Desert Safari Tour, 6 Hour Fun, Family & Friends, Camel Ride & Dinner Included

Exploring the Dubai Desert Safari: A Detailed Review

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai and want to truly experience the magic of the desert, this 6-hour desert safari offers a well-rounded adventure that combines thrill, culture, and entertainment. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it provides excellent value for a fun-filled day.

What makes this experience notable? First, it’s located around Lahbab, about 45 minutes from Dubai — meaning you’re venturing into the iconic red dunes far from the city’s hustle. Second, it offers a variety of activities packed into a manageable timeframe, from dune bashing to camel rides and sandboarding. Third, the evening concludes with a barbecue dinner, complemented by traditional dance and fire shows, making it a comprehensive cultural experience.

A possible consideration? The pickup logistics might not be perfect for everyone, as some guests reported delays and a driver on the phone. However, for most, the value and authentic feel of the tour outweigh these minor hiccups.

This tour suits travelers who want a mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment at an affordable price, especially those visiting with family or friends looking for a memorable desert experience.

Key Points

• Location: Near Lahbab, roughly 45 minutes from Dubai, away from the city’s busy streets.
• Activities: Includes dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna tattooing, and optional shisha.
• Evening Entertainment: Traditional dance performances, fire shows, and a barbecue dinner.
• Transport: Round-trip pickup and drop-off from Dubai hotels with a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.
• Cost: Around $40 per person, offering good value considering the variety of activities.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Additional options: Quad biking available on request with extra costs.
• Reviews: Overall high ratings (5.0/5), with some guests highlighting the good value for money.

In-Depth Look at the Desert Safari Experience

The Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from your Dubai hotel in a 4×4 vehicle, promising ease and convenience. However, some reviews mention delays—one guest noted being picked up two hours later than scheduled. While this can be frustrating, most guests agree the trip’s overall quality makes up for it. The group size is kept small (maximum 15 travelers), which helps maintain a friendly, less hurried atmosphere.

The drive itself is part of the experience, giving you a taste of the desert landscape even before you arrive at Lahbab. The vehicle used for dune bashing is described as a top-performance 4×4, capable of handling the thrill of the desert’s sandy slopes.

The Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

Once at the desert camp, the adventure kicks into high gear with 35-45 minutes of dune bashing. A license-holding driver takes you on exhilarating off-road rides across the red dunes, offering adrenaline doses and fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunset.

Sandboarding is included, giving you a chance to slide down the dunes — it’s simple but fun. For many, this activity encapsulates the thrill of the desert, with some reviewers mentioning they enjoyed multiple camel rides and sandboarding sessions, depending on the group’s energy and interest.

Bedouin Culture and Optional Activities

The camp setup is inspired by Bedouin traditions. Visitors can try on traditional Emirati costumes for photographs, get henna tattoos, or relax with shisha in a fragrant corner. These cultural touches elevate the experience from just adventure to engaging with local customs.

Some travelers find these activities highlight the authentic aspect of the tour, while others mention they might feel a bit rushed or commercialized. Still, they help create memorable photos and a connection with Bedouin traditions. Notably, the henna tattoos are free and a favorite for many women, adding a personal, cultural touch.

Evening Entertainment and Dinner

As the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts to entertainment. Expect traditional dance performances, including belly dancing and Tanura shows—a mesmerizing spinning dance performed by a male artist. The fire show adds a dramatic flair to the desert night, making the evening lively and captivating.

The barbecue dinner is a highlight, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Guests typically enjoy Arabian sweets and fresh fruits to round out the meal. The quality of the food and the variety of dishes are generally praised, with many noting the generous portions and flavorful spices.

Optional Extras

While the tour includes a rich array of activities, additional experiences like quad biking are available on request for extra costs. Alcohol is not included but can be purchased if desired, and some guests mentioned they appreciated the availability of soft drinks and tea throughout the day.

Overall Experience and Value

While a few guests reported minor issues—such as driver delays and some aggressive sales tactics—the majority agree that the value for money is excellent. For just about $40, you get a full six hours of adventure, culture, and entertainment, making it a solid choice for families, friends, or solo travelers.

The tour is especially appealing for those looking to tick off a desert experience without breaking the bank. The combination of thrill rides, cultural activities, and lively evening shows creates a memorable day out in Dubai’s stunning red dunes.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari suits travelers wanting an affordable, action-packed desert experience with a focus on family or group fun. It’s ideal for those who enjoy adventure activities like dune bashing and sandboarding but also appreciate cultural elements like henna tattoos and traditional performances.

If you’re after a relaxed, luxurious experience, you might find some parts too bustling or commercialized. However, for a fun, authentic feel at a reasonable price, this tour hits the right notes.

Final Thoughts

This desert safari offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment, all packed into a 6-hour window. The activities are thoughtfully curated to maximize fun and culture, and the live performances add an energetic touch in the evening.

The tour’s affordability ensures that many can enjoy a taste of the desert without overspending, making it a smart choice for first-time visitors or families seeking a memorable day out. While minor delays can occur, the overall experience seems to leave most guests satisfied and eager to recommend it.

If you’re looking for value and variety in your Dubai desert adventure, this safari presents a compelling option.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from your Dubai hotel in a 4×4 vehicle, making the process easy and convenient.

How long does the dune bashing last?
The dune bashing takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes, providing a thrilling ride across the desert sands.

Can I do multiple camel rides?
Yes, the experience includes a camel ride, and guests can often repeat it depending on the group’s schedule.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?
Absolutely. The barbecue dinner includes vegetarian dishes alongside non-vegetarian options, plus Arabic sweets and fresh fruits.

What entertainment can I expect in the evening?
Traditional dance performances, belly dancing, Tanura spinning shows, and a fire show are part of the evening entertainment.

How much does additional activities like quad biking cost?
Quad biking is available upon request for an extra charge; prices are not specified but can be arranged on-site.

Are there facilities for women and children?
Yes, washroom facilities are separate for men and women, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Will I experience delays or issues during pickup?
Some reviews mention delays, sometimes up to two hours, and drivers being on the phone during pickup. While not ideal, most guests find the trip worth the wait.

Is alcohol available during the tour?
Alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased separately if desired.

This desert safari delivers a well-paced, budget-friendly adventure into Dubai’s iconic red dunes, blending excitement, culture, and lively entertainment into one memorable day. Perfect for those seeking a true taste of desert life with a touch of glamour.