Being a top tourist destination, Dubai offers a diverse range of activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether someone wants to enjoy sightseeing, relax, or try some daring adventures, you will find everything here to your liking. Talking about adventures, if this is what you seek, then you will not find anything more exciting and fun than a Private Desert Safari Dubai adventure.
A safari adventure amidst the desert away from city noise and crowds helps to relax your mind, and you get everything we mentioned: sightseeing, adventure, entertainment, and some cultural elements as well.
Booking a desert safari tour is very easy nowadays in Dubai. Numerous tour operators offer numerous packages and options to choose from. Among these options, the most popular are Morning and Evening Desert Safari tours. Today, we will examine in detail what these safaris offer and which is the best choice for your vacations. So let’s get started.
Main Highlights of a Desert Safari Tour in Dubai
Before diving into the differences between Morning and Evening safari tours, let’s explore the key activities that make a private desert safari in Dubai an unforgettable experience.
Dune Bashing
Dune bashing is a thrilling adventure where you ride across the desert dunes in an SUV driven by an experienced driver. This activity involves climbing and descending the dunes at high speeds, creating a roller-coaster-like experience. Before starting, the vehicle’s tires are deflated to ensure smooth navigation across the sand.
Typically, dune bashing lasts around 30 minutes, with a few photo stops along the way—so don’t forget your camera! However, this activity is not for the faint-hearted. If you have any heart conditions, consult your doctor beforehand and inform your tour operator. Some operators may even provide a gentler ride upon request. Note that kids are often not allowed to participate in this activity.
Dune bashing is available in both Morning and Evening packages. The main difference? In the evening, you’ll also witness a breathtaking desert sunset.
Quad Biking
Quad biking is another adrenaline-packed adventure where you ride a 4×4 all-terrain vehicle across the rugged desert terrain. If you enjoyed dune bashing, you’re sure to love this as well. The difference is that here, you’re the one behind the wheel!
As a beginner, you’ll receive guidance and driving instructions from experts at the tour site. Pay close attention, especially if it’s your first time, and stick to an easy route and the recommended speed limit.
Quad biking is available in both Morning and Evening safari packages. However, it’s best experienced during daylight hours, as the desert can become riskier to navigate after sunset.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding is an exciting activity where you strap yourself to a sturdy board and glide down the towering dunes at high speeds. Similar to snowboarding—but on sand instead of snow—this is a unique experience that’s highly recommended for adventure seekers.
Even if you’re a beginner, sandboarding is safe to try. Just make sure you’re securely strapped to the board and don’t worry about falling—the soft sand will cushion your landing.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Hot air balloon rides in Dubai are renowned for offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As you soar 4,000 feet above the desert, you’ll feel as though you’re floating on a cloud, with panoramic views of the city and desert below. Don’t forget to capture these awe-inspiring scenes on your camera.
Morning rides are the most popular, thanks to cooler temperatures and clearer visibility compared to the evening.
Camel Riding
No desert safari is complete without a camel ride—a cultural experience that takes you back to the days when camels were the primary mode of transportation in the region. A 30-to 40-minute camel ride offers a serene journey through the desert, making it suitable for everyone, including children and seniors.
Camel rides during the evening are particularly magical, as you can watch the desert sands change colors during sunset. While camel rides are also available in Morning safari packages, the experience isn’t quite the same.
Campsite Entertainment
Evening desert safaris come alive with vibrant campsite entertainment, making it one of the most memorable parts of the tour. Enjoy captivating performances such as belly dancing, stilt dances, and fire shows. You can also get your hands decorated with intricate henna designs—a popular tradition believed to bring good luck.
These entertainment activities are exclusive to the Evening safari packages and aren’t offered in Morning tours, as they are best enjoyed after sunset. If you want to experience these cultural highlights, be sure to book an evening safari.
Dinner Options at the Campsite
After a day packed with thrilling activities, the campsite offers a delicious range of dinner options to satisfy your hunger. Indulge in local delicacies, including an extensive BBQ menu, and enjoy a truly exotic culinary experience.
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are available, so let your tour operator know your preferences when booking.
In contrast, Morning safari packages include only light refreshments like beverages and snacks, with no full-course dinner. If a hearty dinner is a priority, opt for the Evening desert safari.
Choosing Between Morning and Evening Desert Safaris
Well, now that you have got an idea of what a desert safari offers, it’s time to choose between both Morning and Evening packages. Let’s go over what both safaris offer.
Morning Desert Safari
This is a wonderful way to begin the day. During a morning desert safari, you will be picked up by a driver at 9 AM from your location and driven to the desert location. As soon as you reach the location, the adventures will begin to unfold. A desert dune bashing excursion is the first and most exciting activity of the day. Following this, you may choose to participate in solo sports such as sandboarding, quad biking, or camel riding. The package does not include food other than light refreshments such as cold drinks, as we have explained above.
Morning desert safaris are simple, no-frills excursions focused on adventure. There will be no Bedouin camps or evening safari entertainment programs. It is a comprehensive trip that provides a high level of privacy. Moreover, compared to the Evening Desert Safari, the duration of the journey will be shorter.
Itinerary of Morning Desert Safari Package
- Pickup and drop-off in a 4×4 Land Cruiser at any location in Dubai
- A trip to the Red Dunes for dune bashing
- Camel ride
- Sandboarding
- Falcon display
- Quad biking (additional)
- Water and soft drinks are available at no charge
Evening Desert Safari
Enjoy a twilight stroll in the sand. A desert safari during the evening is known in Dubai as a standard desert safari, a trip filled with adventure, entertainment, and delicious food. There will be ample opportunity for solo sports such as sandboarding, camel riding, and quad biking following the dune bashing. The evening desert safari provides you with the opportunity to watch the stunning sunset over the desert. Take some fantastic photographs as the sun sets behind the dunes behind you.
Aside from the desert activities, a visit to the Bedouin camps awaits you, where you will experience further delights. In addition to smoking fruit-flavored shisha, you can have your hands painted with henna and purchase souvenirs. Further entertainment shows like Tanoura, Belly dance, and fire shows will make your safari memorable. Lastly, the dinner buffet of BBQ dishes and local cuisine will make you want more.
Itinerary of an Evening Desert Safari Package
- Pickup and drop-off in a 4×4 Land Cruiser at any location in Dubai
- The pick-up time is between 3.30 PM and 4:00 PM
- A dune-bashing expedition
- Camel ride and sandboarding
- Sunset photo stops
- A stay at Bedouin Camp
- Dressing in an Arabic attire
- Henna Painting Tattoes
- Unlimited coffee and soft drinks
- Tanoura & Belly Dance Show
- Veggie and non-vegetarian buffet BBQ dinner
Which One the Choose From The Two Options
If you prefer a desert trip with temperatures and fewer crowds, then the Morning Desert Safari is your bet. On the other hand, an evening desert safari offers an extensive experience with a variety of activities, entertainment, and delicious culinary offerings. Morning safaris primarily focus on exploring the desert itself.
In addition, the evening safari brings a touch of culture to the entire excursion that is not present in the Morning option. Witnessing the sunset views in the evening is a must for everyone.
Decide which experiences you would like to include. A desert safari in the evening is recommended if you want a complete package that covers the entire desert experience. If you have a busy schedule in the evening, then opt for the Morning Desert Safari option since you will be free around 1:00 PM. Morning safaris are short as well, just lasting 3-4 hours, compared to Evening safaris, which are around 6-7 hours.
Take into account the prices as well. Evening packages might cost more due to more activities included in them plus the additional ones you can include such as quad biking and hot air balloon rides. These will make your price go higher.
How to Dress for a Safari
During a tour, the clothing you wear plays an important role in determining your comfort level. An adventurous trip such as a desert safari requires you to wear simple clothing. Make sure you do not wear anything that discourages you from participating in thrilling activities or causes you discomfort. There is nothing better than a T-shirt, jeans, and shorts. You will get sand all over your clothes when you embark on an adventure, such as sandboarding or quad biking. Therefore, please refrain from wearing expensive clothing as they may be damaged.
Conclusion
So what is your choice from Morning and Evening Desert Safari options? Regardless of what you choose, you are guaranteed an unforgettable adventure. We hope you enjoyed reading this guide, and if you need further help to decide the ideal package for your private desert safari Dubai tour, then call Desert Planet Tourism today. Our representative will be more than happy to guide you.
Check out our ‘Services’ tab for detailed information on Morning and Evening Safari packages.
Bilal Mohsin
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