Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt is becoming more and more popular each year, Simply because of the all year round good weather and the things to do while you are there from exploring the stunning Coral reefs to visiting biblical treasures like St Katherines monastery and Moses Mountain.
One of the most exciting things to do is Quad biking in the Sinai desert. Standard Quad biking trips in Sharm last around two hours and they start off either in the late afternoon or in the early hours of the morning. This so you can see the beautiful sunsets and sunrises. These two hour trips are ok if you want to go in large groups and be a movie star for the day as you are on video. There is an alternative and that is an all day personal Quad trip through the interior of the Sinai desert.
If you want something a little more challenging and adventurous then these personal trips are for you. These all day adventures do cost more the standard Quad biking trip but they are well worth the extra money. If you can find a good tour agent who you can trust then you can negotiate a good deal, these special trips are not standard so will have to be negotiated.
Tour agents can be found all over Sharm El Sheikh, Naama Bay is a good starting place, hotels are third party so will be more expensive as they will take a commission. Sharks Bay is also worth trying.
When you do find a good deal then you will need to be equipped for your trip, you will need ruck sack, plenty of bottled water scarf and goggles or good pair of sunglasses to protect you from the sand and dust. A good thick scarf’s can be bought from the many souvenir shops the black and white checked type. You will also need to take snorkelling gear with you, although you can hire these on the morning of your trip in Naama Bay and guys wear tight underwear I‘ll explain a little later.
The Quad bikes can take two people, you will have been asked if you wanted to go solo or double at the arranging stage of your trip. Quad biking in the desert is a reasonably safe sport but accidents can happen, the bikes do go fast and over rough terrain,
so care must be taken.
Your Quad biking adventure starts with your pick from your hotel or apartment and taken to the Quad biking base situated in Naama bay. This is were most Quad biking trips start from. On arrival one of the organisers will help you put your scarf on and eye protection if you have trouble putting scarf on. After a quick safety check of the Quad bikes its time to set off.
Coming out of the Quad base leads out to the public roads which you travel on for a short while to get you into the Sinai desert. once into the desert you really do get magnificent views of the Sinai Mountains and the ever changing colours of the rock faces.
The surface of the desert is very course and bumpy so guys this is why tight underwear is going to be a bit more comfy.
You will travel towards Nabq bay and on to Nabq Nature Reserve or the official name of the Nabq Protectorate, this area is unspoilt by the masses of tourists, the area provides the perfect habitat for the fish and Birds, also home to animals such as Gazelle, Rock Hyraxes, and Desert Fox. There is an entrance fee to the protectorate but this should be in the price of the trip.
When you arrive in the park you will notice that some areas are fenced off this is for your safety as there are still unexploded mines from the second world war in the Sinai. Never go off the tracks.
Your first stop brings you to the mangroves these are the most northerly mangrove forests in the world. Here near the shore line you are met by Bedouin villagers selling little gifts and trinkets. Bedouin people are very poor and rely on tourism for there main source of income. After meeting the Bedouins you can have a swim or snorkel in the beautiful aqua sea of the Nabq protectorate.
After your swim or snorkel lunch is served in the Bedouin tent, On the menu is a fish and rice dish followed with refreshments.
after lunch and a rest you can go for another swim or snorkel in the sea.
From the beach coastline you will start to head back towards the Quad bike base in Naama Bay, but you do have another stop on the way back at a Bedouin tent for refreshments. When you arrive back at base you are taken back to your hotel or apartment.
The all day Quad bike adventure starts around 8:00 in the morning and finishes around 3:00 in the afternoon. Things you will need with you are rucksack or Bag for carrying your water snorkel gear, towel, and face protection scarf and goggles. You will also need to take your passport for entrance to the nabq protectorate.
About the Author:
Glenne Baxter is the author of articles relating to recreation and leisure in sharm el sheikh . Owner of Self Catering Rental Apartments and partner to Africano Group specialising in Car Rental and Trips and Tours in Sharm El Sheikh, and can provide more information about Trips, Tours, and advice in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt, visit my website at
http://www.charmingsharmapartments.com
