Dubai Desert Safari: 4WD Dune Bashing, BBQ & Live Shows

4.94

(145 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I honestly didn’t expect my stomach to drop like that on the dunes outside Dubai — it’s not a rollercoaster but kind of wilder? The Land Cruiser slid sideways and our guide, Imran, just grinned at me in the mirror. Sand everywhere, gold light bouncing off everything. I still had grit in my teeth when we pulled up at the camp (Royal Adventure Camp — you’ll see the sign) and someone handed me Arabic coffee and dates before I’d even caught my breath.

There was this smoky smell from the grills already going — shawarma and something spiced I couldn’t name. I tried saying thank you in Arabic; Li laughed when I butchered it. We sat on low cushions and watched a woman paint henna on some kids’ hands. There was a moment where everything slowed down: music starting up, someone calling for tea, camels shifting their feet outside. You could sandboard if you wanted or just sit with a shisha pipe (I tried it — not for me but hey). The main keyword here is Dubai desert safari but honestly it felt less like a tour and more like being dropped into someone else’s evening.

Belly dancers came out after sunset — all swirling colors and sharp drums. Then a guy spun with lights on his skirt (Tanoura dance? I think so). My plate was full of grilled chicken and falafel by then. Imran showed us how to wear the headscarves for photos — mine kept slipping off but he fixed it for me anyway. It got chilly fast once the sun dipped behind the dunes; bring a jacket if you’re like me and always cold at night.