Hurghada: Safari Jeep , Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

If you’re dreaming of swapping city lights for desert sands, this Hurghada safari tour promises a lively mix of adrenaline, culture, and authentic Egyptian flavors. While it offers a fun-filled day exploring the Sahara’s vastness, it also comes with some considerations travelers should weigh, like group dynamics and the nature of the meal.

What we love about this trip is the exhilarating Jeep rides, the chance to meet Bedouin villagers, and the delicious BBQ dinner paired with lively entertainment. It’s an ideal outing for those wanting a taste of desert adventure without sacrificing comfort. But if you’re looking for a more intimate or luxurious experience, this might not be the perfect fit.

This tour suits adventure seekers, families with older children, or anyone keen to see the Sahara in a cost-effective way. If you’re curious about Bedouin culture and love a bit of action, it’s a solid choice. Just keep in mind some reviews mention group sizes and food quality, which can influence your overall experience.

Key Points

• Adventure on wheels: The Jeep ride over sand dunes is a highlight, offering both fun and stunning views.
• Cultural insights: Visiting a Bedouin village adds context and a chance to learn about local life.
• Authentic entertainment: Enjoy traditional Tanoura dance and hospitality that bring the desert vibe alive.
• Cost-effective: For around $19, you get a full-day adventure with food and entertainment included.
• Group size varies: Large groups can mean less personalized attention, so manage expectations accordingly.
• Some reviews highlight that food might be more buffet style than a true BBQ, and group dynamics can vary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Hurghada Desert Safari Experience

Getting There and What’s Included

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Hurghada, a practical perk that saves you from arranging transport. The tour is operated by Miniature Egypt Hurghada, a company with multiple desert adventures on offer. Once you’re on the move, expect a quick safety briefing before hitting the sand in a Jeep that’s designed to handle the rugged terrain with ease.

For around $19 per person, this tour packs quite a punch — including transportation, a guide, a BBQ lunch, a traditional show, a camel ride, Bedouin village visit, and entrance fees. That’s a lot of value, especially considering the number of experiences packed into a half-day or full-day trip.

Jeep Safari: Sand Dunes and High-Speed Thrills

The Jeep ride is the core activity and a highlight for many. We loved the fast-paced drive over sand dunes, feeling the adrenaline kick in as the vehicle navigates hills and curves. Reviewers mention the bumpy ride, which might be exhilarating or a bit jarring depending on your comfort level.

One traveler praised the “fantastic views over the mountains in the Bedouin village”, and many appreciated the photo opportunities during the drive. Just note that jeeps often run at high speeds — suitable for thrill-seekers but less so for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Camel Ride: A Classic Desert Experience

Next up is the camel ride, which, at around 5 minutes, offers a gentle introduction to desert life. Reviewers say that this “discovered the wonders of the desert in a different way”, and it’s a nice contrast to the Jeep’s adrenaline rush. It’s a chance to sit back, soak in the scenery, and get a feel for traditional travel.

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Visiting a Bedouin Village: Authentic Hospitality

A visit to a Bedouin village gives a taste of rural desert life. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making the visit more than just a quick stop. You’ll have an opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their lifestyle, and perhaps taste some traditional hospitality.

One reviewer mentioned the “hospitality of the Bedouins and insight into their daily lives”, which is appreciated by travelers seeking a meaningful cultural experience. The view over the desert mountains is often described as breathtaking.

Food, Entertainment, and Cultural Show

The BBQ dinner is generally described as adequate or tasty, with some travelers noting that it’s more of a buffet than a true BBQ. Expect chicken, rice, and salad, with Arabic tea to round out the meal. Reviewers like Elke found the food and belly dancing to be “super nice”, while others felt the meal was somewhat underwhelming.

Following dinner, a Tanoura dance show offers a lively display of traditional Egyptian dance. Reviewers highlight the “great sense of humor” and entertainment value of the guides and performers, making it a fun cultural highlight.

Additional Details and Practical Tips

The tour covers about 20 km of desert in a Jeep, ample time for pictures and adrenaline. It’s suitable for adults and older children, but many reviews suggest not for kids under 4 due to the bumpy ride and safety considerations.

What you should bring includes comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and water — essentials for desert outings. The guide recommends comfortable clothes that can handle the heat, especially in summer.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

While most travelers found the experience well-organized and enjoyable, some reviews voice concerns about group sizes and the quality of the food. A review by Melissa called the meal “fake,” implying the experience may feel commercialized. Others appreciated the knowledgeable guides like Manshu, who added humor and insight.

The group size can vary, and some guests have found themselves in predominantly Russian or other international groups, with limited German or other language options. This can influence the overall atmosphere and communication.

Popularity and Value

For $19, the tour offers value for money, especially for those wanting a quick, fun-intense desert adventure. It’s a popular choice for budget travelers and those seeking a taste of Egypt’s desert landscape without breaking the bank.

However, the quality of the meal and the pace of the tour are points to consider. Some guests felt the “BBQ was just a buffet”, while others loved the cultural entertainment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for adventure lovers who want a high-energy experience at a reasonable cost. It’s perfect if you’re curious about Bedouin culture, enjoy photo opportunities, and don’t mind a bumpy ride.

Families with older children will likely find it engaging, but those with very young kids or mobility issues may want to consider the ride’s physicality. The inclusion of a cultural show and traditional dance makes it appealing for travelers who want more than just a sightseeing trip.

If you’re after luxury or an intimate experience, this might not be the right choice. But for most, it delivers an authentic, fun, and memorable desert outing that balances adventure with cultural insights.

Final Thoughts

This Hurghada safari tour offers a robust mix of thrills and cultural exposure at a very accessible price point. The Jeep rides give you a real sense of the Sahara’s vastness, while the visit to the Bedouin village offers genuine insight into desert life. The camel ride is a charming addition, and the traditional entertainment caps the evening with lively energy.

What makes this tour stand out is its value—you get a lot for a modest spend. But, as with all tours, expect some variability in food quality, group size, and pacing. It’s a great choice for travelers craving a lively, inexpensive desert adventure that captures the essence of Egypt’s iconic sands.

This experience highlights the best of desert exploration combined with cultural authenticity. It’s a tour that will leave you with fun memories, great photos, and a deeper appreciation for Egypt’s desert traditions.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The exact duration isn’t specified but typically includes pickup, the desert activities, and return, making it a half-day or full-day experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for older children due to the high-speed Jeep rides and bumpiness. Not suitable for kids under 3 or those with mobility concerns.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are essential for comfort and safety.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a BBQ lunch, which is generally described as tasty, though some reviews suggest it’s a buffet rather than a traditional BBQ.

Can I purchase photos or videos?
Yes, the guide offers photos and videos for purchase, but these are not included in the initial price.

Is the experience authentic?
Most guests find the cultural parts, like the Bedouin hospitality and dance shows, authentic and enjoyable.

What is the group size like?
Group sizes can vary. Some travelers report large groups with mostly international travelers, which might affect the intimacy of the experience.

Is the tour good value for money?
Absolutely, considering the activities, entertainment, and transportation included for only about $19.

Are there any safety concerns?
The tour includes a safety demonstration, and the vehicle is designed for desert terrain. However, the bumpy ride may not suit everyone.

To sum it up, the Hurghada Jeep and Camel Safari with BBQ Dinner offers a lively, affordable way to experience Egypt’s desert landscape. It’s perfect for those craving a dose of adventure combined with cultural entertainment, provided you’re comfortable with the rougher ride and large groups. For an energetic day out with plenty of photo opportunities and authentic touches, this tour ticks quite a few boxes.

You can check availability for your dates here: