August 4, 2026
Just beyond the beaches and coral reefs of Sharm El Sheikh lies a completely different world: the vast, dramatic Sinai Desert. This is a land of rugged mountains, golden sand, hidden canyons and endless silence — the ancient home of the Bedouin and one of the most rewarding adventures you can add to a Red Sea holiday. If the sea is one half of Sharm El Sheikh, the Sinai Desert is the other.
This complete 2026 guide explains what the Sinai Desert is, the best things to do there, when to go, and how to experience it safely with a local guide.
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, wrapped by desert and mountains on almost every side. Within minutes of leaving the hotel strip you reach open desert plains framed by the jagged peaks of South Sinai. Because it is so close, most desert trips are half-day excursions — you can watch the sun set over the dunes and still be back at your hotel for the evening.
The Sinai Desert offers the kind of scenery and stillness you simply cannot find by the sea. Towering red-brown mountains, sculpted sandstone, wide gravel plains and the warm hospitality of the Bedouin make it feel like stepping into another era. Sunsets here are unforgettable, and after dark the lack of light pollution turns the sky into a blanket of stars — perfect for stargazing over sweet Bedouin tea.
The classic way to explore. A guided Family Private Desert Safari takes you deep into the desert by 4×4, with stops for photos, a Bedouin village and panoramic viewpoints — ideal for families who want comfort and flexibility.
Riding a quad bike across the open desert is the most popular desert thrill in Sharm. No experience is needed on a guided Quad Safari in Sharm El Sheikh — you simply follow your guide along the desert tracks with the mountains as your backdrop.
For a bit more power and a lot of fun, a family buggy lets everyone ride together. The 4-Seat Family Buggy Safari is a favourite with groups and kids.
Slow things right down and travel the way the Bedouin always have. A gentle Camel Trekking ride is a peaceful, authentic way to take in the desert, and it pairs beautifully with sunset.
The desert truly comes alive in the evening. On the Quad Bike Desert Safari & Arabian Night you ride out to a Bedouin camp for dinner, tea and music, then watch the stars appear over the mountains — one of the most memorable evenings in Sharm.
For a bigger adventure into the heart of Sinai, the Colored Canyon Jeep Safari heads inland to explore the famous multi-coloured rock canyon on foot after an exciting off-road drive — a full-day trip for keen explorers.
You don’t need your own vehicle or any desert experience — the easiest and safest way to visit is with a licensed local operator who provides the transport, equipment and an experienced guide. Choose your experience by style: a 4×4 safari for comfort and families, a quad or buggy for adrenaline, camel trekking for something authentic and relaxed, or an evening Bedouin trip for dinner and stargazing.
The Sinai Desert can be enjoyed year-round. The most magical times of day are the late afternoon and sunset, when the heat softens and the mountains glow. The cooler months from October to April are especially comfortable for daytime trips, while evenings can be chilly — so bring a layer for after dark.
The desert pairs perfectly with the rest of what Sharm El Sheikh has to offer. Watch the sunset from the cliffs of the Farsha Mountain Lounge, spend a day snorkelling the reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, or head out on the water to the sandbanks of Orange Island for a full Red Sea adventure.
Yes, when booked with a licensed local operator. Guides lead every trip, safety gear is provided for quads and buggies, and routes are chosen to suit all abilities.
No. The trips are beginner-friendly, with a short briefing before you set off and a guide leading the way throughout.
Absolutely. Private 4×4 safaris, four-seat buggies and camel rides are all great for families — just let the team know your group when you book.
Late afternoon and sunset are the most beautiful, and evening Bedouin trips add dinner and stargazing. The cooler months are ideal for daytime adventures.
Ready to swap the beach for the dunes? Choose your Sinai Desert experience and book with Sharm Vacations — hand-crafted by local guides, at honest local prices.
Tours & Excursions