Dubai Desert: Private 4x4 Safari, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Dubai’s red dunes, camel rides at dusk, fire-lit dinner & dance

You’ll feel your heart race as you hit Dubai’s red dunes in a private 4x4 safari, then slow down with a sunset camel ride and aromatic coffee under open skies. Savor a traditional BBQ dinner while live dancers spin and fire flickers nearby. This tour isn’t just about sights — it’s about those little moments that stick with you long after you’ve brushed off the sand.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost chickened out when our driver, Ahmed, grinned and said “Ready?” before hitting the first dune. The 4x4 tilted so far I grabbed the seat like it might save me. Sand everywhere, that dry mineral smell in the air, and my laughter kind of mixed with nerves. It’s louder than you think in there — tires crunching over the ridges, Ahmed humming along to some old Arabic song on the radio. I kept thinking: this is way more intense than I’d pictured for a private evening desert safari.

When we finally stopped at the top of a massive dune, everything went quiet except for the wind. The sunset was unreal — just this slow burn of orange over endless sand. Our guide handed me his phone and insisted on taking about twenty photos (“More! Smile!”), which I appreciated later even if I felt awkward then. The camel ride was shorter than I expected (ten minutes or so), but honestly that was enough for my legs. The camel handler taught me how to say “thank you” in Arabic — shukran — but Li laughed when I tried to repeat it back. Probably butchered it.

The camp smelled like grilled meat and sweet smoke from the BBQ fires. We sat at low tables with coffee and dates while a woman painted henna on my hand — it tickled more than hurt. There were families and couples around us but it still felt private somehow; maybe because everyone was half-hypnotized by the belly dancer’s music or just tired from bouncing around in SUVs all afternoon. Later, during the Tanura show (that spinning guy in rainbow skirts), someone’s kid started clapping off-beat and nobody minded at all.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by the end — stars overhead, firelight flickering on sand, full from dinner (the lamb kebab was my favorite). Even now, sometimes when city life gets loud again, I remember that hush right after sunset out there in Dubai’s desert. Kind of makes you want to go back just for that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private evening desert safari experience

• Pickup by private 4x4 SUV
• Dune bashing over sand dunes
• Watch sunset from dune crest
• Arrive at desert camp
• Enjoy short camel ride
• Drink Arabian coffee and eat dates
• Get henna hand painting
• Dine buffet with traditional BBQ
• Watch belly dance and Tanura shows
• See fire displays and live music

Top questions

How long does the dune bashing last on this Dubai desert safari?

The dune bashing experience lasts about 35 minutes during this private evening safari.

Is hotel pickup included for this private Dubai safari?

Yes, private pickup from your hotel in Dubai is included in a 4x4 SUV.

Do they serve vegetarian options at dinner?

Yes, vegetarian options are available at the buffet BBQ dinner; just mention dietary needs when booking.

How long is the camel ride during this tour?

The camel ride lasts approximately 10 minutes — enough time for photos and a taste of riding.

What kind of entertainment is included at the desert camp?

The evening features belly dance performances, Tanura shows (traditional spinning dance), fire displays, and Arabian music.

Can kids join this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, children can join but infants must sit on an adult's lap; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup by private 4x4 SUV from anywhere in Dubai, 35 minutes of thrilling dune bashing across red sands, a brief camel ride perfect for photos at sunset, traditional Arabian coffee with dates upon arrival at camp, optional henna painting on your hands, a buffet BBQ dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes under open skies, plus live entertainment like belly dancing and Tanura shows before heading back to your hotel late evening.