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Riding a camel in Sharm El-Sheikh is an experience that brings you closer to the heart of Egypt. As you sway gently on the back of your camel, the endless golden sands of the Sinai Desert stretch out before you. It’s not just a ride, it’s a chance to experience the same desert that has inspired countless generations.
What makes Sharm El-Sheikh so special for camel riding? The Sinai Desert is one of the most beautiful and untouched places in Egypt. The Bedouin tribes have lived here for centuries, and their traditions still shape the land. The dramatic, rose-colored mountains and vast, silent desert offer a stunning backdrop, making every moment feel timeless.
Just 15 minutes from your resort, you’ll find a peaceful world far from the busy streets. The quiet beauty of the desert, the calm rhythm of your camel, and the vast open space will leave you feeling connected to something much older than modern life. Whether you’re with family, friends, or solo, camel riding here is an unforgettable way to explore Egypt’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.
What to Expect on Your Sharm El Sheikh Camel Ride
Getting There: Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned minibus. Within 15-30 minutes, you'll leave the modern resorts behind and enter the untouched Sinai Desert.
Traditional Bedouin & Shows In Sharm El-Sheikh
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Sharm El Sheikh Ras Mohamed, White Island Snorkel And Dive With Lunch
Off Sold outRegular price $40.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per$65.00 USDSale price $40.00 USD -
Sharm El Sheikh Submarine Tour
Off Sold outRegular price $45.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per
Meeting Your Camel: At the desert station, you'll meet your gentle giant. Don't worry; these camels are calm, well-trained, and used to tourists. Your Bedouin guide will help you mount safely.
The Ride Experience
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Duration: 30-60 minutes of actual riding time
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Motion: Gentle swaying motion (hence the nickname "ships of the desert")
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Terrain: Ancient valleys, golden dunes, and rose-colored mountains
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Sound: Just the soft padding of camel feet and desert silence
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Photo stops: Multiple scenic viewpoints along the route
What You'll See: The desert reveals different faces throughout the day. Midday brings dusty gold tones, sunset paints everything fiery orange, and dawn offers soft pink hues across the landscape.
Total Time: 2-4 hours, including hotel transfers, riding, and Bedouin camp visit.
Which Camel Riding Experience Should You Choose?
Classic Desert Ride
The most popular choice for first-time visitors. This package includes hotel pickup, a 40-60 minute camel ride through the Sinai Desert, and traditional Bedouin tea at an authentic desert camp. Perfect for those wanting a genuine cultural experience without overwhelming their schedule.
Sunrise & Sunset Tours
Golden hour tours are the most photogenic options in Sharm El Sheikh. Sunrise tours offer cooler temperatures and soft pink-gold desert lighting. Sunset tours provide dramatic photography opportunities as the sun dips behind the Sinai Mountains, painting the sand in fiery orange hues. Both options include the classic camel ride and Bedouin tea experience.
Quad Biking & Camel Combo
People who love adventure will love this combination tour. Start with an adrenaline-pumping quad bike ride across the open desert, then slow down to camel pace for a traditional ride to a Bedouin camp. These packages typically last 3-4 hours and offer the best of both worlds modern thrills and ancient traditions.
Desert Safari Night
The premium all-inclusive experience in Sharm El Sheikh. This evening adventure packs everything into one budgeted night like quad biking across dunes, camel riding at sunset, a traditional Bedouin buffet dinner, live entertainment (belly dancing, fire shows, and Tanoura dance), and stargazing through professional telescopes.
Experience Traditional Bedouin Tea and Desert Life in Sinai
Step into the heart of Bedouin culture and enjoy a warm, welcoming taste of desert life.
- Arrive at a Traditional Bedouin Camp: After your camel ride, you’ll be greeted by families who have lived in the Sinai Desert for generations.
- Savor Bedouin Tea: Enjoy a cup of Habbak tea, made from wild desert herbs, aromatic, slightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing.
- Flatbread-Making Demo: Watch the Bedouins bake flatbread in traditional clay ovens buried in sand, a method passed down through generations. Some tours even let you try it yourself.
- Hear Desert Stories: Your guide will share tales of desert life from navigating by the stars to finding hidden water sources to the challenges of living in this ancient landscape.
- A Rare Cultural Experience: These interactions with the Bedouin community are among the most memorable experiences in Sharm El Sheikh, offering an authentic glimpse into their way of life. According to Lonely Planet's Egypt guide, these cultural exchanges with Bedouin communities are among the most memorable experiences in Sharm El Sheikh.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
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Best timing: Sunrise or sunset tours avoid midday heat (temperatures can hit 40°C in summer)
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Weight limits: Maximum 120-130kg per camel for safety
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Family-friendly: Children aged 2-12 ride with an adult at no extra charge
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Experience level: Zero experience required guides handle everything
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What to pack: Camera, sunscreen, bottled water, sunglasses
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Dress code: Comfortable loose clothing, closed-toe shoes, hat or scarf
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Booking advice: Choose operators with good reviews; avoid suspiciously cheap street deals.
Ready for Your Desert Adventure?
Camel riding in Sharm El Sheikh is your chance to experience Egypt in a whole new way. Leave the resorts behind and discover the quiet beauty of the Sinai Desert, where ancient traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. This desert experience will stay with you, offering a glimpse of Egypt that most tourists never see. Ready to go? The desert awaits!
FAQ's
How much does camel riding cost in Sharm El-Sheikh?
Camel riding tours vary in price depending on the experience. A simple camel ride with Bedouin tea is the most affordable option, while sunset tours with additional activities cost more.
Is it safe to ride a camel in Egypt?
Yes, camel riding in Sharm El Sheikh is safe when booked with reputable operators. Experienced Bedouin guides have handled camels since childhood and provide proper safety instructions. The camels are well-trained, docile, and accustomed to tourists.
How long does a camel ride last in Sharm El-Sheikh?
The actual camel riding portion lasts 30-60 minutes, depending on your chosen tour. The complete experience, including hotel pickup, transfers, Bedouin camp visit, and tea, typically takes 2-4 hours.
What should I wear for camel riding in the desert?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that covers your legs and shoulders. Closed-toe shoes are essential as sandals slip in the sand. Bring a hat or scarf for sun protection, sunglasses, and apply high-SPF sunscreen. Long pants help prevent saddle chafing during the ride.
Can children ride camels in Sharm El-Sheikh?
Yes, children can ride camels. Kids aged 2-12 can ride with an adult on the same camel at no extra charge. Children under 2 are generally not recommended for safety reasons. The weight limit per camel is 120-130kg total, so plan accordingly for shared rides.
