Doha: Safari, Dune bashing, Camel Ride, Sandboarding & Inland Sea

If you’re visiting Doha and craving a taste of the desert’s wild side, this desert safari tour promises a fun, engaging, and visually stunning adventure. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, reviews suggest it’s a well-organized trip packed with memorable moments like dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, and a visit to the unique Inland Sea.

What makes this tour appealing? First, travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides who make the journey informative and entertaining. Second, the stunning desert views and inland sea are unforgettable sights that capture Qatar’s natural beauty. Third, with a competitive price point around $65.70 per person, it offers solid value for a five-hour excursion. However, some might find the camel ride brief and the overall activity schedule a bit rushed, especially during peak times.

This experience suits those looking for a full-on desert adventure, especially travelers wanting a quick getaway from Doha city. It’s also ideal for those eager to capture scenic photos, try sandboarding, or simply enjoy an adrenaline rush with dune bashing. If you’re after a relaxed, long-lasting desert experience or a totally authentic Bedouin-style visit, you might want to consider other options. But for a fun, varied, and reasonably priced trip, this safari hits the mark.

Key Points

• Incredible Views: Photos of the desert dunes and inland sea are a highlight.
• Professional Guides: Guides like Ash and Naufal keep the trip lively, informative, and engaging.
• Value for Money: At around $65.70, you get multiple activities in one tour with shared transportation.
• Short but Sweet Camel Ride: Expect a quick experience, with some reviewers wishing it was longer.
• Variety of Activities: Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride, and a scenic inland sea visit.
• Flexible Scheduling: Morning or afternoon tours available, fitting different schedules.

The Full Scoop: What to Expect on Your Qatar Desert Safari

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure kicks off with a pick-up from your Doha hotel if you select that option. The tour provider, OceanAir Travels, uses air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles that are comfortable and equipped for off-road fun. The meeting point is the National Museum metro station, a convenient central location for most travelers, with options for pickup at Doha Cruise Terminal at Terminal 2 taxi stand. The group size is capped at 100, ensuring a lively but manageable experience.

The Drive to the Desert

Once aboard, your guide—like the highly praised Ash or Naufal—begins the journey with a mix of interesting commentary and scenic drives. According to reviews, guides are timely, respectful, and knowledgeable, which helps make the trip smoother and more enjoyable. Along the way, you’ll pass by the fascinating sea line beach, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Dune Bashing: Heart-Pumping Fun

No desert safari would be complete without dune bashing. Expect an exhilarating ride as your driver skillfully maneuvers up and down the towering, red dunes. Reviewers like Bruno and Alexandre describe the dune bashing as “amazing” and “a little frightening at first,” but ultimately a thrilling highlight. The tour guides are known to handle the 4x4s with expertise, making sure everyone feels safe while enjoying the adrenaline rush.

Camel Ride: Short but Sweet

Next, you’ll hop onto a camel for a short ride through the dunes. While some guests found it disappointingly brief—like KrissiaB who said it was just a walk across a parking lot on a couple—others appreciated the novelty of the experience. Expect some smiles, but don’t anticipate a long, traditional camel trek unless you opt for other safari packages.

Sandboarding: Sliding Through the Dunes

Sandboarding is a fun and rapid activity that adds a layer of adventure. Reviewers mention that the sandboarding time might be short, but the thrill of sliding down endless dunes makes up for it. Wear sports shoes and be prepared for some quick descents—it’s easier than it looks, and you’ll get some great photos.

Inland Sea Visit: A Unique Natural Wonder

The highlight for many is the stop at the Khor Al Adaid Inland Sea, where the sand meets the sea in a stunning confluence on Qatar’s border with Saudi Arabia. Travelers rave about the breathtaking views and serene environment. It’s an ideal spot for photos, relaxing, or just soaking in the quiet beauty of this natural marvel.

Return and Drop-off

After about five hours, your guide will take you back to your starting point. Throughout, unlimited water and soft drinks are provided, keeping you refreshed amid the desert heat. Some reviewers also enjoyed local tea offered during the trip, adding a touch of local flavor.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $65.70, this tour packs in quite a few activities—dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and a visit to the Inland Sea—all within a manageable timeframe. Considering the professional guides, comfortable transportation, and scenic stops, many guests agree it offers good value.

However, keep in mind that some portions, especially the camel ride and sandboarding, may feel a bit rushed or brief. If you’re craving a more relaxed or longer experience, you may want to explore other options or see if you can extend some activities on a private tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari suits adventure seekers who enjoy off-road thrills and picture-perfect scenery. It’s also great for families or groups that want a safe, guided experience with fun activities suited for different ages. If you’re short on time but want a snapshot of Qatar’s desert landscape, it’s an excellent choice.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a longer, more immersive desert experience or a traditional Bedouin-style visit, you might find this tour a bit quick. Also, those wanting a more authentic, lengthy camel trek or more extensive sandboarding may need to look elsewhere.

The Sum Up

This Qatar desert safari offers a well-rounded taste of the iconic desert landscape, complete with thrills and picture-worthy vistas. The guides are widely praised for their professionalism, adding a layer of warmth and knowledge that enhances the experience. The value for money is solid, especially considering the variety of activities included.

It’s a fantastic option for travelers who want a fun, action-packed half-day adventure without breaking the bank. The combination of dune bashing, sandboarding, and scenic inland sea views makes for a memorable trip—perfect for first-timers and those eager to photograph Qatar’s natural beauty.

While the camel ride might not satisfy those wanting a longer trek, the overall package delivers plenty of excitement and scenery. If you’re seeking an energetic, guided desert outing that covers all the highlights, this tour will not disappoint.

FAQ

What is included in this desert safari?
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off in Doha, a comfortable 4×4 vehicle, professional guides, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and a visit to the Inland Sea. Unlimited water and soft drinks are also provided.

Can I choose the time of day for the tour?
Yes, you can select either a morning or afternoon tour to fit your schedule.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 5 hours, including pick-up and drop-off.

Is the camel ride long?
No, the camel ride is relatively short, often described as just a brief walk rather than a lengthy trek. Some reviewers wished it lasted longer.

What should I wear?
Casual, loose-fitting clothing is recommended, especially during summer. Bring a jacket in winter. For sandboarding, sports shoes are advised.

Is this tour suitable for children or the elderly?
Most reviews suggest it’s suitable for a wide age range, but travelers should have moderate physical fitness. Keep in mind the off-road dune bashing might be bumpy for sensitive guests.

How crowded is the tour?
The group size is capped at 100 travelers, but most reviews mention a friendly and manageable atmosphere.

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.

To sum it up, this desert safari from Doha is a balanced, fun-filled introduction to Qatar’s natural beauty. Designed for those who enjoy adventure with a touch of scenic tranquility, it offers good value and a chance to create lasting memories—perfect for a quick desert escape.