The Ghost Village Safari Tour with Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

Exploring Dubai’s Ghost Village Safari with Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

If you’re looking for a way to combine culture, adventure, and incredible scenery during your Dubai trip, the Ghost Village Safari with Dune Bashing and Sandboarding offers a fantastic option. Based on numerous positive reviews, this six-hour tour provides a well-balanced mix of exploration, adrenaline, and authentic desert moments.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides like Saqib and Ali, who make each stop engaging and personal. Second, the stunning vistas from the high dunes that leave you with picture-perfect memories. Third, the variety of activities—from exploring an authentic ghost village to the thrills of dune bashing—ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

One potential consideration? The duration and timing might not suit those seeking a more relaxed or shorter experience. Still, if you’re after a full-on desert adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and excitement, this tour is hard to beat.

This experience is ideal for travelers who crave a mix of cultural insight, scenic beauty, and adrenaline-fueled fun—perfect for adventure seekers, photography lovers, and curious explorers alike.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Stop: Visit the abandoned Ghost Village from the 1970s, half buried in shifting sands.
• Thrilling Activities: Experience dune bashing, sandboarding, and a quick camel ride, all led by professional guides.
• Stunning Views: Reach a high dune for memorable photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
• Flexible Experience: Spend as much time as you like exploring the Ghost Village with the guidance of friendly, knowledgeable guides.
• Value for Money: At around $64 per person, the tour offers a lot of action, beautiful scenery, and cultural insights.
• Additional Options: Rent quad bikes or dune buggies on-site to add even more adventure.

In-Depth Review of the Ghost Village Safari Experience

The Booking and Practical Details

For just over $64, this six-hour tour offers a comprehensive desert adventure starting at 3:00 pm. Included in the price is pickup and drop-off from your hotel, a professional guide, bottled water, visits to the Ghost Village, dune bashing, sandboarding, and a brief camel ride. You can choose to upgrade your experience with quad biking or dune buggy rides, which many find adds extra thrill to their day.

The tour is operated by High Adventure Tourism, a reputable provider with a solid 5-star rating based on 15 reviews, and a strong recommendation from 100% of travelers. The maximum group size of 50 ensures a lively but manageable atmosphere, and the mobile ticket makes booking and access easy.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Al Madam Ghost Village
Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel, often handled by guides like Saqib or Ali—both praised for their friendly, professional attitude. Once at the Ghost Village, you’ll explore a small desert settlement from the 1970s. Reviewers highlight how the guides show and tell about the old houses, mosque, and the shifting sands that bury parts of the village over time. As one reviewer noted, Saqib “told us about the village, showed us everything,” making it a genuine cultural peek into Dubai’s lesser-known history.

The Desert and Dune Bashing
After the exploration, it’s time for the adrenaline rush. The guides love to drive off-road across the famous red dunes, reaching a high point ideal for capturing those iconic desert photos. Many guests describe this as the highlight—”a fantastic view” and “an amazing safari experience” with guides like Saqib ensuring safety and fun.

Sandboarding and Photo Stops
The gentle slopes of the dunes make for perfect sandboarding opportunities—an activity praised by reviewers as “fun and thrilling.” There’s also a short camel ride, usually lasting 2-3 minutes, offered as a taste of traditional desert travel.

Sunset and Scenic Views
A significant draw for many is the chance to watch the sunset from the dunes. Guides often select a picturesque spot for photos, making this a favorite for capturing memorable shots or simply enjoying the peaceful landscape.

The Guides Make All the Difference

Multiple reviewers emphasize the importance of guides like Saqib and Ali, describing them as professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. Saqib, in particular, is known for his excellent communication, helping guests capture photos and ensuring everyone feels comfortable and entertained. One reviewer called him “the best guide I’ve ever had,” while others appreciated how he tailored the experience for maximum enjoyment.

Extra Activities and On-Site Options

On-site, you can rent quad bikes or dune buggies—adding a personal touch of extra adventure if you’re craving more speed and control. Be aware that food and drinks are not included, but refreshments like soft drinks, ice cream, snacks, coffee, and souvenirs are available for purchase. Many travelers mention that water was supplied throughout, keeping everyone hydrated in the desert heat.

The Authentic and Fun Experience

The reviews consistently mention how the tour strikes a balance between cultural discovery and adrenaline-pumping fun. The Ghost Village provides an unusual glimpse into Dubai’s past, while the dune bashing and sandboarding satisfy thrill-seekers.

Guests also appreciate the relaxed, unhurried pace—many mention they were able to spend as much time as they wanted exploring the Ghost Village, thanks to guides like Saqib who prioritize customer comfort.

What’s Missing or Could Be Improved?

The main consideration is the duration of the tour. At six hours, it can feel quite packed, especially if you’re not a big fan of long tours. Some reviewers suggest that the experience might be too intense for travelers seeking a more leisurely desert outing. Plus, food and soft drinks are extra, so bringing some snacks or drinks might enhance the comfort level.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

When you look at the price point—roughly $64—and compare it to the variety of activities and cultural insight offered, this tour provides excellent value. It’s a well-rounded excursion that caters to both adventure lovers and history enthusiasts. The professional guides, especially Saqib and Ali, seem committed to making each visitor’s experience memorable, which adds a personal touch often missing in larger tours.

The high praise from reviews about the guides’ friendliness and knowledge indicates that this isn’t just a drive through the dunes but a genuinely engaging experience. And if you love photography, reaching the dunes for sunset shots or conquering the slopes with sandboarding offers plenty of chances for stunning photos.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a full desert experience that combines culture and adventure. It suits those who appreciate good guides, scenic landscapes, and a variety of activities. It’s also a great choice for those traveling with family or friends, as the short camel ride and option to rent quad bikes make it versatile.

It might not be ideal if you’re after a very relaxed, half-day tour or don’t like high-energy activities. But for most adventure-minded travelers, this offers a satisfying and memorable desert escapade.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel, making it convenient and stress-free to start and end the day.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, starting at 3:00 pm and concluding with your return to the hotel.

Can I rent quad bikes or dune buggies?
Yes, you can upgrade your experience by renting quad bikes or dune buggies on-site if you want to add more adrenaline.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guided tour, visit to the Ghost Village, dune bashing, sandboarding, a photo stop, a short camel ride, bottled water, and hotel transfers.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and soft drinks are not included but are available for purchase on-site, including refreshments like soft drinks, ice cream, snacks, and coffee.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed for a broad audience. However, if you have mobility issues or prefer very relaxed outings, consider that there is some physical activity involved.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, fun-filled day in the Dubai desert, this Ghost Village Safari with dune bashing and sandboarding should be on your list. It offers a seamless blend of history, adventure, and stunning scenery, all delivered by guides who truly care about their guests’ experience.

While the tour does lean on the energetic side, most reviews highlight how the guides keep everything safe and enjoyable. The opportunity to explore an abandoned village, coupled with the thrill of dune rides and sandboarding, makes it a comprehensive desert adventure in Dubai.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a full, action-packed day that combines cultural insights with adrenaline rushes. It’s a fantastic choice for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for authentic fun in the sand. Expect friendly guides, breathtaking views, and plenty of photo opportunities—plus a few surprises along the way.

Enjoy your desert adventure, and make sure to bring your camera—these dunes and ghostly ruins are worth capturing!