Dubai: Sonara Camp Sunset and Dinner, Shows, and Activities

Traveling to Dubai offers countless opportunities for adventure, luxury, and cultural experiences. Among these, the Sonara Camp Sunset and Dinner Tour stands out as a memorable way to enjoy the desert’s beauty with a blend of exquisite dining, captivating entertainment, and fun activities. This review explores what makes this excursion a worthwhile addition to your Dubai itinerary—highlighting its strengths, some considerations, and why it might be the perfect choice for you.

What we love about this experience is how it combines a relaxing sunset view with a diverse lineup of entertainment, all in the heart of the desert. The 3-course Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu promises a culinary treat, especially when prepared by an award-winning chef, using fresh, local ingredients. The live shows, including belly dancing, fire performances, and hawk displays, add a layer of authenticity that elevates the evening. Kids aren’t left out either, with activities like sandboarding, volleyball, and a movie night under the stars.

One possible drawback is that some activities, like camel rides or shuttling, cost extra, which could bump up the overall price. Also, since the tour involves a fair amount of sitting and watching shows, it’s not ideal if you’re seeking nonstop adventure. Still, this experience is best suited for those wanting a mix of culture, comfortable dining, and family fun, all wrapped in a scenic desert setting.

Key Points

• Authentic desert experience with a mix of entertainment and dining
• Family-friendly activities including sandboarding, camel rides, and movies
• High-quality cuisine with a fusion menu crafted by an award-winning chef
• Engaging live performances such as belly dancing, fire shows, and hawk displays
• Flexible options for pick-up and drop-off, with some activities at additional cost
• Ideal for families, couples, or anyone seeking a balanced desert evening

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Sonara Camp Experience

The Journey to Sonara Camp

The adventure begins with a gentle desert drive from the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Gate to the camp, usually in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle (check options for pickup). The ride itself sets the tone—expect a scenic transition from urban Dubai to the vast, rolling sands. Guests often note that the drive is smooth and gives a good preview of the changing landscape, making the trip enjoyable even before reaching the camp.

Arrival and Sunset Lounge

Reaching Sonara Camp feels like entering a different world. The camp is designed to blend luxury with the natural desert environment. Guests typically gather at the sunset lounge, where the views of the desert horizon are stunning. The sunsets here are often cited as a highlight—vibrant skies casting golden hues over the dunes, creating a perfect photo opportunity. As one reviewer said, “Watching the sunset in the desert is a peaceful experience, and the lounge provides a comfy spot to soak it all in.”

Dining in the Desert

The dinner is served in a luxury desert restaurant, with a 3-course sharing menu that fuses Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Crafted by an award-winning resident chef, the dishes focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative cooking methods. Guests generally rave about how delicious the food is—some describing it as “sophisticated and flavorful,” with a good balance of traditional and contemporary influences.

The sharing format encourages communal dining, which enhances the social aspect of the evening. Expect a variety of dishes, and if you’re into culinary details, the fusion menu offers a fresh take on well-loved flavors, elevating the desert dining experience beyond standard buffet fare.

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Live Entertainment: Shows and Performances

While enjoying your meal, you’ll be treated to live entertainment that expertly blends culture and spectacle. The lineup often includes belly dancing, a tanoura show, acrobatics, and mesmerizing fire acts. These performances are not only visually captivating but also rooted in rich traditions, giving you a taste of authentic Middle Eastern artistry.

A particular highlight is the falcon show at sunset, which showcases the impressive skills of these birds—an authentic, impressive display of falconry that highlights local heritage. During dinner, an interactive hawk show allows guests to observe and sometimes participate, creating an engaging and educational experience.

Activities for All Ages

The camp offers several activities to keep everyone entertained. Kids can enjoy sandboarding, which, despite being a bit challenging at first, becomes a hilarious highlight for many families. Volleyball courts are available for casual play, and there’s soft archery for those who want to test their aim.

After sunset, families can relax with a camel ride—a quintessential desert activity, often described as both fun and calming. The movie under the stars is a cozy option for children, offering a relaxing way to wind down after active adventures. Reviewers mention that the camp staff are friendly and accommodating, making sure children are engaged and comfortable.

Extra Activities and Options

Some activities, like camel shuttling, come at an additional AED 300 per person—worth considering if you want a more traditional experience or want to extend your time in the dunes. Photography enthusiasts can opt for professional photography, which captures the magic of the evening, although it costs extra.

What to Expect in Terms Logistics

This experience is generally a half-day affair, starting from the late afternoon and ending back at the original meeting point. The tour offers pick-up and drop-off options in air-conditioned vehicles, which some guests appreciate for comfort and convenience. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes suited to warm desert evenings; layers are recommended since it can get cool after sunset.

The Value Proposition

At $262 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive package that combines dining, entertainment, and activities. When you consider the high-quality food, the live performances, and the variety of activities included or available at extra cost, it’s a fairly priced outing for those looking for a balanced desert experience.

The fact that children are welcomed and entertained makes it especially attractive for families. For couples or solo travelers seeking a taste of desert culture without the rougher edges of more adventurous safaris, this tour offers a more polished, comfortable alternative.

Why it Stands Out

• Well-rounded experience: combines scenic sunset, dinner, shows, and activities
• Authentic cultural elements: falconry, belly dancing, traditional performances
• Family-friendly: activities and entertainment catering to children
• Convenience: transportation, flexible booking, and optional extras

Things to Consider

While the experience is rich and diverse, some activities like camel rides and shuttling are optional and at additional cost. If you want to maximize your time in the dunes or include these extras, budget accordingly. Also, the experience leans toward a more relaxed, scenic evening rather than high-adrenaline adventure, so if that’s what you’re after, it might not be the best fit.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for families looking for a safe, enjoyable way to explore the desert while keeping kids entertained. It’s also perfect for couples wanting a romantic sunset with dinner and entertainment in a luxurious setting. If you’re someone who appreciates a mix of culture, good food, and scenic views, you’ll find this outing offers a satisfying blend without the strenuous activity of other desert safaris.

It’s a great choice if you want an evening that balances relaxation with fun, and you’re okay with some activities costing extra. Those seeking an authentic taste of desert traditions in a comfortable, family-friendly environment will come away delighted.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the experience includes pick-up and drop-off in air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles on select options, making the journey comfortable and stress-free.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for warm weather during the day and layers for cooler desert evenings are recommended.

Are there activities for children?
Absolutely. Kids can enjoy sandboarding, volleyball, a movie under the stars, and camel rides—making it family-friendly.

Can I do the camel ride?
Yes, camel rides are available at the camp, but they cost an extra AED 300 per person, with two guests per camel.

What’s included in the menu?
The 3-course meal features a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, prepared by an award-winning chef using fresh ingredients.

Are shows and entertainment included?
Yes, the live shows—belly dancing, fire acts, falconry, and more—are part of the experience, enhancing the desert ambiance.

Is there an option for professional photography?
Yes, professional photography is available on-site at an extra cost, helping you capture the magical moments.

What activities are at additional cost?
Camel shuttling and professional photography are extra; check the options if you want to include these.

How long does the tour last?
Typically, the experience runs from late afternoon to evening, offering a relaxed, scenic sunset and dinner experience.

In Summary, the Dubai Sonara Camp Sunset and Dinner Tour provides a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural entertainment, and family-friendly activities, all in a luxurious desert setting. It’s a fantastic option for those who want genuine desert charm with comfort and style, making it a memorable addition to any Dubai adventure. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a peaceful evening under the stars, this tour offers great value in a stunning environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: