Arabian Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner Camel Ride, Sand Boarding

Discover Dubai’s desert magic with this Arabian Desert Safari tour, a popular choice for those wanting an authentic, fun-filled evening. Priced at around $50 per person, it offers a variety of experiences packed into roughly six hours, making it a great value for travelers eager to explore more than just the city’s skyscrapers.

What we love about this tour is the chance to enjoy stunning desert sunsets, the adrenaline rush of dune bashing, and the chance to take part in traditional activities like camel riding and sandboarding. The BBQ dinner with unlimited soft drinks adds a satisfying end to the adventure, and the evening entertainment—belly dancing and tanoura shows—adds a cultural touch.

However, one consideration is that reviews point to some inconsistency in the experience, notably with customer service and food quality. It’s important to manage expectations and understand that, as with many outdoor excursions, weather and group size can impact your overall experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an adventure with cultural flavor, especially those new to the desert landscape or looking for a fun, social outing. It’s also perfect for families or couples wanting a memorable desert night without straying far from Dubai.

Key Points

• Affordable price for a comprehensive desert experience
• Includes dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and BBQ dinner
• Hotel pickup and drop-off provide convenience
• Evening entertainment with belly dancing and tanoura shows
• Limited group size enhances intimacy (max 15 travelers)
• Some reviews highlight inconsistency in service and food quality

Introduction: A Classic Dubai Experience with a Few Caveats

Dubai’s allure isn’t just about skyscrapers and shopping malls; the desert landscape offers a different kind of thrill. This Arabian Desert Safari tour promises an evening of excitement, culture, and stunning scenery, all bundled into around six hours. From the moment you’re picked up in a comfortable 4×4, the adventure begins, and you’ll quickly realize this is a well-rounded experience packed with highlights.

What makes this tour really stand out are its authentic activities—the adrenaline-inducing dune bashing, the peaceful camel rides, and the thrill of sandboarding. The BBQ dinner boasts a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, meaning most guests will find something to satisfy their appetite after all the action.

That said, some travelers have noted hiccups, especially with food quality and customer service, so it’s worth keeping an open mind. This tour will suit those who crave a value-packed outing filled with adventure and cultural touches, especially if they’re comfortable with group activities and outdoor conditions.

Breaking Down the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Jannat Desert Safari Camp

Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel in a luxurious 4×4 Land Cruiser, setting the tone for a comfortable ride. The first major highlight here is the dune bashing—your driver will expertly navigate the Big Red Dunes, which are referenced as an ideal spot for photographs of the sunset.

The roller coaster ride over the sand dunes, as one reviewer describes it, delivers adrenaline and fun, offering breathtaking views of the desert’s shifting sands. Expect the experience to be fast-paced and exhilarating—a true highlight for thrill-seekers. Some travelers have shared that the drivers are very professional, which helps create a safe, enjoyable ride.

Sunset and Photography Opportunities

One of the most praised elements is the chance to capture photos of the sunset over the dunes—this is truly a picture-perfect moment, with creamy white moonlight often casting a magical glow. If you’re into photography, this part of the tour offers excellent opportunities to snap dramatic desert landscapes and even take traditional Arabic outfits for fun photos.

The Bedouin Campsite Experience

After the dune bashing, you’ll head to the Bedouin-style campsite, where a variety of activities await. Here, you can try henna designing—a favorite for many—enjoy shisha or hookah, or watch the tanoura dance performed by a male artist.

The campsite also hosts camel rides and sandboarding, which are often described as fun and authentic. One reviewer mentions that the camel ride is well-organized and a great photo op, though some note that timing can be tight depending on the crowd.

Evening Entertainment and Dinner

As night falls, the BBQ dinner takes center stage. The menu features a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, though some guests have expressed disappointment with the food quality, noting that the barbecue can be quite average and that the process sometimes involves waiting in queues for small portions.

The evening also includes belly dancing and a fire show, although these may be affected during Ramadan or dry days. The tanoura dance adds a colorful cultural element, and the dressing up in Arabic attire for photos is a popular attraction. Reviewers appreciate these touches but advise travelers to manage expectations regarding the consistency of entertainment.

Final Activities: Fire Show and Photo Opportunities

The tour wraps up with a fire show, which adds excitement and a visual feast. Travelers can also dress in traditional Arabic attire for some memorable photos—something many guests find to be a fun end to the evening.

Drop-off

Finally, your driver will return you to your hotel in Dubai, completing the roughly six-hour journey. The pick-up and drop-off service adds convenience, especially if you’re staying in central Dubai.

What’s Worth Highlighting About This Tour

Dune Bashing: This is often the highlight for thrill-seekers. The roller coaster ride over the dunes offers speed, skill, and surreal views. Reviewers agree that the drivers are expertly skilled and provide a safe yet exciting ride.

Sunset Photography: This is often cited as the most stunning part of the experience. The desert lighting at sunset creates beautiful photo moments and a peaceful atmosphere after the adrenaline of dune bashing.

Cultural Activities: Henna designing, traditional dress-up, and the tanoura dance add a cultural layer to the adventure, helping guests get a glimpse of local traditions.

Evening Entertainment: Belly dancing, fire shows, and the desert ambiance create a magical setting, although availability may vary during Ramadan or special dry days.

Value for Money: At $50, this tour offers a lot of activities in one package. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes the experience smooth and hassle-free.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While the tour offers many highlights, some reviewers mention inconsistencies. For instance, food quality has been described as average, with some guests needing to queue for small portions, which can detract from the overall experience. One reviewer also reported that no one showed up for their booked excursion, highlighting the importance of choosing a reliable provider—Clifton Tours, in this case, is the operator.

Plus, since the tour is group-based and capped at 15, larger groups may feel a bit crowded, and timing can vary depending on the number of participants. Weather can also influence the experience, particularly for sunset views and photos; poor weather might result in cancellations or a less vibrant desert ambiance.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This desert safari is best suited for adventure lovers and first-time visitors eager to experience Dubai’s desert landscape without breaking the bank. It’s ideal if you want a full evening of activities with a mix of thrill, culture, and entertainment.

Travelers who prioritize stunning sunset views and photo opportunities will find this especially rewarding. Families, couples, and groups of friends seeking a fun, social outing will also enjoy the mix of activities and entertainment.

Those who prefer gourmet food or luxury experiences might find the BBQ dinner and overall setup a bit basic—reviewers mention that the food can be disappointing and quite average in quality. If you’re after a more upscale or personalized experience, you might want to explore other options.

This Arabian Desert Safari offers a solid value for the price and a fun-packed evening in Dubai’s sands. The combination of adventure activities, cultural touches, and entertainment creates a memorable experience that captures the essence of desert life.

It’s best suited for adventure-minded travelers who don’t mind a group setting and are looking for a mix of thrills and cultural exposure. If you’re after stunning photo moments and a lively, active evening, this safari could be a highlight of your Dubai trip.

However, be prepared for possible food and service inconsistencies. It’s wise to manage expectations and focus on the spectacular scenery and unique activities that make this tour worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the desert safari?
The entire experience lasts approximately six hours, including pickup, activities, dinner, and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, making it a convenient option.

What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna designing, and cultural entertainment like belly dancing and tanoura shows.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the BBQ dinner includes vegetarian dishes along with non-vegetarian options.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities; bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for daytime activities.

Is alcohol served?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included in this tour.

This safari offers a lively, affordable way to experience Dubai’s desert landscape, packed with activities and cultural moments. It’s a choice that balances adventure and tradition, perfect for those seeking a memorable desert night.