If you are planning a trip to Dubai, a desert safari is probably at the top of your list. It sounds simple, right? You just book a tour, ride over the sand, and eat dinner.
But when you start looking online, you will find hundreds of different companies. Some are very cheap, some are very expensive, and they all claim to be ‘the best.’ It is easy to get confused and worry about picking the wrong one.
You don’t want to end up in a crowded bus or eat a cold dinner. That is why we wrote this guide. We will help you understand what makes a safari great, what to look for before you pay, and how to choose the right package for your family. Let’s make sure your desert trip is perfect!
Step 1: Pick the Best Time to Go
The first thing you need to decide is when you want to visit the desert. There are three main options, and each one is different:
-
Morning Safari: This is perfect if you love adventure but don’t have much time. It usually lasts 3 to 4 hours. You can do sandboarding and dune bashing, and then you are back at your hotel for lunch.
-
Evening Safari: This is the most popular choice. It starts in the late afternoon and includes dinner. You get to see the sunset, watch traditional dance shows, and eat a big BBQ buffet.
-
Overnight Safari: If you want a real adventure, you can stay in the desert until the next morning. You sleep in a tent and eat breakfast while watching the sun come up.
Think about how much time you have. If you want the full “Dubai experience” with dinner and shows, the Evening Safari is usually the best pick for most people
Step 2: Shared Car vs. Private Car
When you book your safari, you need to decide how you want to travel. There are two ways to do it:
-
Shared Safari: You will share a 4×4 car with other tourists (usually 6 people in total). This is the cheaper option and a great way to meet new people. However, you might feel a bit crowded, and you cannot ask the driver to slow down or speed up because other people are in the car too.
-
Private Safari: You book the whole car for just you and your family or friends. It costs more, but it is much more comfortable. You can ask the driver to take more photos, spend more time at your favorite spots, or drive more gently if you have kids with you.
Our Tip: If you are a couple on a romantic trip or a family with young children, a Private Safari is worth the extra money for the comfort and privacy.
Step 3: Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True” Deals
It is very common to see ads for desert safaris booking that are extremely cheap—sometimes as low as 70 or 80 AED ($20). While a low price sounds great, it is usually a “red flag.”
Here is what often happens with very cheap tours:
-
Hidden Costs: They might charge you extra for basic things like water, a short camel ride, or even for your dinner plate.
-
Crowded Camps: You might end up in a camp with 500 to 1,000 other people. This means long lines for food and no room to see the shows.
-
Old Vehicles: Cheaper companies often use older cars that are not as comfortable or safe as the newer models used by top-rated companies.
How to Stay Safe:
-
Ask for the Total Price: Always ask if the price includes hotel pickup, dinner, and all the activities.
-
Check for a License: Make sure the company is licensed by the Dubai Tourism department (DTCM). Licensed companies have trained drivers and better insurance.
-
Read Recent Reviews: Don’t just look at the star rating. Read reviews from the last month to see if people were happy with the food and the service.
Final Checklist: Before You Book
Before you click the “Book Now” button, use this quick list to make sure you have everything ready:
-
Check the Inclusions: Does the price include hotel pickup, dinner, and drinks? Make sure there are no hidden fees.
-
Pick Your Time: Are you going for the Morning (fast and fun) or Evening (dinner and shows)?
-
Choose Your Car: Do you want a Shared car to save money or a Private car for more comfort?
-
Read the Reviews: Look for recent comments from other travelers. Were they happy with the food and the driver?
-
Ask About the Camp: Is it a small, private camp or a huge one with 1,000 people? (Smaller is usually better!)
Quick Packing Tips:
-
Wear cotton or linen clothes (they are breathable).
-
Bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
-
Take a light jacket (the desert gets cold at night!).
-
Wear closed shoes (sneakers) so the sand doesn’t burn your feet.
Conclusion
Booking a desert safari should be exciting, not stressful. By following these simple steps, you can avoid the tourist traps and enjoy a beautiful day in the Dubai dunes. Ready to start your adventure?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the desert safari safe for children and seniors?
Yes, it is safe. However, if you are traveling with small children or elderly people, we recommend booking a Private Car. This way, the driver can drive slowly and avoid big bumps to keep everyone comfortable.
2. What should I wear for the safari?
Wear loose, comfortable clothes like T-shirts and shorts or trousers. For footwear, sandals or flip-flops are best because they are easy to clean if sand gets inside. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket if you go in the evening!
3. What kind of food is served?
Most safaris offer a big BBQ Buffet dinner. This includes grilled meats (chicken and lamb), salads, rice, and appetizers. There are always plenty of vegetarian options available as well.
4. Will I get motion sickness during dune bashing?
- Dune bashing is like a roller coaster. If you often get motion sickness, it is a good idea to eat a very light meal before your trip. You can also ask your driver to make the ride “gentle” instead of “adventurous.
Ready to book your Dubai adventure? Contact us today to find the perfect desert safari package for you and your family!
