Dubai Evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ Dinner

Exploring Dubai often means marveling at its towering skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, but stepping into the desert reveals a whole other side of this vibrant city. The Dubai Evening Desert Safari combines adrenaline-pumping activities with cultural experiences, making it a well-rounded adventure for those craving both excitement and authenticity.

What we love about this tour is its mix of adrenaline and tradition, the chance to dune bash in a 4×4, and the opportunity to try camel riding and sandboarding—all wrapped up with a delicious Arabic dinner and captivating performances. Plus, the hotel pickup and drop-off make the entire experience hassle-free.

That said, it’s worth noting that the tour involves a fair amount of physical activity, so it’s best suited for those with a moderate fitness level. Also, if you’re not keen on self-driving activities like quad biking, you’ll want to stick to the included experiences. This tour is ideal for adventure lovers, culture seekers, or anyone wanting a genuine taste of Dubai’s desert landscape.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines dune bashing, cultural activities, and entertainment.
• Hassle-Free: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple.
• Authentic Cultural Touches: Henna, shisha, Arabic coffee, and traditional performances.
• Value for Money: At $115, you get a full 6-7 hour adventure with plenty of activities.
• Highly Rated: A stellar 5-star rating backed by numerous positive reviews.
• Optional Upgrades: For thrill-seekers, an extreme dune bash is available.

Introduction to the Dubai Desert Adventure

This tour offers a taste of Dubai that goes beyond its famed skyline, inviting travelers into the vast, shimmering desert where adventure and culture collide. It’s designed with variety in mind—whether you’re into high-energy activities like dune bashing and sandboarding or prefer to relax and soak in the Bedouin-inspired ambiance, it covers all bases.

One aspect that stands out is how well-organized the experience appears to be. Multiple reviewers rave about the professional guides like Maz and Ash, who share their knowledge and ensure everyone’s safety while making the trip fun. Guests consistently mention the beautiful sunset views, friendly atmosphere, and the variety of activities as highlights.

Nevertheless, it’s a long day—around 6 to 7 hours—so it’s best for those comfortable with a full itinerary. If you’re seeking a more relaxed experience, this might feel a bit busy, but for most, it hits the sweet spot of excitement and culture.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The full-day format allows you to experience the desert in a meaningful way, starting with a dune drive and ending with an authentic Bedouin camp filled with entertainment. The inclusion of hotel pickup takes away the stress of organizing transport, especially for travelers staying in Dubai’s busy areas.

The tour’s attention to detail shines through in the carefully curated activities—like camel riding, henna art, and falconry—which help you connect with local traditions. The BBQ dinner and live entertainment, including belly dancing and Tanoura spinning, cap off the night with lively, colorful performances.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Dune Bashing & Sandboarding

The adventure kicks off with a trip into the Lahbab desert, where your guide will take you on a 30-45 minute dune bashing in a sturdy 4×4. This is the core excitement of the tour, and reviewers frequently mention how Maz and Arafath’s driving skills make it both thrilling and safe.

Sandboarding follows, giving you the chance to slide down the dunes—a fun activity that’s accessible for most, but note that sports shoes are recommended if you plan to try it. Reviewers like Niyas and Jude mention how sandboarding is “really funny” and “awesome,” adding a playful element to the trip.

Cultural Activities at the Bedouin Camp

Next, you’ll visit a tented desert camp where the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and immersive. Here, you can try camel rides, giving a slow, scenic tour of the sands, or opt for henna painting, which is especially popular with women. Some reviewers note that if you have sensitive skin, henna might cause irritation, so consider that if you’re prone to allergies.

Guests also get to feed the camels, try shisha pipes, and pose in traditional Arabic attire for photos—a chance to engage with local customs. A highlight for many is the falconry experience, capturing photos with majestic falcons, as highlighted by reviews praising the friendly guides and the beautiful, photogenic moments.

Dinner and Entertainment

As evening falls, the camp transforms into a lively scene with Arabic buffet dinners offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Reviewers consistently mention the delicious BBQ, with one describing it as “really tasty,” and appreciate the variety of side dishes**.

The stage comes alive with tanoura spinning, belly dance, and ladies Khaliji dance, providing colorful, energetic entertainment. For those opting for the extreme dune bash upgrade, expect a faster, more adrenaline-fueled ride over higher dunes—an activity that adds an extra layer of excitement for thrill-seekers.

Practical Details and Tips

• Pickup and Drop-off: Included in the tour, with pickups from most Dubai hotels within 45 minutes of your chosen time. Rove Dubai Marina and Wyndham Dubai Marina are excluded, but you can meet near Stella Di Mare.
• Duration: Expect about 6 to 7 hours, so wear comfortable clothing and bring sun protection.
• Clothing: Casual, lightweight attire works well; sports shoes are recommended for sandboarding, and open shoes or sandals are fine otherwise.
• Physical Fitness: Moderate fitness is advised, especially for activities like dune bashing and camel riding.
• Age Restrictions: Minimum age for camel riding is 4, and for quad biking, it’s 15.
• Cost and Value: At $115 per person, the tour includes a comprehensive list of activities, entertainment, and transport, making it a very good value given what’s on offer.

The reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, with many calling out Maz, Ash, and Ansari for their helpfulness and humor. The overall positive feedback underscores the attention to detail and the well-managed schedule.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour hits a sweet spot for adventure lovers wanting an adrenaline rush with dune bashing and sandboarding, as well as culture enthusiasts eager to try henna, camel rides, and traditional performances. Its all-inclusive approach makes it easy to enjoy a full day without worrying about logistics, perfect for travelers who prefer guided experiences.

It’s especially suited for those looking for value for money, as the $115 fee covers a wide range of activities, entertainment, and transportation. The professional guides and organized itinerary offer reassurance for first-timers or those a bit unsure about venturing into the desert alone.

However, if you’re prone to motion sickness, be aware of the dune bashing, or if physical activities are a concern, you might want to consider your comfort level beforehand. Those seeking a more relaxed, less action-packed experience might prefer a shorter or less intense desert tour.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Dubai, with a pickup window of about 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Can I try sandboarding?
Absolutely. Sandboarding is part of the tour, and reviewers say it’s “really funny” and “awesome,” though sports shoes are recommended if you plan to do it.

Is there an age limit for camel riding?
Yes, children must be at least 4 years old to participate in camel riding activities.

What should I wear?
Casual, light clothing works well. If you plan to sandboard, sports shoes are advised; open shoes or sandals are suitable if not. For women, henna painting is available unless you have sensitive skin.

Are alcoholic beverages available?
No, alcohol is not included in the tour. The focus is on cultural experiences and family-friendly activities.

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $115 per person, which offers a full day of activities, entertainment, and transportation. Upgrades like the extreme dune bash are available separately.

This Dubai desert experience combines thrill, culture, and entertainment into one well-organized package, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to explore beyond the city’s modern skyline. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or authentic Arabian hospitality, this tour has plenty to offer.