Evening desert safari with camel ride and BBQ dinner

A Practical Look at Dubai’s Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner

Thinking of exploring Dubai’s desert beyond the glitz of the city? This evening desert safari promises an adventure-packed experience with a mix of adrenaline, culture, and good food. From the moment we read the reviews, it’s clear this tour is beloved for its variety and value, boasting a solid 5-star rating from hundreds of travelers.

What really caught our eye is the thrilling dune bashing, the authentic cultural shows, and the delicious BBQ dinner that many guests rave about. Plus, the inclusion of a camel ride offers that quintessential desert experience. One thing to keep in mind: this tour runs around 6 hours, so it’s a good fit if you want a full evening of activity without feeling rushed.

While most reviewers highlight the friendly guides and great value, some mention logistical hiccups and safety concerns at certain points. It’s worth considering whether you prefer a more upscale or relaxed experience versus a lively, crowd-pleasing adventure. This tour appeals most to those seeking fun, variety, and a taste of desert life without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Incredible value: For about $45, you get a full evening of activities including dune bashing, camel riding, and a BBQ dinner.
• Diverse activity lineup: Sandboarding, quad biking (extra charge), live shows, and sunset photography.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned pickups and drop-offs make the journey smooth and hassle-free.
• Authentic cultural elements: Traditional costumes, Arabic coffee, dates, and live performances add local flavor.
• Mixed reviews on organization: Some travelers experienced delays or logistical issues, so patience may be required.
• Great guides: Many reviews praise the guides for their attentiveness and friendliness.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Desert Safari

Pickup and Journey to Lahbab

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel between 2:30 and 3:30 PM. Expect a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, often a Range Rover or similar, which sets a tone of convenience. The drive takes approximately 30-40 minutes through the Red Desert Safari Lahbab area, giving you your first glimpse of Dubai’s vast desert landscape.

One reviewer mentioned their driver, Mohammed, was prompt and helpful, making the start of the trip smooth. Keep in mind that some travelers have experienced delays, with pick-ups running late by over two hours, so plan accordingly.

Dune Bashing and Sunset Photography

Once at the desert, the highlight is the dune bashing—a rollercoaster ride over the golden sands in a 4×4. This is where adrenaline kicks in, and the skill of your driver becomes evident. The experience is described as “safe yet adventurous” by some, with the driver maneuvering expertly through the curvy dunes.

Guests love stopping for photographs of the sunset against the dunes, capturing that iconic desert view. A few reviews lament missing the sunset because of timing, so if this is a priority, ask your guide to aim for the best spot.

Optional Activities: Sandboarding and Quad Biking

Sandboarding is included, allowing you to run down the dunes on a board—an activity many found fun and scenic. For the more adventurous, quad biking is available at an additional cost (~250 AED for 30 minutes). Some reviewers, like those with young children, enjoyed the ATV rides, describing them as “thrilling” but safe when handled responsibly.

Cultural Camp and Live Shows

Next, you’ll be taken to a traditional desert camp, where the evening unfolds with live performances. Expect a fire show, belly dancing, and Tanoura dance, which many guests found highly entertaining. The dinner is a buffet BBQ, with options for vegetarians, and the food is often praised for being delicious and plentiful.

One reviewer called the buffet “one of the best” they’d had, appreciating the variety and the strong tea (gahwa). The cultural experience is complemented by traditional costumes guests can try on, perfect for photos.

Camel Ride and Desert Photography

A short camel ride capped off the evening—usually about a minute, but enough to get that iconic desert shot. Some guests enjoyed the photo opportunities with desert hawks, noting it as a memorable experience.

Return and Drop-off

The tour wraps up around 9:30 to 10:15 PM, with a comfortable ride back to your hotel. Travelers often appreciate the smooth logistics and attentive guides, although some mention a lack of detailed explanations during the drive, making it feel a bit rushed or disorganized at times.

What the Reviews Say: The Authentic Voice

Many reviews highlight the friendly and helpful guides, with some specifically mentioning guides like Shair, Sajjid, and Mohammed, who went above and beyond to ensure comfort and fun. One reviewer praised their guide for taking photos and offering tips to maximize enjoyment.

The value for money is praised repeatedly—most find the $44.66 price tag very reasonable considering the number of activities packed into the evening. However, a few reviews express that some parts feel rushed or unorganized, particularly the camp experience or the drive between activities.

A recurring concern is safety, especially in the more reckless moments of dune bashing or the confusing extra costs at the camp—like paying additional fees for early food or proper camel rides. These points serve as reminders to stay aware and ask questions during your booking.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off with air-conditioned vehicles, making the experience comfortable even in the heat. The group size caps at around 100 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere lively but not overcrowded.

Some guests noted that pickup times can vary, and delays may happen, so it’s wise to be flexible. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though some reviews mention that older guests or those with mobility issues might find certain parts less comfortable, especially during the drive over dunes.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

At approximately $45 per person, this safari offers a lot of bang for your buck. You get dune bashing, live entertainment, a BBQ dinner, camel rides, and photos—all with the convenience of hotel transfers. Many guests consider it excellent value, especially when compared to more upscale or private options.

However, some reviews note that the experience can feel rushed or less refined, and there are extra costs (like quad biking or early camp food) that can add up. That said, for the price, it’s hard to beat the variety and overall enjoyment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This desert safari suits travelers seeking a fun, lively adventure with plenty of activities and cultural flair at an affordable price. It’s ideal for first-timers in Dubai, families with kids, or groups looking for a full evening of entertainment without fussing over every detail.

If you prefer a more upscale, quiet experience, or have safety concerns about reckless driving or logistical issues, this might not be your top choice. But for those wanting authentic desert fun combined with good food and friendly guides, it’s a reliable, enjoyable option.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 6 hours, from pickup around 2:30-3:30 PM until drop-off between 9:30 and 10:15 PM.

What activities are included?
Dune bashing, camel riding (short), sandboarding, live cultural shows, and a BBQ buffet dinner. Quad biking is available at an extra cost.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from most Dubai hotels in air-conditioned vehicles.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the BBQ buffet includes vegetarian dishes.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for hot weather, and perhaps a light jacket for the evening. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime.

How safe is the dune bashing?
Guides are generally experienced, but some reviews mention reckless moments, so stay alert and communicate with your guide if you feel uncomfortable.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility concerns should consider the uneven terrain and vehicle transfers.

Is there an opportunity for photos?
Absolutely. Guests frequently mention taking stunning sunset photos and selfies with the desert backdrop and traditional costumes.

Final Thoughts

This evening desert safari with camel ride and BBQ dinner offers a lively, value-packed way to experience Dubai’s desert landscape. With a mix of adventure, culture, and delicious food, it’s a great choice for travelers who want a fun, authentic evening without overspending. Guides are often praised for their friendliness, and the variety of activities ensures you’ll leave with plenty of memorable moments.

While some logistical hiccups and safety concerns are noted, they don’t overshadow the overall positive experience many guests have. If you’re after a bustling desert adventure that combines thrill and tradition, this tour is well worth considering.

Travelers seeking an affordable, activity-rich desert experience in Dubai. Perfect for first-timers, families, or groups wanting to enjoy the desert’s thrill in a lively, social setting.

Those wanting a private, upscale, or ultra-relaxed experience, or travelers with mobility issues or safety concerns about reckless driving.

Enjoy your desert adventure — just remember to stay hydrated, keep your camera ready, and expect a day full of fun and surprises!