Dubai’s desert calls out as one of the city’s most iconic landscapes. While towering skyscrapers and luxury malls often steal the spotlight, stepping into the vast sands offers an entirely different charm. This private desert safari promises an exciting blend of adrenaline-pumping activities, cultural experiences, and gourmet dining—all in a six-and-a-half-hour package designed for groups up to six.
If you’re considering this tour, you’ll love the personalized experience, the stunning sunset views, and the authentic touch of Bedouin culture. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite packed with activities, so if you prefer a slow-paced day, some parts might feel rushed. This tour is perfect for those wanting an adventure that combines thrill, tradition, and good food—all with the comfort of private transport and a small group setting.
Key Points
Private Group Experience: Up to 6 guests, ensuring a more personalized and intimate adventure.
Value for Money: Includes multiple activities, a BBQ dinner, and transport, making it a comprehensive desert experience.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
Diverse Activities: Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, henna, and live entertainment.
Cultural Touch: Traditional drinks, Arabic costumes, and authentic Bedouin-style camp add a cultural flavor.
Flexible Options: Non-dune bashing guests are accommodated, plus vegetarian and Jain meal options available.
Journey Through the Deserts of Dubai
This tour begins with a convenient pickup from your Dubai or Sharjah accommodation, with a comfortable private 4×4 ride taking about 50 minutes to reach the red sands of Lehbab. From the start, the experience feels exclusive—your small group means more space for photos and personal conversations with the guide.
Once in the desert, your guide will handle tire deflation to prepare for the dune bashing, which is the tour’s adrenaline highlight. Expect a thrilling ride over high dunes, with the guide expertly navigating the sandy slopes. For those not keen on a rough ride, the option to skip directly to the camp still allows you to enjoy the activities and sights without the bumpy part.
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The Dune Bashing and Photo Stops
Dune bashing in Dubai’s iconic red sands is a must-do. Reviewers like Bhavani_N praised the “thrilling” ride, and many appreciated how the guides made safety a priority while maintaining the fun. A designated stop offers a chance to relax, capture the sunset, and breathe in the desert’s vastness—a moment worth savoring as the landscape turns golden.
Activities at the Desert Camp
Arriving at the camp, you’ll find a cozy setting that blends traditional Bedouin design with modern comfort. Here, the fun continues with short camel rides, sandboarding, and optional horse riding. Many travelers enjoy trying sandboarding—it’s accessible and a great way to get a taste of desert adventure, as one reviewer noted.
Henna painting is available for ladies and kids, adding a cultural touch. The camp offers Arabian traditional drinks (Gahwa) and dates, creating an authentic vibe that transports you beyond Dubai’s modern skyline.
Live Entertainment and Dinner
The highlight of the evening is the live entertainment—two belly dancing shows, a Tanoura dance performance, and a fiery fire show. These acts are lively and colorful, providing a perfect backdrop to your dinner.
As dusk falls, a delicious BBQ dinner is served, with options for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Expect kebabs, hummus, fresh salads, and more. Reviewers like Bhavani_N raved about the “delicious dinner,” emphasizing its quality and the variety of options. The food is cooked live, adding to the atmosphere of authenticity and freshness.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour offers a solid lineup of inclusions: dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna, live shows, and a BBQ dinner. Plus, you get pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah, making it super convenient.
Some extras like alcoholic drinks, dune buggy rentals, or souvenir shopping are not included but available for purchase on-site. The tour also caters to special dietary needs, with vegetarian and Jain meal options available if you inform the provider in advance.
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How the Experience Feels
Travelers consistently describe this safari as well-organized and fun-filled. The small-group setup enhances the feeling of exclusivity, and the guides’ friendliness and knowledge make the experience richer. The photo stops offer incredible opportunities to snap pictures of the sunset over endless dunes—something that stays with you long after the trip.
Several reviews mention the delicious food and lively entertainment. The live fire, Tanoura dance, and belly dancing performances add a vibrant, festive atmosphere that elevates the entire evening. Many also appreciate the authentic Arabian ambiance that makes the desert feel like a different world.
Practical Details and Tips
The tour is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes long, starting at around 2:30 pm. The timing ensures you experience both the daylight activities and the beautiful sunset. The price per group is $240, which includes all activities, transportation, and dinner—making it good value for a multi-activity adventure.
Dress comfortably—smart casual is recommended. Remember to bring your camera, as there will be plenty of photo-worthy moments. If you’re sensitive to rough rides, specify when booking to skip dune bashing, or simply enjoy the camp activities and shows.
The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?
This private desert safari is perfect for small groups looking to combine adventure and culture. If you love the idea of a personalized experience with thrilling dune bashing, live entertainment, and a hearty BBQ, this tour delivers. Families with kids, couples, or friends seeking a memorable desert outing will find it especially appealing.
It’s also a good choice for travelers who want value for money, as it bundles multiple activities plus dinner in a single, easy package. The small-group format ensures more attention from guides and a more intimate vibe, making it ideal for those who prefer avoiding large, crowded tours.
However, if you prefer a very relaxed, slow-paced day, or aren’t comfortable with bumpy rides, you might want to opt for a more low-key experience or specify your preferences when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip dune bashing if I don’t want a rough ride?
Yes, the tour can accommodate guests who prefer to avoid dune bashing. They will be taken directly to the camp without the bumpy part, so you can still enjoy the activities and entertainment.
What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, live fire and dance shows, a BBQ dinner, traditional drinks, and pickup/drop-off from Dubai and Sharjah.
Are vegetarian or Jain meals available?
Yes, vegetarian options are included, and Jain food can be arranged if you inform the provider during booking.
How long does the entire experience last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 2:30 pm, with most activities finishing before sunset.
Is this tour private?
Yes, it’s a private activity, with only your group participating, making it ideal for families, friends, or couples wanting a tailored experience.
What’s the best time to go?
The tour starts in the afternoon, allowing you to enjoy the sunset and evening activities. Dusk offers the best lighting for photos and cooler temperatures.
How physically demanding is the tour?
Most activities are suitable for a wide range of ages, but dune bashing can be bumpy. Camel rides and sandboarding are short and generally manageable.
Can I purchase additional activities or souvenirs?
Yes, options like dune buggy or quad biking, along with souvenirs, are available on site for purchase.
This Dubai desert safari with dune bashing and BBQ dinner is a well-rounded adventure that balances excitement, culture, and comfort. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a culture seeker, or simply want a fun day out in the sands, it’s a tour that leaves plenty of room for memorable moments.
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