Imagine combining the thrill of riding a camel across shimmering dunes, the aroma of a delicious BBQ dinner, and the excitement of live Arabian performances—all in about five hours. That’s exactly what the Camel Trekking in Dubai Desert with BBQ and Live Shows offers, and from glowing reviews and detailed itineraries, it seems to deliver a memorable taste of desert life.
What we love about this tour is its balanced mix of adventure and culture, the value for money at just under $100 per person, and the chance to enjoy authentic Arabian entertainment. The only thing to keep in mind is that this experience doesn’t include dune bashing—so if you’re craving that adrenaline rush, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive desert experience without feeling rushed, those interested in cultural highlights like henna and shisha, or anyone simply seeking a fun, value-packed outing in Dubai.
Key Points
- Authentic Arabian Culture: Enjoy henna, shisha, and traditional performances like belly dance and Tanura shows.
- Adventure Activities: Includes camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking—no prior skills required.
- All-Inclusive Experience: Pickup, drop-off, drinks, dinner, and photos in traditional attire included.
- Great Value: At $97.70 per person, it offers a wide range of entertainment and activities.
- Authentic Entertainment: Live shows and cultural displays add to the immersive experience.
- Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.
What to Expect from the Tour
This five-hour adventure begins with pickup in a comfortable 4×4 Land Cruiser, usually from your hotel or residence in Dubai. The tour kicks off around 2:30 pm, aligning perfectly with the cooler afternoon desert temperatures and sunset views.
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The Itinerary Breakdown
Start at Downtown Dubai: The journey begins with a scenic drive into the desert, giving you a taste of the city’s vibrant urban vibe before transforming into sandy serenity. The group’s small size—maximum 15 travelers—means a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.
Desert Safari and Dune Bash: The highlight here is an exhilarating 4×4 dune bashing session. If you’re expecting a wild rollercoaster ride—think again. This is a smooth, controlled drive that’s more about the thrill of the dunes and the breathtaking scenery than any thrill-seeker’s chaos. Reviewers note the friendly driver and careful handling, making it safe yet exciting.
Camel Rides and Sandboarding: Camel rides are brief but enjoyable, offering a gentle, traditional way to experience the desert landscape. Reviewers mention that it’s “a lot of fun,” and it’s a fantastic photo opportunity, especially for those in traditional attire provided by the tour. Sandboarding is available too, adding a playful element to the adventure.
Cultural Activities: You’ll have the chance to get henna tattoos and painted, try smoking shisha, and learn about Bedouin culture. One reviewer appreciated the guide’s knowledge, noting how he shared interesting facts about Dubai during pickup and drop-off, making the journey as educational as it is fun.
The Evening Entertainment and Dinner
As the sun begins to set, the tour transitions into a lively evening with a BBQ dinner featuring a variety of grilled meats and sides, perfect for satisfying those desert cravings. Live performances include traditional belly dancing, Tanura spinning, and a fire show—each adding a vibrant, festive atmosphere.
Reviewers have praised this part of the experience for the delicious food and engaging entertainment, noting that the shows are well-paced and colorful. One mentioned that the experience scored a perfect 10 for the overall quality of food and live performances.
Photos in Arabian attire and a falcon are also part of the package, giving you polished keepsakes of your desert adventure.
Additional Details and Practical Insights
- Pickup and Dropoff: Included, making logistics hassle-free.
- Duration: About 5 hours from pickup to return.
- Price: At $97.70, this experience represents solid value considering the variety of activities, entertainment, and transport.
- Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
- Extras: Extra time for quad biking can be purchased, but the standard session is 15 minutes.
Authentic Experiences Based on Reviewer Insights
Reviewers consistently highlight the friendly and attentive guides, such as Abbas and Souni, who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable trip. One mentioned that Souni shared a lot of interesting facts about Dubai during the transfer, making the journey itself enjoyable. The careful handling and punctuality of drivers make a difference, especially for travelers unfamiliar with desert safaris.
The value for money is also a common theme. Guests appreciated that the price covered everything from camel rides and sandboarding to cultural activities and lively shows. The food quality was praised, making the dinner a highlight rather than just a box to tick.
Practical Tips and Considerations
- Dress comfortably and appropriately—the tour provides traditional attire for photos, but lightweight clothing for desert comfort is recommended.
- Bring sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are advisable during the daytime activities.
- Camera or smartphone: You’ll want to capture the stunning dunes, performances, and memorable moments.
- Timing: The start at 2:30 pm means you’ll experience the desert in its cooler afternoon hours, with sunset views—perfect for photos.
- Quad biking: If you’re interested in extending your ATV experience, ask about additional charges—standard sessions are 15 minutes.
- No dune bashing: If you’re specifically seeking the adrenaline of high-speed dune bashing, this tour doesn’t include it. Consider adding it separately if needed.
The Sum Up
This Camel Trekking in Dubai Desert with BBQ and Live Shows offers a well-rounded taste of desert life, culture, and adventure, all at a reasonable price point. Its small group size and diverse activities ensure an engaging, authentic experience that balances fun with cultural insights.
It’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy camel rides, cultural activities, and lively entertainment without the hassle of complex logistics or extra costs. The included dinner and shows elevate the experience from mere sightseeing to a full-night adventure.
While it doesn’t feature high-octane dune bashing, the peaceful rides, culture, and entertainment make this a great choice for families, couples, or anyone keen to experience Dubai’s desert in a relaxed, fun-filled way.
FAQ
Is pickup included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes pickup and dropoff in a 4×4 Land Cruiser from your hotel or residence in Dubai.
How long does the experience last? The entire tour takes approximately 5 hours, starting at 2:30 pm and including activities, dinner, and shows.
What activities are included? You get camel riding, sandboarding, a desert safari with dune bashing, cultural activities like henna and shisha, plus live Arabian performances.
Are there options to extend quad biking? Yes, while the standard session is 15 minutes, additional time can be purchased for a fee.
What should I wear? Light, comfortable clothing is recommended, and you can wear the provided traditional attire for photos. Don’t forget sun protection.
Is this suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to consider the physical comfort of younger children with the activities involved.
Does the tour include photos? Yes, you’ll have the chance to take photos in traditional attire and with a falcon, making great souvenirs of your trip.
In summary, this tour combines adventure, culture, and entertainment into a compact, enjoyable package that showcases Dubai’s desert charm. It’s particularly suited for those looking for an authentic, value-packed experience with a touch of glamour and fun.
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