Desert Safari Dubai

Exploring Dubai’s Desert Safari: An Honest Review

If you’re looking to add a taste of adventure and culture to your Dubai trip, a desert safari might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a lively, action-packed experience that captures the essence of Dubai’s desert landscape.

What we love about this tour is its combination of thrill and tradition—from dune bashing and sandboarding to camel rides and henna art, it’s a well-rounded way to experience the desert beyond just snapping photos of dunes. The live entertainment, including belly dancing and fire shows, adds a festive touch to the evening. Plus, with hotel pickup and drop-off, logistics are straightforward, making it accessible for most travelers.

However, a potential snag is that some reviewers felt the experience could be more comprehensive or longer, especially in terms of activities like camel riding or henna. Also, added costs for extras like quad bikes might catch some off guard. This is a great value safari for those seeking a fun, convenient introduction to Dubai’s desert, especially if you’re on a budget or short on time.

This tour suits travelers who want a manageable, all-in-one desert experience without the hassle of organizing multiple activities or transport. It’s ideal for first-timers, families, or anyone looking for an exciting evening filled with cultural entertainment and desert adventures.

Key Points

• Value for money: The tour offers a comprehensive package at around $37, making it accessible for many travelers.
• Includes hotel transfers: Convenient pickup and drop-off take the stress out of transportation.
• Multiple activities: Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna, and live entertainment provide variety.
• Potential extras: Some activities like quad biking cost extra and aren’t included in the base price.
• Authentic cultural touches: Arabic sweets, coffee, and traditional dance shows add flavor to the evening.
• Mixed reviews: While many enjoyed the experience, some felt certain activities and explanations could be improved.

What to Expect on the Dubai Desert Safari

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

The tour kicks off in the late afternoon with hotel pickup by a 4×4, which is a huge plus for travelers who dislike navigating unfamiliar streets. The first major activity is the dune bashing—a wild ride over the ridges in a Land Cruiser driven by a professional. As one reviewer noted, “Your Land Cruiser will go all over the ridges, giving you an excite and abandon you shouting,” which sums up the adrenaline rush well.

Sandboarding follows, offering that classic thrill of sliding down sandy slopes—an activity that’s fun and accessible for most. If you’re craving more, you can opt to pay for quad bikes (150 Dirhams for 15 minutes), although some reviewers felt that certain activities, like the quad biking, weren’t fully disclosed beforehand.

Cultural and Relaxing Elements

After the adrenaline, you can enjoy a camel ride, which many find charming and a great photo op. You’ll also get the chance to have your photo taken in Arabian costumes—a fun way to capture the moment, especially if traveling with friends or family. Henna painting is available, although some reviewers found the henna tattoo to be a bit underwhelming or short in duration.

The sunset photography opportunity is a highlight, providing stunning views as the sun dips behind the dunes—perfect for those memorable shots. Throughout the evening, unlimited mineral water, Arabic sweets, coffee, and dates keep you refreshed, although some reviews suggest the drinks and snacks could be more abundant or authentic.

Evening Entertainment and Dinner

As night falls, the desert camp comes alive with lively performances. You’ll enjoy a Tanoura dance show, a fire show, and an enchanting belly dance—all performed live, adding to the festive atmosphere. Reviewers appreciated the live artist accompanying the belly dance, citing it as a highlight.

The buffet dinner features both vegetarian options and traditional flavors, with some guests describing it as “very good and typical.” Keep in mind, alcoholic beverages aren’t included, but you can purchase them separately.

Additional Notes from Reviewers

Some guests, like Emilio, felt the experience was somewhat limited or overpriced, citing that not all activities were included and that drivers often tried to solicit extra money. For example, Emilio mentioned having to pay extra for the quad bikes, which wasn’t clearly communicated initially. Others appreciated the fun and authenticity—especially for the price—highlighting the friendly guides like Faiz, who made the experience engaging.

The Practical Side: Logistics, Duration, and Cost

At approximately 6 hours, this tour offers good value, especially considering the hotel pickup and drop-off included. The tour begins at 2:30 pm and lasts until evening, making it a perfect activity if you want to fit in an exciting desert outing without occupying your whole day.

The price point of $37 per person is quite reasonable, given the number of activities packed into the experience. However, if you’re interested in extras like quad biking, expect to pay additional fees. Remember, most bookings are made around 18 days in advance, so plan accordingly if you want to secure a spot.

The group size can be up to 400 travelers, so it’s a popular choice, but it also means there can be a lively, bustling atmosphere. This might be ideal for those who enjoy social settings but less so for travelers seeking a more intimate or exclusive experience.

How Does It Compare?

While the core activities like dune bashing and camel riding are standard for Dubai safaris, reviews point out that some experiences could be more personalized or longer. Alternatives like luxury yacht tours or cultural walking tours exist if you prefer a more relaxed, refined experience, but they come at a higher price.

The reviews suggest that this tour offers a solid, budget-friendly option, especially if you’re looking for a fun evening filled with variety. Just be aware that some activities are optional or cost extra, and the overall experience hinges on the quality of the guide and group dynamics.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari is best suited for first-time visitors eager for a quick, fun glimpse of the desert’s thrill and beauty. It’s also perfect for budget travelers or families who want a full evening of entertainment and adventure without spending a fortune. If you enjoy live shows, cultural touches, and active pursuits like sandboarding and dune bashing, this tour hits many marks.

However, if you’re after a more exclusive or in-depth cultural experience, or want to spend more time in each activity, you might find this tour somewhat rushed or lacking in authenticity. Also, those who dislike group tours or feel uncomfortable with potentially high-pressure guides should consider other options.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This desert safari offers good value for money, especially considering all the included activities and convenient logistics. It’s a lively, energetic way to experience Dubai’s desert landscape, perfect for travelers wanting excitement and entertainment in one evening.

The combination of adventure, cultural elements, and live entertainment makes it a well-rounded choice for those on a budget or short on time. While some reviews point to room for improvement—particularly in transparency about extra costs—the core experience appears to deliver a fun, authentic taste of desert life.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, activity-packed desert outing that hits all the highlights, this tour should be on your list. Just remember to manage expectations regarding the optional extras, and you’ll likely walk away with memorable stories and photos.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?
The tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, live entertainment, and a buffet dinner. Drinks like water, tea, and coffee are also included.

Are there any extras I should expect to pay for?
Yes, activities like quad biking are not included in the base price and cost around 150 Dirhams for 15 minutes. Some reviews mention that additional costs are sometimes not clearly communicated beforehand.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 2:30 pm, with pickup arranged from your hotel. It lasts approximately 6 hours, wrapping up in the evening.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off reliable?
Yes, transportation is included and generally reliable, with most travelers reporting punctual pickups and smooth transfers.

How long is the dune bashing?
The exact duration isn’t specified, but it’s described as “all over the ridges,” implying a lively, engaging ride that might last around 30-45 minutes.

Can I take photos during sunset?
Absolutely. The tour allows for sunset photography, offering great opportunities to capture the changing sky over the dunes.

What are the main entertainment features?
Expect traditional performances like Tanoura and fire shows, along with a belly dance, all performed live at the desert camp.

Is vegetarian food available?
Yes, the buffet includes vegetarian options, and many guests found the dinner to be quite good and authentic.

Who would this tour suit best?
It’s suited for first-time visitors, families, and budget-conscious travelers who want a lively, lasting impression of Dubai’s desert in a single evening.

This safari offers a lively, budget-friendly way to enjoy Dubai’s desert. With a mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment, it’s a solid choice for those seeking fun without fuss—and at a price that won’t break the bank.