Makadi Bay: Sunrise Quad & Traditional Oriental Breakfast

If you’re looking for a way to add a splash of adrenaline and culture to your Egypt holiday, the Makadi Bay Sunrise Quad & Traditional Oriental Breakfast tour offers a mix of thrills, scenic beauty, and local flavor. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, plenty of travelers have enjoyed the experience, highlighting its blend of adventure and authentic Egyptian hospitality.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the stunning sunrise views over the desert, the guided safety-first quad riding, and the opportunity to indulge in a fresh, traditional Bedouin breakfast right in the desert. Plus, the camel ride and optional add-ons give it a flexible, personalized touch.

However, a potential consideration is that some reviews mention parts of the route along the road and a less-than-ideal stargazing location due to light pollution. That said, this experience is best suited for travelers eager for a fun, culturally immersive desert adventure with a balance of thrills and authenticity.

Key Points

• Authentic experience combining quad biking, camel rides, and Bedouin breakfast
• Flexible options for sunrise, daytime, or sunset adventures
• Guided tours prioritize safety and local insights
• Good value at around $12, with optional add-ons for extended fun
• Stunning scenery with views of dunes, plains, and the Red Sea
• Ideal for active travelers, families, and those seeking cultural connection

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This is not a high-speed race but a guided, comfortable exploration across Egypt’s beautiful desert landscape. The experience begins with easy transfers—if you choose the pickup option—from your hotel in Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or nearby resorts. The journey to the quad base usually takes about 25-30 minutes from Makadi Bay, which is quite manageable for a morning or afternoon adventure.

At the base, you’ll receive a safety briefing and a quick test ride to ensure everyone feels confident before heading out. The minimum age to drive is 16, and reckless riding is strictly prohibited, making it suitable for semi-experienced riders or those willing to listen and learn.

Once on the bikes, you’ll follow your guide over a variety of terrains—dunes, plains, and valleys. It’s a chance to capture those ideal desert photos, with stops built in for rest and picture-taking. Reviewers mention the guides, like Fawzi and team members, do a good job of maintaining safety while keeping the atmosphere friendly and relaxed.

The Highlights: Sunrise, Desert, and Culture

Sunrise Over the Desert

The early morning departure at 5:00 AM is a real highlight for those who appreciate peaceful moments. The desert at dawn is quiet, the air cool, and the soft light creates perfect photo opportunities. Guests rave about the “breathtaking sunrise views,” making this a memorable start to the day. This is the only option that includes breakfast, which is a traditional Oriental meal prepared with fresh ingredients—perfect for fueling up after your ride.

Guided Quad Riding

The core activity is a 2-hour guided quad adventure through the sand dunes and open plains. According to reviews, the ride is suitable even for beginners, provided they follow instructions. The route is a mix of dunes and plains, with some sections along the roadside, which might not be as scenic but still offers plenty of photo moments.

A reviewer noted that their group was divided into faster and slower riders, which helps ensure everyone enjoys the ride at their own pace. The knowledgeable guides, like Mohamed or Fawzi, make sure safety is a priority, providing helmets and safety gear, and giving clear instructions.

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Camel Rides and Photo Opportunities

Every tour includes a short camel ride of about five minutes for photos—an authentic Egyptian touch. For those wanting more, there’s an upgrade to a 30-minute camel session, which is perfect for capturing that Instagram shot or just enjoying a relaxing ride.

Traditional Oriental Breakfast

The sunrise tour uniquely features a fresh Bedouin breakfast, served after the ride. Travelers describe it as “delicious” and “authentic,” with the food prepared on-site using local ingredients. Since it’s the only program with breakfast, it appeals to those wanting a cultural taste along with adventure.

Sunset, Dinner & Stargazing

For a different vibe, the sunset tour offers a 2-hour sunset quad ride followed by an Oriental dinner, live entertainment, and stargazing under the clear desert sky. It’s a more relaxed way to experience the desert’s beauty, with reviews noting the dinner and show are enjoyable, although the stargazing can be hindered by light pollution near the camp.

Customizable Add-Ons

Travelers who want to extend their desert experience can opt for extras like private guides, private transfers, extended camel rides, or even a buggy session. These add-ons can enhance the trip, especially if you’re keen on exploring more or seeking a more personalized experience.

Practical Details: Transportation, Duration, and Cost

Transportation is straightforward—shared hotel pickups are included with certain packages, making it easy to start your adventure without extra hassle. The transfer time varies depending on your resort but generally stays within 25-45 minutes, which is reasonable for a morning or late afternoon activity.

The price of $12 per person reflects surprising value for what’s included: guided quad riding, safety gear, camel rides, and, for the sunrise option, breakfast. Optional extras like private transfers or extended camel rides come at an additional cost, but the base tour already offers a solid experience for budget-conscious travelers.

Duration ranges from 1 to 2 hours of riding, depending on the option, with additional time for transfers, stops, and meals. The sunrise tour is a full experience starting early, while the daytime or sunset programs are slightly shorter.

What the Reviews Say

Feedback from previous travelers paints a clear picture of what to expect. One reviewer praised the short transfer from Makadi Bay (around 10 minutes) and the two photo stops that allowed capturing great shots. They also mentioned that even less experienced riders could enjoy the ride, emphasizing the approachable nature of the tour.

Another reviewer appreciated the good organization, mentioning that the guides, like Fawzi, were attentive and safety-conscious. The delicious breakfast was a hit, though some found the camp’s location near the city lights not ideal for stargazing.

However, not all reviews are glowing. Some mentioned that parts of the route, particularly the stretch along the road, are less scenic and more functional. The desert “shuttle” sections are less picturesque but do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This activity really suits active travelers eager to combine adventure with culture. It’s perfect for families with teenagers, especially since the minimum driving age is 16, and the safety measures are clear. The early morning sunrise tour is ideal for those who love peaceful, scenic moments and fresh desert air, while the sunset dinner appeals to those wanting a more relaxed, social experience.

It’s also well-suited for budget-conscious travelers who want authentic fun without breaking the bank, thanks to its affordable price and inclusive offerings. If you’re craving stunning desert vistas, a dose of Egyptian hospitality, and a bit of adrenaline, this tour ticks many boxes.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For travelers seeking a combination of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty, the Makadi Bay Sunrise Quad & Traditional Oriental Breakfast tour delivers a solid value. The guided quad ride across dunes and plains, coupled with a traditional breakfast, offers an authentic taste of Egypt’s desert life. The sunset options, with dinner and stargazing, add a romantic or social dimension to the experience.

This tour is particularly suited for those who enjoy active pursuits but appreciate a guided, safe environment. It’s also great for families or groups who want a flexible experience, with optional extensions to make their adventure more personalized.

While the route’s roadside sections might be less scenic, the overall atmosphere, stunning sunrise views, and cultural touches make this a memorable outing. The professionalism of guides like Fawzi or Mohamed ensures safety and fun, making it a reliable choice for travelers of all experience levels.

If you’re after a fun, affordable, and authentic desert adventure near Hurghada or Makadi Bay, this tour should definitely be on your list.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the transfer option, your guide will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, making the start and end of your adventure hassle-free.

Can I just arrive at the quad base without a pickup?
Absolutely. The entry-only ticket allows you to arrive on your own, giving you flexibility if you prefer to organize your own transport.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, scarf, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Helmets and safety gear are provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Drivers must be at least 16 years old. The tour isn’t suitable for young children or pregnant women.

Can I extend the camel ride?
Yes, you can upgrade to a 30-minute camel ride for a more relaxed, scenic experience.

What is the main difference between the sunrise and sunset tours?
The sunrise tour includes breakfast and offers peaceful desert views, while the sunset tour features dinner, live entertainment, and stargazing, with a more relaxed evening vibe.

This Makadi Bay adventure combines excitement, culture, and breathtaking scenery—all at an accessible price point. Whether you’re chasing the sunrise or the sunset, it’s a chance to experience Egypt’s desert like never before.

You can check availability for your dates here: