Dubai offers a variety of desert safari experiences across different locations. Popular desert areas include Al Awir Desert, Liwa Desert, Al Lahbab Desert, Al Faya Desert, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Jebel Maleihah, and Bidayer.
Top Desert Safari Experiences in Dubai:
- Lahbab Desert: Known for its towering red dunes, this desert is perfect for a scenic and exciting dune bashing experience.
- Luxury Desert Camp: A lavish desert experience featuring traditional Arabic hospitality, including majlis seating, shisha, and henna tattoos.
- Exclusive Cultural Immersion: This experience includes activities like falconry, henna tattooing, traditional attire dressing, and a BBQ dinner with live performances.
- Dubai Red Dunes ATV, Camels, Stargazing & BBQ at Al Khayma Camp: Enjoy ATV rides, camel rides, sandboarding, henna art, Arabian-costume photos, and a barbecue dinner with live shows.
- Platinum Heritage: A luxury desert safari on a conservation site owned by the Royal Family.
Additional Considerations:
- Private Tour: For a more personalized experience, consider booking a private tour.
- Vehicle Options: Some tours use high-quality vehicles like Land Cruisers for an enhanced safari experience.
- Food: Depending on the tour, meals can range from buffet-style to more premium options with live cooking.
Morning vs. Evening Desert Safaris:
- Morning Safaris: Ideal for early risers who enjoy the cooler desert temperatures. Activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, and quad biking are best in the morning. Wildlife is more active, and the rising sun provides excellent photography opportunities. These safaris are less crowded and leave the afternoon free for other activities.
- Evening Safaris: Best for those who want to experience the sunset and enjoy local entertainment, including belly dancing and Tanoura shows. Evening safaris offer the chance to witness the stunning desert sunset.
Family-Friendly Options:
A desert safari without dune bashing can be a more relaxed and family-friendly option, especially for families with children, providing a less adrenaline-driven experience.
Dubai Safari Park:
The Dubai Safari Park recommends spending at least 4-5 hours exploring the park. Attractions include various animal habitats, live shows, giraffe feeding stations, and a bird show. Keep in mind:
- No outside food or drinks are allowed.
- Pets are not permitted except for service animals.
- Minors (12 and under) must be accompanied by an adult.
Camel Ride Pricing:
Camel ride prices in Dubai’s desert safaris vary depending on the tour and ride duration:
- Standard Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner: AED 230 per person
- Sunrise Camel Ride: AED 250 per person
- Camel Ride with Night Stay: AED 350 per person
- 45-Minute Camel Ride: $73
- Platinum Heritage Camel Safari: Includes sunset falcon show, four-course meal, and cultural entertainment
Other activities often included in desert safaris:
- Dune Bashing
- Sandboarding
- Quad Biking
- Henna Tattoos
- Belly Dancing and Tanoura Dance Shows
- Camel Riding
Desert Safari Duration:
A typical desert safari lasts around 4-6 hours, offering a mix of activities and a chance to explore the desert landscape.
Best Sunrise Locations in Dubai:
- Burj Khalifa: Watch the sunrise from the world’s tallest building.
- Kite Beach: Offers views of the Burj Al Arab and sunrise.
- Dubai Marina Walk: A view of the sunrise against Marina’s skyscrapers.
- Hatta Dam: A serene location for a peaceful sunrise.
- Jumeirah Beach: Classic choice for sunrise views with gentle waves.
- Deira Creek and Bluewaters Island: Unique perspectives of sunrise over traditional dhows or city skylines.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: Experience a breathtaking sunrise over the desert.
- Al Qudra Lakes: A hidden gem in the desert for sunrise lovers.
Golden Hour in Dubai:
Golden hour, the best time for outdoor photography, occurs in the late afternoon:
- December 16, 2024: Golden hour at 5:59 PM
- December 17, 2024: Golden hour at 6:00 PM
- December 18, 2024: Golden hour at 6:00 PM
- December 19, 2024: Golden hour at 6:01 PM
Golden hour is followed by blue hour, a brief period when the sky turns deep blue, lasting about 15 minutes, either before sunrise or after sunset.
Dubai enjoys 8 to 10 hours of sunshine daily throughout the year.
