Desert Safari Tour, 6 Hour Fun, Family & Friends, Camel Ride & Dinner Included.

Planning a desert adventure in Dubai? The Desert Safari Tour, offering around six hours of excitement, food, and entertainment, is a popular choice among travelers. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or solo, this tour promises a mix of adrenaline and cultural experiences at a budget-friendly price.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the dune bashing on 4x4s is a real highlight, giving you that quintessential Dubai desert thrill. Second, the variety of activities like camel rides and sandboarding offer authentic desert fun for all ages. Lastly, the dinner and live entertainment—including belly dancers and fire shows—round out the experience with a touch of Arabian flair.

However, a key consideration is that this is a budget tour, which means some features like quad biking are optional add-ons, and not everything is included upfront. It’s best suited for travelers looking for a fun, family-friendly adventure that balances price with memorable moments.

Key Points

• Price: At only $34 per person, it offers a solid value for a range of desert activities.
• Family-friendly: Children under 4 go free, making it accessible for families.
• Activities: Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and multiple live shows keep the fun varied.
• Food & Drinks: A BBQ buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options; refreshments are included.
• Guides & Service: Knowledgeable guides like Imran and Ajmal enhance the experience.
• Timing & Duration: Starts at 2 pm, lasting around 6 hours, optimal for an afternoon adventure.

An Honest Look at the Dubai Desert Safari Experience

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off around 2:00 pm, with convenient pick-up and drop-off services available from various points in Dubai and Sharjah. This hassle-free transport is a big plus, saving you the headache of organizing transfers in a city known for its traffic and complex logistics.

Once you arrive at the desert camp, the real fun begins with dune bashing. Using 4×4 Land Cruisers, guides take you over the towering, red sand dunes—an exhilarating ride that combines adrenaline with stunning views. Reviewers highlight that this activity, while sometimes described as “mediocre” by some, is generally appreciated for its thrill and the skill of drivers like Imran and Ajmal, who are noted for their helpfulness and ability to take photos.

Next, the tour includes camel rides and sandboarding. Many travelers mention that the camel rides are quite brief (about 1 minute), with options to pay extra for longer rides or photos with a falcon. Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to snap photos at designated photography points, capturing the desert’s natural beauty and the sunset over the red dunes—truly a memorable visual.

The Camp and Activities

The desert camp is where most activities converge. Here, you’ll find Henna painting for ladies, a nice touch of local tradition, and a chance to relax before the evening’s entertainment. The camp also offers flavored shisha smoking (adults only), which adds to the relaxed, social vibe.

Live shows are a major part of the experience, with belly dancers, fire shows, and Tanoura dancers providing a lively atmosphere. Multiple reviews describe these performances as “super” and well worth the visit, though some note that the belly dancing may be limited to just a song or two.

The Food & Night Entertainment

A highlight for many is the BBQ buffet dinner, which features vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and variety, calling the food “delicious” and the barbecue “reliable.” It’s a good mix of flavors that satisfy even picky eaters.

Live entertainment continues during dinner, with fire shows and traditional dances that keep the energy high. Reviewers like Sabine appreciated Ajmal’s attentive service throughout, making the experience more comfortable.

The Small Print & Extras

One noted limitation: quad bike rides are available but at extra cost, so if that’s a must-have, be prepared for additional expenses. Also, some reviews mention that not all activities are included in the base price, such as photos with a falcon or horseback riding, which cost a few extra dirhams.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point, allowing for a stress-free conclusion to your desert adventure. It’s especially suited for those who want a quick, fun-filled experience without spending a full day in the desert.

What Travelers Are Saying

Feedback is generally positive, with many reviewers calling it an “excellent value for money” and praising guides like Imran and Ajmal for their helpfulness. Daniela from Italy shared that her daughter will remember this tour forever, highlighting its family-friendly appeal.

Some critiques focus on dune bashing not being as intense or exciting as expected, and facilities like toilets being less than ideal. A few reviewers also found the arrival process confusing at times, but these seem to be minor hiccups in an overall enjoyable experience.

The entertainment and food consistently get high marks, with many saying they were well worth the price—especially considering how affordable this tour is relative to other options in Dubai.

Why Choose This Tour?

Best suited for budget-conscious travelers, families, or first-timers wanting a taste of Dubai’s desert without the hefty price tag. If you’re looking for a variety of activities, live shows, and good food in a single afternoon, this tour offers a balanced, fun experience.

If you’re after extreme dune bashing, longer camel rides, or personalized experiences, you might find this tour a bit limited. However, for those interested in authentic desert fun with less fuss, it’s a solid pick.

The Sum Up

This 6-hour desert safari from Dubai is an excellent way to experience the desert’s magic without breaking the bank. You’ll get adrenaline-pumping dune bashing, authentic camel rides, and a delicious barbecue dinner all wrapped into one affordable package.

The tour’s family-friendly nature and lively entertainment make it ideal for those traveling with children or groups looking for a shared adventure. The guides, especially Imran and Ajmal, are praised for their helpfulness and professionalism, adding a personal touch that elevates the experience.

While some might wish for more intense dune bashing or a longer ride, the overall value remains high. It’s a practical choice for anyone wanting an authentic, fun, and hassle-free desert outing in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting time for this tour?
The tour begins at 2:00 pm, making it perfect for an afternoon adventure that extends into the evening.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes. Children under 4 years old can join for free, making it a family-friendly option.

Is transportation included?
Yes. The tour includes hassle-free pick-up and drop-off from various points in Dubai and Sharjah, saving you the hassle of organizing your own transport.

What activities are included in the base price?
Activities like dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and dinner are included. Additional activities like quad biking or photos with a falcon are extra.

Can I upgrade my experience?
Yes. You can add a quad bike ride at extra cost, but it’s not part of the standard package.

How long does the camel ride last?
The standard camel ride lasts about 1 minute, but longer rides are available for an additional fee.

What kind of food is served at dinner?
A BBQ buffet featuring vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with reviews indicating good quality and variety.

Are there live performances during the evening?
Yes. Expect belly dancers, fire shows, and Tanoura dancers to keep the energy lively during dinner.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for the desert, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera for photos. The tour provides some shoes for sandboarding, but bringing your own footwear is also fine.

This desert safari offers a well-rounded, budget-friendly adventure that balances thrill, culture, and delicious food. Perfect for making memories with family or friends in the stunning Dubai desert landscape.