A week of temples is wonderful, but a few hours in the open air can feel like a treat. The quad ride on the West Bank is the most active thing on the Luxor menu, and it suits people who like to be outdoors.
The briefing and practice
You are collected from your hotel or cruise boat in the afternoon and taken to the base. A guide shows you how the controls work and how to keep your distance in a line. You then try a short practice loop. If you are not confident, tell the guide, who can ride alongside.
The route
The ride follows sugar-cane tracks and the edge of the desert, with the Theban hills as a backdrop. The ground is mostly packed earth and sand. Speeds are slow to moderate, and the group stays together. Expect some dust and a few bumps.
Tea and sunset
Around the middle of the ride you stop for tea with a view over the hills. Then you ride back as the sun sets, when the light is softest and the sand turns pink. It is the best moment for photographs, so keep your phone secure.
Safety and who can ride
- Minimum age is six; younger children cannot ride.
- You may ride alone or share a quad with another rider.
- Helmets and scarves are provided.
- Guides lead and close the group.
- People with back, neck or heart problems should check with a doctor first.
Clothes and kit for the ride
Closed shoes, long trousers and a light long-sleeved top protect you from dust and sun. Sunglasses are essential, and a scarf or buff helps with the dust. Leave jewellery and loose items at the hotel, and put your phone in a zipped pocket. Carry a little cash for tips. A change of clothes in your bag is useful for the evening if you are going out afterwards.
The best seasons for riding
Winter and early spring give the best conditions, with mild afternoons and clear light. In summer the sun is strong, though the late start and sunset timing keep the ride bearable. Wind can raise dust at any time of year, so tell the guide if you have breathing problems. The ride can be shortened or adjusted if the weather turns.
The ride suits a day when you have already seen the main sights, as a break from stone and history. It starts in the afternoon, so you can combine it with a morning at the temples if you are not too tired. It is not a good idea to schedule it after a dawn balloon flight and a long West Bank day. Keep the energy for the ride.
Anyone with a recent injury, back or neck trouble, pregnancy or a heart condition should not ride. Nor should people who dislike dust or noise. If some of your group prefer a quiet evening, a sunset boat trip or a carriage ride will suit them better, and the groups can meet for dinner afterwards.
The ride is private: your party only, up to eight people, with a guide on the lead quad. Open the trip page for current dates and to book.
Plan with us
Quad biking on Luxor's West Bank: what the ride is actually like
A guided sunset quad ride on Luxor's West Bank: the briefing, the route, the safety rules, age limits and what to wear. You need never have ridden one before.