If you only have one free evening in Dubai, spend it in the desert. 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 to book, good value and fine for most ages.
But there's more than one kind of desert trip. Some guests want speed, some 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.
Where Most People Start
The standard Desert Safari Excursion is AED 80 per person. Pickup is from your hotel at around 2 PM in a 4x4, and drop-off is around 9 PM. In between, you get dune bashing, a camel ride, a BBQ dinner and live shows at the camp. There are veg and non-veg options at dinner, and ladies can get henna on their hands.
If you'd like a bit more comfort, the VIP Desert Safari is AED 130. It comes with a Land Cruiser, VIP seating and four live shows.
Desert Safari with Falcon Show
Falconry has been part of life in the Emirates for a very long time, 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.
We also run Dubai evening dune bashing at AED 100, which includes a falcon display and a stop to watch the sunset. Pickup is around 3 PM, and you're back by 9 PM.
Quad Bikes and Buggies
Sitting in the back of a 4x4 is fun, but driving yourself is something else. The Desert Safari with Quad Bike costs AED 180, and includes a quad ride, a camel ride and BBQ dinner.
If you want more power, try the dune buggy desert safari. At AED 150, you drive a buggy yourself on the dunes, then head to the camp for dinner. Both trips run from about 3 PM to 9 PM.
The Luxury Camp Option
For some people, dinner is the main event. Our luxury desert camp dinner trip costs AED 210. It comes with a gourmet BBQ, a Tanoura dancer and a fire show. It's a good choice for anniversaries, birthdays and anyone who'd rather skip the bumpy ride.
Early Morning Trips
The desert at dawn is a different world. The sand is cool, the light is soft and there's hardly a sound. Our sunrise desert photography tour runs from about 4:30 AM to 9 AM and costs AED 150. You stop at the best viewpoints for photos and enjoy a short camel ride.
For a view from the sky, book a hot air balloon Dubai flight. It costs AED 699 and lasts about 60 minutes at sunrise, and it includes a falconry display.
Other Desert Excursions from Dubai
We run other desert excursions from Dubai as well. The Hatta Mountain Tour is AED 99, with stops at Hatta Dam and the viewpoints. Plan for a full day of seven to nine hours.
Based in Abu Dhabi? The Abu Dhabi desert safari and cultural tour is AED 150 and picks you up from your Abu Dhabi hotel. It includes a dune drive and henna at the camp.
A Typical Evening in the Desert
Your driver collects you from your hotel 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. The 4x4 climbs and slides over the dunes, and everyone ends up laughing.
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 veg and non-veg dishes, followed by live shows. After the shows, we take you back to your hotel.
Is It Too Bumpy?
Dune bashing looks wild from the outside, but our drivers do this every day. 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. If you're pregnant, have back problems or are bringing a baby, tell us when you 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. Sunrise tours and balloon flights are at their best in the cooler months too.
Not Sure Which One to Choose?
• First time in Dubai? Go for the standard evening trip
• Culture lovers: the safari with the falcon show
• Speed lovers: the quad bike or buggy safari
• Here for the food? Book the luxury camp dinner
• Love taking photos? Try the sunrise tour or the balloon
What to Wear and Bring
• Light, check here comfortable clothes
• Sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses
• 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
Which trip is best for a first visit?
Start with the AED 80 evening Desert Safari Excursion. You get the dunes, a camel ride, dinner and shows in one trip.
Is the falcon show good for children?
Kids 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 let us know as early as you can.
Is there vegetarian food at dinner?
Yes, the BBQ buffet has both veg and non-veg dishes.
Can you collect me from Abu Dhabi?
For the Abu Dhabi desert safari, yes, we pick up from Abu Dhabi hotels. Other trips include pickup from hotels in Dubai.
Why Book with Us
Every trip comes with instant confirmation and free cancellation. Each day has a limited number of seats, so book early between October and April. Bring sunglasses, wear loose clothes and choose shoes you don't mind getting sandy. If you're here for a few days, it's easy to combine two trips, like an evening safari and a sunrise tour, and we can help you plan the timing.
Ready to go? WhatsApp us on +971 50 991 2456 to book your desert safari excursion Dubai trip. Every tour is listed at desertsafariexcursion.com. Tell us your date and how many people are coming, and we'll take it from there.
