2025 Safari Dessert Tour in Hurghada: An Honest Review
Getting Away from the Coast
So, you’re thinking about leaving the bright blue sea of Hurghada behind for an afternoon, right? Actually, it’s a very common thought people have when they see the massive expanse of sand meeting the sky. The call of the Eastern Desert is, well, pretty strong when you are there. Honestly, it’s almost like a totally different planet just a short drive from your hotel. The safari dessert tour is, you know, a classic Hurghada thing to do. So many people are sort of curious about what’s out there beyond the resorts and stuff. And frankly, trading the poolside for a sandy adventure for a day is a pretty good idea, I mean, it changes the whole feel of your holiday. Basically, you get picked up in a jeep, and as you drive away, the buildings just, like, disappear. Then, it’s just you and these massive, sort of silent, ochre-colored mountains. It is, you know, a little bit awe-inspiring, to be honest. You kind of get a sense of how vast and quiet this part of the world really is. We are talking about an experience that is more or less completely about the raw scenery and, you know, a different way of life. At the end of the day, it is one of those trips that stays with you for a really long time.
Picking Your Ride: Quads, Buggies, and Camels
Okay, so once you arrive at the starting point, you pretty much have a choice to make, and it’s a fun one. First, you’ve got your quad bikes, which are obviously the most popular option for many people. Your guide gives you, like, a quick rundown on how to use them, which is frankly quite simple. Then, you’re off, following the group in a line across the open plains, you know? The feeling of the engine rumbling beneath you is just incredibly exciting. You are actually kicking up a lot of sand, and the wind is rushing past your face. I mean, it’s a seriously thrilling way to see the scenery up close. It can be a bit dusty, so, a scarf to wrap around your face is definitely a good idea, as a matter of fact. Some tours also have these two-seater dune buggies, which are sort of like go-karts made for the sand.
On the other hand, you have the camels, which are, you know, the total opposite experience in some respects. A camel ride is slow, sort of gentle, and honestly very peaceful. You get this high vantage point, and you can really take in the silence of the desert around you. It’s almost like you’re stepping back in time for just a little while. The movement is a bit strange at first, kind of a swaying motion, but you get used to it pretty much right away. For instance, this is a wonderful option if you want to take some amazing photos without the blur of speed. Basically, choosing your ride is all about the kind of adventure you are in the mood for. So, are you looking for a big rush or, like, a more thoughtful and quiet moment? You get to decide, which is kind of cool, right?
A Moment with the Bedouin People
Frankly, the heart of this whole tour is the visit to the Bedouin village. After your ride through the desert, you will almost always arrive at a small settlement, which is where some local families live. It’s a very simple place, usually made up of a few tents and structures, you know? So, you can see how people have adapted to living in this pretty harsh environment for generations. First, they usually greet you with a cup of traditional Bedouin tea. Honestly, it’s very sweet and brewed with desert herbs like ‘habak’, and it’s incredibly refreshing. You just sit on cushions spread out on carpets and sort of take in the atmosphere. The whole thing feels very authentic and, in a way, pretty special.
“Actually, sitting there, sipping that tea as the sun started to get lower in the sky, you just felt a million miles from everything. It was, like, a real moment of calm and connection.”
I mean, you will often see them baking fresh flatbread on a hot metal plate over a fire, and you usually get to try some, which is absolutely delicious. You know, you get a small peek into their daily routines and their culture. The guides are typically good at explaining their customs and answering any questions you might have about their life in the desert. You might be able to see some of their handicrafts and stuff like that. It is a moment of cultural exchange that, to be honest, adds a lot of depth to the whole safari experience. At the end of the day, it’s more than just a ride; it’s about meeting people and understanding a different way of life, even if it is just for a little bit.
Sunset, Dinner, and the Stars Above
As the day starts to cool down, you will find a spot to watch the sunset, which is frankly a really big highlight. The sun sinks behind the distant mountains, and it paints the whole sky in these incredible shades of orange, pink, and purple, you know? The light changes so fast, and the way it hits the sand is just, well, something you have to see for yourself. It’s very quiet then, almost like the desert is holding its breath. This part is incredibly photogenic, so, have your camera ready. It’s a moment that feels very, very peaceful. Once the sun is gone, the air gets a little cooler, and the staff will start to prepare for the evening’s events.
So, the dinner is usually a buffet with a pretty good selection of Egyptian food, like grilled chicken and kofta, rice, different salads, and breads. I mean, it is simple food, but it tastes so good after a day out in the open air. After dinner, the entertainment typically starts. This often includes a belly dancing show, which is always, like, full of energy and color. There’s also the Tanoura show, a folk dance where a man in a massive, weighted skirt spins around and around. Honestly, it’s completely mesmerizing to watch. It is sort of a spiritual performance, and it’s unlike anything else you will see. It is, basically, a very memorable part of the evening. And when the show is over, and the camp lights are turned down, you get the final spectacle: the stars. Away from all the city lights, the sky is just, like, full of them. You can see constellations so clearly. A guide might even point out some stars and planets for you. It’s just a perfectly quiet way to finish off your day in the desert.
What to Know for Your 2025 Hurghada Trip
Alright, so if you are getting ready for your own desert trip, here are a few practical things to keep in mind, you know? First, think about what you are going to wear. Lightweight, long-sleeved clothes are a really good idea, actually, to protect your skin from the sun. Likewise, you will want closed-toe shoes like trainers, not sandals, especially for the quad bikes. Next, you should definitely bring some essentials with you. A pair of sunglasses is a must, and so is a scarf, or shemagh, to cover your head and face from the sun and dust; you can usually buy one there pretty cheap anyway. You know, you should also bring a camera or your phone for pictures, but keep it in a bag to protect it from the sand. A little bit of cash for any small souvenirs or to tip the guides and drivers is also a good thing to have.
When you are choosing a tour, you might want to look at a few options. So, some are more focused on the thrill of the quad biking, while others spend more time at the Bedouin camp. To be honest, read the descriptions carefully to find one that sort of matches what you’re looking for. It is probably a good idea to check what’s included, for example, drinks and dinner. As a matter of fact, the trips usually last about five to seven hours, including the pickup and drop-off from your hotel. You get picked up in the early afternoon and returned in the evening after all the stargazing is done. Seriously, it’s a very full and rewarding day out. Following these tips will, more or less, make sure you have an amazing and comfortable time on your safari dessert tour.
- Clothing: Basically wear light layers and definitely closed-toe shoes.
- Accessories: Frankly, don’t forget your sunglasses and a scarf for the dust.
- Booking: I mean, read the tour details to find a trip that fits your style.
- Hydration: Of course, drink plenty of water, which is usually provided for you.
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