Desert Safari Dubai
Experience the magic of the Arabian desert with thrilling dune bashing, stunning sunsets, and traditional entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the sunset magic
Desert Safari Dubai
Best Time
Catch the sunset magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of the Arabian desert with thrilling dune bashing, stunning sunsets, and traditional entertainment.
"Absolutely fantastic trip from start to finish. A highlight of our holiday."
📸 Ask your guide for photos
Many guides are skilled photographers and can capture amazing shots of you with the dunes!
💰 Look for deals online
Compare prices on booking sites; some offer great value for 7-hour tours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dune Bashing Thrills
Red dunes
Experience the adrenaline rush of a 4x4 vehicle expertly navigating the towering sand dunes. A true desert adventure!
Sunset Over the Dunes
Desert landscape
Witness a breathtaking sunset painting the desert sky in vibrant hues. Perfect for stunning photos.
Camel Ride Experience
Desert camp
Enjoy a traditional camel ride, offering a unique perspective of the desert and a classic Arabian experience.
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Bedouin-Style Camp Evening
Desert camp
Immerse yourself in Arabian culture with dinner, live entertainment, and traditional activities at a desert camp.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance, Especially for Peak Season
What to Wear & Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Ask your guide for photos
Many guides are skilled photographers and can capture amazing shots of you with the dunes!
💰 Look for deals online
Compare prices on booking sites; some offer great value for 7-hour tours.
🚗 Consider quad bike add-on
Many tours offer quad biking; book it in advance for the best experience.
🧣 Buy a scarf at the shop
Useful for sun protection and iconic desert photos. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Ask your guide for photos
Many guides are skilled photographers and can capture amazing shots of you with the dunes!
💰 Look for deals online
Compare prices on booking sites; some offer great value for 7-hour tours.
🚗 Consider quad bike add-on
Many tours offer quad biking; book it in advance for the best experience.
🧣 Buy a scarf at the shop
Useful for sun protection and iconic desert photos. +1
💧 Stay hydrated
Unlimited soft drinks and water are usually included, but bring extra if you get thirsty.
🛏️ Choose your tour wisely
Some tours focus on ecotourism, others offer more adrenaline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers consistently praise the Dubai Desert Safari as a highlight of their trip, with many commending the thrilling dune bashing and the breathtaking sunset views. Guides are frequently highlighted for their expertise and ability to enhance the experience, particularly in capturing memorable photos. The evening camp, with its dinner and entertainment, adds a cultural dimension that is well-received.
"Absolutely fantastic trip from start to finish. Our guide, Muhammad, was a pro and made our trip special. He picked us up from our hotel in a well air-conditioned Nissan Patrol. We stopped at a camp where you could hire quads and buggies for a drive across the sand dunnes. There are different areas for different experience levels. Here, you had the opportunity to buy some souvenirs and use the restrooms. We then went into the desert, where Muhammad displayed his expertise driving across the sand dunnes, while playing fantastic music to add to the experience, it really was so much fun. We stopped for some sand boarding and photos. Muhammad showed his skills again, but taking some extraordinary photos for us, making memories that will last a lifetime. Once arriving at the camp for a camel ride, food and a show. The food was amazing, you can avail of unlimited soft drinks and water but you can buy other drinks too. The show itself was great and created a fabulous atmosphere. You could get henna done and other activities. We were then driven back to our hotel. An absolutely must do experience, I honestly couldn't recommend it highly enough. A highlight of our holiday. Thanks, Muhammad, a true gentleman and fantastic guide."
Lisa Clarke
"It was a last minute decision to go on a desert safari so I jumped on Google and Desert Safaris Dubai were top of the list, and for good reason. Booking was easy and I was contacted with a pick up time from my hotel. A clean luxury SUV arrived outside bang on time and the adventure started. Our guide for the day was a gentleman named Muhammad who looked after us from start to finish. Muhammad negotiated the sand dunes expertly making the SUV go up and down the dunes that you wouldn’t be able to walk let alone drive. After the dunes we were taken to a camp for a BBQ and a show. Everything was fantastic and after it all Muhammad dropped us back at our hotel safely. This was definitely the highlight of our trip to Dubai and I would highly recommend anyone looking to go on a desert safari not to pass Desert Safari Dubai."
Thomas Clarke
"Great excursion! Our driver Mohammad, Saad was great! He was very attentive, made the dune bashing really fun and was amazing at taking photos of us using just our phones (I was very impressed). I would recommend this tour!"
Joy Garcia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most desert safari tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off in a 4x4 vehicle, typically around 3:30-4:00 PM. Shared and private options are usually available.
While some tours might allow it, the standard experience includes transportation. It's recommended to use the provided pick-up service for ease and safety, especially for dune bashing.
Pick-up times usually range from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, allowing you to experience the desert sunset and evening activities.
Most evening desert safaris last between 6 to 7 hours, concluding around 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
Yes, many tour operators offer private pick-up and drop-off services in luxury SUVs for a more personalized experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary widely, from around $45 USD for basic tours to over $100 USD for premium or ecotourism experiences. Look for deals on booking platforms, but check what's included.
Yes, you can find standard evening safaris, premium experiences with better food and entertainment, and specialized ecotourism tours.
It's highly recommended, especially during peak season, to book your desert safari in advance to secure your spot and preferred time.
Most packages include dune bashing, a camel ride, dinner, and live entertainment. Some may also include sandboarding and quad biking (often as an add-on).
While some last-minute options might exist, booking in advance is safer to guarantee availability and potentially better pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and often cultural performances like belly dancing and Tanoura shows at the desert camp.
Dune bashing is generally safe when conducted by experienced drivers in well-maintained vehicles. Listen to your guide's instructions.
Yes, sandboarding is a popular activity offered on many desert safaris, allowing you to slide down the dunes.
Typically, you'll find traditional Arabian entertainment such as belly dancing, a Tanoura (whirling dervish) show, and sometimes fire shows.
Absolutely! The desert offers stunning landscapes for photography, especially during sunset. Guides are often happy to help capture great shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
A BBQ dinner is standard, often featuring a variety of grilled meats, salads, and traditional Arabic dishes. Vegetarian options are usually available.
Alcohol is typically available for purchase at the desert camp, though it's not usually included in the base package. Some tours may not serve alcohol.
Most tour operators can accommodate vegetarian and vegan dietary needs if informed in advance. It's best to confirm when booking.
Yes, the dinner is usually served buffet-style, offering a wide selection of dishes to choose from.
Unlimited soft drinks and water are generally included. Other beverages, including alcoholic ones, are usually available for purchase.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours just before and during sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for desert photography.
Many guides are excellent photographers and can help you capture memorable shots, especially with the dunes as a backdrop.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the dunes, action shots during dune bashing and sandboarding, and cultural moments at the camp.
Don't miss the chance to photograph the sunset, the camel caravans, and the vibrant atmosphere of the desert camp.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most, but a wide-angle lens can be great for landscapes. Protect your gear from sand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for tours that explicitly mention being family-friendly. The desert camp offers a safe environment for kids to explore, enjoy the food, and watch the shows. Bringing a scarf for sun protection and comfortable shoes is essential for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be mindful of potential upselling at the initial stop, as noted by some travelers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Guides are often happy to assist with capturing memorable shots, so don't hesitate to ask! Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive desert vistas and a telephoto lens if you plan to capture details or wildlife. Protect your gear from the fine sand.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Desert Safari Experience
When selecting a tour, pay attention to what's included. Basic packages often feature dune bashing, a camel ride, a BBQ dinner, and some entertainment. More premium options might offer better quality food, private seating areas, or additional activities like quad biking and sandboarding. Some TikTok creators highlight the importance of booking quad bikes in advance if they are a priority.
Ultimately, the 'best' safari depends on your preferences. Read reviews and check itineraries carefully to match your desired level of adventure and cultural engagement.
The Thrill of Dune Bashing and Sandboarding
Complementing the dune bashing is sandboarding, where you can slide down the steep sandy slopes on a board. It's a fun, albeit sometimes challenging, activity that adds another layer of adventure to your desert excursion. While some tours include it, others may offer it as an optional add-on.
For those who enjoy a bit more speed, quad biking is often available, allowing you to explore the desert terrain at your own pace. Many travelers recommend booking this in advance to ensure availability and potentially a better price.
Cultural Immersion at the Desert Camp
The camp experience is enhanced by live entertainment, typically featuring mesmerizing belly dancing and the vibrant Tanoura (whirling dervish) show. These performances create a festive atmosphere and offer a taste of local traditions. You might also find opportunities for henna tattoos and other cultural activities.
Beyond the performances, the camp provides a relaxed setting to mingle, enjoy the desert ambiance, and reflect on the day's adventures. It's a chance to experience the hospitality and traditions of the region in a memorable way.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit