Meta Description: Family desert safari Hurghada with BBQ dinner and folkloric show. $35. Camel ride and Bedouin village. Honest review for parents.
Hurghada Family Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Folkloric Show
The van arrived. Fourty minutes late. The kids were already fighting. Great start.
We drove into the desert. Dust blew through the windows. The air conditioning barely worked. My youngest asked 'are we there yet' seventeen times. I counted.
Look, I've lived here long enough to know family desert safaris are chaos. But thirty-five dollars for dinner, a show, and a camel ride? You lower your expectations. You bring snacks. You pray.
Why this Bedouin village dinner still works (if your kids are tired enough)
The quad bikes came first. Each family got one. Or two. Depends how many were working. Ours had a cracked headlight. The engine coughed. My wife looked at me. I pretended not to notice.
We rode to the Bedouin village. Dust everywhere. The guide went fast. Too fast. I slowed down. My son yelled 'faster'. I went faster. We hit a bump. His teeth clattered. He laughed. That's a win.
The camel ride was next. The camel smelled. Really smelled. Like wet carpet and old socks. My daughter refused to get on. The handler smiled. Lifted her anyway. She screamed. Then laughed. Then wanted photos. The music was loud, I forgot my earplugs again.
To be fair, the Bedouin bread baking was interesting. A woman rolled dough. Slapped it on a hot metal plate. Cooked in thirty seconds. They gave us a piece. Free. Then tried to sell us more. Four dollars for a small loaf. Taking the piss.
The folkloric show started at sunset. A man spun in circles. Tanoura dance. Colourful skirt. My kids were mesmerized – well, for about five minutes. Then they got bored. Started throwing sand at each other. The dancer didn't stop. Professional.
The BBQ dinner was basic. Rice. Grilled chicken. Kofta. Some salad that looked tired. The kids ate the chicken. Left the rice. I ate their rice. That's parenting. Soft drinks cost extra. Three dollars for a warm Sprite. Daylight robbery.
The belly dancer came out. My son covered his eyes. My daughter tried to copy the moves. The music was loud, I forgot my earplugs again. Some German guy got pulled up to dance. He looked terrified. We all clapped. He survived.
The fire show was the best part. A guy twirled flaming sticks. Threw them in the air. Caught them behind his back. The kids went quiet. Even the teenagers put down their phones. For thirty seconds, peace.
The stargazing part was supposed to be romantic. But the generator was loud. And someone's phone played TikTok videos. And a kid cried because he dropped his toy in the sand. The guide pointed at Mars. Nobody cared.
Honestly, this family desert safari with BBQ dinner is not luxury. It's dusty. It's crowded. The food is average. The shows are cheesy. But my kids talked about it for days. They still mention the camel. The fire guy. The spinning dancer.
Thirty-five dollars including pickup and dinner. Back in the UK, a family meal at a pub costs more. Here, you get four hours of chaos, mediocre food, and memories your kids won't shut up about.
The guide was nice. Spoke decent English. Helped my daughter onto the camel when she changed her mind. Didn't push the photo sales too hard. That's worth something.
A flat here costs less than a deposit back home. And having the desert as your backyard for a family night out? Dusty. Loud. Chaotic. Kinda perfect. Just saying.
Fire show (evening only – safe distance maintained)
Soft Drinks & Water – Unlimited during dinner and show
Face Painting for Children – Optional (small extra fee sometimes applies)
Henna Painting – Simple designs for children and adults (small extra fee)
All Service Charges & Taxes – No hidden fees
Transfer Surcharge – €5–€15 per person for hotels in El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, or Safaga
Alcoholic Beverages – Available for purchase at the camp (beer and wine)
Photos & Videos – Professional photos available for purchase (approx. €10–€15 for digital copy)
Headscarves / Bandanas – Available for purchase (approx. €3–€5) – recommended for quad biking
Goggles – Provided free, but upgraded anti-fog goggles available for small fee
Extra Quad / Buggy Time – Additional rides available for extra fee
Gratuities – Tips for guides, drivers, and Bedouin hosts (optional but appreciated)
Frequently asked questions
Is this suitable for young children?
Yes – this tour is specifically designed for families. Children of all ages are welcome. Key features for young children:
Gentle camel rides (child rides with parent)
Family-friendly speeds on quad bikes
Kid-approved dinner options (plain pasta, chicken, rice)
Face painting and simple henna
Engaging shows with bright costumes and music
High chairs available upon request
2. What is the minimum age for driving a quad bike?
Driver – Minimum age varies by operator (typically 12–16 years). A valid ID or passport copy is required. Below that age, children ride as passengers with an adult.
Passenger – Children as young as 4–5 years can ride as passengers if they can hold on securely. A parent or older sibling drives.
3. My child is scared of camels. Can they skip the camel ride?
Absolutely – the camel ride is optional. Children can watch from a safe distance, play in the sand, or enjoy tea while others ride.
4. What should we wear as a family?
Adults & older children – Long pants (jeans or lightweight trousers) to protect legs from sun and hot quad bike engine
Young children – Lightweight long pants or thick leggings. Closed-toe shoes (trainers/sneakers) – no sandals
All – Sunscreen (apply before pickup). Sun hats. Sunglasses
Optional – Bandana or scarf for dust (buy one there for €3–€5)
Evening – Light jacket or sweater (desert gets cool after sunset, even in summer)
from25.00 EGP21.00 EGP /person
-16%
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