Dubai's desert safari is one of those bucket list experiences that you simply can't miss when visiting this incredible place. Whether you're a first-time visitor or someone who's been to the UAE before, the Arabian desert offers something truly magical that you won't find anywhere else in the world
We put together this little desert safari guide to help you understand everything about Dubai desert adventures. From what to expect, how much it costs, and which tour package is best for your needs. Let's dive right in and explore the mesmerizing world of the Dubai deserts
Experiencing Desert Safari in Dubai
A desert safari Dubai experience is basically an adventure tour that takes you deep into the stunning Arabian Peninsula desert surrounding the city. It's not just about camel trekking. You get to experience heart-pumping dune bashing, watch mesmerizing cultural performances, savor authentic Emirati cuisine, and witness the desert's breathtaking natural beauty
Most desert excursions last between 4-6 hours and include convenient hotel transfers from your accommodation. The experience perfectly combines adrenaline-pumping adventures, rich cultural immersion, and spectacular desert landscapes all in one unforgettable package
At GoGet Holidays, we specialize in creating premium desert experiences that go beyond the ordinary tourist activities. Our Deluxe Private Desert Safari offers an exclusive and personalized adventure that's tailored specifically to your preferences
Types of Desert Safari Tours Available
Private Desert Safari
Duration: 6-7 hours (flexible timing based on your preferences) Best for: Travelers seeking exclusive, personalized desert adventures
Private desert safaris are the pinnacle of luxury desert tourism. Unlike crowded group tours, you get your own dedicated vehicle, professional driver, and personalized itinerary. This means you can spend more time at activities you enjoy and skip the ones that don't interest you
Our Deluxe Private Desert Safari includes:
- Private 4x4 luxury vehicle with professional driver
- Flexible timing - start when you want
- Personalized dune bashing experience
- Private camel riding sessions
- Exclusive desert camp access
- Premium BBQ dinner with international and Arabic cuisine
- Traditional entertainment shows
- Professional photography assistance
- Unlimited refreshments and Arabic coffee
Why choose private over group tours?
- No waiting for other tourists
- Customizable experience based on your interests
- Better photo opportunities without crowds
- More personal interaction with guides
- Flexible departure and return times
Evening Desert Safari Experience
Duration: 6-7 hours (usually 3 PM to 10 PM) Best for: First-time desert explorers who want the complete Arabian experience
This is hands down the most popular desert safari option and for very good reasons. You get to witness the desert transformation during golden hour, watch an absolutely incredible desert sunset, and enjoy a traditional Arabian night under a blanket of stars in the desert camp
Evening desert safaris typically include:
- Exhilarating dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles
- Authentic camel riding experience
- Fun-filled sandboarding activities
- Beautiful henna art painting
- Captivating traditional entertainment shows (belly dance performances, tanoura spinning dance, fire shows)
- Delicious BBQ dinner buffet with Arabic cuisine
- Unlimited soft drinks and Arabic coffee
- Spectacular sunset photography sessions
- Desert camp cultural activities
Morning Desert Safari Adventure
Duration: 4-5 hours (usually 8 AM to 1 PM) Best for: Early birds who want to beat the desert heat and crowds
Morning desert tours are perfect if you're not a fan of scorching temperatures. The desert climate is much cooler in the morning, and you'll capture some absolutely stunning photographs with that gorgeous morning light filtering across the sand dunes. However, you'll miss out on the magical sunset views and traditional Arabian dinner that comes with evening desert experiences
Morning safaris usually include:
- Thrilling dune bashing adventure
- Traditional camel riding experience
- Exciting sandboarding activities
- Light continental breakfast or refreshments
- Desert photography opportunities
- Combo Packages - More Value for Your Dubai Trip
If you're looking to experience multiple Dubai attractions efficiently, consider our combination packages. Our Dubai Deluxe Trio Package combines desert safari with other iconic Dubai experiences, giving you incredible value and convenience with private transfers throughout
Best Time to Visit for Desert Safari Dubai
The timing of your desert safari adventure can literally make or break your entire experience. Here's what you absolutely need to know about desert weather patterns:
Weather and Climate Considerations
Best months to visit could depend on your preference but here are a few to consider
October through April Months to avoid: June through August (extremely hot - temperatures can soar to 45°C/113°F)
October to April (Peak Season): Perfect desert weather with comfortable temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). This is peak tourist season in Dubai, so expect higher prices and larger crowds at popular desert camps
May and September (Shoulder Season): Still pleasant weather conditions, fewer tourist crowds, and much better pricing deals on desert tours
Summer months (June-August): While significantly cheaper, the desert heat can be absolutely unbearable during daytime tours. If you absolutely must visit during summer, definitely stick to evening desert safaris only
Bestl Time of Day for Desert Activities
For evening safari tours, most operators start pickups around 3-4 PM. However, with our private desert safari options, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred timing. This perfect timing allows you to experience:
- Desert adventures in cooler afternoon temperatures
- Golden hour photography opportunities (around 6-7 PM)
- Spectacular sunset viewing from the dunes
- Comfortable dinner timing at the desert camp
- Pleasant evening temperatures for cultural activities
- What to Expect During Your Dubai Desert Safari Journey
- Hotel Pickup and Desert Transportation
At GoGet Holidays, we provide complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off service for all our desert safari packages. The scenic drive to the desert location takes approximately 45-60 minutes from central Dubai, depending on your hotel location and traffic conditions
Our private desert safaris use luxury 4WD vehicles (typically Toyota Land Cruiser or similar premium off-road vehicles) exclusively for your group. This means more comfort, better views, and the ability to customize your journey based on your preferences
Dune Bashing Adventure
This is probably the most heart-pounding part of the entire desert experience for most visitors. Our skilled and experienced desert drivers will take you on an absolutely thrilling roller coaster ride over the towering sand dunes. It genuinely feels like you're on a natural amusement park ride!
What the experience feels like: Expect lots of steep climbs, sudden drops, and dramatic tilting as you navigate the dune landscape. Many people compare it to being on a boat in choppy seas, but way more exciting
Our safety standards: All our professional desert drivers undergo extensive training and our 4x4 vehicles receive regular safety maintenance and inspections. We prioritize safety without compromising on the excitement
Motion sickness prevention: If you're prone to getting car sick, let us know when booking - our private safari format allows us to adjust the intensity and take breaks as needed
Traditional Camel Riding Experience
You'll get the chance to ride these magnificent desert animals in a peaceful desert setting. Our camel experiences are conducted safely with experienced handlers who ensure you're comfortable throughout the ride
Pro insider tip: With our private safaris, you can spend as much time as you'd like with the camels, taking photos and learning about these amazing animals from our knowledgeable guides
Sandboarding Fun in the Desert
Think snowboarding or skateboarding, but on smooth sand dunes instead. It's actually much easier than it initially looks and provides tons of fun for all ages. We provide all the sandboarding equipment and basic instruction to get you started
Authentic Cultural Activities and Experiences
Our desert camp experiences include traditional activities that showcase authentic Emirati culture:
-
Intricate henna painting: Beautiful temporary tattoos with traditional Arabic designs
- Traditional Arabic dress photography: Try on authentic Arabian clothing for memorable photos
- Arabic coffee and dates tasting: Sample traditional Emirati hospitality
- Cultural storytelling: Learn about Bedouin traditions and desert life
- Evening Entertainment and Cultural Shows
- Traditional Arabic music: Live musicians playing authentic instruments
- Fire shows: Spectacular fire dancing performances (weather permitting)
Authentic Arabian Dining Experience
Our desert dining experience features high-quality cuisine prepared by professional chefs:
- Perfectly grilled meats (succulent chicken, tender lamb, flavorful beef)
- Aromatic Arabic rice dishes and fresh flatbreads
- Fresh Middle Eastern salads and creamy hummus
- Excellent vegetarian and vegan options
- Traditional Arabic sweets and desserts
- Unlimited soft drinks, Arabic coffee, and traditional tea
- Fresh fruit selections
The advantage of our private desert safaris is that we can accommodate specific dietary requirements more easily and ensure food quality meets higher standards
Desert Safari Pricing
Desert safari prices vary significantly based on the tour type, group size, and service level.
Our Deluxe Private Desert Safari offers exceptional value when you consider:
- Private luxury vehicle and professional driver
- Flexible timing and personalized experience
- Premium desert camp access
- High-quality dining and service
- Professional assistance with photography
- No hidden costs or surprise fees
- Why private safaris offer better value:
Why Choose GoGet Holidays for Your Desert Safari
Our focus on private, personalized experiences sets us apart. You get dedicated attention, flexible scheduling, and the ability to customize your adventure based on your interests and comfort level
The secret to having an amazing desert safari experience is choosing the right service provider who prioritizes safety, quality, and personalization. Our professional team, luxury vehicles, and exclusive desert camp access ensure that your Arabian desert adventure exceeds expectations
Ready to book your desert adventure? Contact GoGet Holidays for personalized assistance in creating the perfect Desert Safari adventure today!
