Lahbab Desert Safari with Dream Destiny Tourism

Dubai felt bright, fast, and full of noise when I first arrived. Big roads, big buildings, and so many people everywhere. I enjoyed it, but after a few days, I started craving something quieter. I wanted open space. I wanted to see the desert properly, not just from a photo.

That’s how I ended up booking a lahbab desert safari. I didn’t even know what “Lahbab” really meant at first. I just heard that Lahbab has beautiful red dunes, and that the desert there feels more dramatic and wide compared to other areas. I also heard people call it the “Big Red” dunes, which sounded exciting but also a little scary.

In this article, I’m sharing my real experience exactly as it felt—what happened, what surprised me, what made me nervous, and what helped me enjoy it. I’m not writing this to impress anyone or sell anything. I’m writing this because I wished someone had explained it in a simple, honest way before I went.

Table of Contents

Why I Chose Lahbab Instead of Other Desert Areas

Before booking, I saw many safari options. Some said “Dubai desert safari,” some said “Al Awir,” some said “Lahbab.” At first, I assumed all deserts would look the same. But when I read more, I realized the location matters.

Lahbab is known for:

big dunes (many people say they are higher)
red sand (beautiful for photos)
strong dune bashing routes
wide open views with fewer buildings around

That was exactly what I wanted. I didn’t just want a quick tourist activity. I wanted to feel the desert.

Also, I liked the idea of seeing a new side of Dubai. The city is modern and shiny, but the desert feels timeless.

What I Was Worried About Before Booking

I’m a fairly normal traveler. I like adventure, but I don’t like feeling unsafe or confused. So yes—I had doubts.

My real fears were:

Will dune bashing be too intense?
I get motion sickness sometimes, so this was my biggest worry.

Will it be crowded and rushed?
I didn’t want to feel like I’m in a big group being pushed from one place to another.

Will it be worth the time?
Lahbab is not inside central Dubai. It takes time to reach. I didn’t want to waste half a day.

Will it feel fake?
Some travel experiences feel too staged. I didn’t want that feeling.

If you have the same worries, I understand. But I also learned something important: you can enjoy the safari a lot more when you know what to expect.

The Booking Experience (Simple, No Stress)

I’m mentioning this briefly because booking can sometimes be stressful, especially if you don’t know what questions to ask.

Dream Destiny Tourism is a Dubai-based tour provider that helped me book my Lahbab desert safari smoothly and explained everything clearly, so I felt calm and prepared before the trip.

That kind of clear communication matters. It doesn’t change the desert, but it changes your mindset.

Pickup From Hotel: The Safari Starts Before the Desert

My safari started with a pickup from my hotel in Dubai. The driver arrived in a 4×4 SUV. The car looked clean and strong, which already made me feel better.

The driver was friendly but not overly talkative. I personally liked that. Some travelers love jokes and loud energy, but I wanted calm. He confirmed my name, asked if I was comfortable, and told me the plan in simple words.

The pickup time was in the afternoon, which is common for Lahbab safaris because the main highlight is the sunset.

Small tip:

Be ready around 10–15 minutes early. Drivers often manage multiple pickups, and small delays are normal.

The Drive to Lahbab (My Favorite Unexpected Part)

I thought the best part would start only after reaching the sand dunes, but I was wrong.

The drive to Lahbab felt like a slow transition from city life to desert life. Dubai looked busy behind me, then roads became quieter, and slowly the scenery changed.

At some point, the view became wide and open. That moment felt peaceful. It made me realize how close nature and silence are to a city like Dubai.

I also liked watching the sun change. It started soft and bright, then became golden.

This drive also gives you time to mentally prepare for dune bashing. I was nervous, but the calm drive helped me relax.

The Short Stop Before Dune Bashing (Restroom and Refresh)

Before we entered the dunes, the driver stopped at a desert meeting point. Many other safari cars were there too. It’s very normal.

This stop is useful for:

restroom break
buying water or snacks
waiting for other cars
checking the vehicle
adjusting tire pressure for sand

If you feel nervous, this stop is also a good moment to ask questions.

I asked my driver:
“Is dune bashing very strong in Lahbab?”
He smiled and said he can make it intense or soft depending on comfort.

That answer helped me. I realized I could speak up.

Entering the Red Dunes (The First Real “Wow” Moment)

When we entered the Lahbab dunes, I immediately understood why people talked about it.

The sand looked reddish and warm. It wasn’t just “sand.” It looked like a moving landscape with soft hills. The dunes were larger than I imagined.

I had seen desert photos before, but standing there in real life felt different. The dunes felt endless. The sky felt bigger. The air felt cleaner.

It was one of those moments where you stop thinking and just look.

Dune Bashing in Lahbab (Thrilling but Manageable)

Now the most famous part: dune bashing.

I will be honest—yes, it is thrilling. And yes, it can feel intense. Lahbab dunes are big, and the ride can be stronger than other desert areas.

The car climbed high dunes, then went down quickly. At times, it felt like the car was floating. At one point, the vehicle moved sideways and everyone made a sound like “oooooh!”

In the first few minutes, I was tense. My hands were tight. But slowly, I started enjoying it.

How it felt for me:

exciting like a ride
bumpy
fast but controlled
sometimes scary for a second, then fun again

My honest advice:

If you have motion sickness, do NOT scroll your phone. Just don’t.
Look straight ahead. Breathe slowly. Keep your body relaxed.

And most importantly: speak up. If you want it softer, ask your driver. A professional driver will adjust.

The Sunset Photo Stop (Peace in the Middle of Adventure)

After dune bashing, we stopped for sunset photos. This was the calm heart of the whole safari.

The dunes looked even more beautiful at sunset. Red dunes + golden light = stunning.

People walked around quietly. Some took pictures, some sat on the sand, some just stared at the horizon.

I took a few photos, but then I put my phone away. I didn’t want to miss the feeling. The desert sunset felt slow and peaceful. It gave me a kind of calm happiness.

If you are someone who overthinks and stresses easily, this moment will heal you a little.

Sandboarding (Fun If You Don’t Take It Seriously)

Sandboarding was available at the stop, and I tried it.

I’m not athletic, so I didn’t expect perfection. I stepped on the board, tried to slide down, and… fell quickly.

But it was still fun. Everyone was laughing, including me.

Sand is soft, so falling does not hurt much. The only hard part is walking back up. It is tiring, especially if the dune is high.

Still, I recommend trying it once. It’s a silly, happy memory.

Driving to the Desert Camp (The Experience Changes Here)

After sunset, we drove to the desert camp.

The camp is where the adventure turns into a relaxed evening. The camp is designed for tourists, yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s like a desert night festival with food and light.

The camp had:

seating areas (chairs and cushions)
tea/coffee corner
small activity booths
food buffet
stage area for performances

It felt cozy. Warm lights in the desert look very beautiful.

Camp Activities (What’s Included and What Feels Optional)

At the camp, you can walk around and try small activities. Some things are included, and some are optional.

Common included activities:

welcome drink
short camel ride
small henna design
sitting area
shows
dinner buffet

Common optional extras:

quad bike ride
VIP seating
souvenir shopping
professional photos

I personally didn’t feel forced to buy extras. People offered, but I just smiled and said no.

Camel Experience at the Camp (Short but Sweet)

There was a camel ride option at the camp, and I tried it.

It was short. More like a small loop. But I still enjoyed it, especially because the camel felt calm and gentle.

If you have never seen a camel up close, it’s a special feeling. They look strong but peaceful. And they move in a funny way when they stand up.

Dinner Time (Comfort Food Under Desert Lights)

After activities, dinner time started.

The buffet included different simple foods: grilled meat, rice, salad, bread, and dessert. It wasn’t luxury dining, but it was warm and satisfying.

I enjoyed sitting there under the lights with the desert air around me. The mood felt calm. People were chatting quietly. Families looked relaxed.

For me, this dinner felt more memorable because of where it was, not because of what it was.

Live Shows (Better Than I Expected)

After dinner, the live shows started.

I saw a spinning dance show (Tanoura style) and a fire show. The performances were fun and kept people interested. It felt like a real part of the safari night, not just something to fill time.

I liked that the shows were energetic but not too loud. It still felt like a calm evening.

What I Wish I Knew Before Going

If I could talk to myself before booking, I would say:

Don’t eat heavy before dune bashing
Bring a power bank
Wear comfortable shoes
Expect sand everywhere
Don’t stress about photos
Ask questions before the trip
Say no politely to extras if you don’t want them

And I would add one more thing:

Don’t expect a “perfect luxury tour.” Expect a real travel experience with real people. That mindset makes everything better.

Who I Think Will Love Lahbab Safari

I think Lahbab safari is perfect for:

first-time Dubai travelers who want a real desert feeling
people who enjoy adventure but also want a calm evening
couples who want sunset vibes
families with older children
travelers who want big dunes and red sand photos

But if you hate bumpy rides or you are very sensitive, you may prefer a calm desert trip without dune bashing.

Near the End: The Camel Ride Part People Ask About

Before leaving the camp, many people take one last walk around.

This is also when I saw many people doing photos on camels again. It reminded me that a camel ride dubai experience is usually short in these tours, but still enjoyable for first-timers because it feels special and different from normal city travel.

If you want a longer camel ride, you should book it separately or ask for an upgraded experience.

Conclusion: Was Lahbab Desert Safari Worth It?

Yes, it was worth it for me.

The Lahbab desert safari gave me what I wanted: big red dunes, thrilling dune bashing, peaceful sunset, and a calm desert camp night. It didn’t feel like one activity. It felt like a complete travel experience.

If you’re planning your Dubai trip and you want to do one thing outside the city, I think Lahbab is a beautiful choice. Just go with a relaxed mindset, wear comfortable clothes, and don’t overthink.

And when the sunset happens, stop for a minute. Don’t rush. Let the desert feel like the desert.