What to Wear & Bring for a Desert Safari in Sharm El Sheikh (Complete Checklist)
You are about to experience one of the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh — a desert safari through the Sinai. Whether you are going quad biking, riding a dune buggy, or heading to a Bedouin dinner under the stars, what you wear and what you pack will make a real difference to how comfortable and enjoyable your experience is.
Desert weather in Sharm El Sheikh changes quickly — hot during the day, surprisingly cool at night. This guide covers exactly what to wear and bring for every season, every activity, and every type of traveller.
What to Wear for Desert Safari Sharm El Sheikh?
Quick Overview:
Summer vs Winter Packing
| Item | Summer (Apr–Oct) | Winter (Nov–Mar) |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Lightweight cotton t-shirt or loose long-sleeve | T-shirt + light jacket or sweater |
| Bottom | Breathable pants or shorts | Comfortable trousers (not shorts) |
| Footwear | Closed-toe sneakers | Closed-toe sneakers |
| Head | Hat or cap | Hat or cap |
| Eyes | Sunglasses — essential | Sunglasses — still needed |
| Face/Neck | Scarf or bandana for dust | Scarf for dust + cold |
| Extra layer | Not needed | Light jacket for after sunset |
| Sunscreen | SPF 30+ — essential | SPF 30+ — still needed |
What to Wear for Desert Safari Sharm El Sheikh in Summer
(April – October)
- ✅ Lightweight cotton t-shirt or loose long-sleeve — long sleeves protect from sunburn
- ✅ Breathable pants or comfortable shorts
- ✅ Hat or cap for sun protection
- ✅ Sunglasses — essential in the Sinai desert light
- ✅ Scarf or bandana to cover face from dust during the ride
- ✅ Closed-toe sneakers or trainers — best choice
- ✅ Hiking shoes — extra grip on rocky terrain
- ❌ Flip-flops — not allowed, unsafe for quad riding
- ❌ Open sandals — no foot protection during the ride
- ❌ High heels — dangerous and uncomfortable
What to Wear for Desert Safari Sharm El Sheikh in Winter (November – March)
- ✅ T-shirt with a light jacket or sweater — easy to remove if you warm up
- ✅ Comfortable trousers — better than shorts in cooler temperatures
- ✅ Scarf or shemagh — warmth plus dust protection
- ✅ Sunglasses and sunscreen — still essential even in winter
- ✅ Sneakers or hiking shoes with socks — warmth and grip on rocky ground
- ❌ Flip-flops — not allowed, unsafe for quad riding
- ❌ Open sandals — no foot protection during the ride
- ❌ High heels — dangerous and uncomfortable
What to Bring for a Desert Safari in Sharm El Sheikh
Packing light is the key — you do not need much, but what you do bring matters.
Essential Items
💡 Do Not Leave Without These
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| ☀️ Sunscreen SPF 30+ | The Sinai sun is intense even in winter — reapply every 2 hours |
| 🕶️ Sunglasses | Essential for desert light and dust protection |
| 🧣 Scarf or bandana | Protects face and neck from dust during the ride |
| 🎒 Small backpack | Keeps your hands free during the ride |
| 💧 Water bottle | Stay hydrated — the desert is dry even when it does not feel hot |
| 📱 Phone or camera | The scenery is extraordinary — you will want photos |
| 🔋 Power bank | Battery drains fast when using the camera all evening |
| 💵 Small amount of cash | For tips, optional extras, or souvenirs at the camp |
| 🧻 Wet wipes or tissues | Facilities in the desert are limited |
Optional but Useful Extras
| Item | When It Helps |
|---|---|
| 💋 Lip balm | Desert air is very dry — lips crack quickly |
| 🧴 Hand sanitizer | Keeps hands clean when water isn’t available |
| 🦟 Insect repellent spray | Useful at Bedouin camp areas, especially in summer |
| 🥽 Goggles | Perfect for ATV rides on windy days — better than sunglasses |
| 🧥 Light jacket | Essential for sunset or winter tours |
| 🍫 Snacks for children | Energy bars or biscuits for kids on longer tours |
What NOT to Bring on Your Desert Safari
| Leave Behind | Reason |
|---|---|
| ❌ Heavy bags or large backpacks | Uncomfortable during the ride and unnecessary |
| ❌ Expensive jewellery or valuables | Sand can damage jewellery — and there is no need for it |
| ❌ Designer clothes or expensive shoes | Sand ruins fabric and leather — wear things you do not mind getting dusty |
| ❌ Passport or original ID | A photo on your phone is sufficient — originals can get lost or damaged |
| ❌ High heels | Dangerous and completely impractical in the desert |
| ❌ Wide-brim or big hat | Uncomfortable during the ride |
| ❌ Short dresses or skirts | Not practical for quad biking or desert winds — and not appropriate in Bedouin camp areas |
| ❌ Large shoulder bags or handbags | They get in the way during riding — use a small backpack instead |
What to Wear for Desert Safari Sharm El Sheikh as a Woman
- ✅ Loose, breathable clothing — avoid tight outfits for comfort and cultural respect
- ✅ Long pants are more practical than skirts for riding and walking
- ✅ A light scarf doubles as dust protection and a cover-up at the Bedouin camp
- ✅ Small sporty backpack — keeps hands free during the ride
- ❌ Avoid expensive jewellery — leave it at the hotel
- ❌ Avoid large handbags — uncomfortable and impractical
- ❌ High heels — Dangerous and completely impractical in the desert
- ❌ Wide-brim or large hats — uncomfortable and tricky during the ride
- ❌ Flowing skirts — might get caught in the gears
What to Bring for a Desert Safari in Sharm El Sheikh – Family Packing
- ✅ Extra water bottles — children need more hydration than adults in the heat
- ✅ Snacks — energy bars, biscuits, or fruit for kids on longer tours
- ✅ Wet wipes and tissues — essential with children in dusty conditions
- ✅ Sun hat for children — smaller heads burn quickly in the Sinai sun
- ✅ Extra change of clothes in the car — children get dustier than adults
- ❌ Baby strollers — are not suitable for the desert due to the sandy and uneven terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — sand and dust are part of the experience, especially during quad biking. Wear clothes you do not mind getting a little dusty. Most sand shakes off easily once you are back at the hotel.
It is better to avoid contact lenses on windy days — dust particles can cause irritation. Sunglasses or goggles offer much better protection. If you must wear lenses, bring eye drops and consider wearing goggles over them during the ride.
Bring a small zip-lock bag or a sand-resistant phone case. Sand can damage camera lenses and block charging ports — a simple plastic bag costs nothing and protects everything.
Facilities in the desert are limited. Use the restroom at your hotel before departure and again at the safari station before the ride begins. The Bedouin camp usually has basic facilities available.
Inform DS Safari when you book via WhatsApp — we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Mentioning it in advance gives us time to prepare appropriately.
A small tip is appreciated — for guides after the safari and for camp staff at the Bedouin dinner. It is never obligatory, but always welcomed.
A small daypack or crossbody bag that sits close to your body — ideally with a zip closure to keep sand out. Avoid open-top bags or large tote bags. Keep it light — you only need your phone, water, sunscreen, and a little cash.
Final Tips Before You Go
- Dress in layers — even in summer, desert temperatures can surprise you after sunset
- Closed shoes are not optional for quad and buggy riding — it is a safety requirement
- Pack light — a small backpack is all you need
- Charge your phone and power bank the night before — you will take more photos than you expect
- Leave valuables at the hotel — the desert is no place for things you cannot afford to lose
🎒 Ready to Pack? Book Your Safari First.
Now that you know exactly what to wear and bring, the next step is booking your desert safari. DS Safari offers quad biking, dune buggy tours, Bedouin dinners, and stargazing experiences — all with free hotel pickup and instant WhatsApp confirmation.
Secure your spot now via WhatsApp. No prepayment needed – just show up and ride!