Dubai Desert Safari Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, Sand Boarding, BBQ Dinner.

A desert safari in Dubai is often high on travelers’ bucket lists, offering a mix of adventure, cultural touches, and unforgettable scenery. While we haven’t personally taken this specific tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a clear picture of what to expect. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines adrenaline rushes with relaxing moments, topped with delicious food and lively entertainment.

What we love about this tour? First, the thrilling dune bashing with expert drivers navigating the red sands, offering both excitement and great photo opportunities. Second, the authentic desert atmosphere with a short camel ride and the chance to dress in traditional Arabic costumes. Third, the enticing BBQ dinner included in the package, with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. On the flip side, a potential concern might be the long travel distances between stops, which some might find tiring or inconvenient.

This tour is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive desert experience that mixes adventure with culture and entertainment. It suits first-timers eager to tick off key activities in one go, as well as travelers looking for a value-packed, lively evening in Dubai’s desert landscape.

Key Points

• Includes multiple activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding, offering a well-rounded experience.
• Great value for the price of around $50, especially considering the food, entertainment, and transportation included.
• Flexible options with pickup service and mobile ticketing make the booking and logistics straightforward.
• Authentic entertainment with belly dancing, Tanura, fire shows, and Zumba add lively, memorable touches.
• Photo opportunities abound, from sunset shots on the dunes to traditional Arabic costumes.
• Food highlights include a delicious BBQ with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, plus traditional salads and refreshments.

A Deep Dive into the Desert Safari Experience

The Pickup and Journey

Most travelers appreciate the convenience of pickup service, which simplifies logistics in a city like Dubai where transportation can be complex. The tour typically lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes, which is enough time to enjoy all activities without feeling rushed. Keep in mind that the group size can be quite large — up to 700 travelers — but the experience is structured to keep everyone engaged.

While one reviewer noted that the drive to the desert felt “extremely far,” this is common in Dubai’s safari tours, as the red dunes are often located outside the city proper. It’s worth planning your day accordingly, knowing that part of the adventure involves a scenic transfer through the desert landscape.

Dune Bashing – The Heart of the Adventure

Dune bashing is the most adrenaline-pumping part of this tour, where a skilled driver takes you on a rollercoaster ride over the sand dunes. The review mentions “a lot of fun” and highlights the thrill of navigating the dunes in a 4×4, which makes for some fantastic photo moments. The driver’s expertise is crucial here — expect a bumpy, exhilarating ride that’s suitable for most travelers, unless motion sickness is a concern.

Camel Ride and Sandboarding

The camel ride provides a traditional touch, although some travelers found it a bit short — only about 5 minutes. Still, it’s a chance to experience a symbol of Middle Eastern culture firsthand. The sandboarding is described as fun, offering a quick but exciting way to slide down the dunes. These activities add a layer of authenticity and allow for plenty of photo ops.

Sunset and Photography

One of the highlights is watching the sunset over the red dunes, a magical moment for photos. Travelers can also dress in traditional Arabic costumes for a fun photo session, which adds a cultural flavor to the experience. The red sand dunes are particularly striking at dusk, turning the landscape into a stunning, almost surreal scene.

Entertainment and Cultural Flavors

Post-sunset, the evening is filled with live entertainment including belly dancing, Tanura dance, fire shows, and even Zumba. These performances are lively and engaging, making the evening feel festive and celebratory. Many reviews note how these shows add a memorable, vibrant touch, perfect for those who enjoy cultural displays.

The BBQ Dinner

The included BBQ buffet is often praised as a highlight, with a good variety of dishes. Traditional salads, coleslaw, olives, flatbread, and hummus set the stage before the main course, which features both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options like grilled meats, biryani, and fish. Reviewers appreciate the tasty and plentiful food, making the overall value even more appealing. Refreshments like coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the evening, complementing the meal.

Additional Activities and Notes

Extras like henna painting and temporary tattoo art are available, which many guests find charming and fun. However, activities like quad biking or alcohol are not included or available, so if those are on your must-do list, you may need to look elsewhere.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At $49.99 per person, this tour offers solid value when you consider the activities, dinner, entertainment, and transportation.
• Booking in advance**: Most travelers book around 10 days ahead, indicating its popularity.
• Duration: About 6.5 hours makes it a full evening activity without feeling overly long.
• What to wear: Comfortable clothes suitable for both the desert heat and cooler evenings, plus closed shoes for sandboarding.
• What’s included: Sandboarding, dune bashing, camel ride, henna, BBQ dinner, live shows, and refreshments.
• What’s not: Quad biking, buggy rides, and alcohol are extra or not available.
• Weather considerations: The tour is weather-dependent; poor conditions may lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that the quality of the driver and guides makes a big difference in the experience. Some mention that the drivers are friendly and skilled, making the bumpy ride enjoyable rather than nerve-wracking. Others note that the dinner and entertainment are well-organized, providing a lively atmosphere after the day’s activities.

A few guests commented on the longer transfer times to the desert, but most found the trip worth it for the fun activities and scenery. The delicious BBQ dinner is consistently praised, with many travelers saying it exceeded expectations, especially considering the desert setting.

This Dubai desert safari offers a fantastic balance of adventure, culture, and entertainment for a very reasonable price. It’s especially suited for those seeking a fun-filled, all-in-one evening experience with plenty of photo opportunities and lively shows. The variety of activities — from dune bashing to camel rides and sandboarding — ensures you get a full taste of desert life.

The included BBQ dinner, with its tasty options and friendly service, adds significant value to the package. Despite some comments about the distances traveled and the short camel ride, the overall vibe remains upbeat and engaging. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a memorable, Instagram-worthy adventure.

If you’re after a lively, authentic desert experience that mixes thrill, culture, and superb food, this tour hits many marks. Just be prepared for a long drive and a busy, energetic evening. It’s a classic Dubai adventure that lives up to its reputation.

Is pickup included in the tour? Yes, the tour offers pickup service, making it convenient to start your adventure without worrying about transportation.

How long is the entire experience? The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time for all activities and the dinner.

What activities are included? Sandboarding, dune bashing, camel riding, henna painting, and a BBQ dinner are part of the package.

Can I book this tour easily? Yes, most travelers book about 10 days in advance, and the mobile ticketing makes it straightforward to organize.

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

What entertainment is provided? Expect live performances like belly dancing, Tanura dance, fire shows, and Zumba, which add to the lively atmosphere.

Are alcohol drinks included? No, alcoholic beverages are not part of this tour.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with motion sickness? The activities, especially dune bashing, may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness. Children are generally welcome, but check with the provider regarding age restrictions.

What should I wear? Comfortable, casual clothes suitable for warm weather, with closed shoes recommended for sandboarding.

In essence, this desert safari offers a well-rounded taste of Dubai’s iconic desert landscape, combining thrill rides, cultural touches, and a fantastic dinner — ideal for anyone wanting a full desert adventure experience at great value.