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

Summary

Private Dubai desert safari with camel ride shows and BBQ dinner

You’ll feel every bump and laugh through dune bashing in a private 4WD with pickup from your hotel in Dubai. Try sandboarding, ride camels at sunset, watch live dance shows, and enjoy a full buffet dinner at a Bedouin-style camp before heading home under desert stars.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the edge of the Dubai desert when I realized how much sand could actually get into your shoes. Our driver, Imran, grinned in the rearview mirror and asked if we were ready for “rollercoaster time.” I laughed — but then the 4WD shot up a dune and my stomach dropped. The sand was red-gold in the late light, wind making little waves across it. I tried to take photos but honestly, you just have to feel that rush yourself.

After the dune bashing (my hair still full of sand), Imran stopped so we could try sandboarding. I wiped out immediately — he said most people do — but sliding down was worth it for the view at the bottom. The air smelled dry and warm, like cinnamon if you squint. We got some silly sunset photos before heading to camp. There were other travelers around but it didn’t feel crowded; maybe because we had our own car and could go at our own pace.

The camel ride was shorter than I expected (they’re taller than they look!), but I liked hearing one of the handlers tell us their names — apparently one is called “Captain.” Someone offered me sweet tea while henna dried on my hand; it tickled a bit. Later there was this fire show that made everyone gasp, plus belly dancing and something called tanura where a guy spun forever in colored skirts. The buffet dinner had smoky grilled chicken and veggie stuff too — not fancy but after all that sun, it tasted right. We lingered over fruit and coffee before heading back to Dubai under a sky that finally felt quiet again. Still think about those dunes sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with dinner and entertainment

• Pickup from hotel by 4WD SUV
• Drive through golden sand dunes
• Enjoy dune bashing thrill ride
• Try sandboarding and photo stop
• Arrive at desert camp
• Ride camel and explore camp
• Experience henna painting and sheesha
• Watch fire, belly, and tanura dance shows
• Enjoy delicious BBQ dinner
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

The tour lasts about 6 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this private desert safari?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included with an air-conditioned Land Cruiser.

What activities are included besides dune bashing?

You’ll get to try sandboarding, short camel rides (can repeat), henna painting, shisha smoking, and watch live shows like belly dance and fire performance.

Is food provided on this Dubai safari tour?

Yes, there’s a self-serve buffet dinner with BBQ options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians plus dessert and fruits.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee are included throughout the experience.

Are toilets available at the desert camp?

Yes, separate toilet facilities for men and women are available at the camp.

Can infants join this private desert safari?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

How many people share each vehicle?

This is a private tour so only your group will be in your 4WD vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup by air-conditioned Land Cruiser with your own guide/driver, all activities like dune bashing in red sand dunes (20–35 minutes), unlimited drinks including tea or coffee, camel rides you can repeat if you want to try again, henna painting for ladies, sandboarding sessions with photo stops at sunset, entry to a shared Bedouin-style camp for live dance performances (belly dance show, tanura dance show, fire show), shisha smoking in designated areas, plus a self-service buffet BBQ dinner with vegetarian options as well as desserts and fruits before returning comfortably to your hotel.