Desert Safari Tour in Dubai (Unique Desert Tourism)

If you’re visiting Dubai and looking to step beyond the city’s glittering skyline, a desert safari is the way to go. This particular trip, offered by Five Star Cruise in Dubai, promises a full six hours packed with activities, entertainment, and food—all in the stunning sands of Dubai’s desert. With a perfect 5-star rating from over 90 reviews, it’s clear this experience has struck a chord with travelers.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the thrilling dune bashing and short camel ride are real highlights that give you a taste of traditional desert life with a dash of adrenaline. Second, the live performances, including belly dancing and a fire show, add a vibrant cultural element that keeps the energy high. Third, the lavish BBQ buffet dinner with a variety of dishes ensures you’re well-fed after a day of adventure.

However, a word of caution: if you’re not fond of bumpy rides, it can get quite rough during the dune bashing. Also, some extras like desert buggy or ATV quad bikes are not included in the package, which might be worth considering if you crave even more speed and thrill.

This tour suits those who love a mixture of fun, culture, and good food, making it a perfect option for first-time visitors, families, or anyone wanting a comprehensive desert experience without the hassle of planning. Now, let’s explore what you can really expect from the Dubai desert safari.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience blending adventure, culture, and cuisine
• Excellent value for the price, with included entertainment and dinner
• Guides and drivers receive high praise for friendliness and professionalism
• Diverse activities, from dune bashing to sandboarding and camel rides
• Vibrant live shows add an authentic Middle Eastern flavor
• All-inclusive soft drinks, tea, coffee, and a BBQ buffet
• Flexible cancellation, with full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance

What to Expect from This Desert Safari

The adventure begins with a pickup service, making the journey hassle-free. After being collected from your accommodation or a designated meeting point (near public transportation), you’ll head into the desert in a comfortable vehicle. The group size is typically private, which means you’ll avoid the chaos of large tour buses—ideal for a more personalized experience.

The Dune Bashing and Camel Rides

One of the most talked-about parts of the trip is dune bashing. As described by reviewers, it can be both exhilarating and a little intimidating—”fun though a little scary,” as one traveler put it. Your driver, often praised for skill and safety, will navigate the sand dunes with a mix of excitement and control. If you’re lucky, your guide (such as Mohammad Iqbal or Rahim) will share entertaining stories and tips along the way.

A short camel ride is also included, giving you a taste of traditional desert transport. While some reviewers mention the camel ride as a “bit of a letdown” unless you pay extra, it remains a fun, photo-worthy experience that transports you into the desert’s past.

Sandboarding and Henna Tattoos

For those seeking more action, sandboarding allows you to slide down the dunes—think of it as snowboarding but on warm, golden sand. Ladies can enjoy henna tattoo sessions at the camp, a lovely way to get a temporary piece of desert-inspired art.

Live Entertainment and Cultural Shows

After the adrenaline-filled activities, you’ll settle into an area where live performances are held. Expect belly dancing, fire shows, and the colorful Tanoura dance. Reviewers consistently mention the fire show as a standout, with one describing it as “amazing” and another calling it “a 5-star performance.” These shows add a lively, authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere that keeps the energy high into the evening.

Dinner and Refreshments

The BBQ buffet dinner is a major highlight—offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Travelers mention the food as “delicious” and “abundant,” with some noting the fare as good value for money. Alongside the food, there are unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water, ensuring you stay hydrated after your desert adventures.

A hookah (shisha) station is also available, adding to the relaxing, festive vibe of the evening.

Facilities and Comfort

The tour provides separate washrooms for men and women, which many reviewers appreciate for comfort and convenience. The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at around 2:30 pm, perfect for catching the sunset in the desert if you choose to stay a little longer.

The Real Experience: Authentic and Well-Reviewed

From the glowing reviews, it’s evident that the guides, including Mohammad Iqbal and Rahim, are not only friendly but also professional and attentive. Several travelers praised their helpfulness and ability to make the trip memorable. One reviewer specifically mentioned that Mohammed “went above and beyond,” ensuring everyone was comfortable and having fun.

The dune bashing rides are often described as “super exciting” and “excellent,” with many noting that the drive over the dunes offers both fun and stunning views. Some reviewers even highlight that the driver’s skills made the experience safe despite the wild ride.

Highlights from Visitors

• The fire dance show is consistently rated a 5-star highlight.
• The camel ride and sandboarding are considered fun, though some note that the camel ride might be short or somewhat underwhelming unless you pay extra.
• The food is generally rated very positively, with guests appreciating the variety and quality of the BBQ dinner.
• Many reviews mention great value for money, especially given the inclusions of entertainment, dinner, and activities.
• The professionalism of guides and timely pickups are often praised, making the experience smooth from start to finish.

Who Should Book This?

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded desert experience, families looking for engaging activities, or travelers on a budget who want a lot of value for their money. If your main goal is adrenaline, you’ll love the dune bashing, but those craving a more serene experience might want to skip the more vigorous activities.

Practical Tips for Your Desert Safari

• Book in advance (average booking is 22 days ahead), especially during peak seasons.
• Arrive early for the pickup to maximize your time in the desert.
• Wear comfortable clothing and bring sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun can be intense.
• Consider extra pay options like ATV quad bikes if you want more speed.
• Prepare for bumps during dune bashing if you’re sensitive to rough rides.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and lively performances.
• Hydrate well throughout the day, especially if you’re not accustomed to the desert heat.
• Tip your guides if you’re happy with their service—many are praised for their friendliness and professionalism.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

At $45 per person, this desert safari offers an incredible mix of adventure, culture, and good food. The reviews reflect a consistently high satisfaction level, especially regarding the guides, the variety of activities, and the quality of the entertainment. It’s a fantastic way to experience Dubai’s desert landscape without the hassle of planning or navigating.

If you’re after a fun, authentic, and value-packed desert adventure that covers all the bases—from adrenaline to entertainment and delicious food—this tour is a smart choice.

If you’re seeking a more exclusive or adrenaline-heavy experience (like ATV riding or photo with a falcon), you might want to explore additional options. But for most travelers looking for a memorable desert outing, this package hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour? Yes, pickup is offered, making the experience hassle-free and convenient.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience lasts around 6 hours.

What activities are included? Expect dune bashing, a short camel ride, sandboarding, henna tattoos, and multiple live shows.

Are drinks and food included? Yes, there are unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water, plus a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Can I pay extra for additional activities? Some extras like desert buggy or ATV quad bikes are not included, so you’d need to pay separately if interested.

Is this tour private? Yes, it’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Are there washrooms available? Yes, there are separate washrooms for men and women at the camp.

Is the tour suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, and some reviews mention families having a great time, but it’s best to consider your kids’ comfort with bumpy rides.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended; bring layers if you tend to get cold after sunset.

Do I need to cancel in advance? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

This Dubai desert safari by Five Star Cruise in Dubai offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that caters to a wide range of travelers. With its combination of thrilling activities, lively entertainment, and hearty food, it’s perfect for those wanting a taste of desert life with a splash of excitement. The high praise in reviews, especially for guides like Mohammed Iqbal and Rahim, underscores the professionalism and care that make this trip stand out. Whether you’re after adventure, culture, or simply a fun day away from the city, this tour delivers on all fronts.