Desert Safari, Open Desert Quad Bike Experience with BBQ Dinner

Planning a trip to Dubai often means chasing the iconic skyline and luxurious malls, but if you want a taste of true adventure, the Desert Safari with quad biking and BBQ dinner might just be your perfect match. This tour promises an unbeatable mix of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and cultural entertainment, all packed into a roughly 7-hour experience.

We love that this tour takes place in the red dunes, considered some of the finest in the region. The opportunity to capture sunset photos in the desert sounds unforgettable, and the inclusion of quad biking, camel riding, and sandboarding adds a real outdoor thrill. Plus, the fact that transfers are in the same 4×4 SUV used for dune bashing makes the experience smooth and seamless.

One thing to note: at $83.45 per person, this experience offers strong value considering the variety of activities and the quality of the guides. However, it’s important to recognize that this tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness and an appetite for outdoor adventure. If you’re after a more relaxed or luxury experience, this might feel a bit rustic for one’s taste.

If you’re craving a balanced mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural entertainment, this desert safari could be a memorable highlight of your Dubai trip.

Key Points

• Stunning Red Dunes: The tour is set in Dubai’s renowned red dunes, offering exceptional photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
• Comprehensive Activities: Enjoy dune bashing, quad biking, sandboarding, and camel riding—all within a well-organized itinerary.
• Authentic Cultural Shows & Dinner: The evening features live entertainment like belly dance, Tanoura, and fire shows, paired with a generous BBQ dinner.
• All-Inclusive Value: Soft drinks, dinner, and activities are included in the price, making it a good deal for adventure seekers.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring more personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Seamless Transfers: Pickup and drop-off are included, with the journey in the same vehicle used for the activities, adding convenience and safety.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup & Transfer to the Desert

Your adventure starts with a pick-up from your Dubai accommodation between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. The ride to the desert takes about an hour, allowing some time to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of an air-conditioned 4×4 SUV. The small group size (max 20 travelers) helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Quad Biking & Dune Bashing in Lehbab

The first activity is a 30-minute quad biking session in a large fenced area. This is perfect for those wanting a taste of off-road thrill riding in a safe environment. Reviewers highlight that the guides, like Osman and Mustafa, are helpful and friendly, making newcomers feel confident on the quad bikes.

Next, the highlight is dune bashing, which lasts around 30-40 minutes. The driver expertly navigates the towering red dunes, creating a rollercoaster ride that’s both exhilarating and scenic. Many reviews mention how the guides are knowledgeable and attentive, with one reviewer praising Mohammad for his professionalism and friendliness, stating, “He made us feel safe and took some great photos during the ride.”

Desert Activities & Photo Opportunities

After the adrenaline rush, you’ll head to the desert camp, where you can try sandboarding and camel riding. The sandboarding is short but fun, especially if you’re a first-timer. The camel ride offers a more relaxed pace, with many travelers noting how it provides a different perspective of the desert’s vastness. The sunset views here are often highlighted as a major photo opportunity, allowing travelers to capture stunning images with the desert’s iconic red dunes as a backdrop.

Evening Entertainment & BBQ Dinner

As the sun sets, the camp comes alive with live entertainment—belly dance, Tanoura dance, and fire shows—which add a lively, cultural touch to the evening. Reviewers appreciate the quality of the performances, emphasizing that they’re authentic and engaging.

Dinner is a buffet-style BBQ with unlimited soft drinks. Guests note that the food is satisfying and well-prepared, with some mentioning the variety and generous portions. It’s a great way to unwind after a busy day of outdoor activities.

The Experience in Detail: What Makes it Special

Red Dunes and Sunset Photography

The tour’s key selling point is its location in Dubai’s red dunes. These dunes are famous for their striking crimson hue, especially at sunset. Travelers consistently praise the opportunity to take photos against this backdrop, with some mentioning that the tour’s timing and guidance help them capture moments that look almost surreal.

The Balance of Adventure and Comfort

While the activities are adventurous, the tour maintains a good level of comfort. The air-conditioned transfer vehicle makes the journey pleasant, and the restroom onboard ensures convenience during the trip. The small group size means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and guides like Ahmed and Mustafa are known for their professionalism, friendly attitude, and helpfulness.

Authentic Cultural Touches

Beyond the thrill rides, the live entertainment offers a taste of traditional Middle Eastern culture. The Tanoura dance and fire shows are performed with enthusiasm, making the evening more than just a series of activities. Reviewers note that these performances are lively and authentic, adding depth to the desert experience.

Value for Money

At just over $83 per person, the tour includes a substantial amount of activities—quad biking, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, dinner, and entertainment. Considering the small group size and the quality of guides, many feel this is a good deal. Guests have shared that the tour felt well-organized and worth the price, especially given the variety of activities packed into a seven-hour window.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Transportation & Timing

• Pickup between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm from anywhere within Dubai.
• The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, ending around sunset and early evening.
• Transfers are in air-conditioned 4×4 SUVs, with the same vehicle used throughout for dune bashing and activities.

What’s Included & What to Consider

• Included: Dinner with unlimited soft drinks, 30 minutes quad biking, sandboarding, camel riding, dune bashing, entertainment, and transportation.
• Not Included: Alcoholic beverages—so if you’re expecting a drink with your meal, you’ll need to arrange that separately.

Suitability & Tips

• The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.
• Quad biking is not recommended for children below 14 years old.
• Travelers should be prepared for potentially bumpy rides during dune bashing and horseback-like activities.
• Wearing comfortable, sun-protective clothing and closed shoes for sandboarding and quad biking is advisable.
• Photographers will love the sunset views, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone with a good battery.

Booking & Cancellation

• The tour is available for booking 16 days in advance on average, which is wise given its popularity.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, offering flexibility if plans change.

Authentic Guest Experiences

One reviewer, Nicoleta, raved about her guide Osman, who was “showing us around, taking professional pictures, and making the experience memorable.” She appreciated the attention and friendly service, which is echoed by many others. Thanshan highlighted that the tour was “excellent,” especially recommending the team for their organization and hospitality.

Muhammed praised the well-organized nature and great value for money, emphasizing that he would recommend Big Dot Tours to friends and family. These reviews point to a consistent level of quality, professionalism, and friendly service that makes the experience special.

The Sum Up

This Dubai desert safari offers a well-rounded adventure packed into a manageable seven hours. Its highlights—stunning red dunes, exhilarating dune bashing, and authentic cultural shows—are complemented by the convenience of seamless transfers and a lively camp atmosphere. The inclusion of multiple activities, from quad biking to camel rides, ensures there’s something for every thrill-seeker.

The value for money is clear, with generous portions and a variety of experiences included in the modest price point. The small group size makes it feel more personal, and the knowledgeable guides add a layer of reassurance and insight.

This tour is a solid choice for travelers looking to experience Dubai’s desert in an active, engaging way without breaking the bank. If you’re after a blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural entertainment, this safari checks all the boxes.

It’s ideal for those with moderate fitness levels who want to enjoy the desert landscape, capture stunning photos, and enjoy lively entertainment. If a peaceful, luxurious, or entirely relaxing experience is what you seek, you might prefer a different style of desert tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this desert safari?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, including pickup, activities, and dinner.

Does the tour include pickup and drop-off?
Yes, the tour offers shared pickup and drop-off within Dubai in an air-conditioned 4×4 SUV.

Is food included?
Yes, a BBQ dinner with unlimited soft drinks is part of the package.

Can children participate?
Quad biking is not recommended for kids under 14 years old, but camel riding and other activities are suitable for older children with supervision.

What activities are included?
The tour features dune bashing, quad biking, sandboarding, camel riding, and cultural entertainment like dances and fire shows.

Is alcohol available?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour.

How physically demanding is the experience?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, especially for dune bashing, quad biking, and sandboarding.

What is the best time to book?
Booking about 16 days in advance is typical, but earlier reservations are recommended during peak seasons.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, sun-protective clothing, closed shoes for sandboarding and quad biking, and sunglasses are advised.

This desert safari with quad biking and BBQ dinner offers a fantastic way to explore Dubai’s desert landscape with excitement and cultural flair. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply want memorable sunset photos, it hits the right notes for a day full of adventure and authentic Arabian hospitality.