Private Desert Safari with Camel Ride and BBQ dinner in Bedouin Camp

Taking a desert safari in Dubai often promises an adventure filled with adrenaline, cultural insights, and unforgettable scenery. This Private Desert Safari with Camel Ride and BBQ dinner offers a tailored experience that balances high-energy activities with authentic Bedouin hospitality. We’ve reviewed the details, and here’s what you need to know before booking.

What we love most about this tour is its personalized nature—since it’s private, you’re not sharing your experience with strangers, making it ideal for families or small groups. The professional guides are praised for their knowledge and entertaining personalities, adding a warm, personal touch. The stunning sunset views while dune bashing or taking photos are truly memorable. Lastly, the authentic Bedouin camp setting with live shows and traditional food creates an immersive cultural experience.

One consideration might be the price, at around $307 for up to six people. While this includes many activities and a substantial duration of approximately 7 hours, some optional extras, like quad biking or dune buggy rides, cost extra. This flexibility allows for a customizable adventure, but it’s worth budgeting for additional thrills if desired.

This experience suits travelers looking for a combination of adventure and culture, especially those wanting a private, hassle-free trip that includes everything from dune bashing to a traditional dinner. It’s perfect for families, couples, or friends who value quality time and authentic experiences without the crowds.

Key Points

• Private Tour: No sharing with strangers, perfect for personalized attention.
• Experienced Guides: Knowledgeable off-road drivers and friendly hosts.
• Multiple Activities: Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, with optional quad biking or dune buggy rides.
• Cultural Immersion: Traditional Bedouin camp with live shows, henna, and shisha.
• Stunning Views: Spectacular sunsets and photo opportunities in the desert.
• Value for Money: All-in-one experience covering transport, activities, dinner, and entertainment.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Pickup and First Impressions

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup by a 4WD vehicle around 2:30 pm. Since this is a private tour, your group is the sole focus, allowing for a relaxed, tailored experience. From the outset, the professional off-road guide sets a friendly, confident tone—many reviewers have praised guides like Ali for their humor and deep knowledge.

Exploring the Al Madam Desert

Your vehicle heads out into the Al Madam Desert, famous for its vivid red dunes. The drive itself is part of the thrill, with the guide expertly navigating the shifting sands. Expect some dune bashing, a high-energy ride over the rolling dunes, which is both exhilarating and a great photo op, especially as the sun begins to set.

The first activity stop is a designated bike area where you’ll find the option to upgrade with quad biking or dune buggy rides. These add-ons are perfect for adrenaline junkies, offering a faster, more intense off-road experience. Reviewers have raved about these extras, calling quad biking “awesome” and a “thrill booster,” though they do come at an extra cost.

Sandboarding and Sunset Photos

Next, you’ll hit the red dunes for sandboarding—a fun, simple activity that adds a layer of excitement. The timing is perfect for sunset photographs, with many guests saying that the desert light at this hour is breathtaking.

Traditional Bedouin Camp

As evening approaches, the tour culminates at a Bedouin-style camp. Here, you’ll be greeted by camels, which are usually the first sight that sparks excitement. Many reviewers mention that the camel ride is short—around 2-3 minutes—but enough to get a feel for this traditional mode of desert transport.

The camp features live entertainment, including belly dance, Tanura spinning, and fire shows. These performances add a lively, cultural feel to the evening. You can also indulge in henna painting or relax with shisha in designated smoking areas, earning praise for the authentic, friendly atmosphere.

Dinner and Cultural Experience

The dinner is a savory BBQ with options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The traditional setting paired with live music creates a warm, inviting vibe. Many guests note the quality of the food and the novelty of dining in a Bedouin camp—highlighted as a memorable highlight.

Additional Offers and Flexibility

Throughout the evening, snacks, soft drinks, ice cream, and coffee are available for purchase, allowing for some leisurely indulgence. The tour also includes traditional sweets and the opportunity for henna or shisha, rounding out the culture.

The Value and Practicalities

The 7-hour duration ensures you get a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed. The price of around $307 might seem steep, but it covers private transport, multiple activities, dinner, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Reviewers consistently mention the excellent value, especially since many activities are included or optional.

The flexibility to upgrade with quad biking or dune buggy rides at an extra fee allows you to customize your adventure. The pickup and drop-off service adds convenience, eliminating the hassle of arranging transport.

What We Appreciate

The guides’ professionalism and friendliness stand out, often making the experience more personalized. The stunning sunset views and authentic camp atmosphere are highlights that justify the cost for many travelers. As one reviewer noted, “Ali was really funny and knowledgeable, ensuring our experience was memorable,” emphasizing the importance of a good guide.

Possible Downsides

While the tour offers a lot, some might find the short camel ride less substantial. Plus, if you’re eager for more adrenaline, the extra cost for quad biking or dune buggy rides could add up. Still, the core activities deliver a solid desert adventure.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is ideal for small groups or families seeking a private, all-inclusive desert experience. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed yet adventurous outing that combines thrilling activities with cultural insights. If you value personalized service, authentic entertainment, and stunning desert scenery, this tour ticks all those boxes.

It’s also a good choice for those not keen on large tour groups or those wanting to avoid the chaos often found in more crowded safaris. The opportunity to customize activities and enjoy a private experience makes it a standout for travelers who prefer quality over quantity.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel, making it hassle-free.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, from pickup around 2:30 pm to drop-off afterward.

Can I upgrade activities like dune bashing?
Yes, activities such as quad biking or dune buggy rides are available for extra payment.

What activities are included in the standard package?
Dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, traditional BBQ dinner, live cultural shows, henna painting, and shisha.

Is there anything I should bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor desert activities, sunglasses, sunscreen, and camera gear for photos.

Are drinks included during the tour?
Water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are provided; additional beverages are available for purchase.

What kind of entertainment is at the Bedouin camp?
Live belly dance, Tanura spinning, fire shows, and traditional music.

How long is the camel ride?
Approximately 2-3 minutes, enough for a brief experience.

What’s the best time for sunset photos?
Late afternoon, around the time dune bashing and sandboarding take place, is perfect for capturing the desert’s golden glow.

Final Thoughts

Choosing this private desert safari in Dubai offers a well-rounded, authentic adventure that combines thrills with culture. The personalized approach, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery make it a worthy option for those who want to experience the desert without the crowds. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups eager for a memorable day in the sands.

While the price might seem high at first glance, the all-encompassing nature of the trip—including transport, activities, dinner, and entertainment—provides good value. The optional extras allow for customization, ensuring your adventure is exactly how you want it.

Whether you’re after the adrenaline rush of dune bashing, a peaceful camel ride, or an evening of traditional entertainment, this tour delivers in authenticity and comfort. It’s a fantastic way to see Dubai’s desert in a relaxed, engaging setting, leaving you with plenty of stories and photos to share.

This safari is perfect for those seeking a private, enriching desert experience that balances excitement with cultural charm.