A camel ride that feels like real Bedouin life, not a theme park. In Sharm el Sheikh, this Amazing Desert camel trip is built around a simple promise: get on a properly handled camel and enjoy the desert slowly. It is also one of the cheaper organized ways to do it, with hotel pickup and a helmet included.

What I like most is how practical it feels on the ground. You get pre-ride coaching from trainers, and the camels are described as high-standard desert animals with traditional handling, like you would see in Egypt’s camel culture. In one example, staff like Ahmed and his son Mostafa helped passengers learn how to move with the saddle, then guided the whole experience.

My main caution is timing and the extras. The ride can be shorter than you expect, and you may feel some pressure around photos and tipping. Add the cash government fee, and the final cost can creep up if you are not prepared.

Key things to know before you ride at Amazing Desert

• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a start time of 3:00 pm.
• Helmet + basic safety rules are part of the deal, and a disclaimer form is required before riding.
• Camel time may be less than 60 minutes, depending on how the group moves and how transfers line up.
• Tea, coffee, and water are included, and some stops feel very Bedouin, including a relaxed tea moment.
• Bring cash for safari fees: a government fee of 5 euro per person is payable on the spot.
• Photo upsells can be pushy, so decide your photo budget before you start.

Why a 3:00 pm start helps you enjoy the desert

Starting at 3:00 pm is smart in Sharm el Sheikh. You avoid the worst of the midday heat, and you get that late-afternoon light that makes desert views easier to enjoy (and photograph). This trip runs about 2 hours total, which usually means you are trading a chunk of your afternoon for camel time, plus driving time and a short wait while the group is assembled.

You also get a cleaner flow when the pickup is organized. The driver comes for you from your hotel, and you return afterward the same way. If you have ever been stuck waiting for a tour van while the sun beats down, this kind of set pickup format is a big value point.

Pickup, group size, and how long you really ride

This is described as a one-hour camel ride, and the whole activity is listed at about 2 hours. In real life, the total time includes transfer, getting you to the camel area, fitting you with what you need, and the walking time itself. That is where expectations can clash.

The ride length in the wild seems to land around 30 to 45 minutes for many people, with some experiences reporting shorter or longer camel time depending on how everything lined up. So here is my advice: treat the listing as total camel experience time, not as a guaranteed minute-by-minute 60 minutes on the saddle.

Group size is capped at 30 travelers, which usually keeps it manageable. I also like that the tour includes a professional guide and that people describe their guides as staying with them the whole time. In one case, the guide picked the group up exactly at 3 pm and stayed through the entire outing, which matters because it reduces confusion.

A practical tip: if you feel nervous, this is one of those tours where the human factor matters. Several accounts describe trainers and camel handlers as gentle, patient, and ready to explain what comes next. That coaching can turn a first ride into something comfortable fast.

The camels and training: where the experience gets real

This tour’s selling point is the handling and the camel setup. You are not just getting on and hoping for the best. You get coaching before you ride, plus support while you are on the camel. That is why the ride can feel authentic rather than chaotic.

The camels are described as high-standard desert camels, with real camel saddles and traditional positioning. One rider specifically highlighted a real camel saddle for an authentic feel. The camel handlers are also described as knowing what they are doing, including calming people who are nervous.

Safety-wise, you get a helmet for each rider. You also sign a disclaimer form against damage and personal injury before the tour starts. It is not fun to read paperwork in a desert parking area, but it does signal that they have a system for managing risk.

If you get the chance to meet staff by name, it can make the day feel more personal. In different accounts, helpers such as Ahmed and Mostafa are mentioned for explaining how to move, and Antonio is mentioned as a camel trainer in the Santa Caterina protectorate safari area. The specific names are not guaranteed, but the pattern is: you want a calm, experienced handler on your side, and that is what this experience tries to deliver.

What the desert ride feels like, and what you’ll see

You will be walking through the desert on camelback. Some descriptions mention riding near mountains, with a more open desert feel than you might expect from Sharm itself. Expect an out-and-back style rhythm rather than a long, sweeping expedition. It is more about the ride and the animal handling than covering huge distances.

Because you are seated high up, expect the sensation to be different from most rides. Camels are tall. Some people find the ride a bit uncomfortable, but others focus on the laughs and the novelty, especially when riding with kids. If you are sensitive to bouncing, wear comfortable, secure clothing and keep your shoes grippy.

Also, consider what to bring for your head and neck. One account notes that scarfs were lent and suggests taking your own head scarf if you have one. The air can be dusty and dry out there, and a scarf makes everything easier.

The tea and refreshment break: included, and often local

This trip includes coffee and/or tea and water. That is not just a small perk. It turns the outing from a quick transaction into an actual break where you can cool down and reset.

Some people mention a Bedouin tea moment with locals afterward. That kind of stop tends to be simple, but it adds a human touch. You get time to sit, drink tea, and feel like you have stepped into a daily rhythm instead of just passing through a ride lane.

If you are traveling with children, this is especially helpful. It gives them a “we are done riding, but we are still hanging out” phase, which can reduce crankiness.

Price and value: $8 is cheap, but check the real total

The price listed is $8.00 per person, and it is often booked close to your trip date (about 9 days in advance on average). For that money, you get a lot of the essentials: pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, helmet, and refreshments.

But the final cost is not always just the $8. There is an extra government safari fee of 5 euro per person, paid cash on the spot. Also, there can be optional photo packages. Some people describe the photo pitch as forceful, while others say the photos were reasonably priced. Either way, assume you might want at least a small photo budget, because many people end up buying something.

So what is the value verdict? If you want a short camel ride with real handling, and you are okay with optional add-ons, this is good value. If you need a guaranteed full hour on the camel only, or you hate any pressure around photos, you might feel disappointed when the day runs differently than expected.

Photos, tips, and the pressure points to manage

This is the area where the experience splits.

On one side, you can get nice photos taken during the ride, and the staff may offer packages. On the other side, some people feel pushed into buying all-or-nothing packages. One suggestion that makes sense is to ask for smaller bundles, like one or two photos, rather than taking the biggest plan by default.

As for tipping, a few accounts mention that you must tip everyone. The data does not give a formal tipping rule, so treat that as a “watch the atmosphere” issue. My practical approach: ask yourself what you want to pay for. If you want photos, budget for them. If you do not, say so early and politely. Staying calm and clear is the best antidote to upsell pressure.

And here is the key: separate your two decisions. Decide whether the ride felt worth your money, then decide about photos. Do not let one decision drag the other into a bigger purchase.

Safety and rules you should know before you get on

You get a helmet, and the operator requires a signed disclaimer form related to damage and personal injury. That is standard for animal activities, and it is good that the safety steps are spelled out.

The tour is described as child appropriate and family-friendly. Service animals are allowed too.

There is also a rule about pregnancy: pregnant women are not permitted to ride a horse. Since this is a camel ride activity, I would still treat this as a general safety restriction from the operator and confirm your situation directly before booking.

Finally, be aware of one more safety consideration: in at least one account, the car wait felt unsafe. That sounds like a rare mismatch, but it is a reminder to pay attention during pickup, especially if you feel uncomfortable with who is joining the vehicle or how the group is being handled.

Who should book this camel ride in Sharm el Sheikh?

This fits best if you want:

• Family fun and a short, memorable animal experience
• A budget-friendly activity with pickup and basic safety gear
• A ride where you can learn how to move with the saddle, not just sit and bounce

You might rethink it if:

• You are counting on exactly 60 minutes on the camel, no exceptions
• You strongly dislike upselling or pressure to buy photos
• You need very precise English guidance, because some guides may not speak English fluently, while others do

If you are a first-time rider, I think this is often a good entry point. Many people describe trainers as gentle and helpful, including help for nervous riders.

Should you book this one hour camel ride at Amazing Desert?

My take: book it if you approach it with the right mindset.

Go in expecting a short adventure that includes driving, a camel ride that may run around 30 to 45 minutes, and a tea break. Expect value for $8, but plan for the extra 5 euro government safari fee paid in cash. If you want photos, decide your budget before you start, and do not let the moment force a bigger purchase.

If you want the most stress-free day, pick this ride when you can relax after. The 3:00 pm start helps. Then you get a late-afternoon activity that feels unusual, especially if you like seeing local Egypt beyond the main resorts.

If you do not want anything uncertain about time, or you want a strictly controlled experience with zero pressure, then you should look at a different format. But for many people, this is exactly the kind of simple, direct desert moment that makes Sharm feel like more than just a beach.

FAQ

What time does the Amazing Desert camel ride start in Sharm el Sheikh?

The start time is 3:00 pm.

How long does the tour take from start to finish?

The duration is listed at about 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. You get hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle.

Do I get a helmet?

Yes. A helmet is provided to each rider.

Is the one hour camel ride actually guaranteed to be 60 minutes?

The activity is described as a one-hour camel ride, but the overall experience time includes transfers and setup. Plan for your camel time to vary a bit.

Are coffee, tea, or water included?

Yes. Coffee and/or tea and water are included.

Is there an extra fee I need to pay in cash?

Yes. A government safari fee of 5 euro per person is paid cash on the spot.

Is this tour suitable for children?

It is described as child appropriate and family-friendly.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available, with a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time.