Desert Safari UAE - The Ultimate Adventure Guide 2025

What is a Desert Safari?

A Desert Safari is the quintessential UAE experience. It typically begins with a pickup in a robust 4x4 vehicle, driven by an expert safari guide. As you leave the tarmac behind, tires are deflated to grip the soft sands, marking the start of the adventure.

The experience is split into two distinct phases. First, the Adrenaline Phase: high-speed dune bashing, sandboarding down steep slopes, and photo stops atop the highest peaks during sunset. Second, the Cultural Phase: arriving at a traditional Bedouin camp where the pace slows down. Here, hospitality takes center stage with Arabic coffee (Gahwa), dates, camel rides, and a feast under the starlit sky.

100% Safety Record

Group & Private Tours

5-Star BBQ Buffet

Sunset Photography

The Complete Desert Safari Guide

Vehicle & Safety Standards

Safety is paramount in the desert. All our desert safari vehicles are Land Cruiser 4x4s reinforced with full roll cages. Our drivers are not just chauffeurs; they are licensed safari professionals trained in desert driving techniques and first aid. Vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking and safety gear, ensuring your dune bashing experience is as safe as it is thrilling.

Bedouin Culture & Camp

The desert camp is a recreation of historical Bedouin settlements. Upon arrival, you are welcomed with warm hospitality. You can sit on traditional floor cushions (Majlis), smoke aromatic Shisha, get intricate Henna designs painted on your hands, and watch mesmerizing performances like the spinning Tanoura dance and Belly dancing, which celebrate the region's artistic heritage.

Culinary Experience

No desert safari is complete without the feast. Our buffet features a fusion of Middle Eastern and international cuisines. From live BBQ stations grilling marinated chicken and lamb to fresh salads, vegetarian curries, and traditional breads (Khubz). The meal concludes with local desserts and fresh fruits, providing a culinary journey that complements the visual one.

Safari Itinerary: A Day in the Desert

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Pickup

We pick you up from your hotel or residence in Dubai/Sharjah in a 4x4 Land Cruiser. The journey to the desert takes approximately 45 minutes.

4:15 PM: Arrival & Deflation

Arrive at the Lahbab desert entry point. The driver deflates the tires for traction. This is a 15-minute break where you can use restrooms or rent quad bikes (optional).

4:30 PM: Dune Bashing

The thrill begins! 30-45 minutes of exhilarating driving over the red dunes, including a stop at a high dune for sandboarding and photos.

5:30 PM: Sunset Photography

We pause at the perfect vantage point to watch the sun dip below the horizon—the golden hour in the desert is unmatched.

6:15 PM: Camp Arrival

Welcome to the camp with Arabic coffee (Gahwa) and Gaymat (sweets). Enjoy short camel rides and henna painting.

7:00 PM: Dinner & Entertainment

The buffet opens while live shows begin (Tanoura Dance, Belly Dance, Fire Show). Enjoy your meal under the stars.

8:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Drop-off

We drive you back to your original pickup location, concluding a memorable evening.

Choose Your Ideal Safari

Not all safaris are the same. Depending on your schedule and adventure tolerance, choose the package that fits you best.

Morning Safari

Best for adrenaline junkies and those with tight schedules.

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4 Hours Duration
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Pickup: 8:00 AM
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Dune Bashing & Sandboarding
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Camel Ride
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BBQ Dinner & Live Shows

Get Morning Rates

Evening Safari

The complete experience with sunset, dinner, and entertainment.

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6 Hours Duration
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Pickup: 3:00 PM
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Dune Bashing & Sandboarding
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Camel Ride & Henna
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BBQ Dinner & Live Shows

Best Price Guarantee

Get Evening Rates

Overnight Safari

Sleep under the stars and wake up to a desert sunrise.

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18 Hours Duration
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Pickup: 3:00 PM
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Full Evening Package Included
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Overnight Tent Stay
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Morning Breakfast

Limited tents available

Get Overnight Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly happens on a Desert Safari?

A standard Desert Safari is a 6-hour adventure that begins with a pickup from your location in a 4x4 Land Cruiser. You are driven to the desert (usually Lahbab or Margham) for 30-45 minutes of 'Dune Bashing'—a thrilling off-road drive over sand dunes. This is followed by a stop for sunset photos. The evening concludes at a Bedouin-style camp where you enjoy camel rides, henna painting, shisha, live entertainment (Tanoura, Belly Dance, Fire Show), and a BBQ buffet dinner.

What is the difference between Morning, Evening, and Overnight Safari?

Morning Safari (8 AM - 12 PM) focuses on adventure sports like dune bashing and quad biking with no dinner/camp entertainment. Evening Safari (3 PM - 9 PM) is the most popular, combining adventure with culture, dinner, and shows. Overnight Safari includes everything in the evening package, plus sleeping in tents under the stars and waking up to a desert sunrise and breakfast.

Is Desert Safari suitable for pregnant women or people with back pain?

The 'Dune Bashing' portion of the safari is a high-impact off-road activity and is NOT recommended for pregnant women, infants under 3, or individuals with back/neck problems or heart conditions. However, we offer a 'Dinner Only' option where guests are transported directly to the camp via a smooth road, bypassing the dune bashing, so they can still enjoy the evening.

What kind of food is served at the BBQ dinner?

Our 5-star desert camp buffet caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. It typically includes appetizers (falafel, samosas), salads (hummus, tabbouleh), main courses (grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, vegetable curry, biryani rice, noodles), and desserts (fresh fruit, Arabic sweets like Luqaimat). Unlimited water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee are included.

What should I wear on a Desert Safari?

Dress comfortably. Loose-fitting cotton clothing, shorts, or trousers are ideal. We recommend sandals or flip-flops as sand gets into closed shoes easily. In the winter months (Nov-March), the desert gets quite chilly at night, so bring a light jacket or sweater. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential for the daytime portion.

Are there restrooms at the desert camp?

Yes, our desert camps are equipped with fully functional, clean, and separate restrooms for men and women.

Desert Safari