Jeddah Desert Safari with Quad Biking: An In-Depth Review

Thinking about ripping around the desert outside Jeddah on a quad bike? The ‘Morning Desert Safari with Quad Bike Tour’ just might be the thing for your, especially if you’re after some thrills and pretty awesome views. So, is it worth the money and time? I reckon this review should help you decide.

What’s the Big Deal with a Morning Desert Safari?

Alright, first off, you probably should know what a desert safari even *is*. That means heading out into the sandy expanse outside Jeddah, and instead of just looking at it from the comfort of your taxi, you get to *do* stuff in it. This specific tour generally starts in the morning (hence the name!), and, usually includes a handful of common features:

Hotel Pickup: Basically, they swing by your place and save you the hassle of figuring out directions to the middle of nowhere.
Dune Bashing: A driver takes you up and down some pretty sizable dunes in a sturdy 4×4. It’s like a rollercoaster, too it’s almost like if that rollercoaster was made of sand and you weren’t entirely sure where it was going.
Quad Biking: The main event for a lot of folks! You get to blast across the desert on a quad bike, feeling that wind in your hair (or, y’know, whipping your headscarf around).
Sandboarding: Similar to snowboarding, only on sand. Not always included, arguably it depends on the tour, but definitely something to look for.
Camel Riding: Typically just a short ride, very more for the novelty than anything else, but still, camels!
Traditional Refreshments: Usually some tea, water, and sometimes dates to give you a taste of Saudi hospitality.

What makes a morning safari different? It is that the temperature is usually cooler than an afternoon or evening trip, which could be a huge plus, especially during the hotter months. Plus, the light is just amazing for photos. So, that golden hour glow? You get that a few hours after sunrise instead.

The Quad Biking Experience: What’s It Really Like?

Okay, let’s talk about those quad bikes. So, they’re not all created equal. The tours usually use a specific make and model of quad bike that can deal with sand dunes. Expect something with an engine size around 350cc or bigger because you’ll need that power to climb the dunes. Also, double check that it has good suspension – you will feel every bump out there!

Safety First: Every decent tour should provide helmets, very arguably possibly even goggles, though it is often not a bad plan to bring your sunglasses or some eye protection that you know works well. Listen carefully to the safety briefing too, even if you’ve ridden a quad bike before. They will often go over the basics, but also tell you some particular pointers and tips on that particular course/terrain.

Riding Through the Dunes: Once you get going, you’ll quickly realize that driving in sand is *way* different than driving on pavement. You might be sliding, feeling that machine wobble a bit, too it’s almost unlike anything else you’ve experienced. It could take some time to get used to, but after a while, you’ll start getting the hang of it. Just remember to keep a steady throttle, don’t make jerky movements, and look ahead.

Photo Ops: The guides know the cool spots, so that’s usually pretty standard to stop for photos at a scenic spot. Usually the organizers can also assist by snapping a couple pics of you, so don’t be scared to ask! Those desert backdrops truly are something special.

Booking Your Tour: What to Watch Out For

Alright, so you’re sold, and ready to book. This bit here, is where a bit of research pays off. There are *loads* of tour operators offering desert safaris in Jeddah, that being said they are not all that high of quality.

Read Those Reviews: TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, every these things should be scoured. Look for patterns. Was the company punctual? Did the guides appear friendly and helpful? Did the equipment (especially those quad bikes) look to be in good repair?

Check the Inclusions: Some tours might skimp on stuff. Does it include hotel pickup and drop-off? How long do you actually get on the quad bike? Is water provided? What about sandboarding?

Ask About Group Size: A big tour group might feel more like a bus tour than a personal adventure. More or less smaller groups will allow for a better experience, but could potentially also cost more.

Safety Standards: Don’t be shy about asking what safety measures the tour operator has in place. They should have things, like, first-aid kits, trained guides, and well-maintained equipment. Make absolutely certain they provide helmets (and that you wear one!).

Price Comparison: Naturally, don’t just jump at the first offer you see. See what a few different companies are charging for similar experiences. Keep in mind, arguably cheaper isn’t usually better here – you might end up sacrificing safety or the quality of the experience.

What to Bring With You (and What to Leave Behind)

Packing right can turn what looks like a good trip into an absolutely awesome one.

Sun Protection: The sun out there is quite fierce, especially between the hours of around 10 AM and 2PM. It could be worth taking, sunglasses, sunscreen (and apply it *generously*), plus a hat or headscarf.
Comfortable Clothing: Loose, breathable clothing is basically essential. Light-colored fabrics will keep you cooler. Very, very long sleeves and pants can also provide an added layer of sun protection.
Closed-Toe Shoes: Sandals are, arguably not great in the desert. Sand *will* get everywhere. So that being said, closed-toe shoes protect your feet when you’re riding the quad bike, sandboarding, or just walking around.
Water: The tour operator will probably provide water, but it couldn’t hurt to bring a bottle or two, especially if it is one of those hot days.
Camera: The scenery is wonderful, like nothing else out there. Bring a camera or phone to capture the experience. Maybe even think about packing a dust-proof case for your camera!
Cash: Just in case you’d prefer to buy souvenirs or tip your guide.

Things to leave behind: A great deal of valuables you don’t actually need. Also, arguably anything that might get damaged by sand (unless, in that case, you have taken steps to protect it).

Is the Jeddah Morning Desert Safari Worth It? My Final Thoughts

So, I feel as though the million-dollar question is, does this adventure live up to the hype? Basically, if you’re looking for some high-octane fun and Instagram-worthy scenery, that’s a big, loud, ‘yes!’ from me. Just make completely certain you do that bit of homework before booking. Look into the tour operators and what they are offering.

Riding a quad bike across the desert at sunrise can be an amazing feeling. Getting a good tour booked means taking the time to assess your preferences to find the right company. Pick your experience! Be on the lookout for any warning signals ahead. If you do that? Chances are you’re in for some spectacular experience!