Dubai: Adventure Dune Buggy Safari, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

If you’re after a blend of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and authentic desert activities, this Dubai desert safari from OceanAir Travels might just tick all your boxes. With a highly-rated experience that averages 4.9 out of 5 from over 600 reviews, this tour offers a compelling mix of thrills and cultural encounters—all at a reasonable price of around $110 per person.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the self-driven dune buggy rides that give you a real adrenaline rush, the chance to sandboard down stunning dunes, and the opportunity to relax at a desert camp with a traditional BBQ dinner. Plus, the camel ride and henna painting add a dash of local flavor. The only thing to consider? Since activities like quad biking and dune bashing are self-driven, they come with the usual risks, and insurance isn’t included. This tour is perfect for those seeking adventure with a cultural twist—ideal if you’re craving an active day out that balances fun and authenticity.

Key Points

• Self-driven adventure: Dune buggy rides on 1000cc Polaris buggies offer a thrilling, hands-on experience.
• Cultural activities: Camel rides, henna tattoos, and optional falcon shows enrich the trip.
• All-inclusive comfort: Pickup, drop-off, soft drinks, water, and a BBQ dinner included for excellent value.
• Well-organized: Expert guides and smooth logistics make for an enjoyable, hassle-free day.
• Authentic desert experience: Opportunities to explore the dunes, try sandboarding, and relax at a traditional camp.
• Highly praised guides: Many reviews mention knowledgeable, friendly guides like Saeed, Mustafa, and Taymour who make the trip memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Day Full of Action and Relaxation

This tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in Dubai, typically about 45 minutes before your scheduled start time. If you’re visiting during the hotter months, expect pickup times to shift slightly—earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon—so keep an eye out for those updates.

The journey takes you to the Lehbab Desert, a stunning stretch of red dunes known for its expansive views and perfect terrain for adventure. Once you arrive at the dune buggy center, you’ll be supplied with all necessary safety gear—helmets and instructions—while your guide briefs you on the day’s activities.

The Dune Buggy Ride

The core activity is a self-driven dune buggy ride lasting about an hour. Powered by a 1000cc Polaris vehicle, this is where the adrenaline kicks in. Many reviewers highlight the fun and thrill of speeding through the dunes, with some describing it as a “must-do” highlight. One reviewer, Jessica, raves that her guide Saeed was “amazing,” helping her take photos and ensuring she felt comfortable—even stopping to help find her sunglasses.

The buggies are described as rugged and reliable, giving you the confidence to push your limits. Guests have noted that guides often stop to take photos, which helps capture the moment, especially as the dunes at sunset provide a perfect backdrop for photos.

Sandboarding and Additional Activities

After the buggy ride, you’ll have the option to try sandboarding, sliding down the dunes on a specially designed board. This activity is described as “very fun” and a great way to get more time in the sand, especially if you’re into outdoor sports. Since sandboarding is the last activity in the 4-hour tour, it caps off the adrenaline-filled part of the day.

The Desert Camp Experience

Next, you’ll head to the nearby Al Khayma Desert Camp, where the experience shifts from adrenaline to relaxation. Here, you can hop on a camel safari, enjoy henna tattoos, and watch a falcon show—with many reviewers highlighting guides like Taymour and Mustafa for their informative and friendly demeanor**.

The camp setting is well-maintained and offers a variety of activities. Guests love the authentic vibe—greeting with rose water, sampling Arabic coffee, or trying shisha—making it feel less like a tourist trap and more like a cultural snapshot. The camel rides are generally short but seem to satisfy most travelers’ curiosity, with some guests noting they’d prefer longer rides.

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Dinner and Entertainment

As the sun sets, it’s time to enjoy a BBQ dinner, with vegetarian options available. Guests repeatedly mention the delicious food and generous servings, describing it as “great value for money.” The camp also features live entertainment, including traditional dances, fire shows, and sometimes horse performances—adding to the festive atmosphere.

Several reviews emphasize the quality of the food and friendly service, with one reviewer describing the BBQ as “insanely good” and noting the abundance of food, with plenty of refills.

Transport & Logistics

The tour provides air-conditioned vehicle transfers from and back to your Dubai hotel, which many travelers find convenient and stress-free. Pickup times are typically 45 minutes before the scheduled activity, but during summer, expect some adjustments—earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon—with advance notices given.

Guests highly praise the professionalism of guides like Saeed, Mustafa, and Taymour, who are known for their friendly attitude, knowledge, and attentiveness. Many reviewers mention that guides often go above and beyond—helping with photos, sharing interesting facts, and ensuring everyone feels safe.

The activities are self-driven, which means participants are responsible for their safety; the tour provider’s insurance does not cover accidents or damages. Accordingly, travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and sunscreen and to avoid large luggage or bags.

The Real Price and What You Get

At roughly $110 per person, this tour is considered good value, especially considering it includes multiple activities, transport, meals, and live entertainment in one package. Many reviews highlight the generosity of the offerings—from unlimited drinks to the variety of desert activities—which makes it a cost-effective way to experience Dubai’s desert landscape comprehensively.

It’s especially suitable for adventure lovers, culture seekers, or those wanting a memorable day outside of Dubai’s city buzz. Families with children over 10, pregnant women, or individuals with health issues are advised to consider restrictions, especially around camel rides and dune bashing.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari offers a well-rounded experience blending adventure, culture, and relaxation. The self-driven dune buggy rides and sandboarding provide plenty of thrill for adrenaline junkies, while the cultural activities at the camp give a taste of traditional Arab hospitality. The delicious BBQ dinner with live entertainment rounds out the day, making it suitable for travelers wanting a full desert experience without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re after a fun, active day in the desert with knowledgeable guides and authentic touches, this tour delivers excellent value. It’s perfect for first-time visitors looking for a safe but exciting introduction to Dubai’s desert environment. However, if you prefer extensive camel rides or more extreme dune bashing, you might want to explore other options.

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to the Dubai Dune Buggy Adventure

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup and drop-off from your Dubai hotel via air-conditioned vehicles.

What activities are included in the tour?
Activities include a self-driven dune buggy ride, sandboarding, a camel ride (which can be repeated), henna tattoos, and a BBQ dinner with live entertainment (for the 6-hour version).

Can I drive the dune buggy myself?
Absolutely. The dune buggy is self-driven, giving you full control over your adventure—though you do so at your own risk.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and casual outdoor clothes are recommended. Avoid large bags or luggage.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 10 are generally not allowed, and pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or those with disabilities are advised against camel rides.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour provides unlimited soft drinks and water. You can also enjoy Arabic coffee and shisha at the camp (on the 6-hour tour).

What’s the duration of the activities?
The main dune buggy ride lasts about an hour, sandboarding follows, and the entire tour is around 4 to 6 hours, depending on the package.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the listed price includes most activities, meals, and transportation. Extras like souvenirs or photos can be purchased separately.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience safe?
Safety gear is provided, and guides accompany activities. Participants should be mentally and physically capable and follow instructions, especially for self-driven activities.

This desert safari offers an engaging mix of adventure and culture, delivered by friendly guides and organized logistics. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a relaxed cultural experience, this tour is a solid choice for exploring Dubai’s iconic sands.

You can check availability for your dates here: