Dubai: Evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Shows & BBQ Dinner

Dubai: Evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Shows & BBQ Dinner – An Authentic Adventure

Considering a trip to Dubai? The Evening Desert Safari with camel rides, lively entertainment, and a delicious BBQ dinner has quickly become a favorite among travelers, earning a perfect 5-star rating from over 150 reviews. It’s an experience that promises a blend of adrenaline, culture, and comfort—all in the stunning backdrop of the Arabian desert.

What we love about this tour? First, the dune bashing is genuinely exhilarating, especially with a guide like Hassam, who’s praised for his skill and care. Second, the live entertainment, including belly dancing, fire shows, and tanoura dance, adds a vibrant cultural touch that keeps the energy high. Third, the food—offering a 10+ course buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options—makes it feel like a full-fledged feast rather than just a quick stop.

One thing to consider, however, is that the tour can be quite touristy, with busy camps and a packed schedule. For travelers seeking a more secluded or less commercial experience, it might feel a little crowded. That said, the value for the price—around $50 per person—makes it a compelling choice for those wanting a well-rounded desert adventure.

This tour is perfect for visitors who want a mix of thrill, culture, and comfort in a single day. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to tick Dubai’s desert off your bucket list, it’s designed to satisfy a wide range of interests.

Key Points

• Valuable Combo: Combines dune bashing, camel rides, live shows, and a buffet dinner for a comprehensive desert experience.
• Excellent Guides: Notably Hassam and Ali, who are praised for their attentiveness and skill.
• Great Value: At $50, offering over 7 hours of activities, food, and entertainment.
• Authentic Cultural Elements: Arabic costumes photo shoot and traditional performances enhance the experience.
• Well-organized: Seamless hotel pickup and drop-off, with a clear itinerary.
• Touristy, but fun: Crowded camps are common, but the vibrant atmosphere can still be enjoyable.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Pickup & Transportation Experience

The tour kicks off with a pick-up from your hotel or residence in Dubai in an air-conditioned 4×4, which is a relief after a busy day exploring the city. The pickup times are generally between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM, giving you ample time to prepare for an afternoon and evening of adventure. The comfort of the transportation is appreciated, especially given the long drive out to the desert, which is about an hour from Dubai city center.

One reviewer remarked, “We were promptly picked up at our hotel. It’s quite a drive from the city, but you end up in a completely different atmosphere,” highlighting how this transition can be quite striking.

Dune Bashing at Lahbab: The Heart of the Adventure

The dune bashing takes place in Lahbab, a renowned desert area known for its towering dunes. For about 30 minutes, powerful 4×4 vehicles race across the sand, offering an adrenaline rush that’s hard to match. Reviewers consistently praise their guides, especially Hassam, for his considerate driving and skill. One reviewer said, “He was very considerate and thoughtful of everyone’s well-being and very skilled in dune bashing.”

Sandboarding follows closely behind, with guides assisting beginners in catching their balance on the steep slopes. Expect to feel that thrill of surfing on sand, which many find surprisingly fun—even if it’s a little tricky at first. The sunset photo point at the dunes provides stunning vistas and perfect photo ops, with the sun casting a golden glow over the sands.

The Desert Camp Experience

Arriving at the Adventure Gate Camp around sunset, you’ll find a modern Bedouin-inspired setting. The camp’s lively atmosphere is noted by reviewers as crowded and touristy, but this doesn’t detract from the entertainment. Here, you’ll enjoy a camel ride, which many reviewers find charming and relaxing, despite being short (around 200 meters). One reviewer mentioned, “Swaying gently with the rhythm of the camels’ movements, I felt like I was in a scene from an Arabian movie.”

The dinner at the camp is a highlight—more than 10 courses, featuring grilled chicken, kebabs, salads, rice, and vegetarian options like hummus and pasta. Reviewers rave about the quality and variety of the food, with one saying, “We had a feast, and it was delicious, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices to suit everyone.”

Live Entertainment and Cultural Touches

Throughout the evening, the camp comes alive with live shows—belly dancing, fire shows, and the traditional tanoura dance. These performances add a vibrant, cultural layer to the experience and are generally appreciated for their energy and skill. One guest mentioned, “The fire show was incredible, and the dancers were full of enthusiasm.”

For a more personalized souvenir, there’s a complimentary Arabic costume photo shoot with traditional Kandura and Abaya outfits, which allows guests to dress up and capture memorable photos. Several reviews mention how fun and authentic this photo opportunity is.

Return to Dubai

After the shows and dinner, the tour concludes with a comfortable ride back to your hotel. The return journey is typically about an hour, providing a chance to relax and review the day’s highlights. Many reviewers express gratitude for the smooth drop-off service and the professional demeanor of guides like Hassam and Ali, who ensure everyone is comfortably returned.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just $50 per person, the tour packs in a broad range of activities—from thrilling dune bashing and sandboarding to cultural performances and a multi-course dinner. Considering the extensive itinerary and the quality of entertainment and food, this experience offers excellent value for your money.

The tour’s length (7-8 hours) means you are truly immersed in Dubai’s desert environment, making it more than just a quick photo stop. Plus, with hotel pickup and drop-off, it’s a hassle-free way to spend your evening in Dubai.

The Authentic Touches That Stand Out

While the experience is quite touristy, certain features like the photo shoot in traditional costumes and the live cultural shows give the trip a genuine flavor. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides who make each activity smooth and safe, often going the extra mile to ensure everyone’s comfort.

Considerations and Tips

• Crowded camps are common, so if you’re after a more secluded experience, this might not be the best fit.
• The price of about $5-10 for the Arabic attire photo shoot is reasonable if you want a keepsake.
• The schedule can be rushed, so arrive prepared for a busy evening.
• If you or your group have mobility issues, the short camel ride might be a highlight, but longer activities could be less accessible.
• Be prepared for the desert flies in the evening, as noted by some guests—they’re part of the open desert environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel or residence pickup in Dubai, making it easy to start your adventure without logistical worries.

How long is the total experience?
The entire trip lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, beginning with pickup and ending with return to your hotel.

What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy a 30-minute dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, live shows, and a buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Are there any additional costs?
The Arabic costume photo shoot is on-demand and costs about $5-10. Extra activities like ATV rides are not included but may be available at additional cost.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s wise to consider the duration and physical activities if you’re traveling with young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, modest clothing suitable for desert conditions. You might want to bring a light jacket for the evening, especially if you’re sensitive to cooler desert breezes.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Final Thoughts

This Dubai desert safari offers a well-rounded experience for those seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation without breaking the bank. The professional guides and diverse activities create a memorable outing that captures the essence of desert life mixed with modern entertainment.

Ideal for travelers wanting a fun, engaging day in the desert, it balances thrills like dune bashing with authentic cultural touches, ensuring everyone leaves with a story to tell. If you’re after a value-packed adventure that covers all the highlights—dune racing, camel rides, lively performances, and a hearty dinner—this tour ticks all the right boxes.

While it is a busy, touristy experience, its quality, organization, and good value make it worth considering. For those visiting Dubai, it’s a solid choice to add a splash of excitement and culture to your trip.

Note: Always check current availability and details with the provider before booking to ensure the experience aligns with your expectations.