Sunset Camel Ride Including BBQ Dinner From Ras Al Khaimah

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Sunset Camel Ride Including BBQ Dinner From Ras Al Khaimah

If you’re craving a slice of the desert magic in Ras Al Khaimah, a sunset camel ride topped with a traditional BBQ dinner might just be your perfect evening. This tour promises a blend of adventure, cultural entertainment, and scenic vistas — all in around four hours. While some reviews mention the camp’s presentation could be more polished, most agree that the authentic experience and stunning views make it well worth the price.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see the desert from the back of a camel as the sun dips low, the chance to relax at a Bedouin-style camp with delicious food, and the lively entertainment that adds a festive touch. Plus, the fact that hotel pickup and drop-off are included makes the logistics hassle-free. One thing to consider is that the ride can be a little lengthy—some found it a bit tiring—but for true desert lovers, that’s part of the charm.

This outing is especially suited for those looking for an authentic, scenic desert adventure combined with cultural entertainment. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone who simply loves desert landscapes, this tour offers a good balance of nature, tradition, and fun.

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Guided camel trek with local Bedouin hosts
Beautiful Scenery: Stunning sunset views and desert flora
Entertainment & Food: Live belly dancing, tanoura, fire shows, and BBQ buffet
Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
Value for Money: Combines adventure, culture, and dining in a 4-hour experience
Group Size: Intimate tours with a maximum of 6 travelers, enhancing personal attention

Looking for more options in Ras Al Khaimah? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Pickup and Journey to the Desert

The adventure begins with a hotel pickup around 3:00 pm in Ras Al Khaimah. Most travelers appreciate the comfort of air-conditioned transport, which takes you smoothly into the desert. The drive itself offers glimpses of the changing landscape and hints of what’s to come, setting the tone for a relaxing yet exciting evening.

Arrival and Safety Briefing

Upon reaching the camel base, a quick safety briefing prepares you for the trek ahead. The guides, like Amir, who was specifically highlighted in a review, are friendly and seem genuinely invested in sharing their knowledge of the desert ecosystem and culture. This personal touch elevates the experience, especially since Amir’s authentic care made some guests feel like they were traveling with a local friend rather than just part of a tour group.

The Camel Trek

The heart of the tour is a roughly 45-minute guided camel ride. Riding a camel is both fun and a little uncomfortable—some reviewers mention that 1.75 hours might be the upper limit for comfort. The camels comfortably plod along dusty desert tracks, giving you time to soak in the scenery. Along the way, your guide points out native plants and wildlife, like desert foxes and tiny gerbils, which some liken to miniature kangaroos due to their lively hopping.

Guests consistently rave about the views. Watching the sun sink behind the dunes creates a magical backdrop that makes photo opportunities plentiful and memorable. In fact, stopping twice for sunset photos is a highlight many fondly recall, with some guests mentioning how it’s a perfect time for snapping those Instagram-worthy shots.

There's plenty more to explore in Ras Al Khaimah

The Bedouin-Style Camp

After the ride, you dismount at a Bedouin-inspired oasis camp. The setting feels peaceful, with soft twilight cast over the dunes, and the aroma of grilled meats and spices fills the air. Here, the experience shifts from adventure to relaxation while you enjoy a barbecue buffet dinner with sodas and water included. Alcohol is available to purchase, so if you’re looking to unwind with a drink, that’s an option.

Several reviews express that the food is “OK,” with some suggesting it could be more memorable, but most agree the setting and the atmosphere compensate for any shortcomings. The camp offers a variety of entertainment, including a tanoura show, where dancers whirl in colorful skirts, and fire performers that add excitement and a touch of drama to the evening.

The Cultural Entertainment

Live performances are a notable part of this tour. Belly dancing and traditional Arabic music add to the lively desert ambiance, while the whirling dance of the tanoura shows hypnotic movement and color. Some guests found the entertainment lively and engaging, though a few felt the show could benefit from a bit more “wow factor.”

Optional Shisha & More

Guests have the opportunity to try puffing on a shisha (Arabic water pipe), which many find adds an authentic touch to the desert evening. The relaxed environment allows you to unwind, take photos, or simply enjoy the company of your travel companions in the peaceful desert setting.

Return Journey

As darkness falls over the dunes, the tour concludes with a comfortable air-conditioned drive back to Ras Al Khaimah, with most guests arriving around 8:30 pm. The convenience of hotel drop-off and pickup is a big plus, especially after an exciting evening out.

Analyzing the Value & Realities

The Price Point

At $112 per person, this tour offers a balanced package of transportation, adventure, food, and entertainment. While some reviewers feel the camp presentation could be more polished, others emphasize that the authentic desert atmosphere and engaging guides make up for it.

The Group Size & Atmosphere

Limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, this tour provides a more intimate experience, which many guests appreciate. Smaller groups mean more personalized attention from guides like Amir, and a chance to ask questions about desert life and wildlife.

The Duration & Pace

While most find the 4-hour experience to be just right, a few mention the ride can be tiring—especially the 1.75 hour camel trek. If you’re not used to riding or are sensitive to long periods on a camel, this is worth considering.

The Entertainment & Food

The live shows, especially the tanoura dance and fire acts, add a festive feel, and guests often mention that the food, while basic, is satisfying after the trek. If you’re after an authentic desert experience with good company, scenic views, and lively entertainment, this package covers all those bases.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviews mention that the camp’s presentation wasn’t as polished as other experiences, and the food could be more memorable. The length of the camel ride might be a bit much for some, but the overall atmosphere makes up for that for most travelers seeking an authentic feel.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for a combination of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. It’s ideal for those who enjoy authentic desert encounters and are okay with a bit of a long ride. The small group setting ensures a personal touch, especially if you get a guide like Amir who makes the experience more genuine.

It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded introduction to the desert landscape, as well as those interested in local entertainment and traditional cuisine. If you’re after a quiet, polished resort-style evening, this might not be your best fit. But if you’re after a memorable, immersive desert night, this tour delivers.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off in Ras Al Khaimah are part of the package, making the experience convenient and stress-free.

How long does the camel ride last?
The ride is around 45 minutes, with some reviews noting that longer rides can be uncomfortable, but most find it a manageable and enjoyable duration.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, modest clothing suitable for warm weather is recommended. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also advisable.

Can I buy alcohol during the tour?
Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the camp, but are not included in the package.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 16 years old, so this experience is geared towards teenagers and adults.

What entertainment is included?
You’ll see belly dancing, a tanoura whirling dance, fire performances, and can opt to try shisha.

How should I prepare for the camel ride?
Wear comfortable shoes, and expect some bumps—riding a camel isn’t as plush as a limousine, but it’s part of the charm.

What about the camp’s appearance?
Some reviews suggest the camp could be more polished, but the authenticity and sunset views make it worthwhile for most guests.

Final Thoughts

This sunset camel ride and dinner tour from Ras Al Khaimah offers a charming peek into desert life with a lively blend of scenic views, cultural entertainment, and delicious food. It’s a great pick for those who want an authentic experience without sacrificing comfort, thanks to convenient hotel transfers and an intimate group size.

While it’s not a luxury experience—some might find the camp presentation lacking—the genuine atmosphere, friendly guides, and stunning desert vistas make it a memorable outing. It’s well-suited for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and great photo opportunities.

If you’re eager to explore the desert, watch the sunset from a camel’s back, and enjoy traditional Arabian entertainment, this tour delivers on many counts. Just be prepared for the camel ride’s length, and remember that the best moments often come from the authentic, unpolished charm of the desert itself.