A desert safari in Dubai usually comes with a clear checklist: dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, and an evening camp experience. I went in expecting exactly that.
What I didn’t expect was how much the desert itself would slow things down. Somewhere between the movement and the stillness, the experience began to feel less like an activity… and more like a pause.
If the vast stretch of golden dunes appeals to you, let me take you through my experience. ☺️
A full day in the Dubai desert
The Red Dune Desert Safari, Sand Boarding, and Buffet Dinner at Deluxe Camp package was a full-day event.
It starts with an exciting Arabian dune bash (with a chance of sandboarding!), and ends with a fun camel ride and live entertainment back at the camp. It’s basically a full day dedicated to exploring and admiring the desert!
In my case, I found it helpful to have such an interesting driver/tour guide. Ours happened to be Mati Khan! Apparently, he is an influencer in the safari business, so he knows all the uncrowded spots for the activity. He can also take and direct content well! That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a well-planned tour. It was quietly changing the pace of my trip.
A journey into the sand
The day started early with our tour guide picking me up from the hotel before the others. I was thrilled to be the first passenger, as it meant I got the shotgun seat and a great view of our ride. The journey is the best part, anyway! It’s also nice how I got paired with a Filipino family! Small talk was easier, and I felt safer and more comfortable.
Leaving Al Barsha behind, the city slowly thinned out as we headed toward the starting point of our adventure. There’s a brief stop along the way to refuel and regroup with the other 4x4s. After that, it’s less than an hour before the scenery shifts completely, and the sand takes over. Weeee!
Our first stop is where you can enjoy your first dance with the sand through an ATV or buggy ride. Everyone in my group decided to opt out because it has an extra fee. 🤣
We then went to another stop where you can pee, change, or get some photo ops of the desert. We just chilled around for a bit before heading to the main event.
So so so…. would you believe me when I say that this desert safari experience is an absolute must before leaving Dubai? I hope you do because redirecting you to a couple of affiliate links is only my secondary intent lol.
I mean… okay… let’s say you don’t want to take my word for it. But it’s no surprise that the family I’m with is already on their 3rd or 4th desert safari tour. They take this activity every single time they visit Dubai. That’s probably some sort of indicator that this is worth the hype, no?
Our guide took us to Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes), which I hear, is sooo much better than the grayish sands near the city. This spot gives full Arabian Nights slash Aladdin feels with the towering, silky red mountains of sand. My words won’t give the place justice at how overwhelmingly gorgeous it is in person. The color of the dunes makes for dramatic scenery, and the sand is so fine that it basically melts at your touch.
I had to ground myself a couple of times because of how surreal it seemed.
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Feel the desert move beneath you
…literally! Be prepared as the 4×4 rides across the red-sand desert, and surfs the dune crests and bowls!
The drivers would first need to deflate the tires. Not to worry, though, because this part gives your vehicle more grip as you climb and descend the desert. After that, there will be a quick safety briefing so you can fully enjoy the experience. The basic rule is to keep the seatbelts on at all times and to secure loose items. You don’t want to get tossed inside the vehicle like a rag doll.
Dune bashing felt more like a “controlled” rollercoaster because of the shifting terrains. There will be times when your driver will experiment with the speed and momentum to give you the best thrill possible. I just love how Mati Khan unapologetically went all out. The most exciting part was when the 4×4 angled just enough to make you feel like it might tip over! I was seated on the shotgun seat, but I heard it’s crazier for those at the back! One thing’s for sure… you need to hang on tight because there is absolutely no way you’d get bored with this activity. If I were you, I’d check for promos and book a flight to Dubai immediately hahaha!
After a combination of excited squeals and panicked gasps that ran for about 45 minutes, the ride eventually ended. We all had smiles on our faces because it was amazing!
You’ll be given time to admire the scenery from the highest dunes, and pose for photos and videos. There’s even the option to try sandboarding, which we decided to skip at the time. Looking back, that’s my only regret! I should have done it. 😜
Retreating to a traditional Bedouin-style camp
The first part of this tour involved adrenaline, but the second part allows you to enjoy a more cultural experience with live entertainment at Dream Night Desert camp.
I couldn’t pass up the chance for a camel ride, though, so I hopped on one to soak in the sunset first.
I remember haggling for the cost, too, so it was pretty cheap. Haha.
Once done, I went inside and picked a cushion closest to the mini stage. So happy that the Filipino family saved me a seat!
We watched a Tanoura show — a traditional Egyptian folk dance performance where the solo dancer, often donning a colorful skirt (that also lights up!), twirls continuously. Props to that performer because I got dizzy just by watching!
There was also a belly dancer who stunned us with her skills.
There will be a break after the two performers, and you’re free to roam around the area. Explore booths in the camp where you could enjoy other food, coffee, henna painting, and shisha.
The buffet would also be open then!
To end the night, a third performer will take the stage to wow you with juggling and torch acts – a signature entertainment segment of desert safaris!
On the way home, everyone’s body batteries were depleted, so it was a quiet ride home. It was definitely something I’d happily do again, and I’m confident it’ll also be for many people.
ALSO READ: I Traveled to Dubai After a Natural Disaster (Here’s What Happened)
Enjoy the same experience!
If you’re the type who wants details before committing, here’s what you can expect in the Desert Safari adventure.
What’s included:
- Round-trip transfers to and from your hotel (Dubai and Sharjah are the coverage locations)
- Dinner (but there’s an upgrade option at Dream Night Desert Camp)
- Refreshments
- 25 – 30 minute 4×4 red dune bashing experience
- Desert photography opportunity
- Simple henna tattooing; complex designs at an extra charge (although I never asked where I could get this. I think I missed this one during the trip)
- Live belly dance and Tanura show
- BBQ dinner buffet with unlimited soft drinks
- Sand boarding
- Shisha at designated areas
- Insurance coverage for dune bashing activity
Not included:
- Other personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
- Quad biking
- Insurance coverage for camel riding, sand boarding or ATV/buggy
- Short camel ride experience
You can enjoy a discounted package by clicking here. 🏜️
It wasn’t memorable just because of how extreme or exciting it was
That was the minimum expectation from the activity, but I can’t say that’s all there is to it. The desert safari experience stood out because it forced me to pay attention, disconnect for a few hours, and just enjoy the moment in a powerful, minimalist landscape that feels larger than me.
It made me feel like “Maybe we all need to step away more often…”
So whoever’s reading this now… go get that reset!
THE BDT 
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