When you think about Dubai, you will usually picture tall buildings, huge malls, beaches, bright lights and a buzzing lifestyle that attracts millions of people every year. However, there is not all there is to see. Just outside the city boundary lies a vast, peaceful desert which offers a completely different atmosphere from the city.
If you wish to explore this side of the city on your vacation, then book a Desert Safari Dubai tour. These desert safaris are, in fact, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai, offering excitement, adventure, and the chance to see a different, beautiful part of the United Arab Emirates.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about desert safaris in Dubai, what to expect, why it’s so popular, and how to make your visit truly unforgettable.
What Is a Desert Safari Dubai?
A desert safari is an adventure trip into the vast Arabian desert. It usually includes exciting activities like dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and much more. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy traditional Arabic culture, taste local food, and watch the sun set over sand dunes.
There are different types of desert safaris you can book in Dubai. Popular choices include evening safari, morning safari, private safari and overnight safari. Everyone can participate in these safari tours regardless of their age or experience. You can come with your friends, family members or even solo. There’s no doubt that you and your group will enjoy your time in the desert.
Why Is Desert Safari Dubai So Popular?
Desert safaris are one of Dubai’s top attractions among tourists as well as locals for many reasons, such as:
Experience Something New
A desert safari tour allows you to experience something new and refreshing in Dubai, other than seeing the same buildings and crowded areas. You can leave behind the noise and stress, and enjoy open skies, fresh air, and wide-open spaces.
Adventure Unlike Anything Else
If you are into adventures and like trying thrilling expeditions with your friends and family, then a desert safari tour should be on your bucket list. There are many exciting activities to do here, like dune bashing, where you drive a high-powered 4×4 vehicle through the challenging desert terrain, which feels like riding a roller coaster. Other popular activities include quad biking, sandboarding and camel riding.
Unique Cultural Experiences
A desert safari isn’t just about adventure; it’s also about experiencing the unique culture of the Bedouins and locals. You can try Arabic coffee, taste sweet dates, watch a falcon show, and even wear traditional clothes for photos. At night, you might enjoy live music, dance shows, and delicious BBQ under the stars.
Amazing Sunsets and Sunrise Views
The desert sunsets and sunrises in Dubai are amazing. The sky turns orange and pink as the sun goes down, or comes up in the morning. You won’t get a chance to witness such views anywhere else. Make sure to have your camera ready.
What Can You Do on a Desert Safari Dubai?
A desert safari is full of fun and exciting activities. Here are some of the most popular things you can enjoy:
Dune Bashing
Dune bashing is for sure one of the main highlights of the safari tour. Here, you’ll ride a 4×4 dune buggy in the desert areas for exploration and adventure purposes. The experience of riding a vehicle up and down on the dunes while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful desert scenery is for sure thrilling and exciting.
The vehicle can easily accommodate 6-7 persons for a more private and customized experience. Book a private safari. Here you can decide the route and drive the vehicle at your own speed with just your group of friends or family.
Camel Riding
No desert safari trip is complete without a camel ride. These majestic animals have been part of Arabian life for centuries. When you ride a camel in the desert, it gives you a feeling of travelling like an Arab royalty. The slow-paced ride and desert breeze blowing alongside offer a relaxing experience.
Sandboarding
If you love trying new things, sandboarding is for you! It is another fun and exciting activity similar to snowboarding, where you slide down the dunes on a board. It’s easy for beginners and a lot of enjoyable for people of all ages. There are tour guides available who can teach you how to do sandboarding, so there is nothing to worry about.
Quad Biking and Dune Buggy Rides
For those who crave more adventure than good news, many safaris offer quad biking and dune buggy rides. These are special vehicles built for driving in tough desert areas. You can drive them across the sand and enjoy the thrill of the open desert.
Falconry and Animal Encounters
Experience the rich culture of the Arabs. Meet the national bird of the UAE, the falcon. Watch skilled trainers show off the bird’s hunting skills, or even hold one for a photo. Also, check out other animals on the tour, like Arabian oryx or gazelles
Delicious Local Food and Refreshments
After all the adventure, you will likely feel tired and hungry, which is why the desert safaris provide a delicious buffet dinner with Arabic and international dishes, fresh salads, grilled meats, and sweet desserts. There are also unlimited drinks you can try, like juices, coffee, tea, and shisha. You can relax in a traditional camp, sit on carpets, and enjoy the evening.
Keep in mind that evening and overnight safaris include a BBQ dinner, whereas the morning safaris include an Arabic breakfast.
Live Entertainment and Dance
At night, camps come alive with music and dance. This is the time to enjoy some local dance performances and entertainment sessions. You might see belly dancers, Tanoura (spinning) dancers, fire shows, or musicians playing traditional instruments. It’s a true taste of Arabian hospitality.
Other Camping Activities
Some other exciting camping activities include henna painting sessions for ladies, where skilled artists draw tattoos on the body parts using henna. You can try an Arabic costume and click some photos as a souvenir of your desert tour.
Overnight Camping
For the full experience, try an overnight desert safari. Sleep under the stars in a comfortable tent, and peaceful environment. Later on, wake up to the sunrise, and enjoy a peaceful breakfast before heading back to the city.
Types of Desert Safari Dubai Experiences
There are different types of desert safari experiences you can enjoy in Dubai. Here are some top options:
Morning Desert Safari
Perfect for early risers, the morning safari is usually shorter and cooler. Main activities include dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, and quad biking as optional. You can eat breakfast and relax in desert camps for photoshoot and entertainment activities before heading back to the desert.
Evening Desert Safari
The evening safari is the most popular choice. It starts in the afternoon, with adventure activities like dune bashing, quad biking, and sandboarding, followed by dinner, entertainment, and sunset views. There are other activities you can enjoy too, like we mentioned above (henna painting, falconry shows, and Arabic costume photoshoot).
Private Desert Safari
Want something special? Book a private safari just for you and your group. It’s more flexible and personal, with your own 4×4 car, with a private guide. You’ll also have a choice to order your own dinner/breakfast menu.
Overnight Desert Safari
An overnight safari is a sort of extension of an evening desert safari. The main activities are all the same, but you get to sleep in the desert after all the evening adventure and fun, instead of returning to the city.
How to Prepare for Your Desert Safari Dubai
To have the best desert safari, here are some simple tips:
- Wear comfortable clothes in which it is easy to walk around in hot weather. Light, loose clothing is best. Closed shoes are a good idea for walking on sand.
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. The sun can be strong in the desert, so it is better to protect your skin from harsh UV rays.
- Carry a camera or phone to capture the amazing scenery and other memorable moments of the tour.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated while adventuring in 4×4 vehicles, ATVs, and quad bikes.
- Listen to your guide and do whatever they say. They’ll keep you safe and make sure you have fun.
- Check the weather. Winter (October to April) is the best time, as it’s cooler and more pleasant.
How to Choose the Best Desert Safari in Dubai
With so many options, here’s how to pick the right safari for you:
- Read reviews online on sites like TripAdvisor and other tourism sites and see what other travelers say about the tour company.
- Compare prices to see which company offers the best rates and quality of services that come within your budget range.
- Look for licensed operators. Don’t ever book with a tour company that is not registered or licensed because they might not follow proper safety procedures.
- Book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season of the winter months.
What Makes Desert Safari Dubai Unforgettable?
It’s the feeling of standing on a high dune, looking out at an endless desert filled with peace. It’s laughing with friends as you ride a camel or slide down the sand. It’s tasting sweet dates, listening to music, and watching the sun set over the desert. And at night, it’s sitting under a sky full of stars, far away from the city.
Every moment in the desert is different. The colors change with the light. The silence feels peaceful. You’ll leave with new memories, stories to tell, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of Dubai’s wild side.
Conclusion
Are you ready to make 2025 your year of adventure? Desert Safari Dubai is waiting for you. With so many tours and experiences to choose from, you can create the perfect day or night for you and your loved ones. Book your safari tour with Desert Planet Tourism and get a 30% discount today. For more queries, don’t hesitate to call us or message us on WhatsApp.
FAQs
Is Desert Safari Dubai safe?
A: Yes, Desert Safari Dubai is safe as long as you book with a trusted desert tour company. Guides are well-trained, vehicles are well-maintained, and all desert safari activities have proper safety rules.
Can I take kids on a Desert Safari Dubai?
Most Desert Safari Dubai tours are family-friendly, but check the age limits for dune bashing, quad biking, or dune buggy rides. Many operators offer gentle rides and cultural experiences that are perfect for children.
Can I go on a Desert Safari Dubai in summer?
Yes, you can go on a Dubai desert safari in summer, but the weather is very hot. Choose early morning desert safaris or late evening tours, wear light clothing, and drink plenty of water to stay cool.
Bilal Mohsin
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