Dubai Red Dunes Safari, Camels, Live BBQ and Live Shows

Dubai Red Dunes Safari, Camels, Live BBQ and Live Shows is a tour that promises a full day of adventure, culture, and entertainment. From high-energy dune bashing to relaxing camel rides and captivating live performances, this experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into Dubai’s desert life—all for just $61 per person. With consistently glowing reviews and a 5-star rating, it’s clear this tour hits the right notes for most travelers.

What sets this tour apart? First, the professional guides who handle the dune bashing with impressive skill, often winning praise for their expertise and friendly attitude. Second, the variety of activities—sandboarding, camel riding, henna tattoos, and cultural photo ops—mean there’s never a dull moment. Third, the delicious BBQ dinner combined with lively performances like belly dancing and fire shows makes for a memorable desert evening.

A possible consideration? The tour duration is around 6 hours, which means a fair amount of time in a vehicle and some busy moments. If you’re looking for a more relaxed or private experience, this might feel a bit packed. But for those seeking a true taste of Dubai’s desert scene, this tour suits families, groups, or solo travelers eager for fun, culture, and a splash of adventure.

Key Points

• Value for Money: At $61, the tour offers a comprehensive desert experience, including activities, meals, and entertainment.
• Expert Guides: Many reviews highlight guides like Tariq and Kerik for their professionalism, friendliness, and multilingual skills.
• Authentic Activities: Includes dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, henna tattoos, and traditional dress for photography.
• Vibrant Evening: End the day with a BBQ buffet and lively performances such as belly dancing, Tanura, and fire shows.
• Convenient Pickup: Multiple hotel and location pickup options, including Dubai city hotels, cruise terminals, and even luxury resorts.
• Short Notice Bookings: Bookings are often made about 15 days in advance, making it accessible for last-minute plans.

Detailed Review of Dubai Red Dunes Safari Tour

A Well-Rounded Desert Adventure

This tour strikes a great balance between thrill and culture. Starting with a comfortable air-conditioned 4WD pickup, the journey into Dubai’s iconic Lahbab red dunes begins smoothly. The vehicle, often a Land Cruiser or similar, handles the rugged terrain well and is large enough to keep the group comfortable during the drive.

The desert environment itself is stunning—massive, crimson dunes stretching out as far as the eye can see. The guides, like Tariq, are known for their dune-bashing skills, which turn the ride into a thrilling rollercoaster across the sands. Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their professionalism and ability to make adventurous driving look effortless, often taking photos of guests mid-ride or during sandboarding.

Stop 1: Freshening Up and Optional ATV Fun

Once at the desert base, there’s a brief stop—around 20-30 minutes—to use the restroom, get refreshed, and take some photos. This pause also allows for some optional activities like self-drive ATV or dune buggy rides. Many guests enjoy the chance to be behind the wheel of an ATV, experiencing off-road sand driving with adjustable tyre pressure for better control.

Stop 2: Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

The core thrill kicks in with dune bashing—a high-speed ride over the dunes, packed with sudden dips and exhilarating turns. Guides like Kerik earn high praise for their expert control and safety precautions. As one reviewer notes, they “had an excellent time in safari with our guide, food was amazing, lots of fun.”

Following that, guests get the chance to sandboard, gliding down the dunes on specially designed boards. Although some might find this physically challenging, most describe it as a hilarious and unique way to experience the desert landscape. Guides provide clear instructions, ensuring even first-timers can enjoy the ride safely.

Stop 3: The Desert Camp and Cultural Experiences

Next up is the desert camp, where a variety of activities await. Guests can enjoy camel rides, which are often highlighted as a gentle, authentic experience—particularly appreciated by families and kids. One reviewer calls it “the best safari tour for kids, family and even infants,” emphasizing how accessible and friendly the activity is.

Henna tattoos, especially for women, add a touch of tradition and artistry, while the option to dress in Arabic traditional attire for photos offers fantastic souvenir shots. The camp provides complimentary water and soft drinks, keeping everyone refreshed amid the desert heat.

Evening: Food, Entertainment, and Liveliness

As the sun sets, the atmosphere heats up with a live BBQ buffet dinner. The menu includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and many guests mention the delicious food as a highlight. The setting under the stars is perfect for unwinding and enjoying a hearty meal after the daytime adventures.

The live shows are a true highlight: tanura dancing, belly dancing, and fire shows captivate the audience, creating a vibrant, lively ambiance. Guests often mention how these performances add to the authentic desert experience, with some reviewers noting guides like Tariq or Kerik even participating or helping guests get involved in photos dressed in traditional costumes.

Return Journey and Convenience

After a fun-filled 4 hours at the camp, the tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to your hotel or chosen location. The entire experience lasts around 6 to 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

Why the Tour Excels

The consistent five-star reviews speak volumes. Guests rave about the professionalism of guides, with Tariq and Kerik often singled out for their friendliness, multilingual skills, and safety-conscious driving. Many guests mention how they felt well taken care of, even during WARM weather, thanks to the attentive guides who checked in on everyone.

The value proposition is especially strong when you consider what’s included—dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, henna, shisha, live entertainment, and a buffet—all bundled into a reasonable price. When comparing this to other experiences, reviewers note that they received more activities for less money, making it an excellent deal.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance, as bookings are often made about 15 days ahead, and spots can fill up quickly.
• Arrive prepared for warm weather—bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
• Consider your comfort level with adventure activities like dune bashing and sandboarding; guide instructions are clear, but it can be bumpy.
• For families, especially those traveling with small children or infants, this tour offers many gentle activities like camel rides and henna tattoos.
• Tipping is not included, but appreciated, especially for guides who go above and beyond.
• Pickup points are flexible, with options from Dubai hotels, cruise terminals, and luxury resorts like Bab Al Shams or Al Maha.

The Sum Up

This Dubai Red Dunes Safari offers a fantastic mix of adrenaline, culture, and entertainment—all at an accessible price point. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive desert experience with trustworthy guides, delicious food, and lively shows.

The tour’s highlights—expert dune bashing, authentic activities like camel riding, and vibrant evening performances—make it a memorable outing for families, friends, or solo explorers eager to see Dubai’s desert in its full glory.

If you’re after an immersive, fun-filled day with great value, this safari ticks all the boxes. Just remember to dress for the heat, keep your camera ready, and prepare for a lively night under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes complimentary pickup from various Dubai locations, including hotels, cruise terminals, and specific resorts.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, starting around 2:30 pm with pickup and concluding with drop-off back at your chosen location.

What activities are included?
Guests enjoy dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, henna tattoos (women only), shisha, and a lively BBQ dinner with live entertainment like belly dancing, Tanura, and fire shows.

Can I do self-drive ATV or dune buggy rides?
Yes, an optional self-drive ATV or dune buggy ride is available during the stop at the desert base. Tyre pressure can be adjusted for better off-road control.

Is food provided?
Yes, a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options is included, and many reviews praise the quality and flavor of the food.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families with children and infants, with many guests noting how kid-friendly the activities are.

What should I wear?
Light, breathable clothing suitable for warm desert weather is recommended. Consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock.

Is there a dress code for photo opportunities?
Guests can dress in traditional Arabic attire offered at the camp for memorable photos.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for travelers with changing schedules.

The Dubai Red Dunes Safari offers an exciting, authentic desert experience packed with fun activities, cultural touches, and vibrant entertainment—all at a great price point. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or just a memorable day in Dubai’s iconic sands, this tour is a highly recommended choice.