Dubai Desert Safari: BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Taking a desert safari while visiting Dubai is often high on the list for adventure seekers and culture explorers alike. This particular tour from Jugnu Tours promises a 6-hour journey packed with thrill, tradition, and a hearty BBQ dinner. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, a careful look at reviews and the itinerary paints a clear picture of what travelers can expect—and whether it’s worth their time and money.

What we love about this safari is how accessible and varied it is, combining adrenaline-pumping activities like dune bashing and sandboarding with cultural highlights such as camel rides and henna painting. The value for just $33 per person is hard to beat, especially when you consider the included pickup, drop-off, and entertainment. Plus, the convenience of transportation in a comfortable 4WD can make your desert experience hassle-free.

However, one possible consideration is that some reviews highlight inconsistencies in the food quality and extra costs, especially at the desert camp. So, if gourmet dining or premium experiences are your focus, this might not be the ideal choice. Nonetheless, it’s a tour that suits families, first-time visitors, and anyone eager to tick off some classic Dubai desert activities without breaking the bank.

This safari is best suited for travelers looking for a budget-friendly, activity-packed evening that offers a taste of the desert’s beauty and traditional entertainment. Now, let’s explore every detail of what this adventure entails.

Key Points

• Affordable price point offers good value for a full evening of activities.
• Includes essential desert experiences like dune bashing, camel rides, and sandboarding.
• Traditional entertainment such as belly dancing and Tanoura shows enrich the cultural vibe.
• Hassle-free pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, especially for first-time visitors.
• Some reviews note inconsistencies in food quality and optional extras.
• Great for families and first-timers seeking a fun, authentic desert experience.

What to Expect from the Dubai Desert Safari

This tour, offered by Jugnu Tours, takes you into the Dubai desert in a comfortable, air-conditioned Land Cruiser. It’s designed to be a fun, well-rounded introduction to desert life, combining adventure with cultural entertainment. The entire journey lasts approximately six hours, starting around 3:00 pm, perfect for catching the sunset and enjoying evening activities.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Transportation:
The tour begins with a hotel pickup, making this a stress-free experience. You’ll be transported in an air-conditioned 4WD, with a licensed guide who speaks English. This means you get a bit of local insight during your drive, plus comfortable seating after a day of sightseeing.

Dune Bashing:
Once in the desert, the highlight is about 30-45 minutes of dune bashing. This activity involves driving over the sandy dunes at varying speeds, giving you adrenaline rushes and spectacular views. Reviewers have raved about the “very friendly guide and excellent driver,” who manages to balance fun with safety. Keep in mind that this activity is vigorous, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions.

Sandboarding and Photos:
After the dune bashing, you’ll stop to try sandboarding, which involves sliding down the dunes on a board—think snowboarding, but on soft sand. The wide, golden dunes provide perfect terrain, and many find it a fun way to embrace the desert’s playful side. It’s a great photo opportunity too, especially with the sunset casting warm hues over the dunes.

Sunset Viewing:
One of the tour’s best moments is catching the sunset from the dunes. Reviewers mention how stunning it is to see the sun dip below the horizon, illuminating the desert landscape in shades of orange and pink. It’s the kind of scene that makes you pause and soak in the natural beauty, even if only for a few minutes.

Visit to the Bedouin Camp:
Once the sun sets, you’ll head to a bedouin-style camp for the evening’s cultural activities. Here, traditional costumes are provided for photos, and you can enjoy henna painting, a camel ride (which can be repeated), and a falcon experience. Reviewers note that guides are friendly and knowledgeable, giving you tips on how to best enjoy each activity.

Cultural Entertainment & Dinner:
The camp features traditional entertainment such as Tanoura and belly dancing shows—an excellent way to experience Arabian culture firsthand. The highlight for many is the BBQ buffet dinner, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The food includes Arabic coffee, fresh dates, falafel, and shawarma, providing a hearty end to the evening.

What Travelers Appreciate

Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides and drivers. One reviewer mentioned that Alam took excellent care of the group, making the trip memorable. Others appreciated the smooth logistics, with hassle-free pickups and drop-offs.

The activities are well-paced, giving enough time to enjoy each without feeling rushed. The optional extras, like henna painting and falconry, add authentic touches to the experience. The included snacks, soft drinks, and water kept everyone refreshed during the adventure.

Possible Drawbacks

While most aspects are positive, some travelers mention that the quality of food at the camp can be inconsistent, with one reviewer criticizing the offerings as poor and overpriced. It’s also worth noting that all extras at the camp are quite expensive, so budgeting for additional purchases is wise.

A few reviewers felt that upgrading to VIP options wasn’t worth the extra cost, especially if the main goal is a fun, active evening rather than a luxury experience. Plus, some wished there were more stops for photos along the dunes, as noted by one traveler wanting more opportunities to capture the scenery.

How the Experience Feels

From the moment you’re picked up, the tour feels organized and comfortable. The dune bashing is a highlight—a pure adrenaline rush that leaves many with big smiles; however, it’s somewhat vigorous, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. The sandboarding is straightforward and accessible, even for beginners, and offers an amusing way to interact with the dunes.

The sunset view is genuinely beautiful, making for perfect photo opportunities. In the camp, the traditional entertainment and cultural activities provide a relaxed vibe—ideal after the excitement in the dunes. The BBQ dinner, though described as delicious by some, has mixed reviews, so consider it a hearty, local-style meal rather than gourmet cuisine.

Practical Tips for Your Desert Safari

• Book early: The tour is popular and often booked 31 days in advance.
• Dress comfortably: Loose, breathable clothing suited for outdoor activity.
• Bring a camera: There are plenty of photo-worthy moments, especially at sunset.
• Prepare for the desert heat: Evenings can be warm, but bring layers if needed.
• Budget for extras: Extra activities like dune buggies or premium drinks aren’t included.
• Arrive on time: The tour starts promptly at 3:00 pm, so punctuality is key.
• Consider motion sickness: The dune bashing can be intense; take medication if needed.
• Respect local customs: Traditional costumes are provided, but modest dress is appreciated.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This desert safari is a fantastic option for families, first-time visitors, and budget-conscious travelers who want a complete desert experience without overspending. It’s perfect if you’re after adventure, cultural insights, and entertainment in one package. However, those seeking a more luxurious or gourmet experience might find the food and optional extras a little lacking.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your Dubai hotel or specified location, making logistics straightforward.

How long does the dune bashing last?
Dune bashing lasts approximately 30-45 minutes, giving ample time for fun but also making sure you experience other activities too.

Can I repeat the camel ride?
Yes, the short camel ride can be repeated, giving you more chances to enjoy this traditional activity.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the BBQ dinner has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, based on your selection at booking.

What entertainment is included at the camp?
You’ll enjoy traditional Tanoura performances and belly dancing, providing a lively cultural flavor.

Is alcohol available on this tour?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included or available during the tour, focusing instead on traditional entertainment and food.

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is priced at $33 per person, representing good value given the variety of included activities and entertainment.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothes suitable for outdoor activity are best, plus something modest if you plan to wear traditional costumes for photos.

Final Thoughts

This Dubai desert safari strikes a fine balance between fun activities, cultural exposure, and ease of access. The combination of dune bashing, sandboarding, and a traditional camp with entertainment offers a rounded, immersive experience that won’t break the bank. While the food quality may vary and extras can be pricey, most enjoy the genuine, lively atmosphere and stunning desert scenery.

If you’re looking for an affordable, activity-packed evening with reliable guides and a chance to see the sunset over the dunes, this could be an excellent choice. It caters well to families, singles, and first-timers eager to tick off iconic Dubai desert adventures in one go.

References

• Viator Dubai Desert Safari: BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding