Dubai Desert Safari with Dune Buggy Ride in Desert

If you’re considering a desert safari in Dubai, this tour offers a lively mix of adventure, cultural experiences, and entertainment. While some reviews mention concerns about the authenticity of dune driving, many travelers find it a worthwhile way to enjoy Dubai’s iconic sands. We love the 30-minute dune buggy ride—a highlight that adds a real adrenaline kick—and the variety of activities like camel rides and henna art that make this experience feel well-rounded.

However, a few reviews note that the actual dune driving might sometimes fall short of expectations, with some guests feeling it’s more of a short, controlled ride rather than an authentic desert adventure. Still, for many, the lively shows, sunset photos, and plentiful food make this a solid pick. This tour suits travelers looking for a combination of thrills, cultural touches, and evening entertainment in a small-group setting, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Key Points

• Includes a 30-minute dune buggy ride for those seeking excitement.
• Offers a variety of desert activities such as camel rides, henna art, and sunset photography.
• Features live entertainment like belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire shows.
• Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple.
• All activities are included in the price, with options for extra experiences like horse riding.
• Designed for small groups (max 6 travelers), providing a more personal atmosphere.

What’s Offered in the Dubai Desert Safari with Dune Buggy Ride?

This small-group tour makes a point of standing out by including a roughly 30-minute dune buggy ride—a feature that many other desert safaris either omit or give only a brief mention of. The ride, powered by an 800cc vehicle, is designed for self-driving fun, and safety gear like helmets and goggles are provided. The experience is typically guided by a professional, English-speaking guide, ensuring your safety and providing insights along the way.

Beyond the buggy, the tour packs in a variety of desert activities. Guests can enjoy sunset photos, a chance to capture the stunning desert landscape as the sun dips below the dunes. There’s also a short camel ride—a classic desert experience—and henna painting, which adds a personal, cultural touch. Be aware that during times of Covid, hookah smoking (called Hubbly Bubbly or sheesha) might incur extra costs or be temporarily unavailable.

Daily Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Arrival and Pickup

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Dubai in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle. This is a major plus, especially given Dubai’s sprawling geography—no need to worry about transportation logistics. The guides, like Reza and others mentioned in reviews, are professional and friendly, making the ride comfortable.

Stop 2: Dune Bashing & Buggy Ride

The highlight is the dune buggy adventure, where you’ll either drive yourself or be driven by the guide if you prefer to relax. Many reviews praise the thrill of attacking the dunes with an off-road vehicle, but some mention that the actual dune driving might sometimes be brief or less intense than expected (one reviewer noted only a 5-minute dune experience, which could be a disappointment).

The safety equipment—helmets and goggles—are standard, and the guide’s instruction is generally well-received. One traveler appreciated having a guide, like Kian, who provided a smooth and guided experience, making sure everyone was comfortable.

Stop 3: Cultural and Photo Moments

There’s plenty of time allocated for sunset photography—a favorite for many guests. The vast, shifting dunes create stunning backdrops, perfect for memorable shots. The henna art is another popular activity, allowing guests to add a traditional decorative touch. An authentic aspect, though some might find the henna application quick and basic, the overall experience adds to the culture.

Stop 4: Camel Rides and Additional Activities

Guests can enjoy a few-minute camel ride, which is a gentle and iconic desert activity. It’s generally seen as a fun, authentic touch, with some reviewers noting it’s a highlight despite its short duration. Horse riding is available at an extra cost, and some travelers opt for it for a different kind of desert adventure.

Stop 5: Evening Entertainment and Dinner

The tour wraps up with a barbecue buffet dinner featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The food is typically hearty, with grilled meats and rice, and cold drinks are unlimited. The entertainment is lively, with belly dancing, Tanoura dancers, and fire shows**—a vibrant way to end the day. Reviewers like Anais G appreciated the professionalism of the guide and the quality of the shows, which add real entertainment value.

Logistics and Value

This tour lasts approximately 7 hours, making it a full-day adventure, and is priced at $175 per person. For that price, you get a combination of adventure, cultural activities, entertainment, and food—a good value considering the inclusions and small group size. The small group (max 6 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience, and the round-trip transportation from anywhere in Dubai simplifies the planning.

While the price includes all activities, there are additional costs for options like horse riding or extra buggy CCs. Be aware that alcoholic drinks are not included, and some activities such as hookah might incur extra charges or be unavailable during Covid restrictions.

Potential Drawbacks

A few reviews highlight that the dune driving might sometimes feel rushed or less authentic—some guests expecting a longer, more intense dune bash are left wanting. Others mention that the initial dune buggy ride might be on a prepared track rather than the true desert wilderness, which can be a letdown if you’re after pure adventure.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This desert safari offers a family-friendly, lively experience blending adventure, culture, and entertainment. It’s especially suitable if you’re looking for a full day of activities with a small-group atmosphere, ensuring you’re not lost in a crowd. The included dune buggy ride is a big draw for thrill-seekers, and the evening shows add an authentic, festive feel.

However, if your priority is long, intense dune bashing or a more “authentic” desert adventure, you might find this tour somewhat controlled or scripted. It’s a good option for travelers who want a well-rounded, fun-filled Dubai desert experience with plenty of photo opportunities and entertainment.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers round-trip transportation from anywhere in Dubai, making logistics straightforward and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 7 hours, covering activities from dune bashing to dinner and live entertainment.

What’s included in the price?
You get a 30-minute dune buggy ride, camel ride, henna art, sunset photos, live shows, a barbecue dinner, bottled water, and soft drinks—all in a small-group setting.

Can I do the dune buggy ride myself?
Yes, the 800cc buggy ride is designed for self-driving, but safety helmets and goggles are provided. You can also opt for a guide-driven experience if you prefer.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, options like horse riding, extra buggy CCs, VIP seating, or hookah can incur extra costs.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Most travelers find it suitable for families, with activities like camel rides and henna art adding cultural touches. However, young children should be supervised, especially during the dune buggy ride.

Are there any negative reviews I should consider?
Some guests felt that the dune driving was brief or less authentic than anticipated, with initial rides sometimes on prepared tracks rather than true dunes.

Is alcohol available?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included and might not be offered, depending on the venue.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if plans change.

This Dubai Desert Safari with Dune Buggy Ride blends adventure, culture, and entertainment into a lively day out. It’s ideal for travelers who want a mix of thrills and cultural touches, all within a small-group setting that keeps things personal. Whether you’re after the adrenaline of dune bashing or the spectacle of live shows, this tour offers a comprehensive experience in the iconic desert landscape.