Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & 7 Live Show’s

Dubai’s desert gets a lot of hype, but does this evening desert safari truly deliver? Based on the reviews and features, this tour offers a lively mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment—priced attractively at just $35 per person. While it might not be the most luxurious or exclusive experience, it’s a fantastic way to tick off desert activities without breaking the bank.

What we love about this experience is the combination of fun activities like camel riding and sandboarding, the stunning sunset views over endless dunes, and the lively array of live shows that keep the evening buzzing. It’s designed to give you a taste of desert life with plenty of entertainment thrown in. That said, some travelers found the organization and timing a bit rushed, especially at peak times, so managing expectations is key.

This tour is best suited for adventure lovers on a budget, families looking for kid-friendly activities, or culture enthusiasts wanting an authentic yet lively desert night. If you’re after luxury or a more personalized experience, you might want to explore other options. But for a fun, value-packed evening, this safari hits many of the right notes.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At around $35, this tour offers a lot of activities for the money.
• Variety of Activities: Camel rides, dune bashing, sandboarding, henna, sheesha, and live entertainment.
• Stunning Sunset Views: Opportunity to capture beautiful desert sunset photos.
• Live Shows & Entertainment: Seven different performances including Tanura, belly dancing, and fire shows.
• Hassle-free Logistics: Pick-up and drop-off from Dubai and Sharjah locations included.
• Some Rushing & Organization Glitches: Timing can be tight, and some reviews mention delays or rushed experiences.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Jannat Desert Safari Camp

This central meeting spot is where the adventure begins. Departing around 2:30 pm, you’ll be picked up from key locations like Deira City Center, Burjuman Sppnieys, Lulu Basha, or Dubai Mall. The transportation is via air-conditioned vehicle, and group sizes can reach up to 400 travelers, which means it’s generally a lively group but possibly a bit crowded.

The Desert Activities

Within the first hour of arrival, you’re likely to experience dune bashing—a core highlight for many. This involves a 10-15 minute adrenaline-pumping ride over the dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. One reviewer described the driver as “prompt, jovial, and respectful,” making the ride memorable. However, some travelers noted that timing can be tight, and in some cases, the driver was late or the experience felt hurried, especially when trying to catch the sunset.

Camel Rides & Sandboarding

After the dune bashing, you’re offered free camel riding, which is a gentle and fun way to connect with traditional desert travel. Sandboarding is also available for free at the camp, giving you that classic desert thrill of sliding down the dunes. Reviewers mention that these activities are well-loved, with one suggesting it’s an “amazing time,” especially for kids.

Sunset Photography

One of the highlights is the opportunity to snap photos during sunset, which lets you catch those beautifully shifting desert colors. Several reviews emphasize the scenic value of this moment, although a few mention that delays sometimes mean the sunset is over by the time they get to the photo spot.

The Camp Experience & Entertainment

The camp itself is equipped with separate toilet facilities and traditional dress photo opportunities, adding an authentic touch. The menu features a BBQ buffet dinner, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and soft drinks, tea, and coffee are included.

You’ll be treated to seven different live shows, including Tanura spinning dance, belly dancing, and a fire show. These performances are lively and entertaining, with some reviewers noting that they enjoyed the cultural flavor. However, a common complaint is that during Ramadan or dry days, belly dancing might not be available, and sometimes the shows overlap with dinner, making it hard to enjoy both fully.

Additional Activities & Options

Extra activities like horse riding, falcon photography, or quad biking are available for additional fees—ranging from AED 100 to AED 300. Some reviews mention that experiences like quad biking or visiting an ATV park outside the scheduled itinerary can feel disjointed or add unnecessary delays.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many guests appreciated the helpful guides and drivers, with some reviewers praising specific individuals like Hamza, who was described as “prompt, jovial, and respectful,” making the experience smoother and more enjoyable. The quality of food received mixed reviews; some found it cold or not up to VIP standards, especially when shows overlapped with dinner.

Timing and organization are the main sticking points for some guests. Reviews mention late pick-ups, rushed schedules, or feeling rushed during activities. For instance, one guest noted that they arrived after sunset due to delays, missing the best photo moments. Others found the overall experience “amazing” and “worth the value,” especially for families with kids who loved the camel rides, sandboarding, and live shows.

The Challenging Parts

A few reviews highlight issues like unprofessional vehicles or safety concerns, with one traveler describing the transport as “glued together with hot glue,” which understandably raises eyebrows. While most found the guides friendly and helpful, some mentioned that communication about delays or changes could be better.

Overall Value

For $35, the value for money is quite good considering the variety of activities and entertainment included. You’re getting a well-rounded desert experience that mixes adventure, culture, and fun. The included pick-up, drop-off, and multiple shows mean you don’t need to spend extra for entertainment or transportation—unless you opt for additional activities like quad biking or falcon photography.

Who Is This Tour For?

This safari is perfect for budget travelers who want a lively desert evening without the high cost. It’s well-suited for families and groups, especially since activities like camel rides and sandboarding are kid-friendly and free. If you’re after authentic cultural performances mixed with adrenaline, this tour offers a good balance.

However, if luxury or personalized service matters greatly to you, or if punctuality is a priority, you might want to explore other options. The experience is lively and fun but can sometimes be a bit rushed, especially around sunset.

Final Thoughts

This evening desert safari with BBQ dinner and seven live shows offers lively entertainment, authentic desert activities, and great value for those looking for a fun, energetic night in Dubai. It’s a lively, family-friendly option that combines adventure with culture, and the included activities and performances will keep you entertained throughout the evening.

While organization and timing might occasionally feel rushed, the overall experience is enjoyable and packed with memorable moments. It’s best for travelers who want a taste of desert life without the luxury price tag, and who don’t mind a lively, sometimes hectic atmosphere.

If you’re after an affordable, activity-rich evening that captures the essence of Dubai’s desert culture with some added entertainment, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 2:30 pm, with pickup from specified locations in Dubai and Sharjah.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup and drop-off from selected Dubai and Sharjah locations, including Deira City Center and Dubai Mall.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, ending back at the original meeting point around 8:30 pm.

Are vegetarian options available for the BBQ dinner?
Yes, the buffet includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

What activities are included at the camp?
Activities include camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, and sheesha, all free of charge.

Can I do quad biking or horse riding?
Additional charges apply for quad biking (AED 100 to AED 300), and horse riding is not included in the standard package.

Is alcoholic beverage service available?
Alcoholic beverages are not included in this tour and are not part of the experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

This balanced, energetic safari experience is perfect for travelers wanting a lively night out in Dubai’s desert, especially those who value fun activities, lively entertainment, and great value for money.