VIP Desert Safari

Booking a desert safari in Dubai offers a blend of adventure, culture, and luxury that few experiences can match. We’ve looked into this VIP Desert Safari, and from what we’ve gathered, it promises a fun-packed evening with plenty of photo opportunities, entertainment, and delicious food. Whether you’re seeking thrill rides or a relaxed cultural show, this tour covers all bases.

What really sets it apart are the knowledgeable guides, the authentic entertainment, and the variety of activities—all curated to give you genuine moments in the desert. But keep in mind, some reviews mention that the “VIP” label might not fully match expectations, especially regarding the exclusivity and comfort level. Still, for a well-rounded desert experience at a reasonable price, this tour is a popular choice, especially for first-timers or families looking for a comprehensive Dubai desert adventure.

Key Points

• Authentic desert activities like dune-bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding
• High-quality entertainment including belly dancing, tanoura, and fire shows
• All-inclusive dinner with unlimited soft drinks and fresh Arabic sweets
• Professional guides who are experienced and engaging
• Pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Dubai for added convenience
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance

What to Expect from the VIP Desert Safari

This 6-hour tour is designed to give you a vivid taste of Dubai’s iconic desert landscape combined with cultural entertainment and hearty cuisine. It’s a balanced mix of adrenaline, relaxation, and culture, making it suitable for many types of travelers.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Lahbab Desert and Dune Bashing

The adventure kicks off with a pickup from your Dubai hotel or residence, in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Once at Lahbab, known for its expansive red dunes, the real fun begins. You’ll ride in a professional driver’s vehicle, expertly navigating the dunes—think of it as a rollercoaster on sand. One reviewer, Jane, mentioned that while dune-bashing was “a bit scary,” she was glad she did it. The thrill is real, and the skill of the driver is noticeable, adding confidence and safety to the experience.

Camel Rides and Sandboarding

Following the adrenaline rush, you’ll get a chance to slow down and enjoy a camel ride — a simple but iconic desert activity that makes for fantastic photos and a feel of traditional desert life. Sandboarding offers a similar thrill, letting you slide down the dunes on a board, which can be surprisingly fun even for complete beginners.

Henna Painting and Shisha

Next, relax with henna painting—a lovely way to get a temporary piece of desert-inspired art—and enjoy a shisha session in the cool desert air, with apple-flavored sheesha. These moments add a touch of traditional leisure and a chance to unwind before the evening’s entertainment.

Sunset Photography

Timing is key here; you’ll want to snap some breathtaking photos of the sunset over the desert’s red sands. It’s a magical moment that many find worth the trip alone.

The Main Event: Dinner and Live Shows

As evening falls, you’ll settle into your VIP table to enjoy an international buffet with a barbecue, featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The food quality often receives positive comments, with Ilia noting the dinner as “outstanding” and highlighting the delicious food served. You’ll also find Arabic sweets and fresh fruits to round out the meal.

While dining, you’re treated to a spectacular lineup of cultural performances. Expect belly dancing to traditional Arabic music, a tanoura dance (a mesmerizing spinning dance), and a fire show that’s both exciting and visually captivating. Many guests appreciate the professionalism and enthusiasm of the performers, which elevate the overall experience.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour includes round-trip transfers from your Dubai accommodation, adding a layer of ease that’s often overlooked. The pickup time is scheduled for 2:30 pm, giving you ample time to reach the desert before sunset and evening festivities. The tour’s group size can be up to 200 travelers, but the experience feels well-organized, and the guides, especially Azeem, are praised for their professionalism and friendliness.

Travelers should note that the tour lasts approximately 6 hours, making it a manageable evening activity. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the drive to and from the desert.

The Experience for Different Travelers

This tour is particularly suitable for families, as one reviewer mentioned it was an “outstanding desert experience for a family.” It’s also ideal for first-timers wanting to tick off Dubai’s desert activities in one go. If you’re after thrill rides, dune-bashing and sandboarding deliver, but if you’re expecting a luxurious VIP experience, some reviews suggest it might be more of a standard desert safari with a few perks rather than a truly exclusive outing.

Value for Money

Priced at $160 per person, this tour offers good value considering the all-inclusive nature—meals, activities, entertainment, and transportation are covered. Given the variety of activities and the quality of the entertainment, it’s a fair price point for most travelers. That said, the “VIP” label might be a stretch for some, as one review noted the experience was “not VIP,” but the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the food and shows are widely appreciated.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive desert experience with a mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors to Dubai, or those wanting a structured yet fun evening in the desert. The inclusive setup and convenient pickup make it especially appealing for travelers who prefer not to worry about logistics.

However, if you’re expecting a luxury, exclusive VIP experience, you might want to research other options or clarify what “VIP” entails here. The level of comfort and privacy might not fully match some expectations, but the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the activities remain consistently high.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers round-trip transfers from your hotel, home, or residence in Dubai, making it convenient and easy to join.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 6 hours, starting from the pickup at 2:30 pm and ending after the cultural shows and dinner.

Are vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available?
Yes, the buffet dinner includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, accommodating different dietary preferences.

What kind of entertainment is included?
Guests can enjoy live belly dancing, tanoura dance, and a fire show, all performed on traditional Arabic music, adding cultural flavor to the evening.

Can I participate in activities like sandboarding and camel riding?
Absolutely, these activities are included in the itinerary, and many guests find them to be highlights of the trip.

Is alcohol served on this tour?
No, alcohol is not included; only unlimited soft drinks and cold water are provided.

What is the safety like during dune-bashing?
The dune-bashing is performed by professional drivers with a desert safari license, and while some find it a bit scary, most agree it’s done safely and skillfully.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Cancelling less than 24 hours before the start results in no refund.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Most travelers, including families, find it suitable. However, the adventure activities like dune-bashing might be intense for very young children, so discretion is advised.

To sum it up, this VIP Desert Safari combines adventure, culture, and hearty dining in a way that appeals to a broad range of travelers. While it might not be the most exclusive or luxurious option available, it offers solid value, and the professional guides, especially Azeem, ensure you’ll be well looked after. For those wanting a fun, well-organized evening in the Dubai desert, this tour hits many of the right notes.