Dubai Desert Safari: Essential Tips Before You Travel

So, you are planning a trip to Dubai in the coming months? Congratulations, this is the best time to indulge in a trailblazing desert safari, the quintessential experience to understand the soul of this Arabian land. Indeed, November to April is the winter season in Dubai when the piercing heat reduces.


Dune bashing, rollercoaster ride through the infinite red sands on a 4x4 SUV; camel rides and pictures with the falcons of the desert to fill your social media highlights of the day; and adventurous quad biking on a 350 cc fast-machine for the adrenaline junkies.
The plethora of novel and fun-filled activities that Dubai desert safari promises is ambitious. But does it fulfil all these promises and makes the investment of our time and money worthwhile? How does a typical desert safari experience feels like? What are the important things to know before going for it? Lets dive deep.


Early morning and evening desert safaris are available. But veteran tourists recommend going for the evening one so as to enjoy the sublime feeling of seeing the sunset through the infinitude of dunes. Besides, travellers can stay overnight at a carefully designed conventional Bedouin camps where they will receive a taste of the local culture.

Both the safari packages have pickup locations throughout the city. The tour agent or guide will come to your doorstop for pickup and take you back once the celebrations are over.

The timing of early morning safari is from 4 am till you have breakfast. Whereas, an evening safari will start at around 3 pm and ends with next day’s morning breakfast.

Some of the key activities of a desert safari include:


The central attraction of a desert safari, dune bashing, is all about fastening the seat belt and going all out into the sand dunes. It includes 30 minutes of running wild in a jeep. Exhilarating twists and hair-raising turns; high speed adrenaline rush through the desert that makes you feel like being on the edge.

Before starting your dune bashing journey, it is important to understand that it is not recommended for people with critical health problems, pregnant women and children below four. Tour agencies also recommend not to eat anything heavy an hour before the trip.

This is another adventurous experience where you can ride a 350cc bike through the twists and turns of the desert. These gripping moments will awaken the inner-child and bring your consciousness entirely into the present moment. However, don’t forget to instruct your friends or family members to click some extraordinary pictures of you conquering the dunes with a deep red sun in the background.


This is an opportunity for us to let go of all the stresses and strains to immerse ourselves entirely into experiencing the unending, incomparable beauty of the desert. The epic view of the dunes, combined with the movement on top of a camel, is guaranteed to make a deep mark on our memory.

This is an activity that is similar to skate boarding on snow. Through the steep downhill slant of the mesmerising dunes, we can slide like a shooting star. Children and young adults are more prone to enjoy this session.


Once the sun goes down, everything slows down. The guides will take us to the desert camp where we will be welcomed with Arabic coffee, dates and nuts. The camp will reflect old Bedouin culture with long carpets to sit, lanterns and low tables.


Throughout the night, numerous celebratory activities will unfold including belly dance, Tanoura- a dance form that is deeply intertwined with Islamic folk literature, Egyptian dance dramas and fire shows. Be present in the moment and experience the layered tapestry of Arabian culture.


This camp night will take us back into the time in which Dubai was entirely an unending desert with no cityscapes and skyscrapers.

Even though your tour agency will provide you with enough water throughout the journey, a personal bottle will come handy. Strong sun beams can dehydrate us continually.

Wear loose, light and comfortable clothes made of linen or cotton. Pants and long sleeves are recommended to minimise the scratches from plant or sand and also to protect our skin from sun rays.
During the night and early morning the surroundings will become chilly. Jackets, hoodies or scarves can protect us when the weather becomes cooler. Sun glasses, in fact, will guard our eyes from the intense rays of the sun.

It would be wise not to visit the desert during the former time period as the dunes will be filled with intense heat. Also, once the Ramadan month begins belly dance will be postponed and no alcohol will be provided.

While staying overnight in the camp, don’t miss out the resplendent view of celestial wonders on the clear sky above. With very less light pollution, stargazing will broaden our perspective about the immensity of the universe and the ephemeral state of our humble existence.

Finger-licking barbecue chicken and traditional Arabic delicacies with salads and rice, eaten with your family on a single plate will be the perfect instance to sign off, calling it a day.

Choose experienced and reputed tour companies. Unexperienced and cheap tour operators will uncomfortably crowd the travelling vehicles, provide low quality food and amenities. Check reviews, licenses and certifications before booking your trip.

Once you have gone deep into the desert phone signal will be mostly unavailable. To pay for photo sessions, snacks and souvenirs, locals prefer cash.
Desert safari is a dreamy experience filled with fun, adventure, peace and gastronomic delights. Choosing a reputed tour company and the right time and taking necessary precautions are central to make the most out of this marvellous trip.

So, made your decision? Take note of all the above-mentioned guidelines and fly to this Arabian wonderland that converted barren sand dunes into a treasure house of wealth and celebration of culture.

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