If you’re dreaming of a desert escape that blends adrenaline, culture, and entertainment, this tour from Sharjah might just tick all your boxes. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a well-rounded experience suitable for adventure lovers and cultural explorers alike.
What really catches our eye? First, the combination of activities — from high-speed quad biking and sandboarding to camel rides — offers a full dose of desert adventure. Second, the professional guides and well-organized logistics mean you’re in safe hands. And third, the authentic camp experience with traditional food, belly dancing, and henna tattoos promises a taste of Middle Eastern hospitality.
That said, a potential consideration is the group size—capped at 30—making it lively but possibly crowded for some. Also, while the price of around $57 per person seems reasonable, it’s worth noting that extras like alcohol aren’t included.
This tour suits those craving a blend of thrill and culture, especially if you prefer everything to be taken care of in one smooth package rather than planning individual activities. Perfect for first-timers eager to tick off the desert experience in style.
Key Points
- All-Inclusive Feel: Everything from pickup to entertainment is handled, making it stress-free.
- Variety of Activities: Quad biking, sandboarding, camel riding, plus camp activities.
- Authentic Entertainment: Belly dancing, Tanoura shows, shisha, and henna add cultural flavor.
- Good Value for Money: For just over $50, you get a full day packed with adventure.
- Group Friendly: Max 30 travelers, offering a lively but manageable experience.
- Ideal for: Adventure seekers, first-time desert travelers, and those wanting a culture without fuss.
Exploring the Desert: What to Expect
This tour begins with the convenience of pickup from your hotel, residence, or port in Dubai or Sharjah—an aspect many travelers appreciate, eliminating the hassle of self-arranging transport. Once in the air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll head out into the desert, where excitement kicks up immediately.
Looking for more options in Sharjah? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Dune Bashing and Sandboarding
Your guides will lead you through dune bashing in a powerful 4×4, giving you that iconic rollercoaster ride over the sand dunes. This part of the trip is what many reviews highlight as a thrill—“Very experienced guide” and “Excellent drive” being common praise. The sandboarding session lasts about 15 minutes, and you’ll likely find it exhilarating—“great fun” and “well worth the trip” are typical descriptions.
Quad Biking: The Heart of the Adventure
After safety instructions, you’ll get about 60 minutes of self-driving on a quad bike. The guides’ professionalism shines here; they ensure safety while encouraging you to enjoy the adrenaline rush. Reviewers have raved about Nasir and Yasin, noting their helpfulness and friendliness, which really enhances the experience. The quad bikes are described as powerful and fun, and some reviewers mention going back just for the biking.
Camel Rides and Other Camp Activities
Next, you’ll visit a traditional Bedouin camp for a camel ride lasting around 5 minutes. It’s a short but charming experience that appeals to those wanting an authentic taste of desert life.
Camp activities include henna tattooing and shisha smoking—both relaxing ways to unwind after the thrills. Reviewers have enjoyed the warm hospitality, with some noting the helpfulness of guides like Qamar and Nasir in making everyone feel comfortable.
The Camp Experience: Food, Entertainment, and Atmosphere
As the sun sets, the desert transforms into a magical setting, especially when you arrive at the Bedouin-style camp. Here, you’ll settle into traditional seating and indulge in a barbecue dinner featuring grilled meats, fresh salads, and local sweets. Whether you prefer vegetarian or non-vegetarian options, the camp reportedly offers a variety of dishes ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal.
The entertainment is a highlight, with belly dancing and Tanoura performers showcasing impressive moves that captivate the audience. Reviewers mention the “good food and entertainment” and the “excellent show”, which elevate the experience into a cultural celebration.
Throughout the evening, you can relax with shisha, chat with fellow travelers, and watch the sky change colors. The overall atmosphere is festive and welcoming, with the guides ensuring everyone feels included.
The Value of This Tour
At roughly $57 per person, this experience offers exceptional value given the diversity of activities and culture. The inclusion of pickup, quad biking, sandboarding, camel riding, dinner, and entertainment makes it a comprehensive package.
Many reviews praise the professionalism of the guides who are knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the sense of safety and enjoyment. The tour’s group size cap of 30 creates a lively, social environment without feeling overly crowded.
It’s important to note that tips and gratuities, as well as alcoholic beverages, are not included, but these can be purchased separately at the camp. The dinner option is available if booked, which many reviewers say is delicious and plentiful.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This tour is an excellent choice for first-timers wanting a hassle-free way to enjoy Dubai’s desert scenery. It suits adventure lovers eager for quad biking and sandboarding, as well as those interested in experiencing Bedouin-style culture.
It’s also perfect for groups and families (with teen-age children), given the mix of adrenaline and cultural activities. However, kids aged 0-11 are not permitted, so families with younger children might need to look elsewhere.
Travelers looking for a well-organized, all-in-one desert adventure will find this tour a compelling option, especially for those who value good food, entertainment, and authentic experiences without the hassle of planning every detail.
FAQ
Can I book this tour last minute?
Most travelers book about 12 days in advance, but availability may vary. It’s best to check early to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your hotel, apartment, or residence is provided, making logistics simple.
What activities are included?
Expect quad biking, sandboarding, camel riding, and camp activities like henna, shisha, and live shows if the BBQ dinner is booked.
How long does the tour last?
The whole experience is approximately 7 hours, from pickup to drop-off, covering the adventure and the evening camp.
Are children allowed?
No, children aged 0-11 years are not permitted, as per Dubai tourism regulations.
Is alcohol available?
Alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased separately at the camp.
What is the most highly praised part of the tour?
Guests love the quad biking and sandboarding, as well as the entertaining shows and good food.
What should I wear?
Comfortable outdoor attire, including closed-toe shoes for biking and sandboarding. Light clothing and sun protection are recommended.
Can I customize the experience?
The tour offers options with or without dinner, quad biking, and transfers. Be sure to select your preferred options when booking.
What is the group size?
The maximum is 30 travelers, which helps keep the experience lively yet manageable.
Final Thoughts
This desert safari from Sharjah offers a robust mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment at a reasonable price point. The combination of dune bashing, quad biking, camel rides, and traditional camp activities provides a comprehensive taste of desert life, all arranged with professionalism and care.
Travelers who want a fun, hassle-free outing will appreciate the well-organized logistics, friendly guides, and authentic camp atmosphere filled with lively performances and delicious food.
It’s best suited for first-time visitors or groups seeking a memorable day out with plenty of photo-worthy moments and cultural insights. If you’re prepared for a full-day adventure and want to experience the thrill as well as the hospitality of the Middle East, this tour could be an excellent choice.
Remember: Book early, choose your options carefully, and embrace the fun and cultural richness of Dubai’s desert. It’s an experience that’s likely to leave you with stories to tell for years to come.