the slower, more “stand still and look around” intermission. The camel ride is also a great contrast to the ATV/buggy: you go from adrenaline rhythm to quiet scenery.

A comfort detail matters here too: people reported working toilets at each stop, which is exactly what you want on a longer evening outing. Still, bring it up with your guide if you need a moment before you get back in line.

Bedouin dinner and the show lineup: fire man, Tanura, and dance

After the camel-and-tea stop, you move to another Bedouin camp for the evening’s main event: a show, party atmosphere, and BBQ Bedouin dinner (open buffet).

This portion is built for atmosphere, not just hunger. You’ll get:

• Bedouin bread (served as part of the dinner experience)
• An open-buffet BBQ with grilled meat with kofta, chicken, rice, vegetables, and salads, plus cola with dinner
• Several included shows: fire man, Tanura show, and Bedouin dance

What I like about this structure is that it keeps things moving. You’re not waiting for one long performance at a time; you’re fed, entertained, and then eased toward the next phase—stargazing—when the sky is ready to deliver.

Food note: multiple people said the dinner was well-seasoned and even better than expected. That’s a big deal on tours like this, where BBQ can sometimes feel like an afterthought.

Timing-wise, you’ll eventually shift from music and dancing into quiet. That transition is intentional: astronomy works best when your eyes adjust and the group settles.

Telescope stargazing with astronomers: seeing stars and planets, not just guessing

Once dinner and shows wrap, you head to watch the stars and planets using astronomical telescopes. This is the part many people book for, and it’s also where the tour feels most “worth it.”

The key difference: professional astronomers don’t just point upward. They explain what you’re looking at—stars, planets, and the overall patterns of the night sky. If you’re the type who usually stares and wonders what you’re actually seeing, this is the fix.

A couple of useful details:

• You’ll spot stars using the telescopes, and you may even get help aiming with a phone through the telescope when possible.
• The desert location helps because you’re outside the heavy light pollution you’d get near city centers.

Bring your camera, but also remember: in real stargazing, the best photos sometimes happen when you’re patient and stop chasing every shot. Give your eyes time to adjust, then ask the astronomer what to look at next.

Guides and group vibe: the names that keep showing up

A lot of people focus on the rides and the stars, but the guides are a huge part of why this tour earns strong scores. You’ll see recurring names like Hassan, Omar, Mr Sabry, Yusuf, Sabry, and Ibrahim—often called Coconut—plus others like Nanas and Mario.

What these guides tend to deliver (and what you should look for on your day) is clear communication and a relaxed safety tone. Several people mentioned feeling safe and welcomed, and also that tips or extras were not pushed hard in a way that ruined the mood.

That said, there are two areas where you should be mentally prepared:

1. Camel and camp photography extras

Some guests said camel handlers can be pushy about tips, and that there are photo/video options offered at camp. Prices reported included around £15 per person for photos/videos, and other photographers were seen charging about £5 for one photo. People managed to negotiate down, but you’ll have better luck if you’re polite and direct from the start—say yes to what you want, and no to what you don’t.

1. Scarves add-on

The tour includes cultural Egyptian scarves if an add-on is selected. One guest strongly recommended bringing your own scarf instead, noting a cost (they cited £4 for a scarf on their day). If you don’t want to shop, pack one before you go.

If you want the experience to stay fun, treat it like this: enjoy what’s included, and decide up front what you’ll pay extra for.

Price and value: why $35 can feel like a steal

At about $35 per person, this tour is priced for people who want multiple highlights in one night: ATV/buggy, camel ride, Bedouin dinner, shows, and telescope stargazing with astronomers.

Here’s the value angle that matters in real life:

• You’re paying for more than one activity. If you booked ATV alone, or dinner/show alone, you’d likely spend similar money without the astronomy.
• The stargazing component is the differentiator. Many tours call themselves stargazing, but here it’s telescope time with astronomers.
• The dinner and show aren’t treated like a tiny add-on. The BBQ menu is clearly laid out and the show lineup is included.

The only value warning I’d give is to budget small “extras” if you care about photos and scarves, and to check how your specific ATV/buggy is set up before you start riding.

What to bring (and what to skip) for a smoother night

The tour gives you the essentials, but you’ll be happier if you come prepared. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking around in a desert setting)
• A camera (and plan to use it in short bursts)
• Comfortable clothes you can layer for evening cooling

You might also want to bring:

• Your own scarf if you’d rather avoid buying at the station or camp
• Cash for tips or small add-ons, since a few guides/handlers and photo staff may expect it

What’s listed as not included:

• Shisha smoking
• Scarf Arafat and protective goggles

So don’t assume you’ll be outfitted with everything. If you personally use goggles or want eye protection, pack them.

Fitness and health fit:

• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people with back problems

Should you book the Sharm El-Sheikh ATV and stargazing night safari?

If your goal is an active desert evening plus real star time, I’d book this. The combination is the point: ATV/buggy energy by day’s last light, camel views at the Bedouin tea stop, dinner and show by campfire vibes, then telescope-guided astronomy.

You should skip it (or choose a gentler alternative) if you have back issues or you’re pregnant. Also, if you dislike any kind of souvenir/photo selling, decide in advance how you’ll handle it. The experience can still be great—just go in with a clear plan.

Bottom line: for value, organization, and those big sky-at-night moments, this tour makes a strong case.

FAQ

How do I get to the safari station?

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, then returned to the hotel afterward.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What ride options are available?

You can do an ATV or dune buggy depending on your selected option.

How long is the driving part?

The driving time is about 50 minutes total, including two breaks.

Are there breaks during the ride?

Yes. There are two breaks: one to enjoy the echo in the giant mountains, and another at a Bedouin camp for tea and camel riding.

Is a camel ride included?

Yes, you’ll ride a camel with panoramic views of the mountains.

What’s included in the Bedouin dinner?

You’ll get Bedouin bread and an open buffet BBQ dinner with grilled meat with kofta, chicken, rice, vegetables, salads, and cola with dinner.

What shows are included at the camp?

The included shows are a fire man, the Tanura show, and Bedouin dance.

Is stargazing with telescopes included?

Yes. You’ll watch stars and planets using astronomical telescopes with professional astronomers.

Who should not book this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.