If you have one spare evening in Dubai, the desert is the place to spend it. A desert safari excursion Dubai trip gets you out of the city, onto the red dunes and into a camp for dinner and shows. It's easy, it's good value and it works for almost every age.
But there's more than one kind of desert trip. Some people want speed, others want photos, and some just want a quiet dinner and a camel ride. This guide goes through each desert safari excursion we offer, so you can pick the one that fits.
The Classic Evening Trip
The standard Desert Safari Excursion is AED 80 per person. We pick you up from your hotel at around more info 2 PM in a 4x4, and you're back by about 9 PM. You get dune bashing, a camel ride, live shows and a BBQ dinner at the camp. There are veg and non-veg options at dinner, and ladies can have henna painted on their hands.
If you'd like a bit more comfort, the VIP Desert Safari is AED 130. You travel in a Land Cruiser, sit in the VIP area and watch four shows.
Falcons in the Desert
Falcons are a big part of Emirati culture, and seeing one up close is something most visitors never forget. Our desert safari with falcon show costs AED 130 and lasts six to seven hours. You get the full evening safari plus a falcon display and a BBQ dinner.
Another option is Dubai evening dune bashing at AED 100, which adds a falcon display and a sunset stop. It runs from about 3 PM to 9 PM.
For People Who Love Speed
Being driven is fun, but driving yourself is even better. Our Desert Safari with Quad Bike is AED 180, and includes a quad ride, a camel ride and BBQ dinner.
If you want more power, try the dune buggy desert safari. For AED 150, you drive your own buggy on the dunes and then enjoy dinner at the camp. Both run roughly from 3 PM to 9 PM.
The Luxury Camp Option
For some people, dinner is the main event. The luxury desert camp dinner option is AED 210. You get a gourmet BBQ, a Tanoura show and a fire show in a nicer camp setting. It's a good choice for anniversaries, birthdays and anyone who'd rather skip the bumpy ride.
When the Sun Comes Up
The desert at dawn is a different world. The light is soft, the sand is cool and it's very quiet. Our sunrise desert photography tour runs from about 4:30 AM to 9 AM for AED 150. There are stops at good photo spots, plus a short camel ride.
For a view from the sky, book a hot air balloon Dubai flight. It's AED 699 for about an hour in the air at sunrise, with a falconry display too.
Other Desert Excursions from Dubai
We run other desert excursions from Dubai as well. The Hatta Mountain Tour is AED 99, and covers Hatta Dam and the mountain viewpoints. Plan for a full day of seven to nine hours.
Staying in the capital? Our Abu Dhabi desert safari and cultural tour costs AED 150 and picks you up from your Abu Dhabi hotel. You get a dune drive and henna as part of the trip.
A Typical Evening in the Desert
The trip starts with hotel pickup in the afternoon. Once you leave the city behind, you reach the dunes, and the driver lowers the tyre pressure. That's when the dune bashing begins. It's bumpy, loud and a lot of fun.
After that, you stop on a high dune for sunset photos. At camp, there's time for a camel ride and henna. Dinner is a BBQ buffet with plenty of veg and non-veg choices, followed by live shows. After the shows, we take you back to your hotel.
Is It Too Bumpy?
It looks a little crazy, but our drivers know these dunes very well. You wear a seatbelt the whole time, and the 4x4s are built for the sand. Have a light lunch and take the front seat if you tend to feel car sick. Pregnant guests, people with back problems and parents with babies should tell us when they book, and we'll suggest a calmer option such as the luxury camp dinner.
When to Visit the Desert
October to April is the best time for a desert trip, when the evenings are cool and comfortable. In summer, the evening trips still run well, because the heat drops after sunset. For sunrise tours and balloon flights, the cooler months also give the clearest skies.
Which Trip Suits You?
• First visit: the standard evening excursion
• Culture lovers: the safari with the falcon show
• Love speed? Choose the quad bike or buggy trip
• Food lovers: the luxury camp dinner
• Photographers: the sunrise tour or the balloon flight
Packing Tips
• Loose, light clothes
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sandals or trainers you don't mind filling with sand
• A light jacket from December to February
• Your camera or a fully charged phone
Questions We Get Asked a Lot
What should I book if it's my first time?
The standard evening Desert Safari Excursion at AED 80 is the best place to start. You get the dunes, a camel ride, dinner and shows in one trip.
Will kids enjoy the falcon show?
Yes, children usually love it. The birds stay with their handlers, and you can watch from close by.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free. Just message us as soon as you know.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, the BBQ buffet has both veg and non-veg dishes.
Do you pick up from Abu Dhabi?
For the Abu Dhabi desert safari, yes, we pick up from Abu Dhabi hotels. Our other trips pick up from Dubai hotels.
Booking Made Easy
You get instant confirmation and free cancellation on every trip. Seats are limited each day, so it helps to book early in winter. Wear comfortable clothes, bring sunglasses and leave your best shoes at the hotel. Staying in Dubai for a week? Many guests do two trips, such as the evening safari one day and the Hatta tour another, and we're happy to help you plan them.
To book any desert safari excursion Dubai trip, send us a WhatsApp on +971 50 991 2456. Every tour is listed at desertsafariexcursion.com. Just send your date and group size, and we'll handle the rest.
