Exploring Dubai’s Desert in Style: Sunset Safari with Quad Bikes, Camels, and Barbecue
Our review of the Sunset Desert Safari with quad biking, camel rides, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner spotlights an experience that balances adventure, culture, and relaxation. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, it’s highly recommended by travelers and packed with activities that promise a memorable desert evening.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the variety of activities, from thrilling dune bashing to peaceful camel rides, keeps the day exciting and well-rounded. Second, the inclusion of a traditional BBQ dinner with live entertainment adds a cultural touch to the adventure. Lastly, the round-trip transport from Dubai and Sharjah makes it highly convenient, especially if you’re unfamiliar with desert excursions.
A minor consideration is the lack of alcohol options, which may be worth noting for those wanting a more adult-focused night. However, if you’re looking for a genuine desert experience with plenty of fun and cultural elements, this tour could be perfect. It suits travelers seeking a blend of adventure, local culture, and excellent value for a full six-and-a-half hours of entertainment.
Key Points
- Diverse Activities: Includes dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and quad biking.
- Cultural Touch: Features henna tattoos and live Arabic music.
- All-Inclusive: Transportation, dinner, soft drinks, and entertainment are included.
- Convenience: Pickup and drop-off from any location in Dubai or Sharjah.
- Authentic Experience: Focus on traditional desert culture with modern adventure.
- Value for Money: At $70 per person, it offers a comprehensive experience for its duration.
What You Can Expect from the Sunset Desert Safari
This tour is designed for those who want a packed evening in the desert, combining adrenaline rushes and peaceful moments. It begins with a pickup from your hotel, residence, or any Dubai or Sharjah location, making logistical planning straightforward. The tour lasts about six and a half hours, giving enough time to indulge in activities and enjoy a leisurely dinner without feeling rushed.
Al Lahbab: Starting with Quad Biking and Dune Bashing
Your adventure kicks off at Al Lahbab, known for its impressive sand dunes and scenic landscapes. Here, you’ll get a 30-minute self-drive quad bike ride, which allows you to explore the sandy terrain at your own pace. Reviewers often praise the guide Mansoor as a “fun, genuine, and experienced” host, who keeps the energy high and the experience enjoyable.
Following the quad biking, the tour shifts to dune bashing — a rollercoaster ride over large dunes that really gets your adrenaline pumping. The driver expertly navigates the slopes, creating a mix of exhilaration and scenic photo opportunities, especially during sunset. Travelers mention that this part of the tour offers “great music while dune bashing,” adding to the lively atmosphere.
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Al Awir: Traditional Experiences Under the Stars
After the adrenaline, the journey moves to an enchanting desert camp near Al Awir. Here, you’ll get an authentic camel ride, which is surprisingly peaceful and offers a different perspective of the desert landscape. For many, this is a highlight, especially when combined with the chance to get a henna tattoo, a traditional craft that women and children particularly enjoy.
As night falls, the camp transforms into a cultural hub with live entertainment, including Arabic music performances. Guests have appreciated the performers’ talent, with one reviewer mentioning “4 live entertainment shows,” which add depth and authenticity to the evening. The starry sky and quiet desert ambiance make the experience even more magical.
The Dinner: A Feast with a View
No desert adventure feels complete without a good meal, and this tour delivers an international buffet barbecue dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The food is prepared to suit diverse tastes, and unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee keep everyone refreshed. Some reviews note that the meal is “mouth-watering,” with a good variety of flavors.
Additional Highlights
- Heena Tattoos: For ladies and children, this offers a fun, cultural souvenir.
- Sheesha (Hubbly Bubbly): Available in apple flavor, for those who enjoy a bit of relaxation after the activities.
- Photo Opportunities: Plenty of chances to capture stunning desert sunset and night sky scenes, especially during the pause in the dune bashing.
The Experience’s Strengths and Limitations
The most praised aspect of this tour is the knowledgeable guides and the well-organized itinerary. Reviewers often mention how guides like Mansoor elevate the experience, making each activity engaging and safe. The stunning views of dunes and sunset are another consistent highlight, perfect for photography enthusiasts or anyone wanting to soak in the desert’s natural beauty.
In terms of value, the $70 price tag covers a full 6.5 hours of activities, transportation, dinner, and entertainment — a fair deal considering what’s included. The tour size (maximum 30 travelers) ensures a lively but not overcrowded atmosphere.
A possible consideration is that alcoholic beverages are not included, which might be a downside if you’re looking for a more adult-oriented or party-style desert experience. However, the evening is rich with cultural entertainment, and the focus remains on fun, tradition, and scenic beauty.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Dubai
- Sunset Quad Bike Safari With Camel Trek, Live Shows and Dinner
- Sunset Quad Bike Tour Dubai (Deep desert ride , sunset in desert)
- Dubai Morning Desert Safari with Quad Biking & More Activities
- Red Dunes Lahabab Desert Safari With Quad Bike
- Desert Thrills: Evening Safari with Quad Bike & Camp Activities
- Quad Biking And Dune Buggy Dubai
How It Compares to Other Desert Tours
This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive desert evening without multiple bookings or extra costs. While there are other tours offering similar activities, the combination of quad biking, camel rides, sandboarding, and a lively dinner makes this package particularly appealing. Reviews indicate that the guides’ professionalism and the quality of entertainment set it apart.
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who want to experience the desert’s thrill and tranquility in one outing. It also appeals to cultural enthusiasts who enjoy henna tattoos and Arabic music. Families with kids often enjoy the variety of activities, especially camel rides and henna art.
If you’re on a budget but want an authentic, all-inclusive desert experience, this tour offers high value. It’s not ideal for those seeking a luxury or party-focused nightlife experience, given the absence of alcohol and the family-friendly vibe.
Final Thoughts
This Sunset Desert Safari is a well-balanced blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it a top choice for many visitors to Dubai. The wide array of activities, combined with professional guides and a lively cultural program, ensures a memorable evening. The value for money is solid, especially considering the inclusiveness of transportation, meals, and entertainment.
For travelers who want a true taste of Dubai’s desert, with a dash of adrenaline and a lot of picture-perfect moments, this tour delivers. It’s an excellent way to spend an evening, whether you’re alone, with a partner, or with family. Expect engaging guides, stunning scenery, and a warm Arabian welcome.
FAQ
Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from any location in Dubai or Sharjah, making it very convenient to join.
How long does the entire experience last?
The entire tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, providing enough time for activities, dinner, and photos.
Are vegetarian options available for dinner?
Yes, the international buffet barbecue dinner includes vegetarian dishes, alongside non-vegetarian options.
Can I participate if I am a solo traveler or with children?
Absolutely. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families with children, especially since henna tattoos and camel rides are family-friendly.
Is alcohol included or available?
No, alcoholic beverages are not part of this tour. It focuses more on cultural entertainment and adventure.
What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, ensuring a lively yet intimate experience.
To sum it up, this desert safari offers a full, engaging evening with a mix of adrenaline, cultural activities, and good food, all at a reasonable price. It’s best suited for those wanting a fun, authentic desert outing with lots of picture-worthy moments and memorable experiences.
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