Imperial Desert Journey Full Package

When it comes to truly experiencing Dubai’s iconic desert landscape, few tours manage to combine adventure, culture, and entertainment as seamlessly as the Imperial Desert Journey Full Package. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, the detailed reviews and features paint a picture of a well-rounded, highly rated experience that promises exhilaration and authentic Arabian charm.

What we love about this tour is its balance of adrenaline and culture—you get the thrill of dune bashing, relaxation in a Bedouin-style camp, and vibrant live performances, all packed into a manageable seven-hour day. Plus, it’s a private experience for your group, ensuring personalized attention. The value offered at $695 per group (up to five people) sounds reasonable considering everything included, from meals to entertainment. One potential consideration is the early start time at 3:30 am, which might be challenging for some travelers, especially those on a relaxed schedule or with jet lag.

This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who also want a taste of local culture. Families, couples, or small groups looking for a comprehensive desert experience without the hassle of organizing each component will find it particularly appealing. If you’re seeking a mix of excitement, cultural insight, and captivating entertainment, this trip is worth serious consideration.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience covering dune bashing, culture, and entertainment
• Personalized private tour for up to five people
• Authentic Bedouin camp experience with traditional food, henna, and camel rides
• High-quality live performances like belly dance, Tanoura, and fire shows
• Good value considering the variety of included activities and meals
• Early start at 3:30 am, ideal for those who enjoy morning adventures

First Impressions and What to Expect

The journey kicks off early, with a pickup from your hotel or a designated location, in a comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicle. The early start might seem daunting, but it’s designed to maximize your time in the desert and catch the stunning sunset. Once you hit the dunes, you’ll experience about 30 minutes of dune bashing, which is a roller coaster ride over the golden sands. Reviewers point out that guides like Dhambi are knowledgeable and friendly, making the ride both exhilarating and safe.

After the adrenaline rush, your trip continues with a photo stop at sunset—a chance to capture those sweeping dunes under the evening sky. We loved how reviewers rave about guides like Dhambi, who go out of their way to make the experience memorable, providing not just a driver’s seat but genuine insights into the desert landscape.

Exploring the Bedouin Village and Cultural Activities

Arriving at the Bedouin-style camp, you’re greeted with a warm Arabic coffee, tea, and dates, setting the scene for authentic Arabian hospitality. The camp is equipped with cozy outdoor lounges, where you can relax and take in the tranquility of the desert. This is where the tour stands out—reviewers highlight the attention to detail, such as plush cushions and traditional decor, which make the experience feel genuine and welcoming.

Here, you can enjoy a camel ride, a treat loved by many for its quiet, slow-paced charm—reviewers mention that it’s an “unforgettable” activity that provides a different perspective of the desert. You can also get henna tattoos—a fun, temporary way to connect with local traditions, with many noting the artists are skilled and friendly.

The camp also offers shisha smoking, which some find relaxing after the day’s excitement. You’ll be treated to traditional entertainment, including a Tanoura dance, a fire show, and a belly dance performance—all performed to captivating music. Reviewers frequently comment on the high quality of these shows, with some saying they’re “mesmerizing” and “adds a real cultural flavor” to the evening.

Dining Under the Stars

The highlight of many desert trips is the dinner, and this tour offers a delicious four-course BBQ feast. The menu includes a variety of meats, salads, breads, and a hearty soup, served under the night sky—an experience many find both atmospheric and satisfying. The inclusion of two cans of beer or two glasses of wine per adult adds a nice touch of leisure, and the VIP table service ensures you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Authenticity and Entertainment

The live performances are carefully curated, with reviewers praising the professionalism and skill of the entertainers. The fire show, Tanoura dance, and belly dancing are more than just background entertainment—they’re the kind of performances that keep you engaged and add a vibrant, authentic feel to your evening.

Practical Details and Value

The full package costs $695 for up to five people, which includes pickup and drop-off, all activities, meals, drinks, and entertainment. Given the variety and quality of experiences, many travelers find this to be a good value—especially considering the convenience of a private, guided experience.

The pickup service is flexible, and the tour operates in English, Arabic, Hindi, and Malayalam, ensuring clear communication. The duration, approximately seven hours, allows for a packed yet comfortable experience.

Additional Costs and Options

If you’re interested in quad biking, that’s available at an extra $45 per person, which many reviewers say is worth it for the added adrenaline. Other expenses, like additional souvenirs or photography, are not included but are optional.

Flexibility and Cancellation

Booking is flexible—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, making it accessible even if plans change last minute.

Real Experiences, Real Reviews

One reviewer raved, “Dhambi, our guide and driver, was the best! We had the greatest afternoon in the desert and would recommend it to everyone.” This highlights the importance of a friendly, knowledgeable guide in elevating the experience.

Another reviewer said, “The tour operators and our safari driver… the best! We definitely had the best driver. 10 out of 10.” It’s clear that guides who can blend safety, fun, and insights make a real difference.

Many also appreciated the stunning views and the professional quality of performances, noting that the fire show and Tanoura dance were particularly mesmerizing. The authenticity of the Bedouin camp and friendly staff also received praise, making the entire experience feel genuine rather than scripted.

The Bottom Line: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour excels for small groups or families wanting a comprehensive desert adventure without the hassle of organizing each activity separately. It’s ideal for those who appreciate adventure, culture, and entertainment, and want a full-day experience that covers all bases.

Travelers who value personalized service and a private tour environment will find it especially appealing. While the early start might not suit everyone, the payoff in stunning landscapes, engaging activities, and lively performances makes it worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The package includes pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, cultural activities like henna and shisha, sunset photo stops, a four-course BBQ dinner, live entertainment, unlimited water and soft drinks, and souvenirs like a sand bottle.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 7 hours, starting early at 3:30 am to maximize desert time and catch the sunset.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private experience for your group, with only your party participating, ensuring personalized attention.

What entertainment is included?
Expect live performances such as Tanoura dance, belly dance, and fire shows—all designed to showcase authentic Arabian culture.

Can I do quad biking?
Quad biking is available as an extra activity at $45 per person. It’s not included in the base price.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for a desert environment is recommended. You may also want to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund if canceled in time.

The Imperial Desert Journey Full Package offers a well-rounded taste of Dubai’s desert life. It combines adventure, cultural activities, and captivating performances into a single, convenient package. Its high rating and glowing reviews from travelers who praise guides like Dhambi, the stunning views, and the quality entertainment suggest it’s a solid choice for those wanting to make the most of their desert trip.

Perfect for small groups ready for a full day of fun, this tour balances adrenaline with cultural richness, making it a memorable addition to any Dubai itinerary. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or an exciting adventure with friends, this experience promises genuine fun and authentic Arabian hospitality.

In essence, if you’re after a smooth, all-inclusive desert escapade that combines thrill, tradition, and entertainment, this tour will deliver—making your Dubai trip truly unforgettable.