If you’re craving an authentic taste of Dubai’s desert landscape, this Premium Red Dune Safari from New Horizon Travel & Tours offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, culture, and luxury. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the consistently glowing reviews suggest it’s a top-tier experience that blends fun, safety, and value seamlessly.
What we love about this experience are the beautiful sunset views over towering red dunes, the chance to try sandboarding and camel riding, and the delicious 5-star BBQ dinner served at the desert camp. Plus, the guides—like Ashraf and Libin—are praised for their professionalism and friendliness.
One possible consideration is that the tour duration is around 6 to 7 hours, which might be a long day for some travelers, especially if you prefer a more relaxed or shorter adventure. Still, for those who want a comprehensive desert experience, it’s hard to beat the value.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy adventure mixed with cultural experiences, want great photos, or are looking for a memorable evening outside Dubai’s cityscape. It’s especially good for those who appreciate well-organized trips with knowledgeable guides and a touch of luxury.
- Stunning Views: Experience breathtaking sunsets over the iconic red dunes.
- Authentic Activities: Includes camel rides, sandboarding, and henna designs—perfect for immersive desert fun.
- High-Quality Dinner: Enjoy a 5-star BBQ dinner accompanied by live cultural entertainment.
- Professional Guides: Excellent reviews highlight guides like Ashraf and Libin, who prioritize safety and fun.
- Convenient Transfers: Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easy.
- Great Value: At just $91 per person, this tour packs multiple activities and entertainment in a full-day package.
The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect
Starting with hotel pickup around 3:00PM, the tour takes you out of Dubai and into the heart of the red dunes. The drive itself lasts around 30 to 45 minutes in a 4×4 vehicle, during which you’ll begin to feel those adrenaline-pumping dune bashing waves. Raving reviews, like that of Ashraf Shobi, mention how much they appreciated the expert guidance and friendly attitude of their driver, making the long drive feel more like a fun part of the adventure rather than just transportation.
Once you arrive at the desert, the first major activity is the dune drive itself. This offers spectacular views that are best enjoyed with a camera, especially as you watch the sun set behind the dunes. Many reviewers loved the opportunity to stop for photos, with some noting they were able to pause multiple times during the dune bashing—thanks to guides who check on passengers’ comfort and safety, such as Libin and Sijin.
Sandboarding and Camel Riding
Next up is the sandboarding experience. Guided by experienced staff, you’ll climb aboard a board and slide down the dunes—an activity that’s both exhilarating and surprisingly accessible, even for first-timers. As one reviewer put it, the guides are expert and make sure everyone gets a chance to try.
Camel rides are also on offer, providing a classic Arab desert experience. Many guests mentioned how friendly and accommodating the guides are, with Sijin being highlighted for his friendly demeanor and professionalism while handling the camel rides and dune bashing.
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Henna and Shisha
As you relax at the Bedouin-style camp, you can get beautiful henna designs on your hands, a traditional activity that offers a unique souvenir. Some travelers also enjoyed smoking flavored shisha, which adds an extra layer of culture, especially for those unfamiliar with the tradition.
Evening Entertainment & Dinner
The evening culminates with a five-star BBQ dinner served at the camp. The food is often described as delicious and plentiful, with reviewers praising the quality and variety. Accompanying the meal are live cultural shows—fire dancing, belly dancing, and Tanura performances—that add a lively, authentic atmosphere.
Guests often find the overall value exceptional, especially given the mix of activities, entertainment, and gourmet dinner included in the price. According to reviews, the guides ensure everyone is comfortable, and the shows are engaging without feeling overly staged or touristy.
The Highlights That Make This Tour Special
Sunset Over the Dunes
Watching the sun set behind the red dunes is a highlight that many travelers cherish. The dusk light casts a warm glow over the dunes and creates phenomenal photo opportunities. Reviewers noted that the views are breathtaking, and some even remarked that this was their favorite part of the trip.
Expert Guides and Safety
Guides like Ashraf and Libin are frequently praised for their friendly attitude, safety emphasis, and professionalism. Many reviews mention how guides checked on guests during dune bashing and made sure everyone was comfortable—important for those nervous about the bumpy ride.
Cultural Activities & Authentic Food
Getting henna tattoos and dressing in traditional clothing add an authentic touch, giving you a peek into Arab culture. The 5-star BBQ dinner is described as both delicious and filling, with some reviewers highlighting the variety and quality. The live entertainment—fire shows, belly dance, and Tanura—are well-paced and add to the festive atmosphere.
Convenience & Value
The round-trip transfers avoid the hassle of finding your own way, and the price of $91 offers excellent value considering the number of activities and entertainment included. With most reviews indicating that this is a well-organized tour, travelers can relax and enjoy the experience without stress.
What the Tour Misses or Could Improve
While many loved the overall experience, some pointed out that beverages and snacks are not included, so you might want to bring some water or extra treats for the journey. Plus, the duration (6-7 hours) might be quite a long evening for younger children or those with limited stamina.
Some reviews also mention that quad biking and dune buggy rides are not included in this specific package, which could be an appealing addition for those seeking an extra thrill. If those are priorities, it might be worth exploring other options.
Final Thoughts: Who Would Love This Tour?
This Premium Red Dune Safari shines brightest for adventure lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking a luxury desert experience without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice if you want a well-rounded, professionally guided tour packed with activities, culinary delights, and entertainment.
It’s especially suitable for first-timers in Dubai wanting a snapshot of the desert, or those looking for Instagram-worthy photos and memorable moments. If you prefer shorter excursions or are seeking a more laid-back experience, you might prefer other options. But for an immersive, fun-filled evening, this tour ticks most boxes.
What is included in this tour?
The tour includes a 30-45 minute dune drive in a 4×4, sandboarding, camel riding, henna tattooing, a 5-star BBQ dinner, and cultural shows like fire dancing and belly dance.
How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 6 to 7 hours, including pickup, activities, dinner, and drop-off.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off provided?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Dubai hotels is included, making logistics simple and stress-free.
What activities are not included?
Beverages, snacks, dune buggy, and quad bike rides are not part of this package.
Can I participate if I don’t have prior experience?
Absolutely. The activities like sandboarding and camel rides are beginner-friendly, and guides are there to help everyone enjoy safely.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the long duration and dune bashing may be tiring for very young children. It’s best to check with the provider if you have specific needs.
Are there vegetarian options for the BBQ dinner?
While specific dietary options aren’t detailed, the dinner is generally described as delicious and plentiful. It’s advisable to ask in advance if you have special dietary requirements.
How do I book this experience?
You can book via Viator or directly through New Horizon Travel & Tours. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.
This Premium Red Dune Safari offers a comprehensive taste of Dubai’s desert with a mixture of adventure, culture, and comfort. The experiences are well-paced, and the guides are celebrated for their professionalism, making it suitable for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. The combination of stunning scenery, interactive activities, and gourmet dining means you’re likely to leave with a camera full of photos and a memory full of fun.
If you’re after a lively, authentic desert adventure that doesn’t skimp on quality or entertainment, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially perfect if you value good value for money, professional guides, and a seamless experience from start to finish.
Ready to make desert dreams come true? This tour offers a fantastic way to explore Dubai’s iconic landscape, and with a great track record and glowing reviews, it’s hard to go wrong.
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