Earthblog

Camel Riding
For the most authentic desert experience, there's no substitute for a camel trek. See the shifting colours of the sky and sand as the sun sets and rises and as the moonlight casts its night-time glow. Surrounded by sandscapes that seem to stretch to the horizon, it's a humbling and moving experience, not just a physical journey but a spiritual one too.

Many nomadic tribes used the camels in the past, but as technology improves fewer people of Egypt use the camel. Now, the main purpose of camels is for tourist rides and racing. Let us hope that the symbol of the desert traders continues on for many more generations. Gliding across the sands with that characteristic rocking gait, giving a romantic, exotic air to the pyramids of Egypt, the camel will forever be an important part of the way people imagine Egypt.

When many people all over the world think of Egypt, they think of the Pyramids with a graceful caravan of camels passing by them. It’s easy to imagine the caravans of the traders heading into the desert. With no food or water needed for the beasts of burden, we fancy that the journey was made easier. It is a romantic dream of many people to view such a caravan. The truth is, by far, stranger than the myths that have grown up around the camel, the beast of burden which helped spread wealth around the ancient world.

While having a reputation for being an unpleasant animal, the camel is actually a friendly animal. The grunting and groaning when rising are similar to a grunt from us upon lifting a heavy weight. A distressed camel will spit a noxious stream of stomach contents, but generally a camel is a pleasant, hard working, intelligent animal.

Jeep Safari
in There are different safaris to suit different tastes, whether you want an adrenalin rush or just a calm, relaxing trek. Jeep, quad and bike safaris are great if you fancy a spot of gravity-defying, off-roading, G-force driving. But it you're after the authentic desert experience, overnight camel safaris are perfect for peaceful reflection in the desert's jaw-dropping sandscapes.

Most jeep tours offer full day safaris. With a full action packed itinerary, you'll get the chance to go dune bashing and sand surfing. Like snowboarding, but in powdery sands instead of snow, you'll hike to the top of a sandy ridge before strapping on your board and swooshing your way down to the bottom. After a day of action and adventure, you'll sit down to dinner beneath the stars. For the full experience, look for a camp with traditional food and belly-dancers.

Quad biking
Taking a cruise on a quad runner is a fun, fast activity and a great way of getting out into the desert. There are quite a few companies offering these rides and most of them can be found on the desert side of the main road running through Na’ama Bay. Take a look: Sunset Trip by Quad Runner. You don’t have to be an experienced biker, you should be able to choose from automatic or manual with a clutch and gears.

There are sunrise and sunset trips as well as daylong excursions (be careful of the day temps. in the summer months). Whatever time you decide to become a desert biker then a good tip is to bring a “Kofeya” or headdress. There is a lot of dust and sand driven up by the quads and it can be a bit rough on the hair, face and eyes. It will also protect you from the sun- don’t forget to get a photo!

During the summer period this can be an extremely hot experience so bring supplies or be prepared to be sold drinks with a high mark up value by (supposed mobile phone-carrying, fridge-owning) Bedouins. Trips usually stop at the (supposed) Bedouin tents where sweet tea, which helps cool you down, is served. It’s essential to have sun glasses and a head scarfs, the quads kick up a lot of dust and you will be blinded otherwise. Also there is an element of danger and the riders are asked to make sure they don’t go too crazy.

Golf
The Jolie Ville Mövenpick Golf Resort with a 18 hole PGA golf course is located 5 km from Sharm el Sheikh Airport and 7km from Naama Bay. With 300 rooms including 18 suites/ two presidential suites and 6 villas. Each room is equipped with A/C -satellite TV -IDD- voicemail - safe-minibar and hairdryer. Villas feature further comfort and a private pool.9 restaurants and bars-unique water theme pool-terraced beach-kids club-health club-4 tennis courts.