Full Description
The Safaga Desert Safari from Port combines quad riding, Spider Buggy driving, a Bedouin village visit, a short camel ride and a BBQ during your cruise stop.
You are collected at the agreed meeting point in Safaga Port and travel with your own booking group to the safari station. After a safety briefing, the programme begins in Egypt’s Eastern Desert. You ride a quad along desert tracks, try an open Spider Buggy and later visit a Bedouin village.
Bedouin tea, a short camel ride, BBQ lunch and a folklore show are part of the programme.
The excursion is adjusted to the actual time your cruise ship is in port. For cruise guests, a planned return with a sensible time buffer matters more than following a fixed minute-by-minute timetable.
Participants | Port transfer vehicle | Price per person | Children 6–11 |
|---|---|---|---|
1–2 people | Private vehicle | €200 | €100* |
3–8 people | Private comfortable minibus | €150 | €75* |
*The booking system lists children aged 6–11 at 50% of the adult price. Actual participation in quad and buggy activities also depends on age, height, safety rules and the confirmed seating arrangement.
Children aged 0 to 5 are currently listed as free in the booking system. On a desert safari, however, a free place does not automatically mean every driving activity is suitable for a very young child.
Safaga Desert Safari from Port at a Glance
The programme includes:
Pickup from Safaga Port
Return transfer to your cruise ship
Private air-conditioned port transfer
Safari guide
Safety briefing
Quad ride through the desert
Around 30 km of quad riding
Open Spider Buggy ride
Bedouin village visit
Bedouin tea
Short camel ride
BBQ lunch
Folklore show
Tanoura
Belly dance
Private operation for your booking group
No planned shopping stops
Schedule adjusted to the confirmed cruise ship port time
If you want to compare other shore excursions from Safaga:
Why Choose a Desert Safari During a Safaga Port Stop?
Many Safaga shore excursions go to Luxor, Dendera or Red Sea coastal towns.
The safari offers a different type of day.
Instead of temples and museums, the focus is on:
Desert
Quad riding
Buggy driving
Bedouin village
Camel ride
BBQ
Entertainment
This can be a good option if you already know some of Egypt’s historic sites or simply want something more active during your cruise stop.
Eastern Desert, Not the Sahara
The safari takes place in Egypt’s Eastern Desert.
Safaga sits on the Red Sea, east of the Nile.
The desert region between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea belongs to the Eastern Desert.
Pickup Directly from Safaga Port
Your driver collects you at the confirmed meeting point in the port area.
The exact meeting place depends on:
Berth location
Current port rules
Ship clearance
Port-day organisation
When making your enquiry, always provide:
Cruise ship name
Cruise line
Planned arrival in Safaga
Planned departure from Safaga
Number of adults
Number and ages of children
Which Cruise Guests Can Join?
The tour is popular with guests from cruise lines such as:
AIDA
Mein Schiff
MSC
Costa
Norwegian Cruise Line
Guests from other cruise companies can also enquire.
The main requirement is that your ship stays in port long enough for the full safari programme and the return.
Transfer from the Port to the Safari Station
The sample schedule gives pickup at around 08:00 and the safari programme beginning at around 09:00.
These times are not fixed for every cruise ship.
The actual start depends on your ship’s arrival and clearance.
You travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the safari station.
Arrival and Safety Briefing
Before using a quad or buggy, you receive a safety briefing.
This should cover:
Vehicle controls
Braking
Distance from other riders
Riding on desert tracks
Speed
Guide signals
Stop procedures
If you have never ridden a quad before, say so before starting.
Previous experience is not required.
Quad Riding in the Desert
The quad route is approximately 30 kilometres.
Actual riding time can depend on:
Route
Group pace
Ground conditions
Weather
Safety stops
The group follows the safari guide.
This is not unrestricted riding with no set route.
What Age Can You Drive a Quad?
The minimum age for driving a quad independently is 16.
For younger guests, confirm before booking whether and how they can ride as a passenger.
The decision should not be based on price alone.
Also consider:
Age
Height
Seating position
Vehicle type
Operator safety rules
Quad Riding for Beginners
Beginners can also take part.
The main point is to follow the briefing carefully.
While riding:
Keep a safe distance
Avoid unnecessary overtaking
Follow the guide
Adjust speed to the terrain
Keep both hands safely on the handlebars
If you feel unsure, tell the guide.
Dust During Quad Riding
Quad riding in dry desert conditions creates a lot of dust.
We recommend a scarf or keffiyeh.
The scarf is not included in the standard price and can be bought locally.
Protective goggles are also not listed as included.
They can be rented.
Spider Buggy
An open Spider Buggy is also part of the programme.
There is no fixed driving time or distance for the buggy.
The buggy is another driving part of the safari and takes place on designated desert tracks.
Is a Jeep Safari Included?
A Jeep safari is not included in this tour.
The confirmed vehicles are:
Quad
Spider Buggy
Transfer vehicle
Riding Through the Eastern Desert
During the driving programme, you see the dry desert area around Safaga.
Depending on the route, you may see:
Wide desert plains
Dry tracks
Rocky areas
Mountain ranges in the distance
The exact route may change for safety or operational reasons.
Visit to a Bedouin Village
After the driving section, the tour continues to a Bedouin village or camp.
This is a chance to learn about Bedouin life.
The programme includes:
Village visit
Traditional bread making
Herbal tea or Bedouin tea
Information about culture and daily life
The exact format of individual demonstrations can depend on the day’s operation.
This is an organised safari visit.
Your guide can explain traditions and local life, but the visit remains part of a tourism programme.
Bedouin Tea
Tea is included.
It is a short break within the safari programme.
If you need to avoid certain drinks or ingredients for health reasons, tell the guide.
Short Camel Ride
A camel ride is also included.
The ride is short.
It is not a long camel safari.
It is an additional activity during the visit to the desert camp or village.
Taking Part in the Camel Ride
You do not have to ride a camel if you do not want to.
If you have:
Back problems
Hip problems
Balance problems
Significant knee pain
it may be better to skip this activity.
Getting on and off the camel can be more physically demanding than the short ride itself.
Animal Handling
Around camels, stay calm and follow the instructions of the person responsible for the animal.
Do not approach from behind without guidance.
If you feel uncomfortable, you can skip the activity.
BBQ Lunch
The safari programme includes a BBQ.
Because the tour begins in the morning and returns in the early afternoon, the BBQ is served as lunch.
Local or oriental food is served; there is no fixed menu.
Dietary Requirements
If you:
Are vegetarian
Have allergies
Have food intolerances
mention this when making your enquiry.
The team can then check available BBQ options before the tour date.
Folklore Show
A folklore show is part of the programme.
It includes:
Tanoura
Belly dance
Traditional music
The entertainment takes place around the meal or camp stay.
The length of the show is not fixed.
No Guaranteed Sunset
The itinerary starts at around 08:00 and plans the return to the port at about 14:00.
A sunset is not part of this cruise safari.
No Stargazing in the Standard Programme
Stargazing is also not part of the standard tour.
This product is different from longer evening or stargazing safaris.
The focus is a compact desert programme that fits inside the cruise stop.
No Planned Shopping Stops
The tour is offered without planned shopping stops.
That means the normal schedule does not include compulsory visits to:
Papyrus shops
Perfume shops
Jewellery shops
Souvenir shops
Buying a scarf is simply an optional practical purchase, not a compulsory shopping stop.
What Does “Private Safari” Mean?
Private means:
Your booking group follows the organised tour programme
Private port transfer
No unrelated public group in your transfer vehicle
Easier pace adjustments
Safari support for your group
Private does not automatically mean the entire safari station or Bedouin camp is closed only for your party.
Other guests may also be in the same areas.
How Long Does the Safaga Desert Safari from Port Take?
The sample schedule shows:
Around 08:00 pickup
Around 09:00–14:00 safari programme
Return transfer afterwards
The tour takes approximately 6–7 hours in total, depending on the actual return transfer.
Example Daily Schedule
A possible schedule is:
Around 08:00: Pickup from Safaga Port
Transfer: Drive to the safari station
Arrival: Safety briefing and preparation
Quad: Desert ride, around 30 km
Spider Buggy: Driving programme on designated desert tracks
Bedouin village: Village visit, tea and information about local life
Camel ride: Short ride
BBQ: Lunch at the desert camp
Folklore: Tanoura, music and belly dance
Return transfer: Back to Safaga Port
Exact timings are confirmed according to your ship’s port schedule.
Return to Your Cruise Ship
The daily plan is adjusted to the confirmed departure time of your ship.
The aim is to return with an appropriate time buffer.
The exact timing depends on:
Port clearance
Traffic
Transfer distance
Length of the safari programme
Operational conditions
Ship schedule
Return with a Time Buffer
Traffic, port operations and unusual events cannot be fully controlled.
The daily programme is planned around the confirmed port time with an appropriate return buffer.
Safaga Desert Safari from Port with Children
Families can request the tour.
For children, however, it is important to separate the general excursion from the individual driving activities.
Not every child can drive a quad.
The minimum age for self-driving is 16.
Younger children may ride with a parent; the exact arrangement is confirmed for the child’s age before booking.
Child Prices
The booking system uses:
Adults: 12 years and over
Children 6–11: 50%
Children 0–5: free
For safari activities, price and participation rules should be treated separately.
A free place does not automatically mean a very young child:
Can ride on every quad
Can use every buggy
Should join the camel ride
These points need to be confirmed before booking.
Young Children on a Desert Safari
For very young children, pay particular attention to:
Heat
Dust
Noise
Vibration
Seating safety
Sun protection
Duration
The younger the child, the more important it is to confirm the programme in detail before booking.
Pregnancy
Quad and buggy routes use uneven desert tracks.
They can involve jolts and vibration.
During pregnancy, we do not recommend these driving activities without medical advice.
Mention pregnancy before booking so the team can check whether an adjusted form of participation is suitable at all.
Back, Neck or Joint Problems
Quad and buggy riding over uneven ground can create strong jolts.
If you have significant:
Back problems
Neck problems
Hip problems
Knee problems
Joint pain
check before booking which parts you can take part in safely.
Limited Mobility
A private tour can make some adjustments easier.
The safari is not automatically fully accessible.
Points to check include:
Getting in and out of the transfer vehicle
Getting onto the quad or buggy
Uneven desert ground
Paths around the camp
Camel ride
Toilet access
Seating
If you use a wheelchair or can only walk short distances, mention this before booking.
More planning information:
If You Do Not Want to Ride the Quad
You do not automatically have to drive every activity yourself.
Individual activities may be skipped.
What alternative is possible for your specific booking should still be confirmed in advance.
A Jeep safari is not a standard inclusion and cannot be assumed as a replacement.
What to Wear for the Desert Safari
Practical clothing includes:
Comfortable clothes
Sturdy closed shoes
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sun cream
Scarf for dust protection
Very loose clothing can be awkward while riding a quad.
The scarf is not included.
Protective Goggles
Protective goggles can help with dust while riding.
They are available to rent, not automatically included.
If goggles matter to you, confirm whether they are available and whether a fee applies.
What to Bring
For the Safaga Desert Safari from Port, we recommend:
Required cruise documents
Cruise card
Sturdy shoes
Sunglasses
Sun cream
Sun hat
Personal scarf
Personal medication
Phone or camera
Water- or dust-resistant phone case
Some cash
Light jacket in cooler weather
Avoid carrying an unnecessarily large bag.
Protecting Your Phone and Camera from Dust
Fine desert dust can get into electronic devices.
Keep your phone or camera protected during the driving sections.
If you want photos, it is safer to take them during stops rather than trying to ride with one hand.
Photography Service
A professional photography service is optional.
It is not included in the standard price.
If photos are offered, you can decide whether you want to buy them.
Weather and Operation
Desert safaris can also be affected by weather.
Possible factors include:
Strong heat
Wind
Dust
Poor visibility
Local operating conditions
The route or order may be adjusted.
Organisational changes can happen while the confirmed core programme remains in place.
Safaga Desert Safari or Luxor?
The safari may suit you better if you:
Want an active day
Want to ride a quad and buggy
Want to see the desert
Prefer not to make the long drive to Luxor
Want a Bedouin visit and BBQ
Luxor may suit you better if you:
Want to see the Valley of the Kings
Want to visit Karnak
Are mainly interested in ancient Egyptian history
Are comfortable spending much longer in a vehicle
Compare more Safaga excursions here:
Safaga Desert Safari or Hurghada & El Gouna?
The safari may suit you better if:
Driving activities matter to you
You specifically want to spend time in the desert
Quad and buggy riding are your main interests
Hurghada & El Gouna may suit you better if:
You want to see city life
Mosque and church visits interest you
You prefer marinas and lagoons
You do not want an off-road programme
More About Desert Safaris Around Hurghada
If you are staying in Hurghada before or after your cruise and want to compare different safari styles:
This guide compares quad, buggy and Jeep safari formats and can help you choose the type that suits you best.
Included in the Price
Pickup at the confirmed meeting point in Safaga Port
Return transfer to Safaga Port
Private air-conditioned transfer
Professional safari guide
Safety briefing
Quad ride
Around 30 km of quad riding
Spider Buggy
Bedouin village visit
Bedouin tea
Short camel ride
BBQ lunch
Folklore show
Tanoura and belly dance
Daily planning based on the confirmed port schedule
No planned shopping stops
Confirm Before Booking
For your specific cruise call, confirm:
Meeting point in Safaga Port
Exact pickup time
Ship departure time
Planned return buffer
Current safari route
Quad rules for guests under 18
Passenger rules for children
Buggy seating rules
Child seat in the transfer vehicle if required
Dietary requirements
Mobility or health requirements
Availability and price of protective goggles
Not Included in the Standard Price
Protective goggles (available to rent)
Safari scarf or keffiyeh
Optional photography service
Personal expenses
Tips
Extra activities not confirmed in advance
Jeep safari unless specifically confirmed for your booking
Enquire About the Safaga Desert Safari from Port
If you want to combine quad riding, Spider Buggy, a Bedouin village, camel ride and BBQ during your cruise stop, you can enquire about the Safaga Desert Safari from Port for your port date.
Tell us:
Travel date
Cruise ship name
Cruise line
Planned arrival in Safaga
Planned departure from Safaga
Number of adults
Number and ages of children
Who wants to drive a quad
Health limitations
Mobility limitations
Dietary requirements
Before booking, the port schedule, meeting point, participation rules for quad and buggy, daily programme and planned return window are confirmed.
