A Dubai desert safari is one of the best ways to experience the UAE culture. From quad biking on the sand dunes to camping under the stars to a sunrise hot air balloon ride; here's our pick of the best things to do in the Dubai desert and where to go for a safari that meets your expectations.
What to do in the Dubai desert?
Discover the best things to do in the Dubai desert in this top list! Go on a jeep safari, try sandboarding, take a camel ride or learn about falconry. There are plenty of fun and unusual activities to do.
1 - Go on a jeep safari
Travel through the desert in a 4×4 so you can explore the desert in comfort with a driver. A jeep safari through the desert costs around €40 or more. Usually these tours are combined with many other activities such as dune bashing or sandboarding, so consider looking at these all-inclusive tours.
2 - Be brave and try dune bashing
Hop on a 4×4 to explore the dunes with a professional driver. This activity is perfect for adrenaline junkies; you'll definitely feel the thrill as you ride in the jeep up and down these dunes. These types of tours are included in the jeep safaris.
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3 - Dirt biking in the desert...
Discover the sand dunes on a dirt bike tour in the desert. An introductory course is included, as well as all the necessary equipment to be safe. These tours are quite expensive, but if you are a cycling enthusiast and want to experience the adrenaline; this is perfect for you.
4 -... or try a fat bike
Explore the Dubai desert on two wheels or even better - a fat bike! With an expert guide, you can explore the desert on these bikes with oversized tyres designed to go on the desert sand. There are fat bike tours that take you for 5 hours in the desert, so if you're adventurous enough, test your fitness on this type of tour!
5 - Take a hot air balloon ride and see the desert from the sky
Experience the desert safari from a different perspective by taking a ride in a hot air balloon. These tours usually start early in the morning to get an even better view as the sun begins to rise. If you are adventurous enough, get in a hot air balloon and don't forget your camera to capture the views!
6 - Try your hand at falconry in the desert
Watch falcons fly up to 4,000 feet as they are trained to perform a demonstration. To make the experience even better; combine the falconry parade with a hot air balloon ride and a gourmet breakfast.
7 - Have fun on a sandboard
Try sandboarding, a popular activity in the desert. It's fun to slide down the dunes on a board, so you should definitely include it in your desert safari experience!
8 - Go on a camel safari and explore the desert
You're bound to see camels in the desert in Dubai, so why not experience them? They are known to be calm animals and the camel owners will give you instructions on how to ride a camel. You should definitely include a camel ride in your Dubai desert safari experience.
There are also camel farms that you can visit if you want to learn more about these special animals.
9 - Horseback riding
Horseback riding in the Dubai desert
Similar to camel riding, you also have the option of horseback riding through the desert. These types of experiences are very unique and perfect for relaxing. The duration of the ride is approximately 90 minutes and you will be accompanied by a guide at all times.
10 - Quad biking or buggy driving
Dubai Desert Quad Safari
Ride through the desert on a quad bike, which is sure to be an exciting experience. They give you instructions on how to use the quad bike and provide you with protective gear.
Or if you prefer, you can also ride a buggy which can be more comfortable.
11 - Get into a vintage Land Rover
If you are looking for something even more luxurious, explore the desert safari in style on a vintage land rover. These types of tours tend to be expensive; however, they are well worth it as they include many other activities to maximise your desert safari experience.
12 - Discover Hatta Heritage Village
Explore Hatta Heritage Village, a restored mountain village where mud and stone houses bear witness to life centuries ago. Combine your visit to this village with a 4×4 ride to maximise your experience, although most tours already have transport included.
13 - Meet the wildlife in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Climb aboard a range rover with a professional safari guide who will take you to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This way, you will fully experience the pristine desert ecosystem and wildlife that is the best preserved area in the UAE.
14 - Spend a night bivouacking in the desert
Spend the night in the desert for a unique experience. You can sleep in the Dubai desert and relax after all the activities of the day.
15 - Taste the local cuisine and watch a show
Camping in the Dubai desert
Although spending the morning and evening on desert safari can be tiring because of all the adrenaline activities; you can relax and enjoy delicious traditional food and entertainment.
There is nothing better than trying the typical food of a different culture and learning about the culture and traditions.
16 - Get mesmerised by stargazing
There is nothing more special than stargazing in the middle of the desert at night. It is one of the most beautiful experiences and the best way to relax after the heat and adrenaline of the activities.
If you want to maximise your stargazing experience, an expert can offer you an astronomy tour while you all admire the beautiful night sky.
17 - Try a night safari in the desert
Experience the desert by night on a 5-hour tour. As the sun sets, you can board a private vintage Land Rover to view the wildlife and beauty of the desert. A professional driver and guide will accompany you at all times to ensure a wonderful experience. After the desert tour, it is highly recommended to spend the night in the camp and watch the stars at night with an astronomer guide.
Best Safari Dubai 2022
Bedouin Life, Falconry and Wildlife Route by Platinum Heritage
While the selling point of this tour is that it allows guests to "experience the life of a Bedouin nomad", being picked up at your hotel door in a luxury Land Rover puts things on a more comfortable footing.
Camels will take you to the Bedouin camp in time for sunrise, and the wildlife safari in the desert conservation reserve, which stops to see the local animals, is unique.
The guides are great: they will help you prepare traditional Arabic dishes (Arabic bread and desserts) and explain the ins and outs of the local Arabic dance.
Night Safari by Rayna Tours & Travel
Drivers take the Al Awir road into the desert for a drive through the dunes and photos at sunset. From there, head to the camp for camel rides.
Afterwards, there's a belly dancing show and open bar, henna painting and a fire show. However, it is the one night experience that is truly special.
Once all the other guests have left, the guides set up camp with sleeping bags and blankets, and a special stargazing lecture.
Watching the sunrise from your camp during breakfast is unforgettable. If you book in advance, the guides will stop for sand skiing and quad biking on the way back to Dubai.
Desert Safari Evening by Atlanta Safari Dubai
There's something magical about venturing into the desert at night, and this late afternoon safari is no different. This is the kind of tour where guests feel completely taken care of. Once everyone reaches camp, there are pre-dinner snacks, henna tattooing opportunities and live dance performances. Barbecue buffet dinner:
Couscous
Fresh salads
Underground roasted lamb
Grilled shrimp
Chicken stews
Desert night safari and hot air balloon ride by Platinum Heritage
Luxury safaris don't come much better than this, and the hotel picks you up in a vintage open-top Land Rover.
As you leave the city and head into the desert; guides regale guests with tales of Dubai's history; as well as an insight into local customs and traditions.
Once you reach the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the tour becomes a safari, African style. The camels that take you back to your Arabian tent in the evening are an extra special touch, and the early morning hot air balloon ride is a magical experience.
Dune Riders (Adventure Unlimited) by Dream Explorer Dubai
Adventurous travellers make up the tribe on this tour. Once you arrive in the desert, there's a quick safety briefing and then it's off: diving over sun-scorched sand dunes, some of which are at a 90-degree angle. The trip is in convoy, so there's no need to worry about getting lost in the middle of the desert. An hour of sandboarding adds extra thrills.
Quad Bikes Safari by Red Dunes Desert Safari
There's nothing like charging over the dunes and across the desert on your own quad bike. Everyone is picked up from the hotel and driven 30 minutes to the desert quad spot. While this is certainly not the most luxurious or in-depth desert safari, it is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the local Arab culture and have a bit of adventure in a short time.
Hummer H2 Safari by Sand Trax Dubai Desert Safaris
This four hour tour starts with a pick up from the hotel in a huge white Hummer, which will take you into the desert. The drivers are super organised and guide you along the route:
An exciting walk in the dunes
Sunset photos
A barbecue dinner
A belly dance
A dizzying whirling dervish
Shisha
Arabic coffee so strong your spoon can stand up.
Most people go on desert safaris in a Land Cruiser, so the experience in a Hummer is completely different and new.
Desert Safari by Arabian Nights Tours
The adrenaline charge of bumping over the steep sand dunes is incredible; but it's the time after camp that really stands out. Rather than the usual all-you-can-eat buffet and barbecue, this camp offers shawarma - a typical Arabic dish of minced meat, falafel or chicken with vegetables and chips, served in a wrap.
There are opportunities to get henna tattoos or watch a belly dance performance; or just hang out with friends at the table before being driven back to your hotel.
Early morning desert safari apar Arabian Expedition
If you go to bed early, a morning desert safari is pretty special; and this one with Arabian Expedition is one of the best. Driving over Dubai's rolling dunes is fun, with experienced drivers navigating the steep inclines.
Once you've caught your breath, there's sandboarding, with a guide showing you how to ride down the slopes.
Desert safari through adventure tourism
Adventure Leisure Tourism offers many safaris; but their desert safari is by far the best and the range of activities included is far more eclectic than most.
This activity-led tour will take guests through the dunes, on camelback and through a whirlwind of cultural experiences; with a variety of sights you won't see elsewhere. For an additional fee, guests can add quad biking to the mix.
Flying Carpet with Dinner for Two Safari by Orient Tours
This romantic tour is by arrangement for groups of two. Things start with a drive through the dunes in one of their luxury jeeps; before being taken to a very impressive stretch of sand for a sandboarding lesson.
A local camel farm follows, and finally a well-earned private barbecue dinner in a desert camp, with live entertainment. The falcon show before dinner is great, but it's the whirling dervish performance that will capture your imagination.
Desert Sunrise Safari by Tribal Trail Tourism
Anyone looking for a personalised tour will love Tribal Trails' morning desert safari. This tour is popular with families and older travellers who get up early but are still up for an adventure, and the ability to request a private car is part of the appeal.
Drivers are attentive and friendly, and safety conscious: a godsend for navigating the rollercoaster-like dunes and strapping guests to sand boards.
Premium Sundowner Dune Safari Dinner by Arabian Adventures
A desert safari is one of the best things to do in Dubai; and it's the best of the best. Jump in the Land Rover and head to the desert; where you can experience a sunset dune ride in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (knowing that part of your ticket goes to the conservation).
A glass of bubbly calms post-dune bashing nerves, as does relaxing on Arabian style blankets with a shisha pipe. Of course, don't forget to enjoy dinner: an Arabian-style buffet and barbecue worth mentioning.
Exclusive morning safari by Funtours
A cheerful morning pick-up sets the tone for this family-friendly tour. The guides are smiling and knowledgeable; and they are also excellent drivers. There's a set game plan, with exactly 20 minutes of driving through the dunes, followed by a camel ride and a short but sweet boarding session on the sand.
Ideal for anyone with a short window to experience the Dubai desert; this tour ticks all the boxes.
Dubai Red Dunes Desert Safari Evening by OceanAir Travels
This full day desert safari is full of adventure, allowing you to experience the best of the desert in just one day.
The dune bashing is great, but it's the sand surfing that is the real highlight. Guides show you how to ride down the dunes before everyone gets back in the Land Cruiser and heads to the desert campsite. Anyone with energy left can head for the camel rides; but there's also henna painting and shisha pipes waiting on the colourful Arab rugs.
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