Thrilling Desert Safari Dubai Adventure with Sand Boarding and Barbecue Dinner

Planning a trip to Dubai and craving an authentic desert adventure? This popular desert safari tour promises a full day of excitement, with dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and a lively evening camp. While it offers a convenient way to tick off multiple activities in one go, there’s a bit of a mixed bag depending on your expectations.

What we love most about this experience is how organized it is, taking the hassle out of planning multiple bookings. The combination of thrilling dune bashing, pictures at sunset, and the live entertainment makes it a well-rounded experience. Plus, the door-to-door transfer ensures you won’t have to worry about navigating Dubai’s busy streets. However, some reviews highlight that the camp can feel quite crowded and basic, which might not appeal to travelers seeking high-end luxury.

This tour is perfect for those who want a value-packed day with lots of activities without the hassle of planning each part separately. If you enjoy adventure, cultural shows, and meeting fellow travelers, you’ll find plenty to love here. Just keep in mind that if you’re after a top-tier, exclusive experience, this might feel somewhat more rustic.

Key Points

• All-in-one desert experience with dune bashing, camel rides, and sandboarding
• Door-to-door transfer makes logistics straightforward
• Live entertainment and BBQ provide a fun evening in the desert
• Great photo opportunities, especially at sunset
• Basic camp facilities, with optional upgrades available
• Accessible for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 15-550

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a comprehensive package that includes most of what you’ll need for a memorable desert day. Pick-up and drop-off from your Dubai hotel or residence by a 4×4 are included, removing the stress of finding your way to the meeting point. The itinerary features 30 minutes of high-energy dune bashing, driven by professional drivers, and a 15-minute sandboarding session that is often a highlight for thrill-seekers.

A sunset photo stop offers a perfect backdrop for capturing Dubai’s expansive desert views. You’ll also get safety instructions and a licensed safari guide to ensure you’re well-informed throughout. Once you arrive at the camp, activities include henna painting, camel rides, and a chance to wear traditional Arabic dress for photos.

The evening entertainment is lively, with belly dance, Tannoura dance, and a fire show. A buffet barbecue dinner with unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee is served, adding to the festive atmosphere. If you’re interested in shisha, it’s available in the smoking zone, and you also have the opportunity to sit on pillow seating, which adds a traditional touch.

Not included are alcoholic drinks, which you can purchase separately, and professional photos or souvenirs. If you want to try a quad bike, it’s available at an additional cost, which some reviews mention as an optional upgrade.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Dune Bashing

The adventure starts early with a pick-up from your Dubai hotel or residence. Expect a roughly 30-minute drive to the desert, where the fun begins with dune bashing in a 4×4 SUV. The drivers are experienced professionals, making the 30-minute high-energy ride exciting but also safe. Reviewers mention that the dune bashing can be a highlight, with Magdalena_K noting it as “really fun” and a great way to get adrenaline pumping.

Sandboarding and Sunset Photos

Next, you’ll have 15 minutes to slide down the dunes on a sandboard, a surprisingly fun activity that doesn’t require prior skill—just a sense of adventure. The sunset stop is often praised for its breathtaking views that make for perfect photographs, as Magdalena highlighted the “incredible sunset photo stops”. However, some travelers mention the camp area can get quite crowded, which slightly diminishes the photographic serenity.

Camel Rides and Cultural Activities

Once at the camp, you’ll experience a traditional camel ride, offering a gentle, scenic tour of the desert landscape. Reviewers appreciated this as a relaxing break amid the excitement. There’s also the chance to get a Henna tattoo or try on traditional clothing for photos, enriching the cultural aspect of the experience.

The Camp and Evening Entertainment

The camp is described as simplistic but lively. Live shows like the belly dance, Tannoura dance, and fire acts create a lively, fun atmosphere. Magdalena noted the “live entertainment” as adding value to the evening. However, some reviews, like IVONEMELISSA_G’s, mention basic facilities and issues with privacy and hygiene, so don’t expect luxury camp amenities.

The Buffet Dinner

The buffet barbecue dinner is served with unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee. The food is generally considered decent for a desert experience, though some reviews note the option to pay extra for upgrades or more sophisticated options. The dinner quality is not gourmet, but it’s satisfying after a day of adventure.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is handled door-to-door in a 4×4, which is convenient, especially in Dubai’s busy traffic. The tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers per group, providing a more personal experience compared to larger tours. The total duration is approximately 6 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

Price and Value

At $43 per person, this tour offers good value, considering the inclusion of activities, transportation, dinner, and entertainment. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a multi-activity desert day without the need for separate bookings. For travelers on a budget who still want a comprehensive experience, this is a solid pick.

What Reviewers Say

Magdalena highlighted the dune bashing as “really fun” and loved the sunset photo stops. She appreciated the organized nature of the tour, which made the experience smooth and stress-free. Conversely, IVONEMELISSA_G had a very different experience, citing privacy concerns and unsatisfactory dinner quality, though some of these issues appear to be rare.

Asha found the pickup process a bit chaotic at times, especially for latecomers, but overall, the value for money was good. Fiona felt the longer wait times at camp were a downside, but she appreciated the timely pickup and driver’s skill.

Some guests also mention additional costs for activities like quad biking or souvenirs, so be prepared to pay extra if you want to upgrade your experience.

Final Thoughts

This desert safari is best suited for travelers who value convenience and want a packed, varied day without the hassle of organizing each activity separately. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Dubai eager to experience the desert’s thrill and culture in one go.

While the experience offers plenty of fun and spectacular photo moments, expect a basic camp environment with lively entertainment rather than luxury amenities. The price point makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a bit of crowding or rustic facilities.

If you’re after a memorable, well-rounded desert adventure with authentic activities and great value, this tour is worth considering. Just keep in mind that the experience can vary depending on the day and group size.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes door-to-door pickup and drop-off in a 4×4 from your Dubai hotel or residence, making it very convenient.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy multiple activities without feeling rushed.

What activities are included?
You’ll experience dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, and a traditional dress photo opportunity. The evening features live entertainment and a barbecue dinner.

Is there an option to upgrade activities?
While the basic package covers most activities, some may pay extra for activities like quad biking or professional photos.

Are the facilities at the camp basic?
Yes, some reviews mention basic facilities and crowding, but it’s lively and fun. Some add that the live entertainment compensates for the simplicity.

Can I buy alcohol or souvenirs?
Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately, and souvenirs can be bought at the camp, but none are included in the standard price.

Is this experience suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is generally accessible for most travelers, including families, as long as children are comfortable with dune bashing and outdoor activities.

What is the recommended age for children?
While not explicitly specified, the activities are suitable for most ages, but children should be supervised, especially during dune bashing and fire shows.

In summary, this Dubai desert safari offers a lively and well-organized way to tick off your desert adventure checklist, especially if you’re looking for value and a varied experience. It captures the essence of Dubai’s desert charm with a mix of thrills, culture, and entertainment—albeit with some rustic touches that add to its charm rather than detract from it.