Jaisalmer: Jeep Safari,Camel Ride,Buffet Dinner & Folk Dance

Traveling through Rajasthan’s desert landscapes is a quintessential part of the experience, and this tour offers a decent taste of that. We’re here to give you the scoop—what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Three things we like about this experience? First, the spectacular views of the dunes are genuinely captivating, especially at sunset. Second, the combination of camel and jeep rides provides varied ways to explore the desert’s vastness. Third, the cultural side—folk dance and dinner—can add a lively touch after a day in the sand.

However, a potential downside is the quality of the dinner and some logistical hiccups reported by past travelers, which could impact your overall enjoyment.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a budget-friendly introduction to the desert landscape coupled with authentic cultural entertainment. If you’re after a quiet, luxury experience or highly polished guides, you might want to look elsewhere. For those seeking a genuine, lively desert adventure, this can be a fun, if somewhat imperfect, choice.

Key Points

• Authentic Desert Experience: Camel safaris and jeep rides through the dunes bring you closer to Rajasthan’s iconic landscape.
• Sunset Views: The sunset in the desert is a highlight, offering perfect photo opportunities and a tranquil moment.
• Cultural Entertainment: Folk dance at the camp adds a lively local flavor.
• Mixed Reviews on Food & Logistics: Some travelers found the dinner disappointing, and organizational issues like transportation changes have been noted.
• Value for Money: At $65, it’s an affordable way to experience the desert, but some may find the quality inconsistent.
• Guides & Atmosphere: Friendly guides and a lively camp can make the trip memorable, but beware of potential extra charges and last-minute changes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown – What to Expect

Pickup and Journey to the Desert

Most travelers are picked up in the mid-afternoon directly from their hotel, airport, railway station, or bus station in Jaisalmer. The drive out to Sam Sand Dunes covers about 45 km from the city, a journey that takes roughly an hour. The scenery begins to change soon after leaving the city, with arid plains giving way to the vast, golden sands of the Thar.

Camel Safari – An Iconic Rajasthan Experience

The camel safari is the centerpiece of this tour. You’ll climb aboard a traditional camel—the true “ship of the desert”—and gently sway over the dunes for about 1-2 hours. Past reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness, though some mention they asked for tips multiple times. The ride itself offers a peaceful way to absorb the landscape, with views of rolling dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.

One traveler noted, “Camels are friendly guides through the vibrant desert,” while another remarked on the tricky logistics—like waiting over an hour for the sunset, which can feel like a long wait in the heat.

Jeep Safari – A Different Perspective

Following the camel ride, many tours include a jeep safari, often in a vintage vehicle. Although this part can vary in quality, it’s a good way to cover more ground quickly and see some of the less accessible parts of the dunes. The experience might include seeing native wildlife such as antelopes and wild cats, according to some reports, and adds an element of excitement with the open-air ride.

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Sunset & Camp Experience

The sunset in the desert is often described as mesmerizing, with hues shifting from gold to deep orange, making it a favorite moment. However, there are reports of waiting over an hour in the desert for the sunset, which can test your patience.

At the camp, the atmosphere is lively with folk dance performances—a highlight for many. The entertainment usually lasts until around 9 p.m., when a buffet dinner is served. The dinner, consisting of rice, vegetables, and sauces, garners mixed reviews; some found it miserable compared to other Indian meals they’d had, and drinks advertised as included turned out to be extra.

After the Cultural Show

Post-dinner, the tour winds down with more folk dances and music, creating a joyful, festival-like vibe. Then it’s time to head back to Jaisalmer, typically arriving late in the evening.

A Closer Look at What You’re Paying For

What’s Included

This tour offers quite a bit for $65 per person: pickup and drop-off from your hotel or station, fuel charges, a driver, jeep and camel safaris, folk dance, and a buffet dinner. Having transportation covered is a big plus, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local logistics.

What’s Missing or Could Be Better

A few concerns from travelers point to lack of a guide—so if you’re hoping for educational commentary about the desert or local culture, you might be disappointed. Also, be prepared to purchase drinks separately, despite some advertising suggesting drinks are included.

The Value Perspective

For the price, this tour offers an accessible introduction to Rajasthan’s desert. You get both camel and jeep rides, along with entertainment and dinner, making it a value-packed option for budget travelers. However, the inconsistency in quality—like long waits, basic dinner, and organizational hiccups—means it might not satisfy those looking for a more refined experience.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Feedback

One reviewer shared, “The guides were very friendly but asked for money several times during the camel ride,” highlighting the informal nature of the experience. Another remarked on the disappointing dinner, saying, “In our three weeks in India, we never had such a miserable dinner,” which may be a concern if you’re expecting a hearty meal after sunset.

Conversely, travelers like Mariangela enjoyed the sense of adventure and authentic cultural flavor, describing the experience as “a unique, thrilling adventure”. Some appreciated the good music and lively camp atmosphere, which can make the whole outing feel more festive and memorable.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for budget-conscious travelers wanting an authentic taste of Rajasthan’s desert without the hefty price tag. If you’re seeking a lively, social atmosphere with traditional folk dance and scenic views, this tour delivers.

However, if luxury, gourmet food, or seamless logistics are your priority, you might find the experience lacking. The inconsistent quality of food and the possibility of long waits or last-minute changes could be frustrating for some.

This tour offers a fun and authentic desert adventure, especially if you’re flexible and open to some imperfections. It’s perfect for those wanting to capture stunning photos, enjoy lively entertainment, and experience desert life firsthand.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, airport, railway, or bus station in Jaisalmer.

What should I wear for the camel and jeep rides?
Comfortable, modest clothing suitable for warm weather works best. Remember to wear sun protection—hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—as much of the experience is outdoors.

How long does the entire tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, expect the trip to take about half a day, including pickup, travel, the desert activities, and return.

Are drinks included in the buffet dinner?
No, drinks are not included in the buffet dinner and need to be purchased separately. Some reviews mentioned that advertised drinks are at your own expense.

Can I expect a guide during the tour?
The tour does not include a dedicated guide for commentary, so much of the experience is self-guided, though guides during camel rides and camp entertainment are usually friendly.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour involves outdoor activities like camel and jeep rides, which are generally suitable for most ages, but consider mobility and comfort levels, especially since some travelers noted long waits and basic amenities.

This Jaisalmer desert safari offers a lively, immersive way to enjoy Rajasthan’s iconic dunes, blending adventure, culture, and scenery. While it isn’t flawless, for the price and experience, it can be a memorable part of your Rajasthan journey—especially if you’re after authentic flavor and lively landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: