Dubai Red Dunes Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & Breakfast

Desert safari with dune bashing camel ride and snacks

You’ll feel your heart race during dune bashing through Dubai’s Red Dunes before slowing down on a gentle camel ride across golden sands. Try your luck at sandboarding (it’s trickier than it looks), then relax with snacks and cold drinks surrounded by endless desert views. It’s a morning packed with small surprises — laughter, quiet moments, maybe even new friends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and snacks

• Hotel pick-up in 4WD vehicle
• Dune bashing in Dubai desert
• Camel ride experience
• Sandboarding down dunes
• Enjoy snacks and refreshments

The Experience

“You’ll want to hold on!” That’s what our driver, Ahmed, said right before he turned the wheel and sent us flying up the side of a dune in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. I’d seen videos but nothing really prepares you for that first drop — it’s noisy, sand rattling against the windows, everyone half-laughing and half-squealing. The air inside smelled faintly of sunscreen and something sweet from someone’s breakfast bar. We stopped at the top for a minute and I just stared out — the dunes looked endless, all gold with these weird blue shadows. Ahmed pointed out tracks in the sand (he said they were gazelle but honestly, I couldn’t see them) and told us how this area is protected for wildlife. Didn’t expect to learn that on a “dune bashing” morning.

The camel ride was shorter than I thought but honestly that was fine because getting up on one is its own adventure. The handler grinned as I wobbled around trying to get comfortable — apparently my “camel face” was pretty entertaining for everyone else. There was this quiet moment when we were just moving slowly across the sand, not much sound except for the camels’ feet shuffling and someone’s phone camera clicking behind me. Kind of peaceful in a way I didn’t expect from a Dubai desert safari.

I tried sandboarding next (which is harder than it looks — you have to lean back more than you think). The board felt gritty under my hands and I got sand everywhere, even in my socks. Nobody seemed to care about looking cool though; we were all just laughing at each other wiping out. After that we sat together under some shade with cold drinks and a snack box — little pastries, fruit, nothing fancy but somehow perfect after all that heat and adrenaline. Ahmed poured tea for anyone who wanted it and told us about his favorite time to come out here (he likes sunrise best). Honestly, I still think about that view from the top of the dunes sometimes — feels like another planet.

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Dubai desert safari?

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

How long does the camel ride last?

The camel ride is short but gives you enough time to experience riding across the dunes.

Can children join this Dubai Red Dunes Safari?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; however, children under 2 cannot participate in dune bashing due to safety rules.

What is included in the breakfast or snack box?

The snack box includes light pastries, fruit, unlimited soft drinks and water.

Is sandboarding always available?

Sandboarding is offered weather permitting; if conditions are unsafe it may be skipped.

Where does this safari take place?

This tour takes place inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Are there any health restrictions for dune bashing?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart or spinal issues.

Does part of my fee support conservation efforts?

Yes, a portion of your fee goes toward local conservation initiatives in the reserve.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel pickup by 4WD vehicle with an expert safari guide, entry into Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for thrilling dune bashing, a short camel ride led by local handlers, optional sandboarding depending on weather conditions, photo stops at scenic spots across the dunes, unlimited soft drinks and water throughout your adventure plus a simple breakfast or snack box before heading back to town.