While the glamourous cityscapes are exciting, the true spirit of Dubai lies deep in the red sand dunes of the desert, and there is no better way to experience it than a desert safari. This unique experience gives you the opportunity to discover the thrill of the desert and experience the old traditions and culture of the Arabs in an authentic way, unlike anywhere else.
Desert Safari gives you an insight into the lives of the old Bedouins that resided in the dunes long ago, keeping the culture and history alive even now. It is an experience that should not be missed when visiting Dubai.
Planning a tour soon? Here is everything you need to know about Desert Safaris in Dubai.
What To Expect From A Desert Safari Tour
While no two desert safaris are the same, most of them follow similar itineraries for the day. Here’s what you can expect from a standard day/evening desert safari tour in Dubai.
- 2:30 p.m. – Pick-up from your location
- 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Dune bashing into the desert
- 4 p.m. – Arrival at the desert camp
- 4 – 4:30 p.m. – Refreshments
- 4:30 – 6 p.m. – Activities – sand boarding, camel riding, henna painting, etc.
- 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Dance performances
- 7:30 p.m. – BBQ dinner
- 9 p.m. – Drop-off at your location
What To Wear On A Desert Safari Tour
While there is no set dress code for a desert safari tour, it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothes that will keep you cozy throughout the day.
Keep the weather in mind – even during summer months, the desert can get cold. A good outfit idea would be casual jeans and a shirt with an extra cardigan that you can wear when the breeze gets chilly.
Wear comfortable shoes, ideally closed ones, to easily protect yourself from sun damage and climb the sand dunes. Don’t forget sunscreen to protect from sun damage and burns!
Dubai Desert Safari Age & Health Restrictions
For safety purposes, kids younger than 2 years old are not allowed to participate in dune drives and off-road safaris. Children between 2 and 4 can have the entertainment only in an exclusive vehicle, but they should be belted in a child car seat.
Pregnant women and people with pre-existing medical conditions (including heart disease and neck or back problems) are not recommended to participate in some tour activities due to their thrilling nature.
Different types of Dubai Desert Safari
Desert Safari experiences come in many different shapes and forms, but the primary distinguishing factor is the time of the day. You can choose from an early morning, day/evening, or night safari experience. Each has its own set of activities and features, and the best one for you will be based on your preferences. Let’s take a look at the three different types of desert safari experiences in Dubai.
Morning Desert Safari
These safari tours start early in the morning, allowing you to witness a mesmerizing sunrise over the desert. Morning safaris are usually more relaxing and include activities such as sunrise watching, sandboarding, and breakfast, based on the tour operator.
Morning desert safaris are the perfect way to explore and enjoy the desert in the peace and tranquility of early dusk before the city comes to life. Relax in the desert camp and start your day the Bedouin style by indulging in Arabic coffee and dates. Some morning safari events also include exclusive morning activities like hot air balloon rides and wildlife exploration.
Day/Evening Desert Safari
With these safaris, you can explore the desert during the day, watch the sunset over the dunes, and enjoy a spectacular evening under the stars, giving you the best of both worlds. Day/Evening Safaris include various thrilling activities, including dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional dance performances, including belly dancing and tanoura dancing which you can enjoy while feasting on a delicious traditional BBQ dinner.
If you want to experience a full day in the desert, this desert safari experience in Dubai will be the perfect choice.
Overnight Desert Safari
If you’re more of a night owl, the night desert safari experiences will be your cup of tea. Night safaris give you the opportunity to explore the desert in the dark and enjoy a spectacular night under the stars. Your overnight tour will start with an exciting dune-bashing journey into the desert camp, where you can relax and enjoy traditional performances while enjoying a delicious meal.
As the night grows deeper, you can start spotting the stars and learning more about the sky with the help of astrological guides.
With some experiences, you can enjoy an evening-to-night safari and head back to the city. Other overnight desert safari experiences allow you to camp in the midst of the desert, explore the stars, and wake up to a gorgeous sunrise over the sand dunes.
How Much Does Dubai Desert Safari Cost?
Dubai has a range of desert safari experiences that are suitable for every budget. The prices for desert safari tours vary based on different factors, including the time of the day, the length of the tour, the activities included in the tour, and the tour operators.
Budget-Friendly Desert Safari Experiences in Dubai
Morning and day safari experiences are generally the most budget-friendly in Dubai, starting from AED 120 ($32) per person. You can find a range of experiences within AED 350 ($95) with different activities on Platinumlist and choose the one that suits your preferences.
Luxury Desert Safari
If you want to go all out, there are many luxury desert safari experiences in Dubai to choose from. These luxury experiences offer unique activities like vintage car rides, wildlife exploration, hot air balloon rides, and overnight camping, which are all well worth the price. You can find luxury desert safari tours starting from AED 2000.
Activities Included in Dubai Desert Safari
While every desert safari has its own set of experiences, here are the most common activities included in a Desert Safari tour. We recommend checking which activities are included in your ticket before booking.
Dune Bashing
In every safari tour, you will head into the desert with a thrilling dune-bashing experience in a luxury 4X4 SUV. Hold on tight as the professionally trained driver speeds across the waves of the sand dunes, giving you the most adrenaline-pumping journey of your life.
Entertainment
An evening on a desert safari is full of entertainment. Enjoy your night with traditional performances, including a belly dancing show, a Tanoura dance show, and a fire show that will leave you awestruck.
Sandboarding
Some desert safaris include a sandboarding experience where you can slide your way across the desert slopes on a special sandboard that will take you across the dunes in a glorious way. This easy activity is thrilling yet safe at the same time.
Camel Rides
Add a cherry on top of your traditional Bedouin-inspired experience with a camel ride that will give you an insight into the heritage and culture of the traditional Arabs.
Wildlife Spotting
In some desert safari experiences, you can also get the opportunity to explore Dubai’s unique wildlife, including camels, falcons, Arabian Onyx, and other exciting animals local to the region.
Falcon Experience
Get an opportunity to interact with the country’s national bird up close as they rest on your hand with the help of its professional caretakers. You can take photos with the bird to capture the moment forever.
Quad Biking
Quad biking is the perfect activity if you want to take your desert adventure up a notch. Ride through the dunes in a 150cc Quad Bike that takes you through the desert waves in a thrilling and exhilarating way.
Henna Painting
During the desert safari, women can get into the true spirit of traditional Bedouin women by getting a henna tattoo from one of the resident henna artists in the desert camps.
Tips For Visiting Desert Safari In Dubai
- Every desert safari experience must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Make sure you secure your tickets online for your chosen date before they get sold out. Find and book desert safari experiences with the best prices on Platinumlist now.
- Confirm your pick-up/drop-off location. Every desert safari experience includes transfer services, as desert camps are included in inaccessible locations. Make sure you confirm your pick-up and drop-off location with the tour operators at least 24 hours in advance.
- Check age and health restrictions. To ensure safety, desert safari experiences have certain age and health restrictions that should be followed to avoid injury. Ensure you are well aware of the restrictions before booking to avoid disappointment.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Depending on the time of the year, it can get very hot or very cold in the desert. Ensure you wear comfortable and appropriate clothing during your visit to guarantee a smooth experience. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Stay hydrated. The sun in the desert can get very harsh, especially during the peak summer months. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day to avoid any medical issues.
- Understand what’s included in your tour. Every tour includes different activities. Make sure you fully understand what each tour includes before booking the tickets to avoid any disappointments.
Ready to book your Desert Safari tour? Find the best options and book your tickets through Platinumlist now.
