Dubai: All Inclusive Desert Safari with ATV, Camel, Horse ride, Vip & more

ATV tracks and red dunes, in one afternoon. What makes this safari feel special is the mix of ATV self-drive plus real desert camp fun. I love that you get more than the usual dune bashing routine, especially the included horse ride and camel time. The one downside to consider is that the ride includes fast, bumpy dune driving, so motion sickness is worth taking seriously.

You’ll also like how the day is built for convenience. Pickup and drop-off are included from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, and the tour runs about 6 hours starting at 2:00 pm. You’ll move between locations, do active things, and still end with dinner and performances.

At camp, the extras are the point, not just the main show. There’s a sunset photo stop, henna for ladies, Arabian coffee, and shisha options, plus a buffet-style BBQ dinner with multiple live acts. You’ll get a good hit of desert culture without needing to plan anything.

Key Things You’ll Actually Care About

• ATV self-drive time plus dune bashing: you do both the thrill ride and the driver-powered “big dune” part
• Horse and camel rides included: not every safari adds both, and the camp timing keeps it less rushed
• Falcon interaction with photos: a short, photogenic moment that fits right into the camp stop
• BBQ buffet dinner and live shows: food and entertainment are bundled, so you are not hunting for dinner afterward
• Transfers from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman: fewer logistics headaches, more time in the desert
• Large group size up to 150: fun and social, but expect some waiting and crowding at peak moments

Red Dunes Plus ATV: The Smart Way to Do a Dubai Safari

Dubai desert safaris often follow the same script. You get picked up, drive into the sand, do dune bashing, eat, and watch a couple of performances. This one changes the math by adding an ATV self-drive trail plus a proper camp evening with horse and camel rides.

That matters because it turns the safari from a one-time adrenaline hit into a longer block of activities. Instead of spending most of your time sitting in the vehicle, you’re actively riding, sliding, and exploring. If you like a “do stuff, then relax” style of trip, this fits.

Also, the pace feels built for variety. You start with the sand action in Lahbab, then shift to the camp experience at Al Awir, where you can slow down a bit and try the cultural extras.

Pickup, Timing, and What 6 Hours Really Means

The start time is 2:00 pm, and the tour takes about 6 hours total. In practice, you’re planning an afternoon-to-evening block, not a quick half-hour excursion. If you are pairing this with a morning activity in Dubai, make sure you leave buffer time so you do not feel rushed for pickup.

Transfers are included from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, and there are optional private transfers if you want something more direct. That shared-vehicle setup usually means shared routing, so exact timing can shift a bit depending on where you’re staying. The upside is simple: you do not need to arrange a car or figure out meeting points.

The group size can be up to 150 travelers, which affects the feel. You’ll likely get moments that feel energetic and fun, but you may also wait at photo stops or during camp check-in. If you prefer a small group tour where everything happens immediately, you might find the crowd factor limiting.

Lahbab Desert Stop: Quad Bikes, Photos, and Real Dune Bash Energy

Your first desert stop is Lahbab. After pickup, you drive to the dunes and stop where the vehicle gets prepared for dune bashing. During that short vehicle prep window, you can rest and use the restroom, which is genuinely helpful because you’re about to get bounced around.

Before anyone hops on the quad bikes, you receive a safety briefing. That matters because an ATV self-drive is not just a photo op. You’ll need to follow the guidance, stay aware of other riders, and drive within your comfort level.

Then comes the quad bike portion, about 30 minutes. I like that you also get pauses for photos along the way. It’s a small thing, but it helps you capture the desert vibe without feeling like you only have speed and sand in your eyes.

After the ATV segment, you return to the starting point and shift into the main event: 4WD dune bashing. This is the part where the vehicle climbs and drops across the dunes. It’s fun, but it’s also the most physically intense part of the day. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring what you normally use, and sit where you feel most stable.

One more practical note: your time in the sand is active, and the dust can get everywhere. Loose clothing helps, and you’ll want to be ready for that “desert coat” feeling by the end of the ride.

Al Awir Camp: Falcons, Henna, Shisha, and the Horse and Camel Rides

After Lahbab, you head to the desert camp area at Al Awir. The welcome is built around small, easy cultural touches. You’ll be offered Arabian coffee and sweets, and you can try henna painting for ladies. There’s also a chance to wear Arabian attire for a make-over, plus the camp experience includes shisha options.

One of the most memorable pieces here is the falcon interaction with photos. It’s short, but it’s special because it is different from the standard dance-and-dinner line-up. If you want at least one “I did something I cannot do at home” moment, this is the kind of add-on that delivers.

Then you move into animal rides. You get a short camel ride around the camp, and you also have a horse ride. Having both included is a big deal for value. Many safaris only offer camel time, or they add one ride and skip the other.

I also like how the camp format helps you manage energy. The animal rides are not the same kind of intensity as dune bashing. You’re still moving, but you’re not constantly bouncing. That gives your body a chance to recover before dinner and shows.

If you want a quieter moment, the camp also gives you time to relax or meditate before heading back to the city. That’s not always offered on party-heavy safari formats.

Sandboarding and the “Between Moments” That Make It Fun

Besides ATV and dune bash, you get sandboarding. This is one of those activities that looks simple from the ground, then turns out to be oddly addictive once you’re sliding. It’s also a great choice if you want to add some motion without adding another hour of riding.

The sandboarding time is built around the overall camp rhythm, so you’re not scrambling to fit it in before sunset. When the schedule flows well, you spend less time thinking and more time doing. That is what you want on a desert day.

There are also a few smaller moments that keep the day from feeling like a checklist. A sunset view photostop gives you a chance to step out, take a breath, and get photos when the light is at its best. It’s a simple stop, but it breaks up the adrenaline.

Dinner and Shows: Sunset BBQ, Tanoura, Fire, and Belly Dance Timing

Evening is when the camp energy really turns up. You’ll sit down to a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. This matters because desert safaris can be hit or miss on food. Here you get a buffet style meal plus shows, so you’re not waiting around with one sad plate.

For the performances, expect multiple acts including Tanoura dancing, a fire show, and belly dance performance. There is also a “Ladies Khaliji Dance” included as part of the lineup.

There is one important consideration: some entertainment may not be available on specific dates due to UAE law. The schedule flags that Tanoura and belly dance may not run on listed dry days, and belly dance is not available during Ramadan. If your trip falls on those dates, your evening show lineup may be different.

If the dances are a major reason you booked, check the date rules before you lock in. The overall safari experience still includes ATV, dune bashing, animal rides, and dinner, but the performance portion could be reduced.

Also, alcohol is not included, but it can be purchased at the desert camp. If you prefer a dry dinner, you’ll be fine. If you do drink, plan for it since it is not part of the package price.

Comfort and Safety: How to Prep for Dust, Heat, and Bouncy Riding

This tour is physically active, and comfort prep makes a noticeable difference. You’ll want casual, loose-fitting clothing in the summer. In winter, bring a jacket. That’s the honest trick with desert evenings, they can cool off once the sun drops.

Sitting in a 4WD vehicle during dune bashing is part of the deal. Even with safety features like roll bars and seat belts, you should expect jostling. This is not the kind of ride where you sit perfectly still.

The quad bikes include a safety briefing, and the drivers are described as trained and licensed for safari drives. The vehicles are fully insured and have safety features. Still, you should ride within your ability and follow the instructions, especially during the ATV segment where you are driving yourself.

For your own safety and comfort, bring a practical mindset:

• Wear closed shoes or something you can run in if needed
• Keep essentials secured, sand has a way of finding loose pockets
• Expect dust, plan to wipe off and freshen up after

One more thing: the tour info notes that people should be mentally and physically able to participate. That’s your reminder to assess your comfort with riding, heights, and fast turns before you go.

Price and Value: Does $164.50 Make Sense for All-Inclusive?

At $164.50 per person, this safari sits in the mid-range category for Dubai desert activities. What helps it feel like good value is the bundle. You do not just get one thrill event and dinner. You get:

• ATV drive (30 minutes) plus dune bashing
• Sandboarding
• Camel ride and horse ride
• Falcon interaction with photos
• Henna and Arabian attire make-over
• Shisha and Arabian coffee at camp
• BBQ buffet dinner plus multiple live shows
• Pickup and drop-off from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman

Many safaris charge extra for activities like quad bikes, sandboarding, or additional rides. Here, those extras are already included. You’re paying for a packed schedule, so it can be a better deal if you compare it to piecing together separate activities.

There’s also the transfer value. A desert safari without included hotel pickup can turn into a hidden cost quickly, especially if your hotel is not right where a shuttle departs. This one builds transfers into the price.

The main reason $164.50 might feel less appealing is the group size. Up to 150 people can mean you do not get the most personal experience. If you want a private feel, you might want optional private transfers or a smaller-group alternative. But for a lively all-inclusive afternoon, this one looks like strong value.

Who Should Book This Safari (and Who Might Not Love It)

I’d point you toward this tour if you want a desert day with variety. It fits well if you:

• Want ATV riding and dune bashing in one package
• Like animal encounters and want both camel and horse rides
• Prefer dinner plus shows without extra planning
• Value included transfers from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman

It might not be the best fit if you:

• Get motion sick easily and do not want dune bashing
• Prefer a smaller group for a quieter experience
• Are traveling on dates where belly dance or Tanoura are not offered, and those shows are your top priority

One more note from the overall guest feedback style. The strongest praise is about the guide and the feeling of a well-run desert experience. There’s a consistent emphasis on good attention from the guide and a memorable moment being truly out in the desert. That’s exactly what you want when the day includes a lot of moving parts.

Should You Book This Dubai Desert Thrill Safari?

If you want a classic Dubai desert night with more action, I’d say yes. The combination of ATV self-drive, dune bashing, horse and camel rides, sandboarding, and an included BBQ dinner with multiple shows is a lot to fit into one afternoon, and it feels built for people who want to do more than just watch.

Book it if your comfort level matches the bumpy dune driving and you’re okay with a larger group. If you want a calm, private outing or you know you get sick on bumpy rides, you may want to choose a different format.

If your dates fall under the entertainment limitations, treat this as a safari-first option. You’ll still get plenty of included activities, but the dance lineup may change.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 2:00 pm.

How long is the desert safari?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are included from your selected hotel or location, with transfers mentioned for Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman (private transfers are optional).

What activities are included in the Lahbab and camp stops?

Included activities cover dune bashing, quad bikes (about 30 minutes), sandboarding, camel ride, horse ride, falcon interaction photos, henna painting for ladies, Arabian attire makeovers, and shisha with Arabian coffee at the camp.

Are the Tanoura and belly dance shows always available?

No. Entertainment like Tanoura dance and belly dance may not be available on certain dry days and on special Islamic days, as stated in the tour information, and belly dancing is not available during Ramadan.

Is alcohol included?

Alcohol is not included, but it is available to purchase at the desert camp.

What food is provided?

You get a BBQ buffet lunch/dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount is not refunded. Weather or minimum traveler requirements may also affect whether the tour runs, with an offer of a different date or a full refund.