Dubai Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride, and Shows

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, a desert safari is often at the top of the list. This tour, offered by Top 10 Dubai Tours, promises to combine adventure, culture, and stunning scenery—all in one six-hour package. From adrenaline-pumping dune bashing to relaxing camel rides and a mouthwatering BBQ dinner, it’s designed to give visitors a taste of both the thrill and the tradition of the UAE’s iconic desert landscape.

What immediately catches the eye is the affordable price point of $56 per person, especially considering the array of activities included. The positive reviews—rating it 4.7 out of 5 from over 200 travelers—also suggest it’s a popular choice for those new to Dubai or seeking a well-rounded desert experience.

However, like any adventure, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, such as the possible upselling during the tour and the variability in meal quality noted by some guests. This tour seems best suited for travelers looking for a comprehensive, fun-filled outing that balances excitement with cultural flavor.

Key Points

• Value for Money: At $56, this tour offers a full afternoon of activities, showing good value considering the included transportation, meals, and entertainment.
• Diverse Experience: Combines dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, local dress photos, and cultural shows in one outing.
• Professional Guides: Many reviews highlight the knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness of guides like Abbas and Naveed.
• Flexible Options: Add-ons like quad biking and falcon photos are available for extra, but the core package remains comprehensive.
• Well-Organized Logistics: Hotels pickup and drop-off make it convenient, with most travelers booked about a month ahead.
• Cultural Elements: Opportunities for henna painting, traditional dress photos, and cultural performances add local flavor.

An In-Depth Look at the Dubai Desert Safari Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

This tour kicks off with hotel pickup, usually by a friendly English-speaking guide, making the entire process smooth and hassle-free. Once in the desert, the first major highlight is the dune bashing—a thrilling ride over the golden sands in a 4×4 vehicle, often a Land Cruiser. As drivers expertly navigate steep dunes, we loved the adrenaline rush and the chance to snap photos of the shifting sands and sunset. One reviewer, Jaime P, praised the “drive through the desert & the sunset,” noting the driver’s professionalism and the “outstanding” experience.

Next, there’s the opportunity for sandboarding, a fun activity that’s essentially snowboarding on sand—perfect for those craving a bit of adrenaline or just some quirky photos. Several guests appreciated this as a fun side activity, with one mentioning it as a “very fun” part of the trip, though some noted the stops for dune buggies and other upsells can sometimes extend the experience longer than expected.

The tour then moves to a Bedouin-style camp where the cultural part begins. Guests can enjoy camel rides, often about five minutes long, mainly for photos and the experience of riding the “ships of the desert.” Reviewers like Rosemary D enjoyed the chance to savor a BBQ buffet dinner under the stars, with dishes including grilled meats, salads, and sweets—some found it delicious, others felt it was just “okay.”

The camp also features henna tattoo painting, traditional dress photos, and lively performances such as belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire shows. Many guests, like Bndicte L, appreciated the entourage of entertainment, describing the evening as “extraordinarily well-organized” and the VIP barbecue as “perfect.”

The Highlights That Make This Tour Stand Out

Dune Bashing & Sandboarding: Dune bashing remains the core adrenaline activity. Several reviews highlight the expertise of the drivers, with one describing the experience as “exciting” and “thrilling.” Sandboarding adds a playful element, especially popular among younger travelers or those wanting unique photos.

Cultural Experiences: The Bedouin camp is a highlight for many. The henna painting, traditional dress photos, and performances offer an authentic feel and good photo opportunities. Some reviews mention that the performances—like belly dancing and Tanoura dances—are lively and engaging, adding a cultural touch to the evening.

Evening Entertainment & Dinner: The BBQ dinner is a key part of the experience, with options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. While the food’s quality varies (some reviewers found it mediocre), most agree that the atmosphere under the stars, combined with live shows, makes it a memorable dinner.

Transportation & Guides: The hotel pickup and drop-off are highly appreciated. Guides like Abbas and Naveed are frequently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable—especially for first-timers or solo travelers.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Duration & Group Size

This is a six-hour tour, making it a full afternoon and evening commitment. With a maximum of 150 travelers, the group size is relatively moderate, ensuring a lively but not overwhelming experience. Most bookings are made about a month in advance, which indicates good planning and availability.

Cost & Value

Priced at $56 per person, this tour hits a sweet spot for many travelers. It includes hotel transfers, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, cultural activities, and a BBQ dinner. While some add-ons like quad biking or falcon photos cost extra, the core experience is comprehensive and well-paced.

Accessibility & Restrictions

Dune bashing is not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or children under 3. The tour is led by English-speaking guides, making communication straightforward for most travelers. During Ramadan or public holidays, some performances like belly dancing may be unavailable, but other parts of the experience will proceed as usual.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Dress comfortably and modestly, especially if you want to try on traditional costumes or participate in cultural activities.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the desert heat, even in the late afternoon.
• Carry some cash or small bills for optional extras like falcon photos or additional activities at the camp.
• Be prepared for some upselling during stops, which is common in desert tours but not obligatory.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides make a big difference. Many guests praised Abbas and Naveed for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism. One reviewer noted how Abbas made sure everyone was comfortable and explained each part of the trip thoroughly.

The scenic beauty of the desert and the sunset views are consistently highlighted as the most beautiful moments. One traveler said, “The changing colors of the sky and sand create a stunning backdrop for photos.” The adrenaline rush of dune bashing, often described as “exciting” and “thrilling,” keeps the energy high.

Cultural activities like henna tattooing and traditional dress photos add an authentic touch, though some found the short camel rides more for photos than for a full experience. The dinner can be hit or miss, but most guests appreciated the chance to relax and enjoy the entertainment after a day of adventure.

What Could Be Better?

A few reviews point out that some stops, especially those involving optional activities like dune buggies or falcon photos, can be overly long or pushy. The quality of food also varies; while some describe it as tasty, others found it average. It’s worth keeping expectations realistic, especially at the lower price point.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This desert safari is an excellent choice for travelers who want a well-rounded, fun-packed experience without breaking the bank. It’s especially suited for those seeking a mix of adventure and cultural flavor, with plenty of photo opportunities and lively entertainment. If you’re new to Dubai or want to tick the desert off your bucket list with minimal fuss, this tour delivers.

However, if you’re a foodie seeking gourmet cuisine or a wildlife enthusiast hoping for more authentic interactions, you might find the experience a bit commercialized. Likewise, travelers looking for more adrenaline might prefer adding on activities like quad biking.

This tour provides a genuine taste of Dubai’s desert in a safe, organized, and enjoyable way. It’s a great way to make lasting memories, meet fellow travelers, and see some of the most iconic sights the desert has to offer.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai, making it convenient and stress-free.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience lasts approximately six hours, from pickup to drop-off.

What activities are included? Dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, henna painting, traditional dress photos, and a BBQ dinner with live performances.

Are there any optional extras? Yes, activities like quad biking, falcon photos, and additional camel rides can be arranged for extra charges.

Is the tour suitable for children? Dune bashing isn’t recommended for children under 3, and pregnant women or travelers with heart conditions should consider this before booking.

What are the meal options? A buffet BBQ dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Some guests found the food average, but most enjoyed the overall atmosphere.

Are cultural shows included? Yes, performances like belly dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire shows are part of the evening entertainment, although some may be unavailable during Ramadan or public holidays.

Can I cancel? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this a good tour for solo travelers? Absolutely—guides are friendly, and the group size is moderate, making it easy to meet others and enjoy the experience.

This desert safari offers a balanced blend of excitement, culture, and scenic beauty—all at a very reasonable price. Whether it’s your first time in Dubai or a repeat visit, it promises a memorable adventure that captures the spirit of the UAE’s iconic desert landscape.