Dubai Desert Safari: 4x4 Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & Buffet

Summary

Dubai desert adventure with dune bashing camel rides and dinner

You’ll race across Lehbab’s dunes in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a local driver, catch sunset over endless sand, try camel riding and henna painting at camp, then share a buffet dinner under desert stars with live music. It’s equal parts adrenaline and calm — you might find yourself smiling at nothing on the ride home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a desert safari from Dubai. The first jolt of the 4x4 over those Lehbab dunes — it’s like your stomach gets left behind for a second. Our driver, Ahmed, grinned in the rearview mirror every time someone squealed (me, mostly). The sand looked almost pink as the sun started dropping. I tried to take photos but mostly ended up with blurry shots and sand in my shoes.

After the dune bashing part (about 45 minutes that felt both longer and shorter), we stopped for sunset. There was this quiet — just wind and one distant falcon call. It smelled dry, almost metallic, but not unpleasant. A couple from Germany asked Ahmed how he learned to drive like that; he just shrugged and said “practice” with a wink. Then we all piled back in for camp.

The camp itself was lively but not crowded — maybe 12 or so people in our group? I tried henna for the first time (the artist giggled at my ticklish hand), rode a camel that seemed more patient than me, and watched as kids tried sandboarding nearby. Dinner was buffet style: smoky grilled chicken, soft flatbreads, something sweet I still can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it). There was live music too — belly dancing that actually made everyone clap along without thinking about it.

I’m not sure if it was the food or just being out there under those weirdly bright stars, but I felt lighter somehow. The drive back to Dubai was quiet; everyone half asleep or staring out at nothing. Sometimes you forget how big silence can feel after all that noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Travel to Lehbab desert
• Enjoy 45 minutes dune bashing
• Stop for desert photos
• Ride a camel briefly
• Experience henna painting
• Watch live music and belly dance
• Have buffet dinner at camp
• Return to Dubai

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What activities are included on the Dubai desert safari?

You’ll experience dune bashing in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, live music performances, and a buffet dinner.

Is dinner provided during the tour?

Yes, a buffet dinner is included at the desert camp along with unlimited water and soft drinks.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers for a small-group experience.

Are there vegetarian or special meal options?

You can request specific dietary requirements at booking; vegetarian options are available at the buffet dinner.

Is this Dubai safari suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Who leads the Dubai desert safari tour?

A professional driver/guide licensed for dune driving leads each tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by 4x4 Land Cruiser with bottled water always handy, guided dune bashing led by an experienced driver, unlimited soft drinks throughout, plus camel rides, henna painting sessions, live entertainment like belly dancing and music shows at camp—and finally a full buffet dinner before heading back to your hotel in Dubai.