The Ghost Village Safari with Bedouin Camp and Barbeque Dinner

Dubai’s desert isn’t just a vast sea of sand; it’s a playground full of surprises, stories, and adrenaline-pumping activities. This tour, offered by High Adventure Tourism, takes you deeply into that world, combining history, thrill, culture, and delicious food into one seamless experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned desert explorer, this 7.5-hour adventure promises a blend of iconic sights and memorable moments.

What we love most about this tour is its comprehensive nature. From exploring the mysterious Ghost Village to the exhilarating dune bashing, plus the chance to try sandboarding, all with an easy pickup service. The traditional Bedouin camp experience topped with a barbecue dinner and live entertainment really rounds out the day. A small downside? The tour’s duration is quite packed, so if you’re looking for a slow-paced trip, it might feel a bit intense.

This experience is perfect for those who want a full desert immersion, combining history, adventure, and culture in one outing. It suits travelers craving excitement, authentic local flavor, and great photos. Families, couples, or groups of friends will find plenty to enjoy, especially with the option to upgrade to quad biking or dune buggy rides.

Key Points

• Authentic Desert Experience: Combines exploration of Ghost Village with thrilling dune activities.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride, and cultural shows.
• Value for Money: At around $70, it offers many activities, a BBQ dinner, and live entertainment.
• Professional Guides: Well-reviewed guides, especially Ali, enhance the experience with friendly, detailed commentary.
• Cultural & Adventure Mix: Enjoy traditional entertainment, henna painting, shisha, and adrenaline activities.
• Flexible Options: Offers add-ons like quad biking or dune buggy rides for extra fun.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Pickup and Initial Impressions

The adventure begins with a pickup from your location—an added convenience especially after a day of travel or sightseeing. You’ll be accompanied by a professional guide, typically Ali, who is praised for his friendly approach and extensive knowledge. The drive into the desert takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you time to relax and get excited.

Exploring Al Madam Ghost Village

Your first stop is the Ghost Village in Al Madam, a small desert settlement dating back to the 1970s. The village is half-buried under shifting sands, giving it an eerie yet fascinating look. As you wander through the tiny houses, you’ll notice an old mosque and remnants of everyday life from a bygone era. Reviewers often mention how the guide’s storytelling enhances the visit — explaining how the village’s shifting sands gradually covered the homes, making it a hauntingly beautiful snapshot of desert life.

Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

Next up is the heart-racing dune bashing in the famous red dunes. This activity is what many travelers cite as a must-do — an adrenaline rush over the steep, rolling dunes that feels like a rollercoaster on sand. Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, especially their ability to navigate the terrain smoothly while ensuring safety.

The highlight for most is reaching a “picture point” atop a high dune, where you can snap stunning photos of the endless desert landscape. The sandboarding segment is a favorite too — a fun, slightly daring slide down the dunes that adds a playful layer to the adventure.

Optional Quad Biking and Dune Buggies

For extra thrill, you can upgrade your experience with quad biking or dune buggy rides. These are available at the bike area for an additional fee. Reviewers have appreciated the chance to extend their fun, especially experienced riders who enjoy controlling their own vehicle amidst the dunes.

Short Camel Ride

A brief camel ride (about 2-3 minutes) offers that classic desert imagery, perfect for photos or just a quick cultural touch. It’s a relaxed interlude after the high-energy dune activities.

Bedouin Camp and BBQ Dinner

After the daytime adventures, it’s time to unwind at the Bedouin camp. Here, you’ll enjoy a barbecue dinner with soft drinks, traditional sweets, and warm coffee or tea. Many reviews praise how well the food is prepared — a buffet that offers enough variety to satisfy different tastes.

The camp also features live performances like belly dancing, fire shows, and Tanoura dance, creating a lively, festive atmosphere. Small touches like henna painting and shisha smoking add to the cultural authenticity, making this more than just a meal but a complete entertainment experience.

Cultural and Leisure Highlights

Throughout the evening, you’ll have opportunities to chat with your guide, purchase refreshments, and take more photos. The guides are friendly, approachable, and eager to share stories about Bedouin traditions and desert life — something travelers often mention as a real plus. The reviews also indicate the presence of live shows that keep the camp lively and engaging.

Practical Aspects and Considerations

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts roughly 7.5 hours, making it a full-day activity but still manageable for most travelers. The group size maxes out at about 50 people, which strikes a balance between social atmosphere and comfort. The pickup is generally scheduled for 2:00 pm, with return before sunset, giving you the entire experience without feeling rushed.

Cost and Value

At $69.78 per person, this tour offers a substantial amount of activities, entertainment, and culture. When you consider the included attractions — from dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride, dinner, and live shows — the value is quite good, especially given the convenience of pickup and drop-off.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking is straightforward, with a confirmation provided immediately. The tour allows free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Additional Fees

While the main tour covers most activities, extras like quad biking and dune buggy rides are paid separately. Also, personal expenses, including alcohol (not included), are on travelers to cover.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari is ideal for travelers seeking a full desert experience packed with adventure and culture. If you’re eager to get your adrenaline fix with dune bashing and sandboarding, while also soaking in Bedouin traditions and enjoying a tasty BBQ dinner, this tour ticks all those boxes. Families, couples, or groups of friends will find plenty to enjoy, especially with optional upgrades.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely or less intense experience, you might find the 7.5-hour schedule a bit tight. Also, those looking for alcohol or more in-depth history might need to explore additional options.

Final Thoughts

This adventure provides a balanced mix of thrill, culture, and comfort. You’ll love the knowledgeable guides, especially Ali, who makes the journey informative and fun. The views from the dune tops and the chance to snap photos in the desert are unforgettable, while the Bedouin camp dinner and live performances add a warm, communal vibe to the evening.

The inclusion of activities like sandboarding and optional quad biking means you can tailor the experience to your comfort level and adrenaline appetite. For a fair price, you leave with a collection of beautiful photographs, new stories, and a genuine taste of Dubai’s desert life.

If you’re looking for a lively, well-rounded desert adventure with plenty of authentic touches, this tour is a top choice. It’s especially well-suited for those wanting a comprehensive experience that combines sightseeing with adventure and cultural entertainment.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, making the start and end of the day hassle-free.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour runs approximately 7.5 hours, from pickup at 2:00 pm to return, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each activity.

Can I upgrade my experience with additional activities?
Yes, options like quad biking and dune buggy rides are available at extra cost.

What is included in the BBQ dinner?
The dinner features a buffet with soft drinks, traditional sweets, coffee, and tea, served in a lively Bedouin camp setting.

Are there live performances?
Yes, the camp hosts belly dance, fire shows, and Tanoura dance, adding entertainment to your meal.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
Most travelers mention the dune bashing, with its exhilarating ride over the red dunes, as the top thrill of the day.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While generally suitable, children should be comfortable with the activities. The short camel ride and manageable group size make it family-friendly, but always check with the provider for age restrictions.

This desert safari offers a rich mix of fun, culture, and scenic beauty—an excellent way to experience Dubai’s iconic landscape with a touch of adventure.