Spread across the southern edges of the bustling metropolis of Dubai is a desert landscape filled with allure and adventure. For the curious traveller who wants to experience every facet of Dubai, a desert safari promises an extraordinary encounter filled with thrilling action and an opportunity to witness the life that thrives in this largely uninhabited corner of the earth. While plenty of desert safaris are on offer, this guide will help you find the best one that is suited to your budget and appeals to the thrill-seeker in you. Here is the definitive guide to finding the best desert safaris in Dubai.
Why take a desert safari in Dubai?
Known the world over for being inventive, Dubai has even transformed the desert into a place of adventure and excitement! On offer is a thrilling menu of desert safaris that are peppered with daring and adrenalin-pumping activities entwined with old traditions of desert communities, making the desert an unmissable stop in your Dubai itinerary.
Desert safaris range from morning to evening safaris, from budget-friendly to premium. While the morning safaris are tailor-made for daredevils who want to spend hours dune bashing, sand boarding or riding camels, the evenings include these exciting escapades as well as serene traditional dinners laid out as the sun sets and the desert goes still.
Read on to know more about the best desert safaris Dubai has on offer.
How to choose the best Dubai desert safari?
While some may like the adrenaline rush of quad biking through the dunes, others may prefer a serene night under the stars amidst the cool sands. Some of you may want to witness a breathtaking sunrise while others may want a taste of Arabian entertainment filled with enchanting belly and Tanoura dancing, wear traditional costumes and learn the ropes of falconry. Whatever you fancy, there is a Dubai desert safari expert tailored to suit your interests and we're here to help you find that perfect one!
Time of day
Desert safaris in Dubai take place at different times of the day. There are sunrise and morning safaris, primarily geared towards adventure sports with itineraries packed with activities like dune bashing, sand boarding and quad biking available. Evening safaris offer these same activities along with buffet dinners, entertainment shows, henna painting, the chance to try on traditional outfits for a photo opportunity, and even a night under the stars.
Thrill levels
Not all desert safaris include adventure-based activities but the ones that do are the most sought after. However, safari options also include more relaxing forays into the desert that allow you to enjoy a sunset over the dunes, try traditional Arabic dresses, get your hand painted with temporary henna tattoos, smoke sheesha and enjoy a delicious dinner. Pick what you will enjoy the most to have an unforgettable time!
Budget
Desert safaris come in a range of budgets. Morning safaris tend to be easier on the pocket while evening safaris enhanced with a host of cultural activities are more expensive. There are also premium and ultra-luxury safaris that you can sign up for if you are looking to splurge on a memorable trip.
Combos
If you are travelling to Dubai for the first time and want to experience everything the city has to offer, then, take a close look at combo deals where you can sign up for a desert safari along with a dhow cruise or a trip to Burj Khalifa. These combos not only offer multiple experiences but also save you a few precious bucks.
Dubai desert safaris deconstructed
In Dubai, desert safari itineraries are well planned and every tiny detail is taken care of so that you can have the maximum fun. Here is how a typical desert safari unfolds.
Transfers
You won’t feel deserted during your safari experience that’s for sure! Hotel transfers are usually a part of the safari experience to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Desert domination
Once you reach the desert sands, you gear up for a desert adventure! You can conquer the dunes with sandboards or demolish them as you go dune bashing or ride the sandy waves on ATVs or go on serene camel rides. Led by ace professionals, these activities are conducted in a safe environment and, both, adults and children can sign up for many of the adventures.
A night to remember
The evenings spell magic in the desert. Once you have wound up your desert conquest, you can wind down with a lavish dinner and special cultural activities. You can try on local Emirate attire and get your hands adorned with henna or pick up new skills in falconry. You can sway along as graceful dancers take centre stage and be swept away by the antics of fire jugglers. Even as the sun dips into the horizon, your unforgettable time in the desert will only begin!
Sun-kissed adventure
Whether you are roaming the desert at dawn or dusk, you are in for a special treat – sunrises and sunsets in the desert are an unparalleled experience and will stay with you for a long time.
Best desert safaris in Dubai
The Dubai desert safari experience is a huge draw with visitors from across the globe. So, it’s no surprise that you’ll be spoilt for choice when making your safari pick. Here are the best safaris across the following categories:
- Evening safari
- Morning safari
- Adventure safari
- Combo deals
- Luxury safaris
Best evening desert safaris in Dubai
With an evening safari, you can blaze through the sand dunes looking for adventure and gear up for heart-stopping action as you glide and soar through the desert landscape as you dune bash, sandboard, and dune buggy. Then, you can spend the evening savouring scrumptious meals, taking in live entertainment, and partaking in local customs like getting a henna tattoo or learning to fly a falcon.
Best morning desert safaris in Dubai
Be prepared to be mesmerised as the sun climbs the horizon and bathes the desert in light during your morning desert safari. You can then dive straight into dune bashing, quad biking, sand boarding and camel riding. Depending on the package you choose, you can also enjoy a picnic or visit a camel farm nearby.
Best adventure desert safaris in Dubai
Fulfil your need for speed and hair-raising action with an adventure desert safari in Dubai. With ATV rides, dune bashing, sandboarding and quad biking, you can accelerate the thrills you feel on your exciting escapade.
Best combo desert safaris in Dubai
Grab the best deals with combs that pair safaris with access to Dubai’s other leading attractions. Perfect for those who chase adventure, combo deals can include trips to the Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Aquarium, Underwater World – ensuring you have the time of your life in this grand city.
Best luxury desert safaris in Dubai
Go luxe with your desert safari in Dubai and you’ll take home an unforgettable memory. The premium desert safaris in Dubai are masterfully created to give you a feel of the life and traditions that have evolved in this sandy expanse over many centuries. Of course, you’ll first get to chase the thrills with the adventure sports of your choice. After which, depending on the package you choose, you can go on nature safaris, savour multi-course meals under a star-lit sky, soak in the traditions of nomadic desert communities and enjoy lively performances of local art forms.
How to dress for the desert safari in Dubai?
Here are a few quick tips to dress comfortably for your desert safari experience in Dubai.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Shorts or cotton pants would be ideal for men while loose cotton or linen pants with basic T-shirts are suitable for women.
- Open-toed shoes and sandals work well in the desert as sports shoes usually fill with sand easily.
- Don’t forget to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun.
- The temperature in the desert drops in the evenings so bring along a lightweight jacket or cardigan.
For more tips, check out our all-inclusive guide to dressing up for the desert.
Tips and hacks for your desert safari in Dubai
- Dune bashing can be bumpy, so, enjoy a light lunch early in the day and avoid drinking too much water.
- Always adhere to the safety instructions to avoid any accidents.
- Do not carry too many valuables. A little cash and a camera are all you need.
- During the holy month of Ramadan, usual desert safari offerings like live dancing, hookahs, and alcohol are put on hold. If you are making a booking during this time, make sure you choose the right package.
- If you're stranded in the desert, call for police rescue on 999.
