Mleiha Desert: Dune Buggy, Camel Ride & Fossil Rock Dinner

Summary

Ride buggies over Mleiha sands explore Fossil Rock taste Emirati dinner

You’ll ride camels across glowing Mleiha dunes, drive your own buggy through wild desert tracks, touch ancient fossils at Fossil Rock with a local guide, try sandboarding (falling is half the fun), and finish with a three-course Emirati dinner under open skies. It’s equal parts adrenaline and quiet moments—a day that sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color—the dunes near Mleiha are this deep orange, almost glowing, and honestly it’s hard to tell where sky ends and sand begins. Our guide, Khalid, handed me a scarf and grinned when I fumbled with it. He showed us how to tie it properly (“like this—no, tighter!”), and then we climbed up onto camels that looked both bored and wise. The air smelled faintly of cardamom from someone’s thermos nearby. I didn’t expect to laugh so much just trying to stay balanced as the camel stood up—everyone wobbled, even Khalid pretended not to.

Later, the switch from camel’s slow sway to the roar of the dune buggy was wild. The Desert Fox buggies are sturdy but you still feel every bump—my teeth rattled at first but then I started grinning like an idiot as we tore over the crests. There’s something about seeing Fossil Rock looming ahead that makes you feel tiny; Khalid stopped us there and let us run our hands over actual fossils embedded in stone. He told us they’re 80 million years old—I tried to imagine what this place looked like back then but couldn’t really picture it. The wind kicked up little swirls of sand around my shoes while he talked.

Sandboarding was next—I fell twice before figuring out how to lean back just enough. One of the guides cheered for me anyway (“You’re almost a pro!”) which made me laugh even harder. By dusk we were all dusty and thirsty, so heading into Zerzura for dinner felt like some kind of reward. The Mleiha Archaeological Center served up these little plates of lamb and saffron rice (I still think about that flavor), plus something sweet with dates at the end. We sat outside as the sky faded from gold to purple, everyone quieter than before—just tired in that good way you get after real adventure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dune buggy adventure and dinner

• Start camel ride in desert
• Drive dune buggy through dunes
• Sandboard down towering dunes
• Explore Fossil Rock fossils
• Dine at Mleiha Archaeological Center

Top questions

How long does the dune buggy experience last?

The self-drive dune buggy experience lasts one hour.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mleiha Desert tour?

Yes, private pickup and dropoff are included in your booking.

What food is served during dinner at Zerzura?

Dinner is a three-course menu featuring traditional Emirati dishes and international cuisine.

Can beginners try sandboarding on this tour?

Yes, sandboarding is suitable for both beginners and experienced guests.

Are soft drinks or refreshments provided during the tour?

Yes, soft drinks and refreshments are included throughout the experience.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular problems.

Will there be a local guide during the activities?

Yes, local guides lead each part of the experience and share insights about Mleiha’s history.

What landmarks do we visit on this day trip in Mleiha?

You’ll visit Camel Rock and Fossil Rock during your desert adventure.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup and dropoff, use of all facilities at Zerzura, guided camel rides through the desert, a one-hour self-drive dune buggy session, sandboarding on high dunes, fossil discovery at Fossil Rock with your guide’s stories along the way, soft drinks and refreshments throughout—and finishes with a three-course dinner at Mleiha Archaeological Center before heading back home.