Of all the wonders of Dubai, there’s nothing which defines it quite as much as the expansive, glorious desert does. From sand dunes to desert camps, authentic Arabian food to camel rides, quad biking to sand boarding, there’s a lot to do in the Dubai desert! This is exactly why you need to find the best desert safari Dubai, to experience traditional Dubai at its finest.
Dubai desert safaris today have become one of the most popular activities in the region. Taking place in multiple locations around Dubai, the range of experiences and activities in these safaris are second to none. With hundreds of desert safaris to choose from, selecting a final safari may get overwhelming. Hence, our desert safari Dubai guide is here to help you make the right pick. Let’s begin.
Why Take a Safari Tour in Dubai?
Dubai is blessed with sprawling endless deserts filled with numerous sand dunes providing locals and tourists alike a fun past time. However, what we see today as recreational is not just a fun experience but also a traditional activity that teaches us more about the life the locals lived in the desert. Coupled with all the modern amenities, adventure activities and dinner & entertainment, desert safaris in Dubai have become one of the most iconic and sought after pastime activities in Dubai.
Most desert safaris in Dubai begin at your hotel itself. You will be picked up at your residence and be transported to the magical desert that surrounds Dubai. At the desert camp, you will be inundated with a host of experiences and activities - from sheesha to falconry, camel riding to sand boarding, belly dances to a buffet dinner - there is something for every one to enjoy here.
Check out our in-depth desert safari guides and discover the best desert safaris, Dubai.
How To Choose The Right Dubai Desert Safari?
While some may like the adrenaline rush of quad biking through the dunes, some may like a serene night under the stars in the cold desert of Dubai. Some of you maybe a morning person looking to witness the sunrise, while some of you may want a taste of Arabian entertainment with the bellydancing, tanoura dance and the works. Whatever it is that you like, there is a Dubai Desert Safari experience 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 morning safaris, primarily geared towards adventure sports with activities such as dune bashing, sand boarding and quad biking available for you to experience the thrill that the desert can offer. Evening safaris, along with adventure activties offer services such as buffet dinners, entertainment shows, henna painting or maybe even sleeping under the stars.
Adventure Levels
Not all desert safaris' have adrenaline-pumping activities, but the ones that do are definitely the most sought after. However, there is a softer, more traditional side of a desert safari that will allow you to relax in a desert camp as the sun sets over the dunes, try on traditional Arabic dresses, get your hand painted with a temporary henna tattoo, smoke some sheesha and enjoy a delicious dinner at the desert safari. Know the kind you'd like before buying your tickets.
Budget
Any trip is successful only if you’re able to experience all that’s on offer without overspending or crossing your budget. To make your trip to the Dubai desert successful, look out for tours that are available on discounts. For instance, Headout, an online concierge for fun activities and things to do in Dubai, offers great discounts on a range of desert-themed activities.
Combo Deals
Traveling to Dubai for the first time or have plans to see more of the city and experience what Dubai has to offer? How about choosing a combo that allows you to experience a desert safari, go for a Dubai Dhow cruise in a traditional dhow and visit At the Top-Burj Khalifa? If you're looking to experience more than just a desert safari, then go for a combo that allows you to see and do more, as well as help you save money on individual experiences.
Top Rated Desert Safari Experiences in Dubai
Typical Dubai Desert Safari Deconstructed
While each Desert safari experience may vary, here are few typical things that happen through them all. From bashing sand dunes in specially designed buggies to enjoying a delicious dinner as artists belly dance and calling it a night and sleeping under the stars - the range of experiences and activities on offer at a desert safari in Dubai is truly phenomenal
Transfers
While you may wonder how you're going to get yourself into the Dubai desert, know that most ( almost 99%) of the Desert Safari Tours provide transfers to the campsite. You will be picked up from your residence/hotel and dropped back after the experience. Since transport is taken care of, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy!
Adventure Thrills
On a Dubai outdoor adventure, you can indulge in some dune bashing, sand boarding, dune buggy riding, wildlife safari and even take an exciting camel ride. There are options for quad biking too if you enjoy the thrill of riding an ATV on the silky desert!
Taste of Dubai
Dubai’s desert safari’s boast a wide array of traditional activities - mainly the buffet dinner and an entertainment show. As the night sets in, indulge in a delicious dinner buffet while belly dancers keep you entertained along with a tanoura dance, puppet and horse dance or even a fire dance!
Sunrise or Sunset
One can also choose from either night desert safari or a day desert safari both wonderful in their own way. While the morning safari's allow you to witness a golden sunrise, the evening safari lets you catch a glimpse of the sun setting into the dunes.
Discounted Tickets For Top 5 Best Desert Safaris in Dubai
To suit the varied tastes of tourists from all across the globe, there are different Dubai Desert Safari experiences available. Below is our pick of the 5 Best Desert Safaris Dubai, categorized into different sections to help you navigate your choices better.
Best Evening Desert Safaris in Dubai
With an evening desert safari in Dubai, you'll get to experience the stunning desert landscape as the sun sets, and there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained! From camel rides and traditional dances, there's something for everyone. And of course, no desert safari would be complete without a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars. So if you're looking for an unforgettable evening experience, be sure to book a desert safari with us!
Top Morning Desert Safaris in Dubai
A morning desert safari in Dubai is the perfect way to start your day. With the sun just starting to peek over the horizon, you'll have the perfect light for taking photos as you explore the sand dunes. And when you stop for a camel ride or to watch the sunrise, you'll be treated to some of the most stunning scenery in all of Dubai.
Best Adventure Desert Safaris in Dubai
From dune bashing and ATV rides to sandboarding and Quad biking , there are plenty of ways to experience the thrill of the desert. And with Headout's so many adventure safaris to choose from, it's easy to find an adventure that's perfect for you. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience or a more relaxed way to explore the desert, we've got you covered!
Dubai Desert Safari Combo Deals You Cannot Resist
Why do just the safari when you can combo it with other top attractions in the city for a better deal? Check out these popular desert safari combos and grab yourself a steal deal!
Best Premium Desert Safaris In Dubai
A luxury desert safari in Dubai is a unique experience to explore the vast and beautiful Arabian Desert and spot some incredible wildlife. After a day of exploring, you'll be treated to a truly luxurious evening with delicious dinner under the stars. A luxury desert safari in Dubai is an unforgettable experience that you'll treasure forever!
How To Dress For The Desert In Dubai?
This is a common question that strikes all desert safari first timers. Here are a few quick things that will help you be comfortable yet chic ( for your Instagram shots!)
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Unlike other places in the Emirates, you will be solely in the company of other travelers and, therefore, without dress restrictions.
- For guys shorts, capris, or cotton pants would be ideal for a hassle free experience
- For women loose cotton/linen pants, salwar kamiz and basic T shirts will deem comfortable, especially during sandboarding.
- While it may seem ill-advisable to wear open-toed shoes or flip-flops in the desert, it is actually preferable. Since you’re trekking through fine sand, you’ll want shoes you can easily take on and off and dump the sand out of, rather than tennis shoes with socks.
- Limited jewellery is recommended for all.
- Don’t forget to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to shield yourself from the harsh desert rays.
- The temperature in the desert drops in the evenings so make sure to take along a lightweight jacket or cardigan.
For more tips, check out our all-inclusive guide to dressing up for the desert - be it for any weather or activity!
Dubai Desert Safari Reviews With Headout
Check out more desert safari tour reviews from verified customers for a real life preview into our best dubai safari packages & tours !
Great evening, complete with a local attire and refreshment for our enjoyment. After a short camel ride I came back to the camp and dined on a delicious barbeque dinner as the stars came out and an enchanting belly dancer and tanoura dancer performed a fascinating routine to Arabian music. The experience would not have been complete without trying our very own shisha pipe, available in many aromatic flavours.
Maria, Tripadvisor, December 2021
Desert safari is the highlight part in Dubai with 4+1 car and in desert Dune bashing and camel ride horse ride ,night show with barbecue dinner and photos with Dubai's traditional dress camp fire with dance activity, pickup and drop maintain by the agent's.. enjoyed very much. I will never forget in my life
Chaitu, Tripadvisor, December 2021
Handy Tips and Hacks
- Dune bashing can be a bit of a bumpy, so enjoy a light lunch early in the day and avoid drinking too much water.
- Always adhere to the safety instructions before venturing into any adventure sport in the desert. This would ensure that you do not encounter any kind of accident.
- Do not carry too many valuables along with you . A little cash and a camera is all you need for a fabulous time during a Dubai desert safari.
- It would be best to avoid the desert safari during the months of Ramadan as you would not be able to see entertainment activities like Tanura and belly dance, smoke shisha or order alcoholic drinks during this time of the year.
- If you're stranded in the desert, call for police rescue on 999.
FAQs
Q. What are the different types of desert safaris in Dubai?
Q. What is included in a Dubai desert safari tour?
Q. How do I get to my Dubai desert safari location?
Q. What does a Dubai desert safari combo tour include?
Q. What is the cancelation policy for a Dubai desert safari?
Q. What should I wear on a Dubai desert safari?
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