Private Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Sand Boarding

Trying to picture Dubai’s desert? It’s a vast, shimmering landscape of red dunes, golden sunsets, and star-studded skies—perfect for an adventure that combines thrill, culture, and relaxation. This Private Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Sand Boarding promises an experience that’s both fun and authentic, offering a taste of Bedouin traditions with a modern twist. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a memorable escape from city life, this tour offers a balanced mix of adrenaline, culture, and entertainment.

What we love about this tour is its personalized feel—it’s a private group experience, so you get undivided attention from guides and more flexibility in your schedule. The dune bashing is a highlight, promising heart-pumping fun, while the BBQ dinner under the stars adds a cozy, authentic touch. Plus, the live shows and cultural activities make it a full evening packed with entertainment. The only thing to consider is that it doesn’t include alcohol, so if you’re seeking that, you’ll need to plan separately.

This experience is ideally suited for travelers who want a comprehensive desert adventure with a mix of thrills, cultural insights, and lively entertainment. It’s perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for a private, relaxed atmosphere without sacrificing excitement or authenticity.

Key Points

• Private tour: Only your group participates, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Activities galore: Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, henna tattoos, and traditional performances.
• Delicious food: BBQ dinner with a variety of local and international options, plus unlimited drinks.
• Cultural touches: Coffee, sweets, henna, traditional costumes, and desert photography.
• Comfort and convenience: Hotel pickup, SUV transportation, and a professional guide.
• Value for money: For $300 per group (up to 6), this tour offers a full evening of entertainment and adventure.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect from the Tour

This private desert safari kicks off with a comfortable drive from your Dubai hotel—around 55 minutes to an hour—taking you through the scenic Arabian countryside. It’s a great chance to relax, get excited, and start soaking in the desert atmosphere even before you arrive at the dunes. The transfer is by SUV, suited for adventure, and the guide is typically professional, friendly, and eager to share insights, as one reviewer mentioned: “He made our trip safe and fun.”

The Dune Bashing & Sand Boarding Experience

Once in Lahbab, known as the Red Dunes, the real fun begins. You’ll strap into a 4×4 vehicle for 35 minutes of dune bashing—a rollercoaster ride over the rolling sands. This activity is the highlight for many, offering adrenaline and some fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunset, which makes the landscape glow.

Sandboarding follows, where you can slide down the dunes—think of it as snowboarding but on warm, soft sand. Reviewers have praised this as a “tons of fun,” with some sharing how they captured memorable shots during this part of the trip. It’s an activity suitable for most ages, provided you’re comfortable with a bit of a thrill.

Cultural & Relaxation Stops at the Desert Camp

After the buzz of dune bashing and sandboarding, you’ll arrive at a traditional desert camp. Here, you’ll be welcomed with Arabic coffee and sweets, offering a taste of local hospitality. Many travelers appreciate this authentic touch, as it adds depth to the experience.

You can opt for a camel ride—a classic desert activity that many find charming and relaxing, giving you a different perspective of the dunes. For those interested in cultural art, henna tattoos are available for free for women, and photographs in traditional costumes are popular with guests wanting memorable keepsakes.

The camp is lively, with full light and sound displays, and the entertainment begins here. You’ll enjoy belly dance performances, a mesmerizing Tanura dance, and a fire show, all performed around the campfire under the stars. The reviews highlight how these shows are well-produced and captivating, creating a festive atmosphere that enhances the desert experience.

The Delicious BBQ Dinner & Evening Entertainment

One of the tour’s standout features is the BBQ dinner—a hearty buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. It’s a substantial meal that allows you to unwind after a day of adventure, with plenty of variety to satisfy different tastes. Alongside the food, unlimited soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee keep you refreshed.

The camp also offers a shisha lounge—free for guests—adding an extra layer of relaxation and authenticity. The entertainment continues into the night with live music and performances, making this a lively, memorable evening.

Return Journey and Final Thoughts

After a few hours of fun and culture, it’s time to head back to Dubai. The return ride is about 55 minutes to an hour, during which you can enjoy some traditional music, reflecting on your desert adventure. Guests have noted that the guides are attentive, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable journey home.

Value and Practical Insights

At $300 for a group of up to 6, this tour offers a lot of value, especially considering the private setting and inclusive activities. Everything from hotel pickup to dinner and entertainment is included, making it a seamless experience. The price might seem high compared to group tours, but the private nature and personalized experience can justify it for those wanting exclusivity and comfort.

It’s worth noting that alcoholic beverages are not included, so if that’s a priority, plan to bring your own or find nearby options before or after the tour.

The Experience You Get

• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Expert guidance ensures safety during dune bashing and provides cultural insights.
• Authentic activities like camel rides, henna, and traditional performances.
• A delicious, filling BBQ dinner with unlimited drinks.
• Nighttime entertainment that’s lively and engaging.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari is perfect for families, couples, and friends wanting a private, well-rounded desert experience. If you’re after a thrilling adventure with dune bashing and sandboarding, coupled with cultural activities and live performances, this tour checks all the boxes.

It’s especially suitable if you value personalized attention and want a more intimate setting rather than large group excursions. The focus on comfort, entertainment, and cultural authenticity makes it a compelling choice for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike.

The Sum Up

This Private Evening Desert Safari offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment, all wrapped in a private setting. The included activities like dune bashing, camel rides, henna, and the lively camp shows provide a comprehensive desert experience that feels both fun and genuine. The BBQ dinner and live performances create a warm, festive atmosphere that caps off a memorable day.

With the positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, it’s clear that this tour delivers value and authentic moments. It’s best suited for travelers seeking a private, tailored outing with plenty of excitement and cultural flavor.

While it doesn’t include alcohol and is priced at a premium, the personalized service, diverse activities, and overall experience justify the cost for many. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an unforgettable desert adventure, this safari will leave you with stories to tell and photos to cherish.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel, residence, or location in Dubai, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including transportation, activities, and entertainment.

What activities are included during the desert camp?
At the camp, you can enjoy camel rides, henna tattoos, traditional Arabic coffee and sweets, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment, including belly dancing, Tanura dance, and fire shows.

Are drinks included in the dinner?
Yes, there are unlimited water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks included with your barbecue dinner.

Is dune bashing safe?
Yes, dune bashing is performed by a professional driver with a safari license. The driver manages the vehicle carefully, and safety instructions are typically provided.

Can I participate in sandboarding?
Absolutely. Sandboarding is included and is a fun, easy activity suitable for most guests.

Are alcoholic beverages available on this tour?
No, alcohol is not included in the package, so you’ll need to bring your own if you’d like to drink.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Cancellations after that are not refundable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, activities like camel rides and sandboarding are generally family-friendly. However, parents should assess their children’s comfort with dune bashing and other activities.

In all, this private desert safari delivers a mix of thrill, culture, and entertainment—ideal for those who want a personalized experience in Dubai’s stunning dunes.