Dubai Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.93 (81 reviews) 98% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/22

Duration6h

GroupUp to 200

LanguagesEN · AR +1

PickupAt your hotel

Red dunes adventure camel rides sandboarding BBQ night

You’ll feel the rush of dune bashing over Dubai’s red sands before trying your luck at sandboarding and meeting camels up close. Taste smoky barbecue under desert stars, watch live dance shows, and share quiet moments with locals at camp. It’s lively but there’s space for small surprises too — like sweet dates or catching your breath after laughter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening desert safari with activities

Dune bashing by 4x4 Land Cruiser
Sandboarding on desert dunes
Camel riding experience
Smoke Arabic sheesha
Enjoy BBQ dinner buffet
Watch three live dance shows
Purchase gift items (optional)

The Experience

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Dubai desert safari — I’d seen the photos, but standing in Lahbab’s red dunes is another thing. The sand felt oddly cool under my shoes as we stepped out of the Landcruiser. Our driver, Imran, grinned and told us to hold tight before he hit the gas for dune bashing. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard and screamed at the same time — it’s like being on a rollercoaster with no tracks (and sand everywhere). At one point, the sun was dipping low and everything turned gold for a few minutes. It’s not something you can really catch in photos.

We stopped for sandboarding — which sounds easy until you’re actually trying to balance on that board. My friend wiped out immediately (she’s still finding sand in her shoes), but honestly, falling was half the fun. Imran showed us how to tie the scarf properly and then pointed out some wild tracks in the sand — apparently foxes come out at night here. There was this faint smell of cardamom from someone making gahwa nearby, kind of mixed with dust and something sweet I couldn’t place.

The camp itself had this relaxed buzz — people queuing for henna or lining up for camel rides. The camels looked unimpressed by all of us city folks trying to climb on (I nearly lost my sandal). There were falcons too; one perched quietly while kids tried to look brave for photos. Dinner was a mix of smoky grilled things and those little honey-soaked sweets they call gaymat — I ate way too many. Three live shows after sunset: first a whirling dancer in bright skirts, then fire spinning that made everyone gasp, and finally belly dancing with music echoing across the camp. At some point I just sat back on one of those low cushions and tried to take it all in — stars starting to show up overhead, laughter everywhere, soft clinks from tea glasses. It felt oddly peaceful for such a busy night.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned 4WD Landcruiser with an English-speaking licensed driver guiding you through dune bashing (30–45 minutes), sandboarding attempts (and wipeouts), unlimited cold mineral water & soft drinks along the way plus Arabic coffee (gahwa), dates & sweets when you arrive at camp. You’ll get multiple chances to ride camels or try henna painting (ladies only), dress up in Arabic clothes for photos if you want to be silly about it like we did, enjoy shisha in its own area, meet falcons up close before settling down for a barbecue buffet dinner with both vegetarian & non-vegetarian options while watching three different live performances under the stars—then dropped off back at your hotel when you’re full & tired & probably still sandy somewhere.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ideal Desert Safari