Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Dubai’s desert calls out to many travelers, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and entertainment. This Desert Safari Dubai experience, priced at around $35 per person, promises a 6-hour journey packed with dune bashing, traditional activities, and an evening at a Bedouin-style camp. While it’s popular for its affordability and included hotel transfers, some reviews highlight that it may not always meet every expectation — especially for those seeking a fully authentic or premium experience.

What we appreciate about this tour is the balance of thrill and cultural vibe—from the adrenaline rush of dune bashing to the chance to try on traditional Arabic costumes and enjoy lively entertainment. We also like the value proposition: for a relatively low price, you get quite a bit of fun, including a BBQ dinner with vegetarian options and soft drinks. However, a key consideration is that some guests found certain activities, like sand boarding and shisha, were either not included or were billed separately, which can feel a bit misleading.

This tour is ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comprehensive desert experience in Dubai without breaking the bank. If you’re after a lively, action-packed evening with some cultural touches and don’t mind the occasional sales pitch, it may be worth considering. But if you’re expecting a highly polished, luxury-level safari, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Affordable price point offers good value for a full evening of activities.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward.
• Multiple activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding.
• Live entertainment and a BBQ dinner create a festive atmosphere.
• Some reviews mention inconsistencies such as no sandboarding or shisha as advertised.
• Expect a mix of thrills and cultural moments, with a focus on entertainment.

A Closer Look at the Desert Adventure

The Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins at 3:00 pm, with hotel pickups arranged in luxury air-conditioned 4×4 jeeps. This is a definite plus for those staying in Dubai city, as it removes the stress of local transportation. The jeeps are configured with guest protection roll bars, emphasizing safety during the dune bashing. Group sizes are capped at around 499 travelers, so you’re likely part of a sizable convoy, but the ride is generally smooth and comfortable.

The Dune Bashing Experience

The highlight for many is the dune bashing, which involves a skilled driver navigating the golden dunes with thrilling roller coaster-like turns. This aspect is a major draw for adventure lovers, offering a sense of adrenaline as you bounce on the sand. It’s worth noting that this activity is described as “thrilling and adventurous” and is a core part of the program.

However, if you’re not a fan of roller coaster rides or are concerned about safety, you’ll be pleased to know that guests who prefer to skip dune bashing altogether can be taken directly to the campsite. This flexibility can make the tour more accessible for families or those with certain health considerations.

Activities at the Bedouin Camp

Once the adrenaline rush subsides, you’ll arrive at the traditional Bedouin camp, which is the heart of the cultural experience. Here, you’ll find an array of activities:

• Camel rides (noted as a short experience, sometimes around 1 minute unless you pay extra for longer rides)
• Sandboarding, which some reviews suggest might not be included in the base price or was unavailable during certain trips
• Henna painting and the chance to dress in Arabian costumes for photos
• The camp also features shisha pipe experiences—though again, reviews suggest these might be optional extras or not consistently included

Live Entertainment and Performances

The evening is lively with live shows that include:

• Belly dancing
• Tanoura dance (a traditional spinning dance)
• A fire show that adds a dramatic flair

These performances contribute to the festive, Arabian-inspired atmosphere, keeping guests entertained as they relax at the camp. According to reviews, the performances are generally well-received, although some guests may find the entire setup somewhat staged or commercialized.

Dinner and Refreshments

The buffet barbecue dinner is a highlight, especially considering the price point. A variety of Emarati starters and snacks are on offer, with options catering to vegetarians (like falafel) and meat-eaters alike. Soft drinks, tea, and coffee are included, making it a convenient and satisfying meal.

Some guests mentioned that vegetarian options are good, but the overall quality might vary. The buffet is designed to provide a casual, hearty meal after an active day in the dunes, rather than a gourmet experience.

Optional Extras and Caveats

A couple of notable points from reviews include:

• Quad biking is available but comes at an extra cost.
• Alcoholic drinks are also not included and need to be purchased separately.
• Some reviewers felt they were pressured to buy additional activities or spend more money, which can detract from the overall experience if you’re not prepared for that.

Practical Tips

• If you’re interested in sandboarding or shisha, clarify with the tour operator beforehand if these are included or available.
• Arrive early if you want to experience the activities at the camp without feeling rushed.
• Use the Arabic costumes for photos—this is a fun souvenir opportunity.
• Expect a lively, sometimes touristy atmosphere—this is part of the charm but also worth noting if you prefer more authentic, low-key experiences.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This desert safari is best suited for budget travelers who want a full evening of adventure and entertainment without a hefty price tag. It’s perfect if you enjoy a lively, festive atmosphere and want to tick off dune bashing, camel riding, and cultural shows in one go. The included hotel transfers make it particularly convenient for visitors staying in Dubai city.

However, if your priority is authenticity, premium quality, or a more personalized experience, you might find this tour somewhat commercialized or inconsistent, especially regarding activities like sandboarding and shisha. It’s worth approaching with the understanding that it’s designed as a fun, lively experience rather than a deeply cultural or luxurious one.

In short, it offers good value for money, especially for first-time visitors or those wanting to experience the highlights of Dubai’s desert in a single afternoon and evening.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, using luxury air-conditioned 4×4 jeeps, making it very convenient for travelers staying in Dubai.

What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, Arabic dress photography, and live entertainment performances like belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and a fire show.

Can I skip dune bashing if I don’t want it?
Yes, guests who do not prefer dune bashing can be taken directly to the campsite without participating in the roller coaster ride.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?
Absolutely, the buffet barbecue dinner includes vegetarian dishes such as falafel and other starters, alongside meat options.

How long is the camel ride?
The camel ride is generally very short—around 1 minute—unless you pay extra for a longer experience.

Are alcohol and additional activities included?
No, alcoholic drinks and activities like quad biking are available at extra cost and are not part of the base package.

What should I wear during the tour?
Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for warm desert weather is recommended. You can wear traditional Arabic costumes at the camp for photos, which are provided on-site.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but parents should consider the dune bashing’s intensity and the short camel rides for younger children.

When does the tour start?
The tour begins at 3:00 pm, with pickup times arranged based on your hotel location.

To sum it up, this desert safari offers a lively, budget-friendly way to experience Dubai’s desert landscape and cultural vibe. It balances thrill, entertainment, and ease of access, making it a popular choice for those eager to enjoy the sands without a fuss. Just be mindful of possible extra costs and variable activity quality, and you’ll likely have a memorable evening under the stars.