Experiences in the Agafay Desert

Arranged for you, never imposed. Most guests choose one a day, at either end of it.

Line of camels and riders crossing the Agafay Desert against an orange sunset sky

The plateau is not a theme park and we would rather you did not treat it as one. The activities below are worth doing, but the desert does most of its work when nothing is scheduled. Two in a day is one too many.

Everything here is added to a stay, a day pass or a night pass, and priced separately.

What you can do

Line of camels and riders crossing the Agafay Desert against an orange sunset sky

Camel ride

Along the ridge above the canyons. Slow, and quieter than people expect. The best hour is the one before sunset, when the plateau turns.

  • Length45 to 60 minutes
  • Best timeFirst light or last light
  • Priceà confirmer

Quad biking

Guided, on the tracks east of the camps. A licence is not required. Goggles and helmets are provided, and you will finish covered in dust.

  • Length1 to 2 hours
  • Best timeMorning or late afternoon
  • Priceà confirmer

Buggy

Two-seater, so one person drives and one does not. Faster and further than a quad, on the wider circuit.

  • Length1 to 2 hours
  • Best timeMorning or late afternoon
  • Priceà confirmer

Horse riding

Along the canyon edge, at walking and trotting pace. Suited to riders with some experience rather than complete beginners.

  • Length1 to 2 hours
  • Best timeEarly morning
  • Priceà confirmer

Sunset on the ridge

Driven out to a point away from the camp, with tea. No activity, which is the point of it.

  • LengthAbout an hour
  • Best timeLate afternoon
  • Priceà confirmer

Dinner set apart

A table laid away from the communal area, with its own service. Arranged with notice, for proposals and anniversaries.

  • LengthThe evening
  • Best timeAfter dark
  • Priceà confirmer

When to do what

  • First lightHorses, camels. Cold, empty, and the best light of the day
  • Late morningQuads and buggies, before the heat builds
  • Middle of the dayNothing. Stay by the pool
  • Hour before sunsetCamels, or the ridge with tea
  • After darkDinner, and the sky

Practical questions

Do I have to book activities in advance?
Camel rides can usually be arranged on the day. Quads, buggies and horses cannot, because the equipment is shared between camps. Book them with your stay.
Is there an age limit?
It varies by activity and by operator. Camel rides suit most ages. Quads and buggies have a minimum age and a minimum height. Tell us who is coming and we will confirm.
Are the activities included in a stay or a pass?
No. They are priced separately and added to your booking. We quote them before you pay, never afterwards.
What should I wear?
Closed shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dusty, especially for quads and buggies. Long sleeves help more than they look like they will.