Dubai Desert Safari: The Ultimate Guide | 5 Types | What You Need To Know!

If you are in Dubai, Desert Safari is something you can never miss! It’s your unmissable chance to see the Dubai culture and hospitality from near! There are numerous providers who can arrange this for you, if you are traveling independently. If you are traveling with an agency then, this is an integral part of the tour itinerary.

Here is what you can expect at Dubai Desert Safari

Pick up and drop off to your hotel in Dubai
Dunes Bashing
Quad bike ride (mostly additional charges and not included in the package)
Camel Ride
Tanoura dance show
Fire Show
Belly Dancing Show
Snacks
Cold Beverages
Alcohol (Additional charges)
Hot beverages (tea/coffee)
Buffet dinner
Henna painting
Arabic dressing and the photo booth
Sheesha Smoking

These activities are typically included in the desert safari package, regardless of which package you choose.

You can read my honest opinion about this activity in this blog-

My Honest Review of 15 Attractions in Dubai

Types of Dubai Desert Safaris

Now you will see various options to choose from different providers. But, the core of the activities are always going to be the same. You might go for a luxurious option where you will get more comfortable seating, or a VIP buffet access or a longer camel ride- all depends on how much you pay!

A usual package with basic amenities

A normal package gives you a gist of every activity mentioned above and you will get basic access to everything. For premium access you would want to pay more. This is always better, because you can choose on the spot if you want to invest in that particular activity or not, rather than spending in advance and not being able to make a full use of it.

These safaris often do not include Quad bike rides but give a time slot of 30 minutes if you want to go for it for extra charges, of course. The cost per person is around AED 200 for a 30 minute ride.

If you are traveling with friends, this option is suitable if you are interested in quad biking, otherwise, you can totally skip it!

With these packages, you get a limited variety of starters. If you go for shisha smoking, you cannot bring it to the table. If you want so, you would need to pay extra.

A premium package with quad biking

If you are sure about the activities, you can go for such packages. This saves a lot of time booking for quad biking on the spot.

Plus, such packages may include premium seating arrangements and VIP access to the buffet and snacks. Remember, your basic package lets you go for a normal seating and a self service to the buffet at a given time.

Whereas, premium packages offer table service and all time access to dinner buffet and more options in snacks and starters.

With this package, you can smoke your shisha from your table.

Dubai Desert Safari without Dunes Bashing

Dunes bashing is an important part of Dubai Desert Safari, This is the main attraction/ activity for which guests choose to go for the Dubai Desert Safari. But, it’s possible, that not everyone can enjoy the activity (old age people, people with motion sickness, etc)

For them, you can choose this package. If you change your mind at any point, you can still go for the dunes bashing by paying extra! All the other activities remain same and depends on which package you have choses (basic/ premium)

Dubai Desert Safari with night camping

All the other variants of the Dubai desert safari do not include the night stay. So, if you want to stay in traditional Arabian tents and stargaze at night, you can choose this option.

Many variants may be available for this type of activity. You can opt for just the night stay with BBQ dinner or you can choose the normal safari with the night camping.

Dubai Desert Safari in Morning

All the other variants are in the evening as it includes dinner and dance shows. The campsite glows with the amazing lighting that becomes an eye catchy attraction in Dubai.

If you want to explore the desert in the morning by car, this is what you choose.

Know that these safaris are exclusive of meals, dance shows and camel rides. Camel rides could be made available with additional charges.

Approximate cost of Dubai Desert Safari:

Highly depends on the package you choose. But the basic package starts from approximately INR 5000⁺⁺

Best Time for the Dubai Desert Safari:

January to March (the weather is pleasant)

Rest of the year (in the evening when the heat goes down)

Duration of the Dubai Desert Safari:

Morning Safaris: 4 hours

Evening Safaris: 6 hours

Overnight Safaris: 12 hours

What to wear on Dubai Desert Safari?

Anything comfortable and warm especially in winter months as the temperature goes really down up to 10-13 degrees and it gets chilly.

Can I bring outside food for the Dubai Desert Safari?

Yes. But outside food is not allowed inside the campsite!

Note: these are the types of the Dubai desert safaris. Many variants including different activities are available. Ensure you read the offerings beforehand and go for the right one that suits the best to your needs.