Mleiha Dubai Desert Safari with Stargazing and Dinner

Exploring Dubai’s Desert in Style: A Review of the Mleiha Dubai Desert Safari with Stargazing and Dinner

If you’re looking to see a different side of Dubai beyond its towering skyscrapers and luxury malls, a desert safari is a must. This particular tour, offered by ORIENT TOURS LLC, combines adrenaline-pumping activities like dune bashing and sandboarding with the tranquility of starry skies and an authentic dinner. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary make it clear this experience offers a great mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

What we love about this tour is how it balances thrilling activities with cultural insights—all wrapped in a comfortable, private transport setup. The stargazing with expert guides sounds especially memorable, providing a rare glimpse at planets like Mars and Jupiter, away from city lights. The value for money seems fair given the comprehensive experience, including visits to iconic rock formations and the archaeological museum. One thing to consider is the timing—the tour starts at 3 pm, so it’s perfect for late afternoon and evening, but the summer heat might necessitate extra sun protection.

This tour is ideal if you’re seeking a well-rounded desert adventure that’s suitable for most travelers with a moderate fitness level. It’s particularly appealing to those interested in nature, history, and stargazing. Keep in mind, children under 5 are not permitted, and those with motion sickness might want to prepare accordingly for the dune bashing segment.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience blending adventure, culture, and stargazing.
• Private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility.
• Good value for the activities and inclusions, including meals and museum entry.
• Expert guides and drivers make the experience engaging and safe.
• Highlights like Camel Rock, Fossil Rock, and the Archaeological Museum add unique insights.
• Ideal for travelers wanting a mix of thrill and education.

An In-Depth Look at the Mleiha Dubai Desert Safari

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your Dubai hotel in a private, air-conditioned 4×4 Land Cruiser. This ensures a smooth journey from the city to the desert, and the driver’s professionalism is consistently praised—one reviewer even noted their driver was “brilliant, fun, and entertaining,” which adds a personal touch to the trip.

The first stop reveals Dubai’s desert and agricultural landscape, giving you a glimpse of the local environment. You’ll visit iconic rock formations such as Camel Rock and Fossil Rock—both visually stunning and perfect for photo ops. Reviews mention impressive sand dunes, with many commenting on the exhilarating dune bashing that can last around 20 minutes. One traveler suggested taking motion sickness pills, as the ride can be quite bumpy—something to consider if you’re sensitive to motion sickness.

Sandboarding is part of the adventure, and the review mentions that sports shoes are best for safety and comfort during this activity. Many reviewers describe the experience as “great fun,” highlighting the friendly guides who help newcomers get a feel for gliding down the dunes.

After about five hours on the sands, the tour moves to the Archaeological Museum in Sharjah. This visit offers a welcome cultural pause, illuminating the area’s rich history with exhibitions that combine natural artifacts and ancient relics.

Stargazing Under the Arabian Sky

As the evening settles, the tour shifts focus to stargazing. You’re led by an experienced guide who explains the planets visible in the desert sky. Reviewers mention how clear and stunning the views are, especially away from the city’s light pollution. The guide’s knowledge adds a layer of understanding, turning the night sky into a living classroom—highlighting planets like Mars and Jupiter.

Dining and Relaxation

The experience wraps up at the Mleiha Café, where a delicious dinner awaits. Many reviews describe the food as “good” and “well-organized,” with some mentioning the tapastyle offerings and a relaxing atmosphere. The dinner is included in the price, which adds good value considering the full-day experience.

Practical Details That Matter

The price of $175 per person covers most of what you’re getting: safari, sandboarding, museum entry, star guide, dinner, and refreshments. The tour operates with group discounts and offers a mobile ticket, making it straightforward to join. The duration is approximately six hours, starting at 3 pm, with the drive back possibly taking an extra 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.

One noteworthy point from reviews is the personalized service—the guides and drivers are praised for their friendliness and professionalism. The tour is private for your group, making it a more intimate way to experience the desert.

The Balance of Activities and Relaxation

While most travelers find the pace just right, one review pointed out that there’s some down time at the camp before dinner, which could be a chance for vendors to offer more variety. Still, many appreciated the calm and space to relax after the bashing and sandboarding.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want a full sensory adventure—combining the thrill of dune bashing with the serenity of star gazing and cultural learning. It’s suitable for adventurous travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity, and those who enjoy authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Families with older children might also enjoy it, provided they meet the age restrictions and are prepared for the physical side of sandboarding and dune bashing.

The Sum Up

The Mleiha Dubai Desert Safari with Stargazing and Dinner offers a well-rounded, fun, and culturally interesting way to experience the desert outside of Dubai’s urban landscape. It balances adventure and education, with expert guides ensuring safety and engagement throughout. The star viewing combined with authentic regional food makes it a memorable night out, especially for those who love a bit of everything—thrills, history, and nature.

At $175, it’s a solid investment for a full six-hour experience that delivers value through activity diversity, professional guidance, and comfort. Whether you’re visiting Dubai for a short stay or seeking a unique outing, this tour is a great choice for anyone wanting to add a dash of desert magic to their trip.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 3:00 pm, making it perfect for late afternoon and evening activities.

Is pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser, ensuring comfort and convenience.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 5 years old are not permitted, and there’s no discount for kids. It’s mainly suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

What should I wear?
Lightweight summer clothing works most of the year, but bringing a sweater or jacket for the evening is advised. Good sunglasses and a hat are recommended for daytime.

Does the tour include alcohol?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included or provided.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers safari activities, museum entry, stargazing, dinner, refreshments, and transportation.

Is this a group tour or private?
It’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized adventure.

In essence, this desert safari is a well-orchestrated mix of excitement, culture, and relaxation. It’s most suited for travelers who want a taste of the wild desert with the comfort of guided expertise—and a starry night to top it off.