Mleiha: Dune Buggy, Fossil Rock & Camel Ride with Pickup

Summary

Drive wild dunes see Fossil Rock up close in Mleiha desert

You’ll drive your own dune buggy across Mleiha’s wild dunes with a local guide, get hands-on with real fossils at Fossil Rock, try sand boarding by Camel Rock, and finish with a gentle camel ride—plus cold drinks and easy pickup included. Expect dust in your shoes and memories that stick long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that shape? Like a sleeping camel,” our guide Khalid grinned, pointing ahead as the sun started to climb. I squinted through my sunglasses — he was right, Camel Rock really does look like it’s dozing off in the sand. The morning air tasted dry and a little metallic, which I didn’t expect. We’d just bounced out of the air-conditioned van and already my shoes were filling with fine orange dust. Khalid handed me the keys to the Desert Fox buggy and said, “Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks.” I wasn’t sure if he meant driving or not getting stuck.

I’ll admit, the first few minutes were pure nerves — my hands sweaty on the wheel, engine humming under me. But after we hit that first dune (and yeah, I let out a weird half-laugh/half-yelp), something clicked. There’s this wild feeling when you crest a ridge and suddenly everything opens up — just rolling sand, sky so big it makes your heart feel small. We stopped at Fossil Rock where Khalid knelt down and brushed away sand to show us tiny shells pressed into stone. Eighty million years old, he said. It’s strange to touch something so ancient while your own pulse is still thumping from adrenaline.

Later we tried sand boarding near Camel Rock. I fell twice — okay, maybe three times — but honestly didn’t care; sand gets everywhere anyway. The camel ride at Zerzura was slower, almost meditative after all that noise and speed. The camels’ breath smelled sweet and grassy somehow (no idea why). There was cold soda waiting back at the van and we just sat for a minute watching heat shimmer over the dunes. Still thinking about those fossils now — how they’ve been here forever while we’re just passing through.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dune buggy tour and fossil discovery

• Receive safety briefing and buggy instructions
• Drive Desert Fox dune buggy in Mleiha Desert
• Stop for photos at Camel Rock
• Explore Fossil Rock and view real fossils
• Enjoy smooth ride with off-road suspension
• Capture moments with photography and videography

Top questions

How long is the dune buggy experience in Mleiha?

The self-drive dune buggy portion lasts 1 hour within the tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mleiha tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your booking.

Do I need experience to drive the dune buggy?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide instructions before you start.

Are there fossils you can actually see at Fossil Rock?

Yes, you’ll see real-life ancient marine fossils embedded in the rock up close.

Is food or drink provided during this tour?

Soda/pop and bottled water are included during your trip.

Can infants join this Mleiha dune buggy tour?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is this activity suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to bumpy terrain.

What else is included besides dune buggies?

Your day also includes a nature walk around Mleiha, sand boarding at Camel Rock, a camel ride at Zerzura, all entry fees and taxes plus air-conditioned transport.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees and taxes covered up front, bottled water and sodas for refreshment along the way, a one-hour self-drive Desert Fox dune buggy adventure through Mleiha’s dunes with full support from local guides if needed, a nature walk among ancient rocks and fossils at Fossil Rock, time for sand boarding near Camel Rock (don’t worry if you fall), plus a gentle camel ride at Zerzura before heading back to base.