Desert Safari With Camel Ride and Dinner

Experience Dubai’s Desert Charm with a 6-Hour Safari Including Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, and Dinner

If you’re looking to add an authentic touch to your Dubai trip, a Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner offers a fascinating blend of adventure and culture. While we haven’t personally joined the tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect. The tour promises a memorable evening with thrilling dune bashing, traditional Bedouin experiences, and lively entertainment, all for just under $20 per person.

What really stands out are the adrenaline-filled dune bashing, the authentic cultural activities like henna painting and camel rides, and the spectacular sunset views over the Red Sand Dunes. Plus, the live entertainment—including belly dancing and Tanura performances—adds a lively, festive atmosphere. The only caveat? The pick-up location might not always be at your hotel, so planning accordingly is worth considering.

This excursion is ideal for those seeking a value-packed, culturally immersive evening that combines adventure with relaxation. It’s perfect if you’re eager to experience Dubai’s desert beyond the city, and don’t mind a group setting with a maximum of 14 travelers.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $19, this safari offers great value for the full experience.
• Cultural & Adventure Combo: Dune bashing, camel riding, henna, and local cuisine all in one tour.
• Live Entertainment: Belly dancing, Tanura shows, and fire performances add to the festive atmosphere.
• Sunset Views: Photograph the iconic Red Sand Dunes at sunset for memorable photos.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes round-trip transportation and essentials like bottled water and coffee.
• Limited Group Size: A small group environment enhances the experience and personal attention.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup and Start

The tour begins at Makateb Building on Al Maktoum Road in Deira, Dubai, at 3:00 pm. Travelers are picked up from this centrally located meeting point, which is near public transportation, making it accessible even if you’re not staying nearby. Keep in mind that the pickup point may not be directly at your hotel, so plan ahead.

Dune Bashing and Camel Rides

The highlight for many is the 4×4 dune bashing ride. Expect a skilled driver to navigate the Red Sand Dunes with a combination of high-speed thrills and gentle moments to enjoy the landscape. The reviews mention that the driver was very involved, attentive, and safety-conscious, which adds peace of mind during the adrenaline rush.

Following the bashing, you’ll enjoy a camel ride—a true staple of Middle Eastern culture—and an excellent opportunity for photos. Reviewers like “fawzi_m” highlighted the chauffeur’s involvement and the overall quality of this part, which suggests a well-organized, enjoyable experience.

Traditional Bedouin Camp

Next, the safari takes you to a Bedouin-style camp, where you can engage in activities like henna painting and sampling Arabian coffee and dates. These small but meaningful touches help travelers connect with the local customs.

Sunset Photography

As the sun begins to set, you’ll have the chance to capture stunning photos of the Red Sand Dunes—an iconic vista that makes for memorable pictures. The sunset adds a magical glow to the landscape, enhancing the desert’s natural beauty.

Dinner and Live Entertainment

The evening culminates with a BBQ buffet dinner under the stars, which includes a variety of traditional grilled dishes. The entertainment lineup is lively, featuring belly dancing, Tanura spinning, and even fire shows. According to reviews, the entertainment is dynamic and adds a festive vibe to the night.

Additional Activities

Throughout the evening, you can enjoy shisha (water pipe) if you wish, and get your hands decorated with henna tattoos. These activities are included or available for purchase and provide an authentic, relaxed experience.

Return

The tour wraps up with transportation back to the starting point, concluding after roughly 6 hours. The experience promises a well-rounded mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment—delivered in a small group setting for more personal attention.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included

• Live entertainment (belly dance, Tanura, fire show)
• Snacks like Arabian coffee and dates
• Dinner (traditional BBQ buffet)
• Bottled water
• Coffee and/or Tea

Not Included

• Souvenir photos (these are available to purchase separately)
• Pick-up at your hotel might not be included, so verify your meeting point

The Experience’s Strengths

Value for Money

At just under $20, this tour packs in a lot. The combination of dune bashing, cultural activities, entertainment, and dinner creates a comprehensive desert experience without breaking the bank. The reviews particularly praise the quality of activities offered relative to the price.

Cultural Authenticity

Activities like henna painting, enjoying traditional coffee, and riding camels give travelers a taste of Bedouin life. These small interactions make a big difference in creating a memorable, immersive experience.

Scenic Sunset & Photo Opportunities

The sunset over the Red Sand Dunes is a highlight. The warm glow provides perfect lighting for photos, and many travelers have enjoyed capturing the landscape at this magical hour.

Entertainment & Atmosphere

The live shows add a festive feeling, transforming a simple dinner into a lively Arabian night. Reviewers mention the performers are engaging, and the fire shows are particularly exciting.

Small Group Experience

With a maximum of 14 travelers, the tour feels intimate enough to foster interaction and ensure personalized attention from guides and drivers.

Potential Considerations

Pickup Location

While the tour offers convenient round-trip transportation, some reviews noted the pickup wasn’t from their hotel, which could require extra planning. Confirming the exact pickup point beforehand is advisable.

Physical Activity Level

The tour involves moderate physical activity—camel rides, henna painting, and walking around the camp—so travelers should be comfortable with these activities. It’s suitable for most, but those with mobility issues might want to check closer.

Duration & Timing

Starting at 3:00 pm and lasting about 6 hours, the tour covers late afternoon into evening, perfect for catching the sunset but might be long for those with early schedules the next day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This desert safari is ideal for budget-conscious travelers eager for a blend of adventure and culture. It suits those who want a family-friendly experience or are traveling with friends who enjoy lively entertainment. If you’re looking for an authentic desert night with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural activities, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you prefer a more exclusive, luxury experience or are particular about hotel pickups, you might want to explore other options. Still, for its price, this safari offers a well-rounded taste of Dubai’s desert heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Dubai is included, although the pickup point may not always be your hotel. Confirm your meeting location when booking.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 3 pm and returning to the meeting point afterward.

What activities are part of the tour?
Expect dune bashing, camel riding, henna painting, enjoying Arabian coffee and dates, and traditional dinner with live performances.

Are there any entertainment shows?
Yes, the night features belly dancing, Tanura spinning, and fire shows, adding a lively entertainment element.

Is this suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour involves moderate physical activity, so most travelers with reasonable mobility will enjoy it. Always check individual health considerations.

What is the price, and does it offer good value?
At under $20 per person, the tour provides a lot of value for adventure, cultural activities, and entertainment.

Can I take photos during the sunset?
Absolutely. The sunset over the Red Sand Dunes is one of the highlights, perfect for photography.

Is food included?
Yes, a BBQ buffet dinner is part of the package, along with snacks like coffee and dates.

Can I buy souvenirs or photos?
Pictures taken during the tour can be purchased separately, but they are not included in the cost.

In the end, this desert safari from Dubai offers a lively, affordable, and culturally rich experience suitable for those wanting a taste of desert life without the fuss of high-end tours. It’s a great way to combine adventure, tradition, and entertainment in one fun-packed evening.