Desert Safari with 30 minutes Buggy Ride with Camel Ride & Dinner

Planning a trip to Dubai often includes the iconic desert safari, and this particular experience promises a mix of adrenaline, cultural flavor, and mouth-watering food. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but based on detailed reviews and the tour specifics, it seems like a well-rounded adventure ideal for those craving a taste of both thrill and tradition.

What excites us most about this experience are the opportunity to drive your own 1000cc Polaris/RZR buggy, the chance to navigate the ever-changing dunes, and the authentic Arabian dinner with live entertainment. The only possible drawback? The tour’s length and activities might feel a little packed for those seeking a more relaxed pace.

If you’re someone who loves adventure, cultural experiences, and great food, this tour seems perfect. Families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a full-day dose of desert fun will likely find this offers excellent value.

Key Points

• Self-Drive Adventure: You get to drive your own 1000cc Polaris/RZR buggy, which is a highlight for thrill-seekers.
• Comprehensive Experience: Includes dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and a desert camp with entertainment.
• Convenient Logistics: Pickup and drop-off are included, making the experience smooth and hassle-free.
• Authentic Dinner: Enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner with live shows in a beautifully decorated Arabian setting.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with detailed safety briefings and expert guides.
• Value for Money: Priced at $268 for up to 2 people, offering a full 6-hour adventure packed with activities.

What to Expect from This Desert Safari

This tour kicks off with pickup from your hotel or residence in Dubai or Sharjah, usually around 3:00 pm, in an air-conditioned 4×4. The transfer alone is a plus, especially after a busy day of sightseeing or shopping. Once you arrive at the desert camp, you’ll receive a safety briefing—crucial for confidently handling the Polaris/RZR buggies.

The self-driven buggy ride is the core of this experience. With safety gear and clear instructions, you’ll get behind the wheel of a powerful 1000cc vehicle. As you navigate the dunes, you’ll feel the thrill of conquering peaks and valleys that shift with the wind. This part is particularly praised by reviewers, with many mentioning how guides like Mujahid ensure safety without sacrificing fun.

After the buggy adventure, the tour continues with dune bashing, which is a bit more intense. Expect a skilled guide to expertly steer the 4×4 over the dunes, providing that quintessential adrenaline rush. Sandboarding follows—an activity that appeals to the adventurous who also love a little grassy hill fun, but on sand. Reviewers mention how Riyaz and Soubhani both excel at creating a safe, enjoyable environment for this.

As the sun dips, grab a seat at the desert camp, beautifully decorated with traditional Arabian touches. The highlight here is the BBQ dinner, featuring grilled meats, fresh salads, and sweet desserts—reviewers often mention how delicious and plentiful the food is. Live entertainment, including traditional shows like belly dancing and fire performances, rounds out the evening, giving an authentic Arabian festival vibe.

Finally, you’ll be chauffeured back to your hotel, tired but with plenty of memories. The entire experience spans roughly six hours, making it a full-day adventure that combines thrill, culture, and relaxation.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Transfer

Starting at around 3:00 pm, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or residence in a luxury, air-conditioned 4×4. This makes the journey comfortable and sets the tone for a professional, hassle-free day—something that multiple reviewers appreciated, noting how drivers like Mohsin and Hassan are punctual, friendly, and attentive.

Arrival at Desert Camp & Safety Briefing

Once you reach the desert, the guides will brief you on driving safety and instructions, ensuring everyone understands how to handle the buggy. This is especially important since you’ll be driving your own vehicle, making it a more autonomous and engaging experience.

Buggy Ride (30 Minutes)

The star of the show! Reviewers consistently mention how driving the Polaris/RZR is an adrenaline-packed highlight, with some calling it a “must-try” activity. The guides, like Mujahid and Naveed, are praised for their professionalism and friendliness, making sure everyone is comfortable and safe.

Dune Bashing & Sandboarding

After the buggy ride, the tour moves into dune bashing—a series of exhilarating jumps and spins over the dunes. Many guests highlight how Ikhlaq and Riaz make this part both safe and exciting, often describing it as “breathtaking”. Sandboarding is offered as a fun alternative to sliding down dunes, with reviewers sharing how it’s easier than expected and adds a fun twist.

Sunset & Camel Ride

As the sky turns shades of orange, many guests opt for the camel ride—a gentle, scenic break from the adrenaline. While not everyone mentions this activity specifically, it’s generally included and adds a classic Middle Eastern touch.

Arabian Dinner & Live Entertainment

The evening culminates at the desert camp, decorated with traditional Arabian decor. Guests sit on low tables and cushions, enjoying a BBQ feast of grilled meats, salads, and desserts. Reviewers rave about the quality and variety of the food, with many mentioning how the portion sizes and flavors exceeded expectations.

Live shows such as belly dancing and fire performances add to the festive atmosphere. The guides, including Ali Imran, are often praised for their warmth and professionalism, making sure everyone is entertained and comfortable.

Return Journey

After a full six hours of desert fun, you’ll be transported back to your accommodation, often commenting on how the transfer feels quick after such a busy day.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Bring your ID: It’s mandatory for driving the buggies, so keep your original ID handy.
• Book in advance: Most travelers book about 19 days ahead, which helps secure a spot during peak seasons.
• Dress comfortably: The desert can be hot during the day but cooler in the evening—layering is advised.
• Arrive early: To maximize your experience, arrive promptly for the 3:00 pm pickup.
• Consider your activity level: While most activities are suitable for most, the physical activity of driving or sandboarding requires a basic level of mobility.
• Safety first: Our reviews indicate guides are attentive, but always follow instructions carefully.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Guests

Based on reviews, many travelers emphasize the expertise and friendliness of guides like Mujahid, Riaz, and Naveed. They note how guides make the experience seamless, with detailed explanations and safety measures. One guest even said, “Riaz did a great job for the entire trip; enjoy this experience and do it again.”

The quality of food and entertainment also receives high praise. Guests describe the BBQ dinner as “delicious” and “plenty,” with some mentioning how the live entertainment adds a special touch to the desert night.

The self-drive buggy ride garners particular praise, described as “a must-try” and “so much fun”. Reviewers highlight how this activity offers a sense of freedom and adventure that’s hard to match.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This desert safari is ideal for adventure seekers who want to take control of their experience, especially with the self-driven buggy. It’s equally suited for families and groups eager to enjoy a comprehensive desert day, blending thrills with cultural touches.

If you value professional guides, tasty food, and authentic entertainment, this tour checks all those boxes. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less activity-packed experience, this might feel a little rushed.

The value here is quite solid, given the full six hours of activities and entertainment for a reasonable price. It’s a well-organized, fun-filled option for anyone looking to tick off Dubai’s desert adventure in style.

FAQ

Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off services from your hotel or residence in Dubai or Sharjah, making logistics stress-free.

What time does the tour start?
The pickup begins around 3:00 pm, allowing for a full evening of desert activities and dinner.

Do I need to bring my ID?
Yes, it’s mandatory to bring your original ID to drive the buggy safely. Guides will brief you on safety procedures.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 6 hours, from pickup to return to your hotel.

Is the buggy ride suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides provide safety gear and instructions, making it accessible for most, but some basic driving confidence helps.

Can I participate if I don’t want to drive?
The tour is designed around self-driving, so if you prefer not to drive, you might want to check if passenger options are available, though this isn’t specified.

How is the food?
Reviewers consistently praise the BBQ dinner as delicious, plentiful, and authentic, with a variety of grilled meats, salads, and desserts.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Most reviews suggest it’s suitable for families, with safety being a priority and activities like camel rides and sandboarding appealing across ages.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This desert safari blends adrenaline-pumping activities with cultural charm, guided by attentive professionals and topped with a tasty dinner. Whether you’re craving the thrill of driving your own buggy or the magic of a desert sunset under traditional entertainment, this experience offers a memorable taste of Dubai’s desert life.