Many regard the morning to be the best time for a Dubai Desert safari, owing to the pleasant and windy weather that persists before the midday sun comes into its full power.
Traverse through the Dubai desert in a 4x4 vehicle and enjoy the stunning views. Tourists can choose from a variety of activities to indulge in throughout the day, such as sandboarding, dune bashing or buggy riding. Hot air balloon rides too are available during the morning safaris. The safari experience ends with a traditional breakfast spread at the desert campsite.
The evening desert safari in Dubai promises the quintessential desert adventure experience. The safari commences in late afternoon, thus promising one incredible view of the sun as it sets over the golden sands. Travelers spend the evening on adventure sports, choosing from dune buggy rides, dune bashing and sandboarding experiences.
The evening desert safari does not end just there; once back at the campsite, safarists are treated to a fantastic dance and fire show, along with a barbecue dinner with a delicious range of international and traditional delicacies.
Ever dreamt of spending a night in the open desert? Now get a chance to bring this dream to life with an overnight safari on the Dubai deserts. The overnight safari commences in the early evening, just as the sun is setting. Travelers spend the post-sunset hours indulging in a variety of adventure sports, dune bashing and sandboarding being two of the most popular options.
Upon arriving at the campsite, one is treated to evening snacks and Arabian coffee. The day ends with a dance performance and a barbecue dinner spread at camp. The night is spent in well equipped tents with sleeping bags. The safari finally comes to a close with a beautiful desert sunrise and a delicious breakfast spread the next morning.
The Red Dune desert safari in Dubai combines a dune bashing adventure with cultural experiences, and is the best Dubai desert safari package for those not heavily inclined towards adventure. After an evening of dune bashing, tourists are led to a campsite for a night of leisure. The audience witnesses a belly dancing and Tanoura dance performance. Those looking for an exciting photo opportunity can even opt to dress up in a traditional Arabian outfit and pose for a picture. The red dune safari campsite also features a designated shisha corner which can be used by the travelers according to their leisure.
One of the best luxury desert safari Dubai packages, the VIP Safari lets one explore the desert like royalty. The safari experience begins with an evening of dune bashing across the desert dunes. Having witnessed a magical sunset on the desert, one then travels to the designated campsite.
Henna tattoos, sand art and fresh juices are some of the many stalls at the desert campsite, although one can also opt for a costume photography. The desert safari ends with a delicious dinner with a traditional dance and fire show performances.
The private safari offers an exclusive tour of the Dubai desert. As opposed to shared safaris, the private safaris allows one to enjoy the experience only in the company of their loved ones. The safaris are designed exclusively for the participating guests, keeping in mind every need and preference.
Tourists can choose from a range of adventures from a standard range of dune bashing, buggy riding, sand boarding and camel riding. Safaris end with a dinner at the Bedouin campsite, along with a dance and fire show performances. All transfers to and from the hotel are done in private vehicles.
Dune bashing can be one of the coolest things to do in a Dubai desert safari for adrenaline junkies. Cruising through the highs and lows of the Dubai desert, one witnesses a marvelous, otherwise unseen view of the stunning golden dunes.
The extreme sport involves driving across sand dunes in varying speeds, usually in an equipped 4x4 vehicle. Dune bashing adventures are conducted only by trained drivers, with participants generally riding shotgun or in the backseat.
A hot air balloon ride can be one of the most enchanting experiences in a Dubai desert safari, whether you’re traveling with a loved one, with a group of friends, or with family. Rising above the horizon, one witnesses unobstructed, panoramic views of the desert dunes stretching below them.
Hot air balloon safaris on the Dubai deserts generally take place during the morning, ideally during sunrise. The weather and wind conditions during these hours make it the ideal time for flight. Flying during sunrise, one gets to witness magical views of the sun rising above the glittering, golden desert as well.
Quad Biking is another one of those extreme sports tailored for adventure junkies going for desert safari in Dubai. Quad bikes - or All Terrain Vehicles- are four wheeled bikes that can travel across difficult off-road tracks, making it suitable for traveling across the desert sands.
One has full control over their bikes, and can independently navigate their vehicles across the sand. Riding a quad bike does not require prior experience in biking. Quad biking is included as part of several dubai desert safari packages, although one can rent out their own bikes as well.
A desert safari in Dubai would remain incomplete without a ride on the ship of the desert. Apart from being an excellent means of exploring the desert, camel rides are also an intrinsic cultural experience in Dubai.
Riding between the humps of a camel, riders travel through Dubai’s immense desert landscape, marveling at the splendid golden dunes. Camel rides on a dubai desert safari are entirely guided, with tamers guiding the animals along in a line. Camel rides can be taken on a morning, evening or even a night desert safari.
When it comes to adventure sports, sandboarding stands out as one of the most unique things to do on a Dubai desert safari. Sandboarding is a lot like snowboarding- one straps themselves on to a flat board and glides down gigantic sand dunes.
The sensation is one of flying, or surfing a steady wave. It’s also a solo sport that does not require any previous knowledge, making it a popular choice among those going for desert safaris in Dubai.
The Dune Buggy ride in the Dubai desert safari is a self drive ride-through-the-desert experience. The Dune Buggy is a comfortable and fun ride for the entire family. Jumping and bumping over the dunes across the desert.
All dune buggy rides are preceded by an instruction session where the guide takes one through the do’s and don'ts of handling a buggy. The riders are also equipped with all required safety equipment, including helmets and goggles, which must be put on throughout the ride.
Most desert safaris in Dubai are followed up with a traditional dance performance at the campsite. Participants are treated to an exquisite belly dancing performance, conducted by Arabian women wearing traditional dance costumes.
Spectators also get to witness a Tanoura Dance performance. Initially originating in Egypt, the Tanoura dance is now extremely popular in the Arab world. The word Tanoura literally means ‘skirt’, and refers to the elaborate skirt that the dancers wear while performing. One of the unique features about the Tanoura dance is that it is performed only by men.
The Arabian Meal forms the deserving end to the fantastic desert safari in Dubai. The meal is a mix of traditional and international fares, although it's suggested that you try out the traditional cuisine. Dinner is usually a barbecue, with the famous Arabian grilled meat being the special menu.
The traditional Arabic coffee closes the meal. Dining in the desert comes with the bonus of beautiful desert views, whether you’re enjoying a dinner after an evening of dune bashing, a breakfast at the end of a hot air balloon ride, or a lunch after a morning of camel safari in the Dubai desert.
There are multiple locations for desert safari in Dubai:
Hatta Mountains: Located just outside the main city of Dubai, the Hatta Mountains are home to beautiful golden deserts and the little Hatta Village. Safari at the mountains generally take place along the Hatta village oasis; apart from a desert tour, one also gets a glimpse into the ways of Arabic village life at Hatta.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: The first national park in the UAE, the Dubai Desert Conservation reserve was opened with the aim to protect the natural deserts in the region. Desert safari at the Reserve offers glimpses of some of Dubai’s most unique and endangered wildlife, such as the Arabian Red Fox, the Caracal, the Sand Cat and the Arabian Hare.
Lahbab Desert: The Lahbab desert is undoubtedly the most popular spot for desert safaris in Dubai. The rolling red-and-golden dunes here are dotted with several Bedouin tents and campsites. Lahbab is also a great safari spot for those seeking special cultural experiences, such as camel riding or dance performances.