Quad Bike & ATV Tour at the Giza Pyramids
Ride a quad bike or a dune buggy across the desert with the pyramids in view – from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
From $20
View Tour What to Wear and Pack for a Desert Safari in Egypt
From a one-hour quad ride at the pyramids to a night in the White Desert: what to wear, what to pack and what to leave at the hotel, by trip and by season.
The desert is hotter, colder, dustier and brighter than most people expect, sometimes all on the same day. The good news is that you do not need special gear. With the right few items you will be comfortable on a quad ride at the pyramids or a night at camp in the White Desert.
The basics for every desert trip
- Closed shoes or trainers. Sandals fill with hot sand and give no protection on a quad.
- Long, light trousers. They protect your legs from the sun and from the quad engine.
- A light long-sleeved top, or a t-shirt with a long-sleeved layer on top.
- Sunglasses, ideally wrap-around, against sun, wind and dust.
- A scarf or buff to cover your mouth and nose. Your guide can show you how to tie it Bedouin-style.
- Sunscreen, lip balm and a hat for the stops.
- Water. We provide it on our tours, but keep a small bottle with you.
For a quad, buggy or camel ride at the pyramids
A one to three hour ride needs very little: the basics above and your phone in a zipped pocket or a small bag across your body. Leave large bags at the hotel. Helmets are provided on quads and buggies. On a camel, long trousers are much more comfortable than shorts.
For an overnight safari in the White Desert
The overnight trip is where packing really matters, because the temperature drops sharply after sunset. In winter nights at camp can be close to freezing, even after a warm, sunny afternoon.
- A warm jacket or fleece, plus a hat and gloves from November to February
- A sleeping layer: thermal top or long-sleeved shirt and warm socks
- A head torch or small torch for the camp and the toilet walk
- A power bank, because there is no electricity at camp
- Wet wipes, hand sanitiser and tissues
- A small bag for the night: your main luggage can stay in the vehicle
Camping equipment, mattresses, blankets and all meals are included on our safaris, so you do not need to bring a sleeping bag unless you prefer your own.
By season
| Season | Daytime | Night in the desert | Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| December – February | Mild, about 18–24°C | Cold, can be near 0°C | Warm jacket, hat, gloves |
| March – May | Warm to hot | Cool | Fleece or light jacket |
| June – August | Very hot | Warm | Sun protection, lots of water |
| September – November | Warm | Cool to cold | Fleece, and a jacket from November |
What to leave behind
- Expensive jewellery and anything you would hate to lose in the sand
- White clothes, if you care about them: the sand and dust get everywhere
- Large rolling suitcases on the overnight trip, if you can avoid them
A note on cameras
Fine sand gets into everything. Change camera lenses inside the vehicle, not in the wind, and keep your phone in a zip bag during quad rides. A cheap phone pouch is the best thing you can buy for a desert trip.
Not sure what you need for your dates? Send us a message on WhatsApp before your trip and we will tell you what the weather is doing in the desert that week.
Camel Ride at the Pyramids
Ride a camel across the open sand behind the pyramids – hotel pick-up, plateau ticket and a local handler included.
From $45
View Tour 
Shared White & Black Desert Safari from Cairo (2 Days)
Two days in the Black and White Deserts with a small shared group: 4x4 safari, a night at camp under the stars and all meals, at one fixed price per person.
From $170
View Tour FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear shorts on a quad bike?
You can, but long trousers are better. They protect your legs from the sun, the dust and the warm engine.
How cold is the White Desert at night?
In winter it can be near freezing at night, even when the day is warm. Bring a warm jacket, a hat and warm socks.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
No. Mattresses and blankets are provided at camp. Bring your own sleeping bag only if you prefer it.
Is there electricity at the desert camp?
No. Charge everything before you leave and bring a power bank.
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