The Adventure We Didn’t Know We Needed
We almost skipped the Dubai desert safari—thinking it might be too touristy. But wow, are we glad we didn’t. It turned out to be one of the most thrilling and unexpectedly beautiful parts of our trip.
If you’re wondering what a Dubai desert safari is really like, how to prepare, and how to pick the best one, this guide is for you. No fluff, just everything you need to know before you hit the sand.
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What Is a Dubai Desert Safari?
A desert safari is a half-day or full-day tour into the Dubai desert, usually including:
- Dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle
- Camel rides and falcon photo ops. For great photo shoot of the Camel rides, bringing an instant camera like this one will be useful to capture and print photos on the spot.
- Desert sunset viewing. Capture breathtaking sunset footage with a Drone like this featuring ultra-high-definition video for vivid detail and crystal-clear scenery shots.
- Traditional BBQ dinner and cultural entertainment
- Optional upgrades like quad biking or luxury tents
Types of Dubai Desert Safaris
🧭 Morning Safari
- Best for: Action lovers with tight schedules
- Includes: Dune bashing, sandboarding, optional camel ride
- Tip: Avoid during peak summer heat
🌅 Evening Safari (Most Popular)
- Best for: First-timers
- Includes: Dune bashing, dinner, sunset, shows (belly dancing, tanoura, fire shows)
- Tip: Starts around 3–4 PM, ends by 9 PM. If you want to lock in the classic experience, you can book an evening desert safari with dune bashing and BBQ dinner.
🌙 Overnight Safari
- Best for: Stargazers and romantics
- Includes: All evening activities + camping, breakfast, and sunrise views – Many travelers recommend the ultimate travel action camera like this for capturing stunning photos and videos of early morning sunrises.
💎 Luxury Safari
- Best for: Honeymooners or travelers who hate crowds
- Includes: Private vehicle, gourmet dining, upgraded camp, sometimes alcohol
When visiting the Dubai Desert Safaris, many travelers suggest using powerful zoom binoculars like these to deliver crystal-clear long-distance views up to 1000 yards away, making them perfect for safaris where you do not want to miss a single detail.
What to Wear on a Desert Safari
- Light, breathable fabrics (linen, cotton)
- Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps (sand is HOT). When visiting the desert safari, comfortable shoes are essential for exploring it on foot, and many travelers recommend supportive walking sneakers like these for full days of sightseeing.
- Sunglasses + hat/scarf for sun protection. Spending time in the desert safari usually means lots of sunshine, so many travelers pack oversized UV-protection sunglasses like these to help protect their eyes while exploring.
- Layers for evening safaris—it gets cold after sunset
- Avoid skirts/dresses if you’re dune bashing or quad biking
Ladies: Modest dress is appreciated (think loose and comfy). No one expects a fashion show—but you can still look cute in a flowy scarf and joggers. Many women travelers recommend a lightweight, breathable, floral scarf like this that is comfortable and gives that chic look.
What to Expect (Step-by-Step)
- Hotel Pickup (3–4 PM): In a shared or private 4×4
- Dune Bashing (4:30 PM): 20–30 mins of adrenaline-pumping sand surfing
- Photo Stop at Sunset (5:30 PM): Insta-worthy golden hour shots. Using the ultimate travel action camera like this is the best way to capture photos and videos of every photo shot at sunset in incredible detail.
- Desert Camp Arrival (6 PM): Camel rides, falcon photos, henna, hookah
- Dinner & Entertainment (7 PM): Buffet, belly dancing, tanoura show, fire performers
- Return to Hotel (9–9:30 PM): Sleepy and satisfied
What to Bring With You
- Water bottle (they usually provide it, but bring extra)
- Portable charger (for all the photos you’ll take) – Some travelers also carry a mini portable charger like this one in their pocket or bag so they always have backup battery power for their phones.
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Cash tips for drivers and camp performers
- ID or passport copy
Many travelers also like carrying a lightweight backpack like this one so they can comfortably store essentials like chargers, water bottles, passports, and jackets for the chilly evenings.
How to Choose the Right Desert Safari Company
| What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Licensed operators | Safety and insurance compliance |
| Small group size | More personalized and less rushed |
| Flexible cancel policy | Travel plans change—avoid strict bookings |
| Clear inclusions | Some operators charge extra for basic things like camel rides or sandboards |
| Authentic food and shows | Look for good reviews and local touches |
Our Pick: Look for safaris rated 4.5+ stars on local booking platforms with lots of recent photos.
Pro Tips for a Better Safari
- Eat light before dune bashing—trust us
- Avoid heels or flip-flops (you’ll regret it in the sand)
- Tip your driver—they’re usually the photographer too
- Skip the “VIP seating” upcharge unless you want a private table
- Bring a jacket if you’re going from October to March – Many travelers stay warm with a quilted women’s jacket like this one that is the perfect travel layer for chilly evenings.
Dubai Desert Safari: Totally Worth It
A Dubai desert safari is way more than a tourist checklist—it’s a genuine taste of Emirati hospitality, a thrill ride across golden dunes, and a night under the stars you won’t forget.
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