Experiencing Dubai’s desert is often a highlight for travelers seeking a taste of the region’s iconic landscape. This Premium Desert Safari, offered by Royal Excursion Tours, promises a blend of adrenaline, tradition, and cultural entertainment. With a perfect 5-star rating from 36 reviews, it’s clear this tour has earned its place among top desert experiences.
What we love about this safari? First, the thrilling dune buggy ride that kicks off the adventure, offering a chance to handle powerful off-road vehicles in the vast sand dunes. Second, the authentic touches like camel rides and sandboarding enrich the experience, giving a glimpse of traditional desert life. Third, the delicious BBQ dinner and live entertainment at sunset create a relaxing, immersive finale.
A potential consideration? The tour spans approximately 7 hours, which might be a long day for some travelers, especially if you’re pressed for time or prefer shorter excursions. This safari seems best suited for those craving a full, action-packed day of adventure with cultural touches, rather than quick, rushed trips.
For those who love adventure, cultural experiences, and good value, this tour genuinely covers all bases. It’s ideal for groups, couples, or solo travelers eager for a memorable desert escapade packed with diverse activities.
- Comprehensive Experience: Combines dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, dinner, and entertainment.
- Expert Guides: Well-reviewed guides like Abdul Rahman and Hashim add safety and local insights.
- Value for Money: At $175.89 per person, you get several activities, transportation, and a full evening.
- Authentic Cultural Touches: Traditional live dance shows and Bedouin-style camp settings enhance the trip.
- High Satisfaction: Consistent 5-star ratings reflect reliable, enjoyable experiences.
- Ideal for Full Day: The 7-hour duration suits those wanting a complete desert adventure.
Pickup and Starting Point
The tour begins with a convenient pickup from your Dubai or Sharjah hotel or residence by SUV around 2:30 pm. This door-to-door service is a real plus, removing any hassle of finding meeting points. The group size is usually limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience and enough space for everyone during the activities.
Dune Buggy Ride at Lahbab
The first stop is Lahbab, where you’ll jump into a top-of-the-line dune buggy for about 30 minutes of pure adrenaline. The vehicles are equipped with powerful engines, adjustable suspensions, and a GPS system—so no worries about getting lost or stuck. Reviewers highlight that the buggy ride is not only fun but also well organized, with guides like Hashim making sure everyone feels confident behind the wheel.
You’ll love the way the buggies allow you to navigate the giant sand dunes, with some reviewers noting that driving their own buggy made the experience even more memorable. Expect a mix of thrills and scenic views, as the desert landscape stretches around you.
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Sandboarding and Photo Stops at The Edge of Desert
Next, you’ll pause at a scenic spot for sandboarding—a fun, if slightly challenging activity that’s perfect for adventurous souls. Reviewers mention that the sandboarding stop offers great photo opportunities, with some capturing the stunning sunset backdrop. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy the desert’s beauty after the dune bashing.
Al Awir Camp Experience
After the high-adrenaline activities, the journey continues to a Bedouin-style camp in Al Awir. Here, the atmosphere shifts as you can hop on a gentle camel ride, an experience many reviewers find charming and authentic. One reviewer mentioned, “The camel ride was awesome,” emphasizing how this traditional mode of transport adds a real flavor of desert life.
As night falls, the camp comes alive with live entertainment, including traditional dance performances and rhythmic music. These shows showcase the region’s cultural heritage, captivating guests with vibrant costumes and storytelling. Many reviews praise the live entertainment, noting that it adds a lively, authentic touch to the evening.
The BBQ Dinner and Nighttime Entertainment
The food component is another highlight. The tour offers an international buffet dinner with live BBQ, served directly at your table. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, allowing everyone to indulge in flavorful dishes after a day of activity. Reviewers have appreciated the delicious food, calling it “good” and “authentic,” making the overall experience feel complete.
The dinner is accompanied by live entertainment shows, including belly dancing and traditional performances. Guests often remark on how the combination of good food and captivating shows creates a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere—perfect for winding down after a day of adventure.
Final Sunset and Return
The tour culminates with a spectacular sunset over the desert, a moment many guests find unforgettable. From the reviews, the sunset viewing is both picturesque and calming, providing a perfect photo opportunity and a peaceful end to the action-packed day.
The return transfer to your hotel or residence in Dubai or Sharjah is included in the package, making the entire experience seamless and stress-free.
At $175.89 per person, this tour packs in so much more than just a desert drive. You’re getting transportation, multiple activities, and a full evening of entertainment, all curated by experienced guides like Abdul Rahman and Hashim. Guests frequently mention their guides’ professionalism and friendliness, which significantly enhances the overall experience.
Compared to shorter or less comprehensive safaris, this tour offers good value for those wanting a full-day immersion. The inclusion of activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and a cultural show, combined with a gourmet BBQ dinner, means it’s a well-rounded experience that won’t leave you feeling like you missed out.
Many reviewers have highlighted that the guides are attentive, helpful, and knowledgeable—creating a safe environment for thrill-seekers and cultural explorers alike. The timing allows for a gradual buildup of excitement, culminating in a peaceful sunset and relaxing dinner.
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Dune Buggy Ride at Lahbab
Starting with a 30-minute self-driven dune buggy experience, you’ll feel an immediate rush. The vehicles are described as powerful and comfortable, with adjustable seats and safety features like roll cages. Reviewers tell us that guides like Hashim make sure everyone gets a turn and feels confident navigating the dunes, making it accessible even for first-timers.
The dune bashing isn’t just about speed; it’s about feeling the ruggedness of the desert terrain. The ride is described as well-organized, with safety being a priority. Guests often mention that the guides keep the experience fun yet safe, creating an inclusive atmosphere.
Sandboarding and Photo Stops
A photo stop at the edge of the desert offers stunning views and an opportunity to try sandboarding. Many reviews mention how memorable this activity is, especially as the sun begins to set. Some guests warn that sandboarding can be tricky but fun, and guides are there to assist.
Traditional Camp with Camel Ride
The camel ride is a gentle, traditional activity that provides a slow-paced contrast to the dune buggy thrill. One reviewer called it “awesome,” emphasizing how authentic it feels. The camp is described as well-organized, clean, and aesthetically pleasing, with a Bedouin-style setup that adds to the immersive experience.
Cultural Performance and Dinner
As part of the evening, guests enjoy live entertainment with traditional dances, storytelling, and music. Many reviewers appreciate these shows as cultural highlights. The BBQ dinner is served on tables, with a variety of international options, catering to different tastes.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the food, calling it “good” and “authentic,” with some mentioning that vegetarian options are available and well-prepared. The belly dancers and performers add a festive, lively mood that helps everyone unwind and enjoy the desert night.
Sunset and Return
The tour concludes with a spectacular sunset view, a moment of calm and beauty after the day’s adrenaline rush. The return trip is smooth, with transfers back to your hotel or residence included, making it a hassle-free experience.
This safari is perfect for adventure lovers who want a full day of activity, including dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and cultural entertainment. It’s also excellent for those seeking value for money, as the price includes multiple experiences, transportation, dinner, and entertainment.
Travelers who appreciate authentic cultural touches, like live performances and traditional camp settings, will find this tour especially rewarding. Plus, anyone looking for a well-organized, safe experience with friendly guides will feel at ease.
However, if you prefer shorter activities or have limited mobility, be aware that the entire tour lasts around 7 hours, which might be tiring for some. Also, it does not include alcoholic beverages, so those seeking drinks might need to plan accordingly.
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Dubai or Sharjah hotel or residence, a 30-minute self dune buggy ride, sandboarding, camel rides, a BBQ dinner, live entertainment, and transportation by SUV.
How long does the tour last?
It is approximately 7 hours long, starting at 2:30 pm with pickup and ending with drop-off after sunset and dinner.
Are vegetarian options available for dinner?
Yes, the international buffet dinner includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian options served on your table.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor activities and a full-day experience. Children and older guests should consider their mobility and stamina.
Can I drive the dune buggy myself?
Yes, the 30-minute dune buggy ride is self-driven, allowing you to experience the thrill firsthand.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No, alcohol is not included in this tour.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and closed shoes. A hat and light jacket are recommended for the evening.
This Premium Desert Safari offers a robust mix of adventure, culture, and comfort, all at a reasonable price considering the number of activities included. The guides’ professionalism and attention to safety, paired with the stunning desert scenery, create a memorable outing that’s worth every penny.
If you’re seeking a full-day experience filled with adrenaline, traditional moments, and entertainment, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to explore Dubai’s desert in a way that combines excitement with cultural authenticity, all while enjoying delicious food and engaging live shows.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or in a group, this safari promises to be a highlight of your Dubai trip—an adventure you’ll be talking about for years to come.
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