Exhilarating Desert Safari, Including BBQ Dinner from Dubai

Planning a trip to Dubai often means looking for that perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation—and this desert safari hits all those marks. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of a well-rounded, fun-filled experience. From wild dune drives to mesmerizing sunset views, followed by a hearty BBQ dinner, this tour offers a taste of authentic Arabian adventure without breaking the bank.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the thrilling 4×4 dune bash gets your adrenaline pumping. Second, the diverse desert activities like camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking add plenty of fun options. Third, the evening entertainment — including belly dancing, fire shows, and traditional tanoura spinning — creates a festive atmosphere. That said, a potential consideration is the hard sell at the gift shop, which some travelers mention might be a bit pushy.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a full, action-packed afternoon and evening outside the city buzz, especially those who enjoy a mix of thrill, culture, and entertainment. It also caters well to first-timers in Dubai eager to tick off desert adventures in one go.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Combines dune bashing, desert activities, and evening entertainment.
• Value for money: At $49 per person, it offers a lot of variety and fun.
• Authentic Arabian vibe: Bedouin-inspired camp setting with traditional activities.
• Flexible options: Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, with additional costs for extras like quad biking.
• Memorable sunset views: High points for stunning photo opportunities.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for most travelers, though children need adult supervision.

An In-Depth Look at the Desert Safari Experience

Seamless Pickup and Transportation

The journey begins with hotel pickup in a climate-controlled vehicle, making it straightforward to start your adventure without fuss. Most travelers report that the transport is comfortable and punctual, with some noting that the pickup time is usually around 3:30 pm. Given the tour’s duration of approximately five hours, starting in the late afternoon ensures you’ll catch the sunset—a highlight for many.

The Dune Bash: Heart-Pumping and Scenic

Once outside Dubai, the landscape transforms into vast stretches of orange dunes. This is where the thrill begins. The 4×4 dune drive is often described as exhilarating—drivers spin the wheel to race up tall dunes, then skid down with controlled chaos. Several reviewers mention their drivers, like Mohammed, as skilled and friendly, making the ride both safe and exciting.

A major plus here is the photo opportunity of the sunset over the dunes, which many say offers some of the most stunning scenery in Dubai. The view is a perfect backdrop for capturing memorable images. As one reviewer put it, “the views during the sunset are worth every penny,” emphasizing how special this moment feels.

The Desert Camp: Culture and Activities

After your dune adventure, you’ll arrive at a Bedouin-inspired camp. This setting with traditional carpets, cushions, and a welcoming atmosphere, helps transport you away from the city. It’s a great spot to relax and soak in the desert ambiance.

Here, you have the option to try several activities, some included, some at extra cost. Sandboarding down the dunes, riding a camel, and quad biking are popular choices. Reviewers note that sandboarding can be a bit tricky for beginners but fun regardless. Camel rides are generally smooth, providing a different perspective of the desert landscape. For quad biking enthusiasts, additional costs apply, and some mention that this can extend your experience if you are keen.

Henna Tattoos and Cultural Dress-Up

A personalized touch many travelers appreciate is the opportunity to get henna tattoos or dress in traditional Arabic costumes for a souvenir photo. These are often highlights for those looking to connect with local culture, with reviews pointing out that the henna artists are talented and friendly, making the experience enjoyable.

The BBQ Dinner and Live Shows

As dusk turns into night, the camp comes alive with live entertainment, including belly dancing, fire dancing, and the spinning tanoura show. These performances add a festive, lively feel that many find mesmerizing. The buffet BBQ dinner offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with unlimited sodas, water, tea, and coffee, ensuring you’re well-fed after an active afternoon.

Reviewers consistently mention the delicious food and good value, especially noting the generous portions and variety. One reviewer described the dinner as “mouth-watering,” and appreciated the chance to relax and enjoy the entertainment while dining.

Return to Dubai

After the shows and dinner, you’ll be transported back to your hotel, completing a well-rounded evening of adventure, culture, and entertainment. The whole experience has received high marks for organization and value—though some mention minor delays, generally it runs smoothly.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Approximately 5 hours, starting around 3:30 pm.
• Price: $49 per person, making it very accessible.
• Inclusions: Pickup/drop-off, dune bashing, camel riding, henna, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and BBQ dinner.
• Extras: Quad biking, sandboarding, souvenir photos, and falcon photography are available at additional costs.
• Group size: Can be up to 300 travelers, but reviews suggest the experience feels personalized with skilled guides.
• Best for: Adventure seekers, first-time desert visitors, families, and anyone looking for a full evening of desert fun.

What to Wear and Bring

Comfortable clothing suitable for the desert heat by day and cooler temperatures at night is recommended. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are useful during the dune bash, while warmer layers might be appreciated for the evening shows. Often, travelers wear casual, modest attire to respect local culture, especially if dressing in traditional costumes.

Potential Caveats

Some reviews mention that during certain times, like Ramadan, the belly dance show might be canceled or less frequent. Also, the hard sell at the gift shop can be a tad overwhelming for some, so it’s good to be prepared to politely decline if needed. The additional costs for quad biking or falcon photography might also catch you off guard if you’re not expecting them.

Final Thoughts

This desert safari is a fantastic way to experience the best of Dubai’s desert landscape with a good mix of adrenaline, cultural activities, and entertainment—all at a fair price. The combination of scenic dune drives, engaging activities, and vibrant shows makes it a well-rounded adventure suitable for most travelers.

It’s especially perfect for those wanting a full, fun afternoon and evening outside the city, with enough variety to keep everyone entertained. Expect memorable sunsets, tasty food, and lively performances—plus the thrill of racing over dunes in a powerful 4×4.

For travelers seeking an authentic yet accessible desert experience, this tour delivers a comfortable and exciting introduction to Dubai’s desert environment. Whether you’re new to desert adventures or looking to tick off a must-do activity, it’s a solid choice that balances value, fun, and cultural flavor.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, camel riding, henna, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and a BBQ buffet dinner with entertainment.

• Are there any additional costs?

Yes, quad biking, sandboarding, souvenir photos, and falcon photography are available for extra charges.

• When does the tour start?

The pickup generally begins around 3:30 pm, and the tour lasts about 5 hours.

• Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

• How strenuous is the dune bash?

It’s designed to be thrilling but safe, with skilled drivers managing the vehicle. Expect some bouncing and skidding—an adrenaline rush, not a marathon.

• What should I wear?

Casual, comfortable clothes suitable for the desert climate. Modest dress is recommended if dressing in traditional attire. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Will I get time for photos?

Absolutely. The sunset view from the high point offers excellent photo opportunities, and you can also take pictures during the activities.

• Is there entertainment included?

Yes, live belly dancing, fire shows, and tanoura spinning performances as the evening progresses.

• Can I buy souvenirs?

Yes, souvenirs are available at the camp, but be aware of potential hard sales tactics.

• What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing full refunds if needed.

This desert safari from Dubai offers a well-organized, fun, and culturally enriching experience that balances adventure and entertainment perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to explore the desert landscape while enjoying a vibrant evening filled with sights, sounds, and flavors.