Quad biking in the Marsa Alam desert: the magic of sunset among the mountains

Angela: we had promised ourselves before leaving: we would spend a few days doing absolutely nothing but relaxing...

Piero: …but we know all too well how that story ends.

Angela: after a few days enjoying the beach and the Red Sea, the urge to discover something new started to grow.

Piero: without overdoing it, though. We were looking for an excursion that was simple, fun, and would let us experience a completely different side of Marsa Alam.

Angela: so we chose a quad bike adventure through the desert.

Piero: it's absolutely worth it. The price is quite reasonable, and it gives us the chance to discover the true soul of this extraordinary landscape.

Angela: we decide to leave in the late afternoon, so that we reach the heart of the desert during the most beautiful hours of the day.

Piero: we'll be covered in dust, so leave your fancy clothes behind. Wear comfortable shoes and, above all, bring sunglasses and a headscarf or bandana to protect your head, mouth, and nose. With these simple precautions, we're ready to set off.

Angela: even during the ride, the scenery changes completely. The deep blue of the Red Sea gradually gives way to an endless landscape of rock, sand, and mountains glowing with incredible shades of red.

Piero: riding the quad is an incredible experience. The tracks are easy, perfect even for first-timers, and they give you that wonderful sense of freedom that only vast open landscapes can offer.

Angela: then, at one point, we stopped. The sun was slowly sinking behind the mountains.

Piero: it was one of those moments when you simply stop talking. The sky changed colour minute by minute, shifting from golden yellow to deep orange and finally to an intense crimson, while the mountains seemed to catch fire beneath the last rays of sunlight.

Angela: along the way, we also came across a few solitary acacia trees. Seeing them thrive in such a harsh environment makes you realise how nature always finds a way to adapt and survive.

Piero: and then came a surprise we were not expecting.

Angela: a gigantic rock formation that bears an astonishing resemblance to the silhouette of a dromedary. Our guide gave us plenty of time to photograph it from every angle, and after just a few seconds of looking at it, imagination gives way to certainty.

Piero: by the time the sun had completely disappeared, we thought the excursion was over.

Angela: instead, the most emotional moment of the entire experience was just about to begin.

Piero: far away from the lights of the resorts and the towns, the desert sky transformed into an immense canopy of stars.

Angela: with almost no light pollution, the stars seemed to multiply before our eyes. It was difficult to look away from the sky.

Piero: it is incredible how you only realise how many stars exist when you find yourself in a place this isolated.

Angela: the wonder of the sky, however, contrasts with the lack of authenticity of the Bedouin camp where we stopped.

Piero: still, sitting there peacefully, we enjoyed an excellent karkadè, the traditional drink made from hibiscus flowers, with a fresh and slightly tangy flavour.

Angela: it was the perfect way to end an evening that was truly different from the usual.

Piero: if you are looking for an excursion that does not take up an entire day but allows you to discover a lesser-known side of Marsa Alam, the sunset desert quad tour is an experience we can recommend without hesitation. Come and join us on this adventure in this short video.