My Unfiltered Review of the 2025 Premium Dubai Desert Safari

So, you are thinking about a desert safari in Dubai for your trip. Honestly, there are a ton of options out there, right, and it can be a bit overwhelming to choose one. We basically wanted something a little different this time, you know, away from the really big tour groups where you sort of feel like just another number. We sort of decided on the ‘Premium Desert Safari, Live BBQ Dinner, Sandboarding & Camel Ride’ with a private car because, frankly, it promised a more personal touch that really appealed to us. I mean, the whole idea was to really feel the desert’s quiet grandeur, not just see it from a crowded bus window. And let’s be honest, the promise of a live BBQ dinner under an endless canopy of stars was pretty much the final selling point that made us book it.

The Private Car Experience: So, is it Actually a Big Deal?

Well, the whole premium experience literally started the very moment a gleaming, air-conditioned 4×4 Land Cruiser pulled up right in front of our hotel, exactly on time. Actually, having your own private vehicle is a huge, huge plus, and I can’t overstate that. You know, you’re not spending the first hour of your tour waiting for other people or making what feels like a dozen different hotel stops all over the city. Our guide, who introduced himself as Ahmed, was just for us for the entire evening, so we could basically ask him anything we wanted about Dubai, the desert, or local traditions. He was really great, by the way, sharing all these little stories about the city’s growth as we watched the skyscrapers fade into the background. It’s that kind of flexibility, you know, that makes it feel so special and worthwhile. We could basically just ask to stop for a quick photo whenever a perfect view appeared, which is something sort of impossible to imagine doing on a large, scheduled group tour.

Dune Bashing & Sandboarding: Actually, It’s a Wild Ride

Okay, so let’s talk about the dune bashing because it was honestly something else entirely. Seriously, once we were deep enough into the desert conservation area, Ahmed stopped the car and let a good bit of air out of the tires. In that case, we knew things were about to get exciting. He just smiled, and then we went for it. The feeling of powering up the side of a massive, golden sand dune, sort of hanging weightlessly at the very top for a heart-stopping second, and then gliding and sliding down the steep side is a real thrill. It’s almost like a natural rollercoaster, but, you know, it’s all made of beautifully soft sand. It was really a mix of adrenaline and just pure, laughing fun, and the views from the tops of the dunes were absolutely incredible. You could just see endless waves of sand in every direction.

Then, just when our hearts had settled down a bit, came the sandboarding. To be completely honest, I thought it would be really difficult, like snowboarding which I’m not good at. But actually, it’s so much simpler and more accessible for everyone. You basically just take the board, find a good slope, strap your feet in, and let gravity do the work. It’s pretty much all fun, even if you tumble over a few times. As a matter of fact, falling is part of the experience, because the sand is so fine and soft anyway, it doesn’t hurt at all. You just get up, laugh it off, and, you know, try again.

A Glimpse of Tradition: Honestly, The Camel Ride Was So Serene

After all that high-energy action, you know, the camel ride was a very, very welcome change of pace. We were led over to these remarkably calm and gentle creatures, and honestly, just getting on one is a little adventure in itself. They sort of lurch up to their feet in two distinct stages, which is a really unique feeling. Once you’re up there, the ride itself is incredibly gentle and slow, with a calming, rhythmic sway. You are perched so high, and it really gives you this completely different, more elevated view of the desert landscape. As a matter of fact, it was very quiet up there. You could basically just hear the soft thud of the camel’s padded feet on the sand and maybe a gentle desert breeze. It’s obviously a bit of a touristy thing to do, for sure, but still a really special and photogenic moment, especially as the sun began to dip towards the horizon, painting the entire sky in shades of orange and pink.

Camp Life and the Live BBQ: Pretty Much a Feast Under the Stars

As the daylight finally faded, we arrived at this traditional-looking Bedouin-style camp, and it was just beautifully set up in a hollow between some dunes. Because we were on a premium tour, our table was set in a really good, somewhat secluded spot, sort of away from the main bustle and right on the edge of the camp. The whole atmosphere was, like, magical with plush carpets and cushions on the sand and low, warm lights casting a gentle glow. There were a few other cultural things you could do, like getting an intricate henna tattoo done by a very talented artist, which was a nice little touch. At the end of the day, that part of the evening was all about just relaxing, sipping on some Arabic coffee, and soaking in the desert night. The air gets noticeably cooler and cleaner out there, you know, and the stars start to appear one by one. It’s just very, very peaceful.

Then, the evening’s entertainment started, and seriously, it was very impressive and professionally done. We saw a mesmerizing Tanoura dancer, a man who just spun and spun for what felt like ten minutes straight in this incredible, weighted costume that lit up with hundreds of lights. There was also a dramatic fire show that was, honestly, a bit breathtaking to watch up close. But the main event for us was definitely the food. You could literally smell the delicious aroma of the live BBQ from the moment we arrived. I mean, they were grilling fresh chicken, juicy lamb, and flavorful kebabs right there in front of everyone.

The aroma of charcoal and spices in the cool desert air was just fantastic and really built up our appetite after the day’s activities. It felt very authentic and satisfying, you know, not like some generic pre-cooked buffet you might find elsewhere.

So, what’s actually on the menu?

You are probably wondering about the specifics of the food, right? Well, it’s typically a very big spread with lots of choices. Besides the main grilled items, there’s usually more than enough to eat for anyone.

• So, to start, there were several fresh salads, like fattoush and tabbouleh, and, of course, creamy hummus and moutabel with piles of warm Arabic bread.

• Then, you have the main event, which is literally freshly grilled chicken tikka, tender lamb chops, and flavorful beef kebabs cooked right over charcoal.

• Actually, there were also some very good vegetarian options, such as grilled vegetables, falafel, and a fragrant vegetable biryani rice.

• For dessert, you know, they usually have a simple platter of fresh, sweet fruits and some traditional Arabic sweets like Luqaimat, which are like little sweet dumplings.

Is This Premium Safari Right for You? Let’s be Honest.

Okay, so let’s get down to it and be very direct. Is this particular tour really the right one for you? Honestly, if you’re traveling as a family, especially with younger kids, it’s absolutely a great choice. You know, the private car means you can go at your own pace, stop when needed, and leave for your hotel when the little ones inevitably get tired, without waiting on anyone else. For a couple, it’s pretty much the perfect setup for a very memorable, romantic evening. The privacy and the little extra touches really make it feel like a genuine treat. As a matter of fact, anyone who just really doesn’t like big crowds and values having a more personalized guide to talk to will probably find this experience is worth the extra cost. Read our full review: Premium Desert Safari Dubai Full Review and Details

On the other hand, if you happen to be a solo traveler on a very tight budget or someone who is specifically looking to socialize and meet new people, you may want to look into a standard group tour instead. This premium experience is really all about the exclusivity and comfort. You are basically paying more for that privacy and personal space. So, you just need to decide what you really want to get out of your desert adventure. It’s all about what kind of memory you want to create for yourself at the end of the day. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Reserve Your Private Safari Now).