Desert Safari Dubai with Camel Ride, Sandboarding & Dinner

We’ve come across plenty of desert excursions in Dubai, but this one from Sandoz Private Limited really stands out for offering a well-rounded adventure at an affordable price. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and descriptions paint a clear picture of an action-packed, authentic experience that balances thrill with cultural moments.

What we love most? The dune bashing that promises adrenaline, the camel ride offering a taste of traditional desert life, and the sandboarding that adds a fun twist for those seeking a bit of challenge. Plus, the live entertainment and BBQ dinner create a festive atmosphere after a day of adventure.

One potential consideration? The tour involves quite a few activities in a single day, which might feel rushed for some travelers. If you prefer slow-paced sightseeing or are prone to motion sickness, you might want to plan accordingly.

This tour seems ideal for adventure seekers and those looking for a value-packed desert experience that combines thrill, culture, and entertainment in one affordable package.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $27 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a comprehensive desert experience.
• Variety of Activities: From dune bashing to sandboarding, camel rides, and quad biking, there’s plenty to keep adrenaline levels high.
• Cultural Touches: Wearing Arabic costumes for photos and henna painting provide fun cultural moments.
• Live Entertainment & Dinner: End the day with belly dancing, tanoura shows, and a BBQ buffet, including vegetarian options.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup/drop-off with air-conditioned transport makes the trip hassle-free.
• Positive Reviews: With an overall rating of 4.4 from 7 reviews, most guests appreciated the guides’ professionalism and the stunning desert views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Pickup and Journey to the Desert

The adventure begins with hotel pickup in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle—a plus for travelers looking for convenience and comfort. The drive out of Dubai’s city center takes about an hour, heading southeast towards the desert. On clear days, you’ll catch glimpses of the Hajjar Mountains, a scenic backdrop that adds to the sense of escape from the busy city. The ride itself is smooth and scenic, setting the tone for the exciting activities ahead.

Dune Bashing: The Heart of the Desert Experience

Once in the desert, the highlight is dune bashing—a high-energy, bumpy ride over towering sand dunes in a powerful 4×4 Land Cruiser. Guests consistently praise their drivers for skill and safety; one reviewer even mentioned how their guide, “Ali,” expertly navigated the dunes, making the experience both exciting and secure.

Dune bashing is not just about the thrill; it’s about feeling the vastness of the desert while riding over the shifting sands. Expect moments of weightlessness and adrenaline as the vehicle climbs and descends steep dunes, all set against a stunning natural landscape. This activity, often the main reason to choose a desert safari, truly is a heart-pumping highlight.

Short Camel Ride: A Nod to Tradition

Next, you’ll hop onto a short camel ride, which many find charming and memorable. It’s a brief but authentic chance to experience a traditional mode of desert transport. Although brief, it’s a lovely cultural touch—adding a layer of historical significance to the adventure. One reviewer fondly recalls how they enjoyed the “short ride” and appreciated the opportunity to learn about camel life from the guides.

Sandboarding: A Fun Challenge

After the camel ride, it’s time to test your balance with sandboarding. This activity involves sliding down the dunes on a specially designed board, similar to snowboarding but on soft sand. The excitement here is palpable, and many guests find it exhilarating, especially when they manage a few tricks or turns. For beginners, the guides are on hand to give tips and ensure safety.

Sandboarding offers a fantastic way to engage physically with the landscape, and reviewers often mention how it’s surprisingly addictive. One guest noted, “It was really good, I really liked it. Perfect,” which sums up the general sentiment.

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Cultural Experiences and Photo Opportunities

Throughout the tour, guests are encouraged to wear Arabic costumes for photos, making for some fun, memorable snapshots. Plus, henna painting adds a personal and artistic touch, allowing travelers to adorn their hands or arms with traditional designs.

Dinner and Live Entertainment

As the sun sets, the tour culminates with a BBQ buffet dinner featuring vegetarian options, which many guests appreciate. The food is generally described as delicious and plentiful, perfect for recharging after a day of activity.

Post-dinner, the desert transforms into a stage for live entertainment, including belly dancing, Arabic yallah, tanoura shows, and a fiery fireshow. These performances add vibrant cultural flavor and make the evening feel festive and immersive. Guests often mention how the shows enhance the overall experience rather than feeling like afterthoughts.

Additional Comforts and Inclusions

The tour package includes soft drinks and water, making hydration easy in the desert heat. The hookah in designated areas provides a relaxing break for those interested. The tour also emphasizes safety, with experienced guides and safety instructions for quad biking and sandboarding.

What’s Not Included

Alcohol beverages are not part of the package, which is typical for this type of tour. Personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional drinks are at your own cost. The tour’s focus remains on activities and entertainment included in the package.

Considerations and Tips

While the tour offers an excellent balance of adventure and culture, keep in mind that the schedule is quite packed. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, the activities involve some physical activity, so comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Guests with motion sickness should be aware that dune bashing can be intense, but guides generally ensure a safe experience. Lastly, since the tour lasts several hours, bringing sun protection and a hat is wise, especially if doing the activities during the day.

How Visitors Have Rated It

Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, with one noting how “the car trip was the best.” The stunning views of the desert and mountains consistently delight visitors. Comments like “really happy” and “all good and perfect” reflect broad satisfaction, though some note it’s best suited for those seeking an active, outdoor adventure.

This desert safari is a fantastic option for adventure lovers who want a comprehensive experience packed with thrills, culture, and entertainment. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a quick, affordable taste of Dubai’s desert landscape without sacrificing variety.

Travelers looking for a social, lively atmosphere will appreciate the entertainment, while those interested in authentic cultural moments (like henna and traditional dress) will find plenty to love.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, scenic experience with less activity, this might feel a bit intense. It’s best suited for those who enjoy physical activities and vibrant performances.

For a budget-friendly price, this Dubai desert safari offers a well-rounded adventure that covers the essentials—dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and entertainment. The included hotel pickup and drop-off are convenient, and the variety of activities keeps the day exciting from start to finish.

The positive reviews underscore that guests leave feeling satisfied, especially appreciating the knowledgeable guides and stunning desert views. The cultural activities like henna and traditional costumes add a fun, memorable touch, making the experience more than just a bunch of adrenaline rushes.

If you’re seeking value for money, a lively atmosphere, and a chance to explore Dubai’s desert landscape in an authentic, engaging way, this tour is hard to beat. It’s a great choice for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking to combine adventure with cultural flavor.

How long does the entire desert safari take?
The tour includes hotel pickup, activities, dinner, and entertainment, typically lasting around 6 to 8 hours depending on your pickup location and schedule.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most activities, including dune bashing and sandboarding, are suitable for older children, but parents should assess their child’s comfort with the bumpy ride and physical activities.

What should I wear to the desert safari?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities—think lightweight, breathable fabrics with sun protection. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, especially for sandboarding.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?
Yes, the BBQ buffet dinner includes vegetarian options, ensuring all guests are catered for.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. Guests are encouraged to wear Arabic costumes for photos and take pictures of the stunning desert landscape, the performances, and cultural activities.

Is alcohol included in the tour?
No, alcohol beverages are not included, but you can bring your own if permitted, or purchase drinks separately after the tour.

This desert safari offers a lively, authentic taste of Dubai’s sands—perfect for those craving adventure, cultural moments, and incredible views—all at an accessible price point.

You can check availability for your dates here: