Dubai: Red Dunes, Sandsurf, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner at Desert Camp

Dubai: Red Dunes, Sandsurf, Camel Ride, BBQ Dinner at Desert Camp – A Complete Review

If you’re considering a desert safari in Dubai, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment. It’s one of the most highly-rated experiences, boasting a 5.0/5 from nearly a thousand reviews, and is recommended by 100% of travelers. At just $40 per person, it promises quite a bang for your buck, especially given the inclusive touches like round-trip transfers and unlimited beverages.

We love how this tour combines adrenaline-pumping activities like dune bashing and sandboarding with authentic desert experiences such as camel riding and henna art. The lively evening entertainment, featuring live dance shows and a BBQ dinner, adds a fun, festive vibe. One consideration is that the food may not appeal to everyone, with some reviewers noting it wasn’t their favorite. Still, overall, it’s a well-rounded adventure suited for families, friends, or solo travelers looking to enjoy Dubai’s iconic desert landscape in comfort and style.

This safari is ideal for those wanting a quick yet comprehensive taste of the desert, with plenty of options for fun and relaxation. If you crave a mix of thrills, cultural touches, and a good-value meal, this experience will likely tick most boxes.

Key Points

• All-inclusive convenience: Includes pickup, drop-off, dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and unlimited drinks.
• Authentic desert activities: Camel rides, henna art, and sandboarding provide hands-on fun.
• Vibrant evening entertainment: Live belly dance, Tanura show, fire performances, and traditional dances.
• Stunning sunset views: Arriving at the camp just in time offers unforgettable desert scenery.
• Professional guides: Knowledgeable drivers like Arbaz make the journey smooth and enjoyable.
• Good value: For $40, the experience combines adventure, culture, and entertainment effectively.

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins around 2:30 pm with a convenient pickup in a Land Cruiser or similar 4WD vehicle. Travelers from Dubai will appreciate the hassle-free round-trip transfer, which takes away the need to find your own way into the desert. During peak summer months (June to August), pickup times shift slightly to between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm, with drop-offs happening around 9:45 pm to 10:15 pm, which is useful to know for planning your evening.

The Dune Bash: An Adventure in the Sand

The highlight for many is the 45-minute dune bashing in a powerful Land Cruiser. This activity offers a thrilling ride across the rolling dunes, giving you a taste of Dubai’s iconic landscape. Reviewers like Lakshmirupa_R mentioned how the “sand bashing was very great” and appreciated the professionalism of guides like Arbaz. The drivers are experienced, with Jack being singled out as “wonderful” for his skill behind the wheel. For those who love a bit of adrenaline, this part of the trip is definitely a highlight.

Camel Rides and Sandboarding

After the dune bashing, you’ll arrive at a beautifully set desert camp. Here, camel riding offers a gentle, traditional contrast to the bumpy ride earlier, with many reviewers noting it’s a brief experience—some only about 30 seconds—but still enough to snap a memorable photo or two. Sandboarding gives a fun twist on snowboarding, with some guests loving it and others finding it a bit disappointing, probably depending on their expectations. One reviewer said it was “disappointing” compared to the dunes’ beauty, but others enjoyed the active challenge.

Cultural and Artistic Activities

While at the camp, you can enjoy henna hand-painting, which is popular among women and kids. Several travelers appreciated this touch as a way to connect with local traditions. You’ll also find opportunities to take photos in traditional dresses, adding a fun souvenir to your trip. These small details elevate the overall cultural feel of the experience.

Sunset and Scenic Views

Timing is key—arriving just before sunset allows you to witness the desert’s stunning transformation as the sun dips behind the dunes. The photo opportunities here are plentiful, and many reviews highlight how breathtaking the scenery is, making it a perfect moment for photos.

Evening Entertainment and Dinner

As night falls, the camp comes alive with live performances including belly dancing, Tanura spinning, and fire shows. Reviews mention the quality of these shows varies, but generally, they add an exciting cultural dimension to the evening. One reviewer said, “the show was great,” which suggests the entertainment is engaging and well-produced.

The BBQ dinner features a buffet with international options, including vegetarian choices. While some guests found the food average—one mentioning they had to eat with their hands and didn’t love the menu—others appreciated the variety and the lively atmosphere. Drinks are unlimited, with tea and coffee included, which helps keep everyone refreshed during the evening.

Tips for Food Lovers

Reviewers like Tamaiah_C noted that the quality of the food may not be gourmet, but it’s plentiful enough to satisfy most travelers after a day of adventure. If you’re a foodie expecting fine dining, this might not be the highlight, but if you’re seeking a hearty, communal meal in a lively setting, it delivers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari is best suited for travelers seeking a value-packed, fun-filled desert experience. It’s perfect if you want a mix of adventure, culture, and lively entertainment without breaking the bank. Families and groups will enjoy the variety of activities, while solo travelers and couples can appreciate the well-organized, hassle-free nature of the tour. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, with the evening shows and social vibe.

However, if you’re a foodie looking for gourmet cuisine or after a very long camel ride, you might find some parts of the experience a bit underwhelming. Also, the sandboarding, while fun, is not universally loved, so manage expectations accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For its price, this desert safari offers an impressive package of thrills and cultural insights. The dune bashing is a genuine adrenaline rush, and the picturesque sunset views make for stunning memories. The live entertainment adds a festive touch, giving you a taste of Middle Eastern culture in a lively, approachable way.

Most reviews highlight the professionalism of guides like Arbaz and Jack, which makes the experience smooth and safe. The inclusion of round-trip transfers and unlimited drinks enhances convenience and value, especially in a city where logistical ease is highly appreciated.

While the food might not be gourmet, the overall experience strikes a good balance between adventure and culture. It’s a fantastic introduction to Dubai’s desert landscape for first-timers and a reliable option for seasoned travelers wanting a relaxed, fun evening out.

FAQs

• What is included in the tour price?

The $40 fee covers dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, live entertainment, henna art, and unlimited beverages including tea and coffee.

• Is pickup and drop-off provided?

Yes, round-trip transfers from Dubai are included, with pickup times starting around 2:30 pm, shifting later during summer months.

• How long does the tour last?

The entire experience takes approximately 6 hours, from pickup to drop-off, ending around 9:45 pm to 10:15 pm.

• Can I participate if I have mobility issues?

The tour involves some physical activities like dune bashing and camel rides, which may not be suitable for everyone with mobility challenges.

• Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, the BBQ dinner includes vegetarian choices alongside main dishes.

• Is the sandboarding suitable for kids?

Yes, children can try sandboarding, but supervision is recommended, and the activity may be more fun for older kids and teens.

Final Words

This desert safari in Dubai offers a lively, value-for-money experience that captures the essence of Arabian adventure and culture. Its well-organized setup, enthusiastic guides, and variety of activities make it a hit for many travelers. Whether you’re after a dose of adrenaline, memorable photos, or cultural entertainment, this tour manages to deliver a well-rounded package that’s hard to beat at this price point. Perfect for those eager to explore Dubai’s famous dunes in a fun, safe, and engaging way.