Updated 24 October 2026. Trippado earns a commission if you book through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and inclusions are set by the tour operator and shown on the booking page.
A desert safari is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai. A 4x4 picks you up from your hotel or home, drives you into the red dunes outside the city, and you spend the afternoon or evening riding the sand, watching the sunset and eating at a desert camp. There are several kinds of safari, and choosing the right one makes a big difference.
Types of desert safari
Evening safari
The classic choice. Dune bashing, sunset photos, camel ride, sandboarding, then a BBQ dinner with live shows at a desert camp.
See evening safaris →Morning safari
Shorter and calmer. Usually dune bashing, sandboarding and a camel ride, with no dinner or shows. Good in hotter months.
See morning safaris →Overnight safari
Everything in the evening safari, plus a night under the stars at the camp and breakfast before you return.
See overnight safaris →You can also add a quad bike or dune buggy ride, or book a private 4x4 for your family or group so you don’t share the car with strangers. Quad bike & buggy tours →
What’s usually included
Inclusions change from tour to tour, but most evening safaris include:
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or home in Dubai (some tours also cover Sharjah)
- Dune bashing in a 4x4 with a trained driver
- A sunset photo stop in the dunes
- A short camel ride and sandboarding
- Henna painting and photos in traditional clothes
- Live shows such as tanoura, fire show and belly dance
- BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian options, plus water, soft drinks, tea and coffee
Usually not included: quad bikes and buggies (unless you add them), alcoholic drinks, shisha, tips and personal shopping. Always read the “What’s included” list on the tour page before you book.
Which safari should you choose?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the full experience with dinner and shows | Evening safari |
| Are visiting in summer or have little time | Morning safari |
| Want to see the stars and the desert at sunrise | Overnight safari |
| Are travelling with family, kids or elderly parents | Private 4x4 evening safari, or skip dune bashing |
| Want more adventure | Evening safari with a quad bike or dune buggy add-on |
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are roughly October to April, when evenings in the desert are pleasant and sometimes even cool. Safaris run all year, but summer afternoons in the desert are very hot. From May to September, a morning safari or a late evening tour is easier. In mid-summer some operators also move their camps, so wildlife and scenery can be different.
What to wear and bring
- Light, comfortable clothes that cover your shoulders and knees
- Closed shoes or sandals you don’t mind filling with sand
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a cap for the sunset stop
- A light jacket or shawl from November to March, as desert nights get cool
- Your booking voucher on your phone and a photo ID
- Some cash for tips, photos or extras
Eat lightly before the dune drive. If you get motion sickness, sit in the front seat and tell the driver.
Who should skip dune bashing
Dune bashing is a fast, bumpy ride over steep sand dunes. Tour operators usually advise these people not to take part:
- Pregnant women
- Anyone with back or neck problems, heart conditions or other serious medical conditions
- Babies under 2 years old
Some operators also have an upper age limit. Young children may need a car seat, which often means booking a private car. If you are unsure, choose a tour without dune bashing or ask the operator before booking.
Desert safari during Ramadan
Safaris continue during Ramadan, but the evening is a little different. Belly dancing is not performed, and the camp usually serves Iftar at sunset with dates and traditional drinks instead of a normal dinner. Entertainment can also change during other religious holidays, so check the tour details if you’re booking around those dates.
How to book and avoid problems
- Book online with a known platform. You can see reviews, photos, the exact inclusions and the cancellation policy before you pay.
- Check the cancellation rules. Many tours let you cancel free up to 24 hours before, but not all.
- Confirm your pickup. Recheck the pickup time and location a day before, and be ready in the lobby 15 minutes early.
- Be careful with very cheap street or WhatsApp offers. Extra charges for camel rides or dinner can appear later. A clear online booking avoids surprises.
Compare Dubai desert safaris on Klook →
Dubai desert safari FAQ
How long is a Dubai desert safari?
An evening safari usually takes about 6 to 7 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off. A morning safari is shorter, usually up to about 4 hours. Overnight safaris continue until the next morning.
What is included in an evening desert safari?
Most evening packages include hotel pickup, 4x4 dune bashing, a sunset photo stop, a short camel ride, sandboarding, henna painting, live shows and a BBQ buffet dinner with soft drinks. Quad bikes and drinks other than soft drinks usually cost extra. Always check the exact list on the booking page.
What is the best time of year for a desert safari?
The cooler months, roughly October to April, are the most comfortable. Safaris run all year, but summer afternoons in the desert are very hot, so in summer a morning or late-evening tour is easier.
Who should not do dune bashing?
Tour operators usually advise pregnant women, people with back or neck problems, heart conditions or other serious medical conditions, and infants under 2 not to join the dune-bashing drive. Some operators also set an upper age limit. If you are unsure, choose a tour without dune bashing or ask the operator first.
Is the desert safari different during Ramadan?
Yes. During Ramadan, belly dancing is not performed and the camp usually offers Iftar at sunset instead of a regular dinner. Entertainment can also change during other religious holidays.
Can I cancel my desert safari booking?
Many tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, but the rules depend on the operator. The cancellation policy is shown on the booking page before you pay.
Ready to book your desert safari?
See today’s prices, reviews and free-cancellation options on Klook.
See desert safari prices →Also read: Dubai Marina Yacht Cruise Guide, shared vs private yachts vs dhow dinner cruises.
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