Al Khayma Camp Review 2025: Dunes, Camels & BBQ Fun
So, if you’re thinking about a trip to Dubai, a desert safari is pretty much on everyone’s must-do list, you know? It’s arguably one of those quintessential experiences. I mean, you see the pictures and videos, but what’s it really like? Well, I recently experienced the ‘Red Dunes, Sandboarding, Camel Ride & BBQ at Al Khayma Camp’, and to be honest, I want to give you the real story. Actually, there are so many safari options out there that picking one can feel a little overwhelming. This specific tour, organized by OceanAir Travels, apparently has a great reputation, so my expectations were, frankly, quite high. Basically, I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype and could provide that authentic, memorable desert evening everyone hopes for.
First Impressions: The Pickup and the Mighty 4×4
Okay, so the whole thing kicked off with a hotel pickup, which was, you know, super convenient. Our guide, Ahmed, was honestly so friendly from the very first moment. He actually sent a message the day before to confirm the time, which was a nice, organized touch. We climbed into this really clean and modern Toyota Land Cruiser, and obviously, the air conditioning was a complete relief from the Dubai heat. As a matter of fact, the journey out of the city itself is a bit of an experience. You just watch the futuristic skyline with all its towering buildings slowly give way to a flatter, more sparse suburban landscape, and then, almost suddenly, you’re looking at open desert. You can really feel the anticipation building inside the car. By the way, Ahmed was fantastic; he shared some interesting facts about the area and what we could expect for the evening, so we weren’t just sitting in silence.
The Main Event: Conquering the Red Dunes
Now, this is where the fun, you know, really starts. So our convoy pulled over for a short break to let some air out of the tires. Ahmed explained this is really important for getting better traction on the sand. Honestly, I didn’t even know that was a thing. After that, he put on some energetic Arabic music, and we headed straight for the dunes. To be honest, the term ‘dune bashing’ is pretty accurate. It’s like a rollercoaster on sand, just a lot less predictable. Ahmed was an incredibly skilled driver, you could just tell. He expertly maneuvered the massive vehicle up the side of these seriously steep dunes, holding it at what felt like an impossible angle before sliding down the other side. Sometimes, sand would splash up against the windows, and you’d let out a little scream, half from excitement and half from, well, a little bit of fear. It’s a very thrilling ride, and the views from the peaks of the dunes are just absolutely out of this world. We paused at a high point, and actually, looking out over the endless sea of red sand was a deeply moving moment.
Sandboarding and a Sunset to Remember
Alright, so after the heart-pounding dune ride, we had a chance to try sandboarding. Basically, it’s just like snowboarding but on warm, soft sand. They give you a board, you find a good dune, and you just go for it. Honestly, it’s pretty tiring walking back up the dune, but the ride down is totally worth it. I mean, some people in our group were naturals, gliding down with ease. I, on the other hand, spent more or less most of my time tumbling and laughing. Anyway, it was an absolutely fantastic icebreaker for the group. In the meantime, the sun began its descent. The sky, you know, started to transform. It went from a bright, harsh blue to these incredible shades of orange, pink, and deep purple. Watching the sunset over the Lahbab desert is a really special experience; it’s so quiet and feels so immense. Your guide knows the perfect spots for photos, so you’re guaranteed to get that perfect sunset shot with the dunes in the background.
Welcome to Al Khayma: Camels and Camp Life
As dusk settled, we made our way to the Al Khayma Heritage Camp. The camp itself is just beautifully designed to look like a traditional Bedouin settlement, with low cushions, carpets, and a central stage. So, the first thing we did was take a short camel ride. The camels seemed very calm and well-cared for, you know? The ride is a slow, swaying walk around the perimeter of the camp. It isn’t a long journey into the desert, more like a lovely photo opportunity and a chance to experience this iconic mode of transport, even for just a little while. Upon entering the main camp area, we were greeted with traditional Gahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates, which was a really lovely welcoming gesture. You then have free time to explore the camp. There were stations for trying on traditional Arabic clothing, getting a henna tattoo, or even trying a shisha pipe with different flavored tobaccos. It’s all very relaxed, and you can just do as much or as little as you want to, basically.
An Evening of Food and Entertainment
Frankly, the entertainment was a real highlight of the night. It started with a captivating Tanoura folk dance. This dancer, wearing a very colorful, weighted skirt, just spun around and around in what seemed like a trance for a really long time. Seriously, it was mesmerizing to watch his skill and endurance. Then came the fire show, which was, you know, absolutely spectacular. The performer handled the flames with such confidence, and it was a really high-energy act that got everyone cheering. After the shows, it was time for dinner. The buffet spread was actually very impressive. There were all sorts of salads, hummus, and appetizers, as well as a live BBQ station with grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, and beef. There were also plenty of vegetarian options, for instance, vegetable curry and pasta. To be honest, the food was really good quality, flavorful, and plentiful. At the end of the day, as dinner wound down, they turned off most of the camp lights for a stargazing session. They pointed out some constellations, and just sitting there in the dark, looking up at the clear desert sky, was a truly peaceful way to end the evening.
Is It the Right Safari for You? My Honest Thoughts.
So, at the end of the day, was the experience worth it? Definitely, yes. This tour felt incredibly well-organized and professional from start to finish. It’s sort of a perfect blend of thrill-seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxing entertainment. It’s pretty much ideal for first-time visitors to Dubai, families, or couples who want a comprehensive desert experience without any hassle. The staff are all so friendly and really seem to enjoy what they do, which, you know, makes a huge difference. If you’re looking for an extreme, off-the-grid adventure, this might be a little too structured for you. But if you want a polished, safe, fun, and memorable evening that covers all the classic desert activities, then this package is honestly hard to beat. Just a little tip: definitely wear loose, comfortable clothing and choose sandals over shoes, as sand will get absolutely everywhere. A light jacket is a good idea too, as the desert air can get a little cool once the sun goes down.
Key Takeaways for Your 2025 Trip
In short, the Al Khayma Camp tour offers a well-rounded and high-quality desert experience. It combines the excitement of dune bashing with the cultural richness of a Bedouin-style camp, making for a very memorable evening.
- Well-Organized: Actually, from the online booking to the hotel drop-off, every step is handled professionally.
- Amazing Staff: The guides are knowledgeable, the drivers are skilled, and the camp staff are very welcoming.
- Great Mix of Activities: You get a little bit of everything—thrills, culture, relaxation, and entertainment.
- Good Food: The BBQ buffet is extensive and delicious, with plenty of choices for everyone.
- Picture Perfect: Seriously, be ready for some of the best photo opportunities of your entire trip, especially at sunset.
Read our full review: Al Khayma Camp 2025 Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Al Khayma Red Dunes, Sandboarding & Camel Ride)
