Quad bike or buggy in Hurghada: which is better?

Choose a quad if you want the cheapest desert ride and to drive on your own: from $20 per person for about 45 minutes. Choose a buggy if you are two people who want to sit side by side in a car-like seat: from $90 per buggy for about 60 minutes. If you cannot decide, the Super Safari from $22 includes a 45-minute quad ride, a 20-minute buggy ride, a jeep, a camel ride and dinner with a show.

Quad and buggy compared

	Quad (ATV)	Buggy for two	Super Safari 5 in 1
Price	From $20 per person	From $90 per buggy	From $22 per person
Driving time	About 45 minutes	About 60 minutes	45 min quad + 20 min buggy
Who drives	One per quad, or two on a double quad	Two people side by side, one drives	Quad on your own, buggy shared
Hotel pickup	About 12:00	About 13:00	About 11:00 to 13:00
Back at hotel	Afternoon	About 16:00	About 19:00
Also included	Camel ride, Bedouin tea	Camel ride, Bedouin tea	Jeep ride, Bedouin village, camel ride, dinner, show

All three include transfer from your hotel by air-conditioned bus, a guide and a helmet if you ask for one when you book. Drinks, a head scarf, sunglasses and the photographer’s photos are extra; scarves and sunglasses are sold at the safari centre. Pickup from El Gouna, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi and Soma Bay costs extra.

What is the difference to ride?

A quad has handlebars with just two levers, throttle and brake. You sit astride it, feel every bump and get the most dust and sand. It is easy to learn in a few minutes. A buggy has a steering wheel, pedals, seats with belts and a roll cage. It is more comfortable on rough ground and feels more like driving a small car. The ride is done in a group behind a guide, at the pace of the group.

Do you need a driving licence?

No. No licence is needed for either. You get a short safety briefing in English at the safari centre before you start.

Is there an age or weight limit?

You must be at least 16 to drive a quad on your own. Younger children can ride as a passenger with a parent on a double quad. The weight limit is around 150 kg per quad. For the buggy, tell us the ages of your group when you book and we will confirm who can drive.

Which one should you book?

• Moto Safari ATV, quads (from $20): best value, and the most fun if you want your own vehicle.
• Safari Buggy for Two (from $90 per buggy): best for couples, for anyone who finds a quad tiring on the arms, and for a longer drive.
• Super Safari 5 in 1 (from $22): best if you want to try both and finish with dinner and a show in the desert.
• Jeep Safari (from $20): you ride in a 4×4 with a driver rather than drive yourself. Suits families with small children.

Morning or afternoon?

Our quad and buggy trips leave around midday and come back in the afternoon. From May to September the desert is very hot at that time, so drink plenty of water and cover your skin. From November to March the midday ride is comfortable, and the Super Safari ends after sunset, when the desert gets cool.

What to wear and bring

• Long, light trousers and closed shoes.
• A scarf to cover your face from dust, and sunglasses.
• Sun cream and water.
• Your passport.
• Clothes you do not mind getting dusty.