Dubai: Premium Safari, Camel Ride & Al Khayma Camp 3-Buffets

Planning a desert safari in Dubai? This tour, offered by OceanAir Travels, scores a remarkable 4.9 out of 5 from tens of thousands of happy travelers. It combines adrenaline-pumping activities, culture, and a feast of diverse cuisines—all in one seamless package. Whether you’re after thrilling dune drives or a taste of authentic Arabian hospitality, this experience delivers with flair.

What makes this safari stand out? First, the dune bashing and sandboarding are genuinely exhilarating—perfect for adrenaline junkies. Second, the variety of buffets (Emirati, Moroccan, and Arabian) paired with live BBQ stations provide a true culinary journey. Third, the evening activities like stargazing and live entertainment add a magical touch. While the tour is packed with activities, travelers should note that the pickup timing can vary due to summer heat and that some activities like quad biking are optional and self-driven, which requires a bit of caution.

This safari fits best for those looking for a full-day adventure that covers thrill, culture, and cuisine. Families, couples, and groups eager to see the desert from multiple angles will find it especially engaging. Just keep in mind that the tour involves some physically active components, so those with back problems or mobility challenges might want to prepare accordingly.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines dune bashing, camel rides, traditional activities, and diverse buffets.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised guides like Jo Jo, Yasir, and Shihab make the trip engaging and safe.
• Culinary Diversity: Three buffets (Emirati, Moroccan, Arabian) with vegetarian options and live stations.
• Cultural & Entertainment Activities: Henna, falconry, fire shows, horse shows, and star gazing.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most, though not recommended for those with back issues or very young children.
• Great Value: At $79, the package offers a rich mix of activities, food, and entertainment, often with glowing reviews about the quality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Start: Pickup & Transportation

Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle. The logistics seem well-organized; reviews mention guides like Yasir, Usman, and Shihab who are not only professional but also friendly and attentive. The timing can shift, especially during hotter months, with advance notifications provided.

The drive to the desert is part of the fun—an opportunity to get into the desert vibe. Some reviewers appreciated having private options, especially those with older travelers or those looking to skip certain activities. For example, groups of seniors or those with back problems are advised to be cautious, especially with camel rides or dune bashing.

Dune Bashing & Sandboarding: The Heart of the Adventure

Once in the Lahbab desert, the fun really begins. Dune bashing lasts around 30-45 minutes, with guides like Sandeep, Wahid, and Ramazan earning praise for their skillful driving. Reviewers describe the ride as “like an action movie,” with some noting it’s best to avoid food for a couple of hours before to prevent sickness. Sandboarding is included and loved by many, offering a quick adrenaline rush as you surf over the dunes—an activity that’s described as “more fun than expected.”

The Camp: Traditional Arab Hospitality

After the adrenaline rush, everyone heads to the Al Khayma Camp, a beautifully set-up desert retreat. The initial welcome includes rose water, Arabic coffee, and dates—an authentic touch appreciated by many travelers. The camp is lively, with animals like camels and falcons adding to the atmosphere. Several reviews mention the camel ride as a highlight, with some noting that those with back issues or over 90kg should consider whether it’s suitable.

The camp offers a range of activities, including henna painting, falconry displays, and even shisha. Reviewers have praised the guides’ attentiveness—one, Haim, happily fixed scarves and took photos for guests. The overall ambiance shifts as the sun sets, creating a truly magical desert scene.

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The Culinary Experience: Three Buffets and Live Stations

One of the biggest draws? The food. The tour features three distinct buffets—Emirati, Moroccan, and Arabian—served at a Michelin-starred restaurant, Al Khayma Heritage. Guests rave about the quality, with many noting the delicious grilled meats, vegetarian options, and variety of local sweets. A live BBQ and bread-making station adds an interactive element, making the meal not just about eating but experiencing.

Guests have mentioned that the buffets exceed expectations, with some describing them as “absolutely delicious” and “cooked really well.” The inclusion of lamb madfoun, cooked underground, is a special touch that many find memorable.

Nighttime Entertainment & Stargazing

As night falls, the desert transforms into a stage for traditional performances like fire shows, Yola dance, falconry, and horse shows. The reviews consistently praise the guides’ storytelling and the professionalism of the performers. The stargazing session, featuring a high-power telescope, is a highlight for many, offering a peaceful, awe-inspiring end to the evening.

Additional Activities & Considerations

Optional quad biking is available if you select that upgrade. Many reviews suggest that guides like Usman went above and beyond in taking photos and making sure everyone had a memorable experience. Remember, self-driving activities carry risks and require caution, especially since insurance may not cover accidents.

The entire tour, including pickup and drop-off, lasts around a full day. The flexibility to skip certain bits, like ATV rides, can be beneficial—especially for those with limited time or physical restrictions.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

Authentic Guides & Communication: Reviews frequently mention guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Jo Jo, Yasir, and Shihab consistently receive praise for their driving skills and attentiveness, making the experience smooth and engaging.

Stunning Desert Views: The sunset and star gazing sessions are often described as unforgettable. Guests appreciate the opportunity to see the desert’s natural beauty, enhanced by telescopic star observation.

High-Quality Food & Entertainment: The three buffets are more than just meals—they’re a cultural feast. The fire shows, horse displays, and falconry are crafted to entertain and educate, with many reviews calling the entire evening “spectacular.”

Excellent Value for Money: For $79, you get a full day packed with activities, food, and entertainment. Many reviewers comment that the experience exceeds their expectations in both quality and variety.

Practical Tips for Bookings

• Book early to secure preferred guides, especially during peak seasons.
• Be prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun hats.
• Avoid eating heavily 2-3 hours before dune bashing to prevent nausea.
• Luggage or large bags are not allowed, so plan accordingly.
• Consider your physical condition—camel rides and dune bashing may not suit everyone.
• If opting for quad biking, understand it’s self-driven and at your own risk.
• Confirm pickup times in advance, as they may shift due to weather.
• During Ramadan, only select shows are available, so check ahead if cultural performances matter to you.

Final Thoughts

This Dubai desert safari offers a well-rounded blend of adrenaline, culture, and cuisine. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to experience the desert’s thrill alongside authentic local flavors and entertainment. Guides like Yasir and Jo Jo help elevate the experience with their professionalism and friendly attitude, making the day both safe and fun.

The variety of activities—and the quality of food—makes it a standout value at just $79. The evening entertainment, star gazing, and traditional performances add a touch of magic to what is already a busy, exciting day.

While some may want to skip activities like quad biking or camel riding if they have physical limitations, most will find this safari a memorable and authentic taste of Dubai’s desert life. Whether it’s your first or fifth visit to Dubai, this tour delivers a comprehensive, lively look at the desert’s many facets.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle.

How long does the entire tour last?
Including pickup and drop-off, expect a full-day experience, roughly around 6-8 hours depending on your location and traffic.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian choices are offered across the buffets and at the live stations.

What activities are included in the tour?
Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding and feeding, falconry, henna painting, shisha, and a star gazing session are all part of the tour.

Can I skip the quad biking?
Yes, quad biking is an optional upgrade. You can choose not to participate if preferred.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most children will love the activities, but those under 3 years or with mobility issues should consider restrictions, especially for camel rides.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen are recommended. Avoid large bags as they are not allowed.

What is the food like?
The buffets are highly praised, with fresh, tasty dishes from multiple cuisines, including grilled meats, vegetarian dishes, and local sweets.

Are there any safety concerns?
The 4WD vehicles are equipped with safety features. Activities like dune bashing and quad biking carry inherent risks; proper caution and guidance are vital.

Can I go during Ramadan?
Yes, but some shows like the fire and Yola dance may be limited; check with the provider for specifics.

In the end, this safari offers a balanced mix of thrills, culture, and food at a reasonable price, making it ideal for travelers craving a full-on desert adventure with authentic touches.

You can check availability for your dates here: