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ATV Desert Tour with Alex Safari in El Gouna, Egypt
- Jenn & Leon
- Feb 15, 2023
- 10 min read
Updated: Dec 4
A truly unforgettable experience, our sunset tour across the El Gouna desert with Alex Safari was genuinely one of our best travel adventures.
We not only captured a magnificent view of the setting sun from atop a dune, but we also learned about the history of the desert and met a genuine Bedouin nomadic tribe living in the area.
To top it all off, we enjoyed a barbecue dinner at the end of the day. And let's not forget the excitement of riding the quad bikes!
In this post, we look at everything you need to know about the sunset tour, some background on the Bedouin tribes of Egypt, and how to book your Alex Safari ticket.
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Our Alex Safari Sunset ATV Tour Highlights
We have been on some pretty epic ATV tours, notably the 'top of the world' tour up the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The views were spectacular, as was the challenge of the terrain. We always enjoy this type of activity, and we jumped at the opportunity when we heard it was available in El Gouna.
After we booked the tour, our immediate concern was our sunglasses!
Having just bought new ones after a couple of years persevering with their predecessors, we were worried about them getting damaged.
We went on the hunt for some, but unfortunately, the search was fruitless.
Fortunately, plastic goggles were provided for $5 once we got there, as was a head scarf for the same price. So all good!
We were picked up by a shuttle bus directly in front of our hotel, and after picking up other guests along the way, we arrived at Alex Safari's main meet-and-greet and dining area.
We were both very excited to get going, and after getting set up with our headgear and watching a few camels pass by, we were ready for our introduction to the bikes.
And yes, you can take a camel ride should you so wish!
A quick but detailed introduction later, and we were given around 5 minutes to practice on a circular desert track.
The instructors were super helpful and were always on hand to assist anyone who had any issues.
Throughout the entire tour, they will pass up and down the line, keeping an eye on everything and maintaining safety. They were experienced and very professional throughout.
Also doubling up as local information guides and historians, there were some cool facts about the desert, El Gouna, and the Bedouin tribes articulated by our hosts.
It was fascinating to hear about some of the customs and traditions of the local people who live in this place, one that seemed so inhospitable and desolate while riding the bikes.
We loved these parts of the tour, and it was nice to take a break from the constant 'thumbing' of the ATV accelerators. Do you ever struggle with that?
After visiting a genuine Bedouin village (more on that later), we drove through this 'farm.' This was one of two failed projects aimed at creating a form of agriculture.
Even the hosts were unsure of what it was, but regardless of its original purpose, this 'farm' looked incredible beneath the far-reaching rays of the slowly sinking sun.
Almost reminiscent of the shapes at Desert Breath (a land art installation in the El Gouna desert), this spot made for a great photo op, which we duly stopped for!
We then took a good twenty-minute drive over to the sunset spot. It had been a fantastic couple of hours, and the whole group was eager to get to the grand finale.
And it certainly did not disappoint! It was just ABSOLUTELY EPIC!
We hope the pictures can do it justice; this was a moment that will forever be etched into our memories!
It was just so magical, and the sun was in perfect form as it kissed the horizon, its final beams of the day shrinking behind the desert mountains.
The tour guides were more than willing to take photos for us, and we were most grateful for this one below.
Leon already proposed in Cyprus way back in 2019, and if he had not, this would have been the time! It almost felt like that anyway, and our connection at this moment was truly electric!
With the tour and indeed the day's light coming to an end, we parked up and made our way back with the group to the main dining and reception area.
Honestly, we thought we were going to be getting straight onto the coaches, only to be told we were having dinner!
So much of the cuisine we tried in Egypt was delicious, but we have to say there is something about locally cooked food that satisfies us.
This treat was no exception, and with a surprising amount of choice on offer, this buffet was perfect. We had grilled chicken, rice, salad, Bolognese pasta, beans, tortillas, and mince to choose from. Perfect!
The food was perfectly cooked and was super tasty. We all ate together with music in the background, sitting on the small benches that lined the walls, just eating and drinking and soaking up the moment.
It was a wonderful end to the tour, and the atmosphere was great. Perhaps bonus unexpected food always tastes good?!
With that, our time at Alex Safari was almost over. We were full, tired, very dusty, and looking forward to a good shower!
But before we left, we were offered the opportunity to purchase photos that had been taken throughout the tour by a very adept cameraman, who we saw was taking some great shots at bends and random intervals.
Now we were promised 4k footage, which turned out not to be the case, but we are still glad we have the content.
We paid $20 for the photos to be sent to us via a WhatsApp link, and after a few days, we had to chase them to send the files.
They did in the end, so what do you think? Would you pay for these? Do you usually get photos from these kinds of activities?
Who Are the Bedouin Tribes?
Bedouins are nomadic Arabic-speaking tribes who have historically inhabited the desert regions spread across the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and Mesopotamia.
There are said to be around 25 million Bedouin people in these areas, and most live in self-built, self-sustaining villages.
The term 'Bedouin' means 'desert dweller' in English. Traditionally, Bedouin people herd camels and goats to help support their village.
Despite a growing number of Bedouin people opting for a more urban lifestyle closer to the main cities, there are still some 1.2 million people living in the deserts of Egypt alone.
They are highly adept at living in the harsh and arid sandy conditions and are particularly well known for their delicious bread, of which we were given the true honor to try after watching it being so easily made in front of us.
Only flour, water, and salt are used. Check it out below!
This was a great experience, and as part of the tour of the village, we were also offered tea and a great bit of background history of the Bedouin people.
Of the many incredible times we have had traveling full-time, moments like this are some of those that we value as the very best. Learning about tradition and culture is a driving force of ours and a core focus of Closer Lives itself!
Thank you to Alex Safari, the Bedouin, and El Gouna for an ATV tour we will never forget.
Read on for more information on how to get tickets, tour operating times, and our Alex Safari rating.
Getting Tickets for Alex Safari
There are several different tours available starting from 35 euros per person. We chose the sunset quad bike option, which lasted for four hours and, as mentioned, included a fantastic dinner after we finished the tour.
You can also choose sunrise or night-gazing tours, and we are certain these would have been just as amazing as what we took!
Other options include jeep tours to villages and places of interest in the desert, such as the Roman city of Mons Claudianus and the aforementioned Bedouin village.
It is important to note that most of the Alex Safari Tours are booked through the hotels, which will also arrange transport/pick-up & drop-off.
We would recommend this option, as it felt secure and trustworthy as opposed to booking online and finding our way there, even though it was slightly more expensive (by about $5).
⪢ Book Your Tour with Get Your Guide
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Also, get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now & pay later. Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
No matter where your travels take you, GetYourGuide offers the best way to connect with your destination.
Alex Safari Operating Times
Alex Safari offers a variety of different tour options for all party sizes.
Sunrise, sunset, or stargazing overnight, it is almost a 24-hour operation!
As tours can last up to 4 hours, there are set options to choose from, and typically, you will be offered their highly popular sunset tour, which starts at 2 pm.
How to Get to Your ATV Desert Tour in El Gouna
El Gouna is a modern resort town on the Red Sea coast, about 25 km north of Hurghada, Egypt.
It’s known for its beaches, lagoons, and easy access to desert adventures, making it the perfect base for an ATV safari.
Hotel Pickup (Most Common Option)
Most ATV desert tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, especially if you're staying in El Gouna or Hurghada.
Simply confirm your hotel details at booking.
Pickup usually happens 30–60 minutes before your tour time, depending on your location.
Transportation is often in a shared air-conditioned van or minibus
By Taxi
If your tour doesn’t offer pickup, you can take a taxi directly to the desert base camp (your tour provider will give exact GPS coordinates).
● From central El Gouna: 15–20 minutes
● From Hurghada: 30–40 minutes
Always agree on the fare before the ride, or ask your hotel to arrange a trusted driver.
By Car
Driving in El Gouna is relatively easy, and if you have a rental car, you can use GPS to reach the safari departure point, usually near the outskirts of town. Free parking is usually available on-site.
Car Rental
Whether you're planning scenic road trips or quick rides around town, renting a car or scooter can save time. Rentalcars.com helps you find the best deals from reputable providers.
Easily Find Hotels in El Gouna and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse El Gouna hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay.
Watch our ATV Tour and more from El Gouna on YouTube
This luxurious man-made city in Egypt offers plenty of VIP experiences. In our two-part video series, we compare budget and luxury accommodations, with even our 'budget' option being quite extravagant.
We stay at the Fanadir Hotel in El Gouna, explore the city, spotlight the popular kitesurfing scene, and share highlights from our ATV tour and local cuisine.
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Our Experience Rating:
Alex Safari
How often do you get to take an ATV through a desert, right?! That in itself gets 5 stars, but the service was fantastic, and the whole team at Alex Safari deserved plenty of credit for their tour handling.
The route is a good distance and is well organized; there are regular stops for information, photos, and, of course, the sunset.
Oh, and the bonus of the food at the end! Brilliant and highly recommended as far as we are concerned. Alex Safari is a must-try if you are in El Gouna.
FAQ: ATV Desert Tour – El Gouna, Egypt
What is the ATV Desert Tour in El Gouna?
The ATV Desert Tour is an adventurous ride through the Eastern Desert near El Gouna, offering travelers the chance to explore Egypt’s golden dunes, Bedouin villages, and panoramic mountain views on all-terrain vehicles.
Where do the tours start from?
Most tours include pickup from hotels in El Gouna or Hurghada. The starting point is usually a desert base located 20–30 minutes outside the town.
How long does the ATV Desert Tour last?
Tours typically last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the package. Some include stops at Bedouin camps for tea or sunset viewing.
Do I need previous ATV experience?
No prior experience is needed. ATV desert tours in El Gouna are beginner-friendly. Most tours include a short briefing and practice ride before heading out. Guides ride at a moderate pace, and safety gear like helmets is typically provided.
What should I wear for an ATV tour in the desert?
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses, a scarf or bandana to cover your face, and closed shoes. Helmets are provided by the tour operator.
Is the tour safe?
Yes, reputable operators prioritize safety and provide helmets, safety instructions, and guided routes. Always follow your guide’s directions, especially on uneven terrain.
Are children allowed on ATV desert tours?
Age limits vary by operator. Some allow children to ride as passengers with adults, while others have a minimum age requirement (usually 16) for solo riders.
What’s the best time of day to take the tour?
Sunrise and sunset tours are the most popular — temperatures are cooler, and the lighting creates dramatic desert scenery.
Are there photo stops or scenic viewpoints?
Yes, most tours include stops for photography at dunes or rocky viewpoints overlooking the Red Sea Mountains.
What’s included in the tour price?
Packages generally include pickup and drop-off, ATV rental, helmets, a guide, and sometimes refreshments or a short camel ride.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (October–April), to secure your preferred time slot.
Is tipping expected after the tour?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A small gratuity for your guide or driver is a kind gesture if you enjoyed the experience.
You simply cannot miss out on this experience if you are staying in Hurghada! Truly unforgettable!