Desert Safari Experience – Arabian Safari

If you’re dreaming of a night in the dunes, a desert adventure that combines thrills, culture, and great food, the Desert Safari Experience by Voyage Tours might be just what you’re after. While we haven’t personally been on this particular tour, the reviews, itinerary, and features paint a vivid picture of what to expect—a mix of adrenaline, authentic activities, and Middle Eastern hospitality.

What we love about this experience? First, it offers dune bashing in a luxury 4WD, ensuring you’re in safe hands while feeling the rush of the desert. Second, the variety of activities like camel rides, sandboarding, and henna tattoos keeps things lively and engaging. Third, the deluxe camp with traditional entertainment and a hearty buffet dinner makes it feel like a full evening escape.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the quality of the guides and drivers, which has varied among reviews; some travelers found the drivers less communicative or overly silent. Despite this, the overall value, scenic views, and entertainment make it suitable for most who want an authentic desert adventure. This tour suits those looking for fun, culture, and a taste of Bedouin hospitality—all wrapped into one memorable evening.

Key Points

• Value for Money: At $60 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience with multiple activities, cultural shows, and dinner.
• Shorter, Yet Packed: The 6-hour itinerary balances adventure, entertainment, and relaxation without feeling rushed.
• Authentic Cultural Touches: Henna tattoos, shisha, and folk music add genuine Middle Eastern flavor.
• Guides and Drivers: Varying levels of engagement—some reviews praise knowledgeable guides, others note quiet drivers.
• Group Size: Maximum of 6 travelers, making it more intimate and personalized.
• Includes Hotel Transfers: Pickup and drop-off from Dubai hotels add convenience, especially after a long day.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Pickup and Initial Dune Bashing

The day begins with pickup from any Dubai hotel, which is quite straightforward thanks to the organized logistics. From there, you’ll head to Al Aweer, where dune bashing kicks off. This segment lasts about 30 to 45 minutes in a luxurious 4WD vehicle, with most travelers describing it as thrilling and exhilarating. One reviewer, Robert, highlighted that their guide, Akram, explained what was included at each stop and ensured everyone had a great time, which hints at the professionalism of the drivers.

Dune bashing is the cornerstone of this adventure—riding over the rolling sand with skilled drivers maneuvering through the dunes creates an experience similar to a rollercoaster in the desert. Several reviews note the ‘OMG’ feeling of the ride, and many mention that it’s a highlight worth the price. Just be aware that if you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to sit in the front, as one traveler recommended, noting that the back seats can be bumpy.

Bedouin Camp and Activities

After the adrenaline rush, you’ll arrive at the well-equipped Bedouin camp. Here, you’ll find multiple activities that you can choose to participate in, like camel rides, sandboarding, henna tattoos, or passing around traditional shisha. The review from Cristian G mentions that the camp was “very good” with a clean environment and lively entertainment, including a Tanoura dance and belly dancer performance.

Several travelers appreciated the authenticity of the cultural experiences. For example, some loved the Arabic coffee and henna tattooing for ladies, which added a personal and traditional touch. A reviewer named Elena_F praised the staff for being “very helpful,” echoing that the camp felt welcoming and well-organized.

However, not every experience was perfect. One reviewer pointed out that the camel ride was quite brief—just a quick round in a circle of about 20 meters—so if you’re expecting a long, traditional camel trek, you might be slightly disappointed. But most agreed that the activities provided fun photo opportunities and culture.

Evening Entertainment and Dinner

As the sun begins to set, the camp transforms into a lively hub of Middle Eastern entertainment. Expect folk music, hypnotic belly dance performances, and even a whirling dervish show, as highlighted by several reviews. The buffet dinner is a highlight—offering a 3-course Arab-style meal that many describe as delicious and filling.

The menu isn’t detailed explicitly, but reviewers consistently mention the quality of the food and the generous portions. The all-you-can-eat buffet is a good value addition, and the inclusion of soda or pop complements the meal. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, but during Ramadan, no alcohol or entertainment is served, so plan accordingly if visiting during that period.

The Final Hours and Return

The tour wraps up with entertainment and an opportunity to relax on Persian rugs under the stars. Some travelers liked just sitting back and soaking in the night sky, a peaceful way to end the evening. The hotel drop-off makes returning easy, particularly after such an active day.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

Since the tour is limited to six travelers, it offers a more personalized experience compared to large group safaris. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort from start to finish, and the pickup timing is punctual, as multiple reviews mention communication via email before the tour. The total duration of roughly 6 hours** strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy the activities without feeling overly drawn out.

The dune bashing and camp activities are well-paced, and most travelers found the timing to be appropriate. The early evening start allows for spectacular sunset views, and the return trip is smooth, with plenty of opportunities for photos along the way.

Authenticity and Value

The cost of $60 per person might seem modest considering the full range of activities and the dinner included. Many reviews highlight that this is good value for money, especially when factoring in the personalized service and small group size. A few reviewers did mention that some kiosks at the camp charged high prices for souvenirs and photos, so it’s wise to bring some cash if you want mementos.

The quality of guides appears to be mixed—some travelers praised guides like Akram and Sidheek for being friendly and informative, while others found drivers silent or less engaging. This inconsistency might depend on the individual guide, but overall, tour operators seem attentive.

Final The Sum Up

This Desert Safari Experience by Voyage Tours offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment that appeals to many travelers seeking an authentic desert night. For those who love thrilling dune rides and want to sample Bedouin traditions, this tour provides plenty of memorable moments. The inclusion of delicious food, cultural shows, and the option to relax under the stars makes it a well-rounded evening.

It’s particularly suited for small groups who prefer a more personalized experience and travelers who are eager to enjoy a variety of activities without spending a fortune. While some reviews mention inconsistent guide engagement, the overall atmosphere and scenery seem to win most over. So, if you’re looking for an immersive, fun, and affordable desert adventure, this tour fits the bill.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from and drop-off to any Dubai hotel, making the experience convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience is approximately 6 hours, covering dune bashing, activities at the camp, dinner, and entertainment.

What activities are available at the camp?
You can choose to ride a camel, go sandboarding, get a henna tattoo, or pass around shisha. The camp also features folk music and belly dance performances.

Is alcohol served on this tour?
Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, but during Ramadan, no alcohol or entertainment is provided.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for warm desert conditions, but bring something to cover shoulders and knees if you plan to do henna or camel riding. The camp provides a relaxed, traditional atmosphere.

Are group sizes small?
Yes, the tour limits to a maximum of 6 travelers, which allows for a more intimate experience.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Most activities involve some walking or sitting on camels and in vehicles, so check with the operator if you have specific needs—many activities are adaptable, but the tour is generally suited for active travelers.

Will I see real Bedouin life?
The camp offers a taste of Bedouin culture with traditional performances and activities, but it’s a curated experience designed for travelers rather than a residential Bedouin experience.

This desert adventure offers a solid mix of fun, culture, and good value, perfect for anyone wanting to see Dubai’s desert in a lively and memorable way.