Planning a desert adventure from Ras Al Khaimah can seem tempting, but with so many options out there, it’s hard to know which tour offers real value and authentic fun. This particular desert safari promises an exciting evening filled with activities, captivating scenery, and a hearty buffet dinner. We’ve looked into it in detail to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.
What we love about this tour includes its comprehensive activities like camel riding and sandboarding, the beautiful sunset views over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and the inclusive nature of the package — hotel pickup, dinner, and entertainment are all part of the deal. These features make it a convenient and engaging way to experience the desert without needing to piece together separate outings.
However, a notable consideration is the mixed review regarding transportation reliability, with some guests experiencing no-shows or communication issues. This highlights the importance of booking with a reputable provider and having backup plans, especially if this is your first desert safari.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want an affordable yet activity-packed desert experience, enjoy a mix of adventure and cultural entertainment, and don’t mind the risk of some logistical hiccups. If you’re after a memorable night with plenty of Instagram-worthy moments and good value for money, this could be a solid choice.
Key Points
- Convenient all-in-one experience with activities, dinner, and entertainment included
- Beautiful sunset views at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
- Activities like camel riding, sandboarding, and henna painting appeal to adventurous travelers
- Potential issues with transportation reliability, so choose your provider carefully
- Budget-friendly price around $70 for a 7-hour experience
- Suitable for those seeking a fun, activity-filled desert outing without overspending
This tour kicks off with a pick-up from your Ras Al Khaimah hotel around 3:30 pm, a time that offers a perfect window to enjoy the desert sunset. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned 4WD, which should provide comfort after a scenic approximately one-hour drive into Dubai and the surrounding desert. Your guide, whose knowledge supposedly adds to the experience, will offer insights into the region’s landscape and geology — a nice touch for those curious about the area’s natural backdrop.
The Drive and Arrival at the Bedouin Camp
Once you arrive at the Bedouin-style camp within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, you’ll immediately notice the contrast between the bustling city and the tranquil sands. This is the heart of the experience, a space designed to evoke traditional desert life. Here, the activities start to unfold, and you’ll want to pace yourself to enjoy each one.
Looking for more options in Ras Al Khaimah? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Camel Riding and Sandboarding: Thrills in the Dunes
The camel ride is often highlighted as a highlight, offering travelers a chance to see the desert from a traditional vantage point. The gentle sway of the camels coupled with stunning desert vistas makes for some memorable photos. Some reviews, however, mention they loved the “stunning views” and the friendly guides, which suggests this part of the trip is well-organized.
Sandboarding is another major draw, especially for those looking to add a touch of adrenaline. The dunes provide ideal slopes for sliding down, and the activity is typically suitable for most ages and skill levels. One reviewer expressed delight at the “thrilling” nature of sandboarding, which confirms this is a fun, accessible thrill.
Cultural Touches and Relaxation
Back at the camp, you’ll find options such as henna painting, hookah smoking, and traditional music and dance performances. These cultural elements add depth and atmosphere, making the experience feel authentic rather than purely touristy. Relaxing around the campfire and watching the sunset provide perfect photo opportunities and a moment to unwind.
Dinner Under the Stars
As daylight fades, the tour shifts to the highlight for many — the buffet dinner. The menu features an Arabic-style 3-course buffet with unlimited soft drinks. While not gourmet fine dining, most guests find the food satisfying and well-portioned, especially considering the overall price. The ambiance of dining under the starry sky enhances the experience, making it a memorable conclusion to the evening.
Evening Entertainment and Star Gazing
Post-dinner entertainment includes belly dancing and traditional music, which for some, adds a lively and colorful touch. Others may prefer a quieter moment, and the vast starry sky offers just that. This is a rare opportunity to appreciate the desert’s tranquility away from city lights.
While many travelers enjoy this safari, especially for its value and variety of activities, there are some notable caveats.
The Good:
- The diverse activities like camel riding, sandboarding, and henna painting provide a rounded desert experience.
- The scenic sunset views are genuinely breathtaking and make excellent photo moments.
- The inclusive dinner with soft drinks and entertainment offers great value for the price.
- The knowledgeable guides and staff seem to enhance the overall vibe, making the activities more engaging.
The Challenges:
- Several guests, including one who reported, “the driver never showed,” have experienced no-shows or poor communication. This underscores the importance of choosing reliable providers or confirming your booking.
- Some reviews mention being forgotten or not picked up, which could be a concern if you’re on a tight schedule or traveling alone.
- The timing might be tight for those wanting a relaxed experience, as the entire tour lasts around 7 hours, and delays can impact the experience.
- The dinner quality is generally okay but not exceptional, so don’t expect gourmet cuisine.
Handling potential issues: It’s wise to read recent reviews, confirm your booking, and perhaps have a backup plan if pick-up or transport reliability is a concern. Most importantly, communicate clearly with the tour operator before your trip.
This tour includes round-trip shared transfer, which makes logistics straightforward but can also mean waiting for other travelers. The group size is capped at 99 travelers, so while it’s not a small-group experience, it’s unlikely to feel overcrowded.
Priced at around $70 for roughly 7 hours, this tour offers considerable value considering the activities, dinner, and entertainment included. For budget travelers or those wanting a comprehensive desert adventure without splurging, it hits the right note.
This safari is ideal for first-time desert visitors seeking a mix of adventure, cultural entertainment, and good-value dining. If you enjoy a variety of activities in a single outing and are okay with a structured, group experience, this trip will likely satisfy you.
Travelers who prioritize reliable logistics should be cautious and perhaps seek recent reviews or alternative providers. Those wanting a relaxing, intimate desert escape might find this tour a bit busy, but for energetic, adventure-seeking visitors, it offers plenty to enjoy.
This desert safari from Ras Al Khaimah offers a fun, activity-packed evening, with the chance to see a desert sunset, ride camels, sandboard, and enjoy a flavorful buffet dinner. It’s a practical choice that combines value, variety, and scenic beauty, making it a popular pick for many travelers.
However, the mixed reviews about transport reliability serve as a reminder to book with care and be prepared for the possibility of some logistical hiccups. If you’re flexible, open-minded, and eager to experience a lively desert night with plenty of photo opportunities, this safari can deliver a memorable adventure.
In summary, it’s best suited for adventurous, budget-conscious travelers looking for a lively, all-in-one desert experience rather than a quiet, luxury escape. With the right expectations and a bit of luck, it could become one of your favorite UAE memories.
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip shared transfers are included, so you’ll be picked up from your Ras Al Khaimah hotel and dropped back at the end of the tour.
What activities are part of this desert safari?
You can expect camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, and enjoying cultural entertainment such as belly dancing and traditional music.
How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting around 3:30 pm and ending with drop-off at your hotel.
Is dinner provided?
Yes, a buffet dinner with three courses and unlimited soft drinks is included, served at the desert camp as the sun sets.
Are there any reviews warning about issues?
Yes, some reviews mention problems with transportation, including a driver no-show and guests being forgotten, so booking with a reputable operator is advisable.
Who should avoid this tour?
If you’re looking for a highly exclusive or ultra-reliable experience, or prefer a more relaxed, less busy outing, this tour might not be the best fit.
To sum it up, this Ras Al Khaimah desert safari offers a lively, full-featured experience at a reasonable price. You’ll get a taste of traditional desert life, adrenaline-pumping activities, and the stunning scenery of sunset over dunes. While there’s some risk of logistical issues, most travelers find it a worthwhile adventure—especially if you’re after good value and a fun-filled evening.