Desert Safari Tour with Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner in VIP Camp

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Dubai Desert Safari with Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner in VIP Camp: A Complete Look

If you’re hunting for a desert adventure that combines adrenaline, tradition, and a dash of glam, this Desert Safari Tour with Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner in a VIP Camp seems to tick all the boxes. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 61 reviews and recommended by 100% of travelers, it’s garnered quite the reputation. For just under $50 per person, you get an experience packed with thrilling activities and cultural entertainment—making it a compelling choice for many visiting Dubai.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the balance of adventure and relaxation—dune bashing that gets your heart racing, a relaxed camel ride that offers picture-perfect moments, and a dinner under the stars with lively performances. It’s a great way to see the desert from multiple angles, but it’s worth noting that the entire experience runs for about 6.5 hours, so it’s best suited for those with a full day to spare. If you’re after a fun, authentic, and value-packed desert outing, this tour could be just right.

Key Points

Exciting dune bashing and sandboarding provide adrenaline and fun
Traditional activities like camel rides and henna tattoos add cultural flavor
Live entertainment including belly dancing, fire shows, and Tanura dancing
Comfortable transport in air-conditioned vehicles ensures a relaxed journey
Affordable pricing delivers significant value considering the activities included
Guided experience with knowledgeable staff enhances the overall enjoyment

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What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and Pickup

The adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup, which is a real bonus for travelers who want to avoid logistical hassle. The tour provider, RM Adventure Tourism, typically collects guests from their accommodations in Dubai, taking them to the Lahbab desert in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Expect a journey of around 40 minutes, during which your guides will likely share insights about the desert landscape and Dubai’s desert culture.

The Dune Bashing Experience

Once in the desert, the dune bashing begins—a 30 to 40-minute ride that’s bound to give your adrenaline a boost. It’s performed in a sturdy 4×4 vehicle driven by a skilled guide, often Rashid or Farooq, who are praised for their responsiveness, friendliness, and expert handling. You’ll bounce, slide, and weave your way over the red dunes, which are particularly striking and photogenic.

Reviewers often mention how safe and fun this part is, with one noting that “dunes were crazy,” and another calling dune bashing “phenomenal.” If you’re worried about motion sickness, it’s something to consider, but most find the experience exhilarating rather than uncomfortable.

Sandboarding and Photo Stops

Midway through, the tour pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you the chance to try sandboarding—a fun, if slightly challenging, activity that adds a snowboard twist to the desert. It’s an activity that reviewers rave about: “Sandboarding was the best,” said one happy traveler. During this stop, you’ll also have ample opportunities for desert photography, capturing the vast, tranquil landscape.

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Traditional Bedouin Camp

After the adrenaline rush, you’re taken to a bedouin-style camp where authentic activities unfold. You can opt for a camel ride, which many review as a highlight—easy, relaxing, and perfect for photos. The guides are attentive; one reviewer noted that their guide Abbas was “so kind and helpful,” making the ride especially memorable.

Here, the experience is about culture. You can get henna tattoos from local artists, wear traditional Arabic clothing, and enjoy the warm hospitality. The camp is well set-up, with plenty of space for relaxation and entertainment.

The Dinner and Entertainment

The BBQ dinner in the VIP camp is a feast for your senses. It’s a buffet-style meal offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, along with cold drinks and bottled water. The quality of the food is often praised—reviewers mention it as “delicious,” with some noting it as a highlight of the evening.

Complementing the meal are live performances that include belly dancing, a fiery fire show, and a Tanura dance. These performances are lively, engaging, and add to the overall festive atmosphere. Many reviewers appreciate the professionalism and hospitality of the staff, especially guides like Rashid and Abbas, who go out of their way to make everyone feel comfortable.

Return Journey

After the entertainment winds down, your driver will take you back to your hotel, usually within a few hours after dinner. The entire experience lasts about 6.5 hours, making it a full, satisfying day out without feeling rushed.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The Balance of Activities and Relaxation

For the cost—roughly $50—this tour packs in multiple activities that cater to a range of interests. You’re not just doing a quick dune drive; you’re getting sandboarding, camel rides, cultural experiences like henna, and live entertainment. Reviewers consistently emphasize the quality of guides like Rashid and Farooq, who make the whole experience engaging and fun.

The Cultural Touches

Wearing traditional Arabic dress, getting henna tattoos, and watching fire and belly dancing shows add a cultural depth that elevates the experience beyond just a tourist activity. Many travelers mention how these authentic touches made their trip more memorable.

The Scenic Appeal

The red dunes of Lahbab are described as “crazy,” “beautiful,” and “peaceful” in reviews. The variety of stops allows you to soak in the desert’s natural beauty while capturing stunning photos. The desert landscape is a striking backdrop for social media snaps, so bring your camera.

The Guides Make a Difference

Multiple reviews highlight guides like Abbas and Rashid’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendliness. They not only ensure safety but also share insights and keep the atmosphere lively. Such personalized service adds significant value, especially when you get memorable moments like great photos or insider tips.

The Food and Entertainment

The BBQ dinner with live shows is a standout feature. The buffet offers enough variety to satisfy different tastes. Reviewers love the professional performances, making the night feel like a celebration rather than just a meal.

The Practical Aspects

The pickup and air-conditioned transport are appreciated, simplifying logistics. The tour is well-organized, with most travelers booking about a month in advance—a sign of its popularity. The free cancellation policy offers flexibility, and the entire experience is designed to be inclusive, with most travelers able to participate.

What Could Be Better?

While this tour is highly praised, a few considerations are worth mentioning. The duration of about 6.5 hours might be a long day for travelers with tight schedules or those not keen on extensive activities. Also, alcoholic beverages are not included, so if you’re looking for an alcoholic experience, you’ll have to make other arrangements. Lastly, the dinner might not meet everyone’s expectations in terms of variety or presentation, but reviews suggest that the overall quality is good.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This desert safari is ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment. It suits families, couples, and groups of friends seeking a full-day experience that is both fun and authentic. If you’re looking for a value-packed excursion with good guides, engaging activities, and a memorable dinner show, it’s hard to go wrong here. It’s especially recommended if you’re keen on photo opportunities and culture.

The Sum Up

This Dubai desert safari with camel ride and BBQ dinner offers an impressive blend of adventure, culture, and entertainment—all at an accessible price point. With well-organized logistics, friendly guides like Rashid and Abbas, and authentic activities such as henna tattoos and camel rides, it provides a well-rounded experience. The live entertainment and delicious dinner in a VIP setting elevate the outing from simply fun to truly memorable.

If you’re after a thrilling yet culturally enriching day in the desert, this tour delivers on nearly every front. It’s especially suitable for those who want to combine adrenaline-pumping activities with relaxed cultural moments, all wrapped in a friendly, professional service.