- 4x4 Dune Bashing: ride over the red dunes with an experienced desert driver.
- Sandboarding: glide down soft dune slopes, easy for beginners and fun for thrill-seekers.
- Camel Farm Visit: meet camels up close and learn about their role in Saudi desert life.
- Sunset Dune Walk: walk the ridges of the red dunes as the colours deepen at golden hour.
- Stargazing: look up at clear desert skies, far from Riyadh's city lights.
- Dinner at Our Desert Camp: a flavourful dinner, snacks and hot & cold drinks included.
Perfect For
Transportation
Price Range
Riyadh Hiking runs this Red Sand Riyadh trip for travelers who want an authentic desert experience close to the city, without the guesswork. We handle the driving, the gear and the dinner, so you can focus on the dunes, the sunset and the stars. We are a licensed tour operator (Ministry of Tourism licence no. 73101897), and you can read our guest reviews on TripAdvisor.
Where Are the Red Sand Dunes in Riyadh?
The Red Sand dunes sit northwest of Riyadh, about 80 from the city center, roughly a 60 minutes drive. The area is locally known as Al Remal Al Hamra. The last stretch into the dunes is off-road, which is why the trip uses 4x4 vehicles and an experienced desert driver.
Your exact meeting point can move depending on sand and access conditions, so we confirm it by WhatsApp on the day of your trip.
What You'll Do on the Red Sand Riyadh Trip
Dune Bashing in a 4x4
Feel the rush as your driver climbs and drops over the red dunes. Every drive is led by desert drivers who know this terrain well, and the route changes with sand and weather conditions.
Sandboarding on the Red Dunes
The soft, fine red sand makes this one of the best places near Riyadh to try sandboarding. Beginners get a quick how-to before their first run. No experience needed.
Camel Farm Visit
Stop at a camel farm to see these desert icons up close. Want to ride one? Camel rides are available on-site as an optional extra.
Sunset Dune Walk & Photography
The dunes turn deep orange at golden hour. It's the best time for photos, so bring your phone or camera.
Stargazing & Dinner at the Desert Camp
After sunset, settle in at our desert camp for dinner, then spend time under a clear night sky, far from city light pollution.
Why Book With Riyadh Hiking?
Licensed Local Operator
We are licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism (licence no. 73101897) and run desert trips around Riyadh every season.
Safety-First Desert Driving
Our drivers check the weather before every departure and adjust routes across the dunes to keep every guest safe.
Responsible Desert Travel
We leave no trace. Our camps and routes respect the fragile desert environment so the Red Sand dunes stay beautiful for every visitor.
2:00 PM – Departure from Riyadh
Meet your guide and set off toward the Red Sand dunes
3:00 PM – Arrive at the Red Sand Dunes
Reach our desert camp, then head out for dune bashing, sandboarding and the camel farm visit.
~5:30 PM – Sunset on the Dunes
Walk the dune ridges and take photos as the sand turns deep orange.
7:00 PM – Dinner at the Camp
Enjoy dinner in a relaxed desert setting with hot and cold drinks.
7:30 PM – Stargazing Experience
Spend time under the clear desert sky observing stars away from city lights.
8:00 PM – Return to Riyadh
Depart from the desert and head back to the city, concluding the experience.
Included
- Walking on the red sand dunes
- Dune bashing (driving on the dunes)
- Sandboarding
- Visit to a camel farm
- Stargazing session
- Games at the desert camp
- Dinner at our desert camp
- Snacks
- Hot and cold drinks
- Access to camp facilities with toilets
Not included
- Quad bike – 100 SAR (30 minutes)
- Camel ride – 50 SAR (10 minutes)
Your safety and comfort are our priority.
- If the weather isn't suitable, we may modify or reschedule the trip. We'll always contact you first.
- Please WhatsApp us at least 2 hours before departure to confirm the meeting point.
- The meeting point can change depending on desert access conditions.
- Dune bashing is not recommended for pregnant guests or anyone with back, neck or heart conditions.
- Some activities may be adjusted for safety or environmental reasons.
We operate responsibly to protect the natural beauty of the red sand Riyadh desert and ensure a safe experience for all guests.
Red Sand Dunes Riyadh: FAQs
Where are the Red Sand dunes in Riyadh?
The Red Sand dunes are northwest of Riyadh, about 90 from the city, a 60 minutes drive. The final section into the dunes is off-road and needs a 4x4.
How long is the Red Sand Riyadh trip?
The trip lasts about 6 hours. It departs Riyadh at 2:00 PM and returns around 8:00 PM.
How much does the Red Sand Riyadh tour cost?
The tour starts from 300 SAR per person and includes dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel farm visit, stargazing, dinner, snacks and drinks. Quad bikes (100 SAR / 30 min) and camel rides (50 SAR / 10 min) are optional extras.
Why is the sand red?
The sand has a high iron oxide content, which gives the dunes their reddish-orange colour. The colour is most intense at sunset.
Is the Red Sand Riyadh trip suitable for families?
Yes. Walking, the camel farm visit, dinner and stargazing suit all ages.
What is the best time to visit the Red Sand dunes?
October to April is the best season, when temperatures are cooler. Afternoon trips give you the best light at sunset.
Is dune bashing safe?
Yes. Dune driving is done by experienced desert drivers who know the Red Sand terrain and follow strict safety measures. It isn't recommended for pregnant guests or people with back or heart conditions.
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for sand
- Light jacket during winter months
- Phone or camera for desert photography
3383 طريق الملك عبدالله, Al-Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
