In this guide, we will cover everything about overnight desert safari camping in Dubai, including price, experience, sleeping arrangements, what to pack, and whether it is worth booking.
Most people think the evening desert safari is the full desert experience, which includes all activities. Still, they don’t know that there is an advanced form of evening desert safari, which is called an overnight desert safari. When the evening safari ends, most of the people return to their hotel in the city, while some people stay the full night at the camp under the stars. In an overnight desert safari, you can experience the full Dubai desert safari experience by enjoying all the classic safari activities with BBQ dinner and live shows, and by staying at the camp, you can experience the sunrise and breakfast in the desert in authentic Arabian culture.
What Is Overnight Desert Safari Camping?
An overnight desert safari is the extended version of an evening desert safari. The journey begins in the afternoon with a pickup in a 4 by 4 vehicle. After reaching the desert, guests can enjoy the safari activities, including dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, and sunset photography, and then at the desert camp, enjoy the BBQ dinner along with camp entertainment shows. After these activities, evening safari guests leave while the overnight guests stay at the camp to spend the whole night under the stars. The sleeping arrangements managed by the tour operator will provide a tent with sleeping bags, and for most tourists, it becomes a memorable night of their lives.
What Is Included in an Overnight Desert Safari Package?
The exact inclusion can vary among the different tour operators and according to the desert safari package. Most of the overnight safari packages include the pickup from your hotel, followed by the dune bashing, sand boarding, camel ride and sunset photography. After reaching the camp, there you can experience the Arabian culture, henna painting, falcon photography, Arabic costumes, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment shows including the belly dance, Tanoura dance and fire shows. After these activities, the company will arrange the sleeping arrangements by giving you the tents and sleeping bags with all essentials.
But there you can find the VIP and private desert safari packages, which include the upgraded dining and private transfers.
Facilities Available at Overnight Desert Camp
Desert safari camps are designed for a simple and peaceful night stay in the middle of the desert. These are not like luxury 5-star hotels, but here you can find all the basic facilities.
In the evening, you can enjoy an authentic Arabian dinner with live shows. After these activities, the company provides a seating area where you can relax after the dinner: mattresses, blankets and sleeping arrangements are arranged in shared or private tents according to your package. But at 95% camps, you can find private tents for your group, couple, or family. Separate washrooms for women and men are available at the camp.
After the dining, when you sit in majlis form, some companies offer the Arabian tea, coffee, and snacks. Some camps also include the cultural bonfire area, which you can enjoy at night. The staff remains nearby to assist you and spend the night without any hassle.
What Should You Pack for Overnight Desert Camping?
Packing for an overnight desert safari is not as complicated as most people think. The overnight desert safari consists of daytime activities and an overnight stay at the camp, so that you will experience the heat of the day and the coldness at night. So it is recommended to choose light and bright clothes for daytime outdoor activities and always keep a lightweight jacket for the night or a shawl with you. In footwear, choose sneakers or lightweight shoes. Sandals are not recommended as you can feel difficulty walking over sand.
Although the desert camp is simple, you can take some personal accessories with you, like sanitizer, a towel, and tissue, etc., for your ease. Always take your power bank with you, as at the camp, there are limited electricity options. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also important to protect yourself from the daytime heat.
Overnight Desert Safari vs Evening Desert Safari
Overnight desert safari includes all the activities of the evening desert safari. The difference is that after the dinner and live shows, evening safari guests leave, while overnight guests stay a night at the camp. The evening desert safari duration is around 6 hours, while an overnight desert safari lasts for 16 hours.
| Feature | Evening Desert Safari | Overnight Desert Safari |
| Duration | 5–7 hours | 12–18 hours (overnight stay) |
| Experience Type | Short desert experience | Full desert camping experience |
| Night Stay | Not included | Included (camping in tents) |
| Sunrise View | Not included | Included |
| Comfort Level | High (return to hotel) | Moderate (camping setup) |
| Activities | Dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ, and shows | All evening activities + night stay |
| Best For | Quick experience visitors | Adventure + unique experience seekers |
Overnight Desert Safari Price in Dubai
The price of an overnight desert safari varies according to the inclusions, package type and comfort level. The overnight desert safari price is higher than the evening desert safari as it includes some additional services like sleeping arrangements, overnight camping, and breakfast in the morning.
| Package Type | Inclusions | Approx. Price | Experience Level |
| Standard Overnight Safari | Shared camp, BBQ dinner, basic camping, breakfast | 250 – 400 AED | Budget Friendly |
| VIP Overnight Safari | Better seating, upgraded dining, premium service, dinner + breakfast | 400 – 650 AED | Comfortable |
| Private Overnight Safari | Private tent, luxury private vehicle, personalized experience | 700 – 1200+ AED | Luxury Experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an overnight desert safari in Dubai worth it?
Yes, it is totally worth it as it includes all the desert safari activities, dining at the desert camp, entertainment shows, overnight stay, and breakfast in the morning.
Are washrooms available during overnight desert camping?
Yes, most camps have separate washroom facilities for men and women. But you can take some personal items with you, like tissues, sanitizer, and a towel.
Can families stay in overnight desert safari camps?
Yes, families can stay at the desert camp. Some packages offer a family-friendly overnight stay with private tents.
What time does an overnight desert safari end?
The overnight desert safari lasts for almost 16 hours. The experience ends with a morning breakfast, and then the driver drops you back at your hotel.
How cold does it get in the desert at night?
The desert temperature can suddenly drop at night, so it is recommended to take a jacket, coat, or shawl with you.
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