Dubai: All Inclusive Desert Safari with ATV, Camel, Horse ride, Vip & more

Planning a desert adventure in Dubai? We’ve taken a close look at this all-inclusive desert safari that promises a mix of adrenaline, culture, and entertainment. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply want a taste of Bedouin life, this tour offers a well-rounded experience.

What caught our eye? First, the longer-than-usual lineup of activities means plenty of time to enjoy each element. Second, the inclusion of exciting sports like ATV riding and horseback riding sets this apart from typical safaris. Third, the delicious buffet dinner with live shows provides a genuine Arabian ambiance.

One thing to consider is that the tour lasts around 6 hours, which might feel a bit packed if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Still, with the pickup included and flexible options, this safari is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive desert experience.

This adventure suits travelers who want thrills and culture—great for first-timers or those looking to tick off multiple activities in one go. Families, couples, or groups of friends will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience with ATV, camel, and horse rides, plus dune bashing and sandboarding
• Includes cultural activities like henna, shisha, traditional dress-up, and falcon interaction
• Evening entertainment features Tanoura, belly dance, fire shows, and a buffet BBQ
• Transport is covered with hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai, Sharjah, or Ajman
• Value for money at $164.50 per person, considering the variety of activities and food included
• Booking in advance (about 7 days) helps secure your spot during peak times

An In-Depth Look at the Desert Safari Experience

Getting There and Setting Expectations

From the moment you book, this tour sets the tone for a seamless day. The pickup service is offered from your hotel or chosen location, with transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4WD. This means you avoid the hassle of organizing transport yourself and can relax before the adventure begins.

The tour starts at 2:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the desert in the late afternoon and evening. Group sizes are capped at 150 travelers, so you’ll likely be part of a lively, yet manageable group.

First Stop: Lahbab Desert and Dune Bashing

After a friendly meet-up with your guide, usually a well-trained, licensed driver, you’re whisked away to Lahbab Desert, famous for its red dunes. The drive itself is scenic, with the desert’s vast, sandy landscape stretching in every direction.

The first activity here is the dune bashing, a rollercoaster ride over the sand waves that feels exhilarating yet safe due to the professional driving and safety briefings. Once the vehicle is parked, you’ll have time to relax, use the facilities, and take some memorable photos.

A standout feature is the quad bike (ATV) experience. Before you start, the guide offers a safety briefing, then you can drive your own 30-minute trail across the dunes. Reviewers like Rodrigo_G praised the “great experience” and the “excellent attention from the guide,” indicating a smooth and enjoyable ride.

The dune bashing itself has been described as “a lot of fun,” with plenty of opportunities to capture stunning desert vistas. Expect a mix of adrenaline and awe at the landscape’s natural beauty.

Second Stop: Desert Camp and Cultural Encounters

Next, the journey takes you to a traditional desert camp. Here, the atmosphere shifts from adrenaline to cultural charm. You’ll be greeted with Arabian coffee and sweets, offering a taste of local hospitality.

The camp offers a variety of activities:

• Henna painting for women (and some men), which reviewers appreciated as a fun, souvenir-worthy activity.
• Shisha smoking (hubbly bubbly), which adds to the authentic Middle Eastern vibe.
• Dress-up in Arabian traditional clothing, a popular photo op.
• Meet a falcon expert and take pictures with the majestic bird—an experience many consider a highlight.

A brief camel ride around the camp adds a traditional touch, providing a relaxed pace after the high-energy dune bashing.

Evening Entertainment and Dinner

As the sun begins to set, the tour shifts to dinner and live shows. The buffet offers a Barbecue meal with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options—reviewers rave about the delicious food and variety.

The entertainment is lively, with a Tanoura dance, a fire show, and the Ladies Khaliji dance (though some activities might be limited during Ramadan). The belly dancing performance is a crowd favorite, and the fire acts create a captivating spectacle.

For those interested in cultural interaction, the falcon photos, henna, and Arabian dress-up enrich the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing tour.

Additional Activities and Features

Throughout the tour, you can partake in sandboarding, adding a fun twist to the desert terrain. The sunset photo stop is a perfect moment to capture the vibrant desert colors and create lasting memories.

Optional extras include alcoholic drinks (available for purchase at the camp), which some might find worth the extra expense for a complete VIP experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Extended activity lineup: Unlike many safaris that focus mainly on dune bashing and a quick camel ride, this tour offers quad biking, horseback riding, and sandboarding. That means more variety and more fun, especially for active travelers.

Cultural immersion: The camp’s authentic setup, along with henna, shisha, traditional dresses, and falcon interaction, helps you connect with Emirati culture in a relaxed environment.

Value for money: At $164.50 per person, the tour offers excellent value, considering the number of activities, food, entertainment, and transportation included.

Well-organized logistics: Pickup and drop-off, combined with experienced guides, make the day flow smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying rather than stressing over logistics.

Practical Tips for a Great Experience

• Dress comfortably, especially in summer—light, loose clothing are recommended, with a jacket for winter evenings.
• Arrive early for your pickup to ensure punctuality.
• Bring your camera or phone fully charged—there are many photo opportunities, especially at sunset and with the falcon.
• If you’re interested in the cultural elements like henna or dressing up, remember to specify if you want these activities, although they are generally included.
• Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, but not included in the tour price.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, but ensure you’re physically able for activities like ATV riding and the camel ride.

The Sum Up

This Dubai desert safari offers a full-on adventure that combines thrills, cultural encounters, and lively entertainment. The variety of activities—particularly the ATV and horseback rides—ensures each guest leaves with plenty of stories to tell. The evening barbecue and shows add a memorable touch, making it perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive desert experience without the hassle of organizing multiple activities separately.

While the tour can be a bit busy, most find the pacing enjoyable and the value undeniable. It’s especially suited for those eager to squeeze as much adventure and cultural flavor into one day as possible.

If you’re after an authentic, fun-filled day that blends adrenaline with entertainment, this safari delivers. Just remember to come hungry—both for the food and the fun—and bring your camera for some spectacular desert shots.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned 4WD, dune bashing, quad biking, sandboarding, camel and horse rides, dinner buffet, and live entertainment like belly dance, Tanoura, and fire shows.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 2:00 pm and ending with the return to your hotel afterward.

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels or locations, making it convenient regardless of where you stay in Dubai, Sharjah, or Ajman.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the BBQ buffet includes vegetarian options alongside non-vegetarian dishes.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour requires physical participation in activities like ATV riding and camel riding.

Is alcohol served during the tour?
Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the desert camp but are not included in the tour price.

What should I wear?
Casual, loose-fitting clothing is recommended for summer, with a jacket suggested for winter evenings. Comfortable footwear is advised for activities.

Are the guides experienced?
Yes, the guides are native or fluent English speakers, well-trained, and licensed for safari drives, ensuring safety and enjoyable commentary.

This desert safari from Dubai offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment, all at a reasonable price point. Perfect for those wanting a memorable day in the sands with friends or family.