Ras Al Khaimah: Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner

Ras Al Khaimah: Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner — A Complete Review

Planning a trip to Ras Al Khaimah and craving a taste of the desert’s magic? This Afternoon Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner offers an adventurous yet cultural glimpse into the region’s stunning landscapes and traditions. From off-road dune bashing to traditional entertainment, this tour aims to balance thrill with authenticity.

We love the variety of activities packed into just six hours, including camel rides, henna painting, and lively Arabic shows—all served up with a delicious barbecue under the night sky. The round-trip hotel transfer adds convenience, making it a stress-free escape from city life.

However, some travelers mention hanging around at the camp and a shorter camel ride than expected. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure or a more relaxed pace, this might not be the best fit. Still, if you’re after a lively afternoon filled with action, culture, and good value, this tour could suit those wanting a memorable desert experience without a hefty price tag.

This tour generally appeals most to adventure seekers, culture lovers, and first-time visitors wanting a snapshot of desert life with a mix of entertainment. Families with older children or anyone wanting a lively, interactive outing will find it especially enjoyable.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of adventure and culture with dune drives, camel rides, and traditional performances
• Excellent value for money at $65, including dinner, drinks, and activities
• Professional guides and drivers known for safety, fun, and local insights
• Shorter camel rides and some waiting time at the camp are common, so manage expectations
• Comfortable transportation makes it easy to relax en route to the desert
• Authentic entertainment with belly dancing, tannora dance, and shisha

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Convenient Pickup and Comfortable Transportation

You’ll start your adventure with a pick-up from your Ras Al Khaimah hotel around 3:00 pm. The guides from Events Lab L.L.C are known for their friendly attitude and good communication, which helps set a positive tone from the start. The journey to the desert is via air-conditioned vehicles—an important detail considering the daytime heat—and the drive usually lasts a couple of hours, offering a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery.

First Stop: Camel Farm Visit

The tour kicks off with a visit to a local camel farm. This isn’t just a quick photo opportunity; many reviews highlight how informative and engaging this stop is. You’ll observe different types of camels and learn about their role in desert life. Some reviews mention that the visit is a highlight, especially for families or those interested in local traditions.

Dune Drive: The Heart of the Adventure

Once in the desert, the dune bashing in a 4WD vehicle is undeniably the main event. Drivers, often praised for their skill, whip you around dunes, giving you that adrenaline rush everyone seeks. One reviewer called their driver “amazing,” noting that his driving made the experience “unforgettable.”

The sandboarding and sand dune photography opportunities are also appreciated, allowing you to capture stunning sunset views. Expect a mix of thrill and scenic moments, with plenty of opportunities to ask your guide about the landscape.

Cultural Encampment and Activities

Arriving at the desert camp, the atmosphere is lively yet authentic. You’ll be welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, a charming gesture that sets the tone for the culture.

At the camp, some travelers choose to ride camels—though reviews indicate the rides are often short, sometimes just a few paces, and occasionally the rides are perceived as rushed or overcrowded. Reviewers like Katarina praised the camel experience as “fantastic,” but some note it’s quite brief compared to expectations.

Henna tattoos are a popular activity here, with many guests enjoying getting their feet or hands decorated with traditional designs. The shisha corner adds a relaxed vibe, perfect for unwinding after the adrenaline of dune bashing.

Entertainment and Dinner

The highlight for many is the performance of traditional tannorah and belly dance. One guest described the fire show as “amazing,” and the dancers’ skill impresses even the most casual observer. You’ll also see photo opportunities in traditional Arabic costumes, perfect for memorable snapshots.

The barbecue buffet dinner is served in a tent under the stars, featuring Arabic bread, shawarma, and unlimited soft drinks, coffee, and tea. While some guests found the meal “average,” most agree it’s plentiful and satisfying after an afternoon of excitement. Be aware that alcoholic drinks are not included—so if you want a drink beyond shisha, you’ll need to arrange that separately.

Returning and Overall Timing

The tour wraps up with the fire and dance performances before returning to your hotel around 9:00 pm. Some reviews mention that the waiting time at the camp can be lengthy, with guests feeling they spent too much time just waiting between activities.

What We Love About the Tour

The guides and drivers consistently receive praise for their friendliness and safety consciousness. Many reviews note that guides like Mohammad and Hidayaat are knowledgeable, humorous, and attentive, making the experience more engaging.

The adventure aspect—from dune bashing to sandboarding—is exhilarating without being overly extreme, suitable even for those without previous desert experience. Guests also rave about stunning sunset views, which provide perfect photo opportunities and add a magical touch to the evening.

The cultural elements, especially the performances and henna painting, add authenticity to the adventure. This isn’t just a thrill ride but a chance to enjoy Middle Eastern traditions.

Good value for money is a recurring theme. For $65, you get a comprehensive experience that combines transport, multiple activities, a hearty dinner, and entertainment, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While most reviews are positive, some guests mention long waiting times at the camp and short rides on the camel or sandboarding activities. If you’re expecting a full hour of camel riding or a very relaxed camp experience, this tour might fall short.

Hanging around at the camp is common, with some reviewers suggesting the schedule could be more streamlined. It’s also worth noting that the tour is not suitable for those with certain health issues, like cardiac or back problems, due to the physical nature of dune driving.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This desert safari is ideal for adventure lovers and cultural enthusiasts who want a lively, action-packed afternoon combined with authentic entertainment. It’s a good fit for families with older children, groups seeking a fun outing, or solo travelers eager to tick off a desert experience without spending a fortune.

If you’re after full-day solitude or a more peaceful experience, this might not be the best choice. It’s lively and fast-paced, emphasizing fun and cultural sights over lengthy relaxation.

FAQs

• What time does the tour start? It begins with hotel pickup at 3:00 pm.
• Is hotel pickup included? Yes, round-trip transportation from Ras Al Khaimah hotels is part of the package.
• How long is the tour? Approximately 6 hours, ending around 9:00 pm.
• Are drinks included? Soft drinks, coffee, and tea are unlimited during dinner; alcoholic drinks are not included.
• Can children participate? Most travelers can, but private transportation must be arranged for kids under 4 if in a group of 6 adults.
• Is there a safety concern? The guide and driver are experienced; however, the tour isn’t recommended for those with health issues like cardiac problems or neck/back pain.
• What activities are included? Camel rides (short), dune driving, sandboarding, henna painting, shisha, and cultural performances.
• Is there a dress code? Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities is best.
• How is the food? The BBQ buffet is plentiful and satisfying, though considered average by some.
• Can I cancel? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Final Words

This Ras Al Khaimah Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner offers an engaging mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a snapshot of desert life with a lively, fun atmosphere. Expect a few compromises—such as short rides and some waiting—but for those craving excitement, stunning sunset views, and vibrant performances, it’s a solid choice.

Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to add a desert adventure to your UAE trip, this tour delivers memorable moments and plenty of photo-worthy scenes. Just remember to manage your expectations about the pace and length of activities, and you’ll have a fantastic desert escapade.