What is a Desert Safari?
A desert safari is a short journey across a desert landscape and a very popular tourist attraction that goes way back to its roots in prehistoric Bedouin culture. It is one of the best adventures to go on if you like thrilling experiences and want to get to know the Dubai desert. So, tap into your inner Indiana Jones and go on a desert adventure with your friends and family on these Dubai adventure tours.
Types of Dubai Desert Tours
To start off, there are 3 types of desert safari tours that you can enjoy. These different types might just help you plan according to the other activities on your schedule.
Morning Desert Safari
Are you an ‘Early Bird Gets The Worm’ kinda person?, then go for the exciting Dubai morning desert safari and see the sunrise in the beautiful desertscape of Dubai. The morning tours are also more compatible for people who have other plans for the evening.
Starting at 4:30 a.m. onward, you will be escorted in a 4×4 wheeler from your hotel accommodation and driven into the big dunes of the desert. This early morning tour helps you beat the crowd, allowing you to relax in the calm and cool morning desert and also enjoy your adventure activities on the dunes without worrying about the strong afternoon sun, which is a bonus point.
Experience the popular dune bashing, which begins from your pick-up point to the desert camp. There are also some desert tour activities that are morning-only exclusives, like the hot air balloon ride.
Most morning desert safari tours include just about everything from quad biking, camel rides, sand boarding, and dune buggy safari, along with a delicious morning breakfast in a bedouin-style camp that includes Arabian coffee, dates, and traditional sweets. This type of safari is a good option if you choose to skip the dinner and camping parts of the journey.
Evening Desert Safari
Although the morning safari is considered to be an amazing experience for every traveler, to enjoy and get a full desert safari feel, the evening desert safari in Dubai is the best type of safari tour, as things get more exciting and fun during this time.
Dubai evening safari usually starts in the late afternoon somewhere between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., showcasing UAE’s finest, and sunset in the desert provides for a great view and an incredible background for clicking pictures with your friends and family.
Go sand boarding to test your balancing skills, take your friends group dune bashing in a 4×4 SUV and climb the soft dunes of Dubai. Try out quad biking, one of the most popular and beginner friendly activities in evening desert safari dubai, or watch falconry, a traditional sport of the UAE.
Make your way back to the camp on a camel during the sunset and look at the magnificent scenery of the Dubai desert in the golden hour. Indulge yourself in the various cultural activities and events of Dubai, like applying henna designs to hands and feet, and watching live belly dance and fire shows performances, as you relax and enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner of kebab & shisha in the Arabian desert.
Overnight Desert Safari
The overnight desert safari is made for people who love the nightlife experience, but with a twist. Swap the city for a desert safari and completely explore the rich cultural heritage of UAE, which lasts for 16 to 18 hours, making it the longest adventure out of the previous two mentioned above.
Hop on the 4×4 wheelers, or camels, and ride into the dunes of Dubai. Watch the sunset, relax in the camp, stargaze with your loved one, eat delicious meals, enjoy the live belly dance and fire show performances, and take your family and friends to cherish and enjoy each moment, and finally relax in your vacation homes.
Your night safari will begin with the late afternoon adventure, which of course includes dune bashing, dune buggying, camel riding, sand skiing, and much more. Don’t forget to bring your camera to click pictures during the sunrise, as they provide a great background to your images.
Wake up to a fresh Arabian-style breakfast before you head back into the city. Get to exploring more of Dubai.
Dubai Desert Safari Cost
There are several types of tours, and the cost of a desert safari might vary from operator to operator in terms of activities,transportation, food, etc., but don’t worry, we got you.
Budget-Friendly Desert Safaris
When it comes to an affordable desert experience, safari tours cost from AED 150 to AED 350, which includes hotel pick-up and most of the activities, food, and much more. Some of the budget-friendly tour providers are OceanAir Travel, Rayna Tours, and Tribal Trails Tours.
Luxury Desert Safaris
If you’re willing to pay up some extra money to experience Dubai luxury, then there are a range of options for you as well. These safari tours cost anywhere between AED 350 and AED 1800, to name a few of them: Platinum Heritage Tours, Dubai Private Tour, and Arabian Adventures.
Travel Tips
The best time to go on a desert safari in Dubai is during the winter, between November and March, as the weather is moderately hot. This is also the peak tourist season, and most tourist attractions can get busy and crowded.
Wear loose and comfortable clothing for the day; bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Also, make sure to carry warm clothes like blankets and jackets to keep yourself warm as the temperature tends to drop at night.
It is recommended to wear linen and cotton clothing in light colors, which helps absorb less heat. Long-sleeved tops and pants are better when it comes to protection from the sun and keeping you warm at night.
Make sure to drink plenty of water, avoid eating heavy before any activities, and don’t bring or wear valuables.
Takeaway
Dubai is full of unique experiences and desert safari is a great way to explore something different. Enjoy each adventure and cherish every moment you spend in the desert.
To know more about the various aspects of Dubai, visit HolidayKeepers UAE, or contact us for more information.
FAQs
Is desert safari in Dubai safe?
Dubai Desert Safari is completely safe to enjoy with your friends and family, as many tour providers take safety precautions, such as providing safety helmets, seat belts and safety training, before the tour starts.
What is the best Dubai desert tour operator?
There are many popular desert tour operators in Dubai offering a wide variety of desert safari experiences. Some of the best operators are OceanAir Travel, Rayna Tours, Dubai Desert Safari Tours, Arabian Adventures, and Desert Safari Dubai.
What is the duration of a desert safari experience?
Depending on the package you have chosen, a desert safari in Dubai might last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, but typically most desert safaris last up to 7 hours which is including the travel time to and from your hotel.
What activities are included in a desert safari in Dubai?
Almost all of the desert safari package includes activities like Dune Bashing, Quad Biking, Camel Riding, Sand Boarding, and a traditional Bedouin camp experience.
Are there any age restrictions for desert safari in Dubai?
Although children are allowed to participate in desert safari along with their families, there are some age and health restrictions to ensure everyone’s safety. These rules may change from one tour company to another and from one set of activities to another.
With a decade of expertise in travel and hospitality, Aman Mehrotra, Senior Editor and Travel Manager at HolidayKeepers, is known for his compelling storytelling and insightful travel content. He skillfully combines strategic marketing wisdom with engaging narratives, covering everything from undiscovered destinations to the latest trends in vacation rentals. Aman’s writings resonate with both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking leisurely retreats. His global perspective and innovative approach make him a valuable asset to the HolidayKeepers team and a favorite among readers seeking inspiration and practical advice for their travels.
