A desert safari is one of the most striking excursions from Dubai and a great contrast to the city’s skyscrapers. In an hour to an hour and a half from the center you find yourself among golden dunes, where you ride 4x4s, watch the sunset and have dinner at a Bedouin camp under the stars. In this guide we will break down the types of tours, what they include, what to bring and how to choose an operator.
What a Desert Safari Is
A classic safari is an organized trip in a four-wheel-drive 4x4 across the dunes with an experienced driver. The program usually includes dune bashing, a photo stop at sunset, and a visit to a camp with traditional entertainment and dinner. Tours include the transfer to and from your hotel, so you do not need to arrange getting there separately.
Morning, Evening and Night
Tours differ by time and content:
- Morning safari — shorter and more active: dunes, quad bikes, sandboarding, no dinner. Good for those who dislike crowds and heat;
- Evening safari — the most popular: sunset over the dunes, a barbecue dinner at the camp, a show and camel rides;
- Night safari — a calmer format with stargazing far from the city lights.
What’s Included in a Tour
To understand what you are paying for, compare a typical lineup:
| Option | Duration | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 3–4 hours | Dunes, quad bikes, sandboarding |
| Evening | 6–7 hours | Sunset, dinner, show, camels |
| Night | Evening–night | Stars, calm atmosphere |
| Premium | Evening | Fewer people, a private table |
After comparing, the choice is logical: for activity go morning, for atmosphere and dinner go evening, for romance and quiet go night.
Activities in the Desert
Besides dune bashing, tours often include extra activities: quad bikes, sandboarding (riding down the dunes on a board), photo sessions in traditional costumes, and camel rides. At the camp, guests are treated to a barbecue dinner and a show — the tanoura dance, belly dancing and a fire show. It is a full evening out, not just a drive.
What to Bring and How to Dress
Pack in advance so nothing spoils the experience:
- comfortable clothes and closed shoes (open ones will let sand in);
- sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat;
- a light sweater — after sunset it gets noticeably cooler in the desert;
- a little cash for souvenirs and tips;
- wet wipes and water.
Those prone to motion sickness should warn the driver and not eat heavily before the dune ride.
Safety: Who It’s Suitable For
A safari with a licensed operator is safe, but intense dune bashing is not for everyone. It is better for people with back and neck problems, pregnant women and those with very young children to skip the active part — calmer programs without aggressive driving are available for them. Always wear your seatbelt and follow the guide’s instructions.
Other Excursions from Dubai
The desert is not the only option for a trip out of town. From Dubai, popular trips include Abu Dhabi with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Hatta mountains with the dam reservoir and kayaking, and the neighboring emirates. For such trips a car rental or an organized tour is convenient.
When to Go
It is most comfortable to go on a safari from October to April, when the desert is not so hot. Tours run in summer too, but the daytime heat is serious, so people choose evening and night departures. For more on the seasons in general — see the article when to visit Dubai.
To plan the city part of your trip, see the interesting locations and a ready-made first-day itinerary, and to pick a convenient base — the guide where to stay in Dubai.
