Red Sand Dunes Riyadh: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & Dune Bashing

Three desert activities in one afternoon without arranging transport yourself

A 5.5-hour desert activity near Riyadh where you ride a camel, sandboard on red dunes and race through terrain in a 4×4 vehicle with a live guide in English, Arabic, Punjabi, Pashto and one more language. Bottled water is included. Moderate fitness is required, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Desert adventure at Red Sand Dunes

• 4×4 dune bashing in desert
• Sandboarding on red sand dunes
• Traditional camel ride
• Admire desert scenery
• Relax with soft drinks
• Take photos of landscape

The experience

The Red Sand Dunes sit close enough to Riyadh that you can fill a free afternoon without a full day's commitment. You'll start with 4×4 dune bashing (the vehicle races across the undulating terrain while you hold on), then move to sandboarding on the soft red slopes, where the sand is forgiving enough that beginners can pick it up fast. A traditional camel ride follows, giving you time to slow down and take in the landscape. Bottled water and soft drinks are waiting throughout, so you stay refreshed between activities.

The guide speaks English, Arabic, Punjabi, Pashto and one additional language, so communication is straightforward. You'll have plenty of time for photos at each stop, and the whole outing runs about 5.5 hours from start to finish. Families, couples and groups of friends all book this one. The mix of adrenaline and slower moments means there's something for different energy levels in the same group.

What’s included

• Bottled water and soft drinks throughout.
• 4×4 dune bashing.
• sandboarding on the red dunes.
• traditional camel ride.
• live guide in English, Arabic, Punjabi, Pashto and one additional language.
• time for photos at each stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Arabic, Pashto, Punjabi and Urdu

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ghazi Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're in Riyadh for just a day or an afternoon and want three separate desert activities without arranging your own transport. The fixed itinerary and shared group mean you'll meet other travelers, and the mix of fast and slow moments works for couples, families and friends together.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Punjabi, Arabic, Pashto and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Red Sand Dunes like compared to other desert spots near Riyadh?

The Red Sand Dunes are known for their distinctive rust-colored sand and the soft terrain that makes sandboarding possible. The landscape is close enough to the city that you can reach it in a short drive, making it ideal for a half-day outing rather than a full desert expedition.

Is sandboarding hard if I've never done it before?

Sandboarding on soft red dunes is beginner-friendly. The sand gives way under your board, so falls are gentler than on snow or hard-packed terrain, and the guide will show you how to start.

How rough is the 4×4 dune bashing?

Dune bashing is fast and bumpy: the vehicle accelerates across the slopes and valleys of the dunes. It's thrilling but not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. You'll need at least moderate fitness to enjoy it comfortably.

Can infants come on this activity?

Infants can join if they sit on an adult's lap throughout the activity, including during the 4×4 dune bashing and camel ride.

How long does the whole thing take?

The activity runs about 5.5 hours from pickup to drop-off, including time for each of the three main activities (dune bashing, sandboarding and the camel ride) plus photo stops and breaks for water.