Desert Safari Dubai – Red Dunes & Adventure Tours
Desert Safari Dubai Tours
Leave the tall buildings behind and dive into the beauty of the Arabian Desert with our Desert Safari Dubai tours. With our smart guides, ride over the majestic red dunes in a powerful 4×4 vehicle. Hop on a camel’s back for a traditional Desert Safari Dubai experience, get a lovely henna tattoo, and glide down red dunes on a sandboard.
Watch skilled falcons soar in the sky and enjoy mouthwatering Arabian cuisine at our desert camp. With Desert Safari Dubai by DesertLeapSafari, your day turns into unforgettable memories.
We promise you’ll have the best time on our Desert Safari Dubai! It’s not just a trip; it’s a big wow moment you’ll always remember. Our friendly guides will ensure you’re safe and smiling the whole time. Let’s go on this exciting ride together!
Important
Prices do not include VAT. A 5% VAT will be added as per UAE law.
Dune Buggy and Quad Bike rides are optional and can be added upon request.
Sunrise Desert Safari Dubai
Evening Desert Safari

Morning Desert Safari Dubai

Quad Bike and Dune Buggy
Premium Red Dunes Safari
Overnight Desert Safari
Dune Bashing Adventure
Desert Safari with quad bike
Camel Riding Safari with BBQ Dinner
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hummer Desert Safari
Camel Riding Safari
VIP Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner
Why Choose Our Desert Safari Dubai?
At Desert Leap Safari, we believe in giving you more than just a tour—we give you memories. We’re proud to be a top-rated tour operator in Dubai, trusted by thousands of happy guests. Check out our Google Maps listing for real Desert Safari Dubai reviews and why travelers love our Desert Safari Dubai tours.
- Hotel Pickup & Drop-off – Anywhere in Dubai
- Red Dunes Adventure – Premium Lahbab Desert
- Camel Ride Experience – Ride like a Bedouin
- Sandboarding Fun – Glide down the dunes
- Optional Dune Buggy/Quad Bike – Self-drive thrill
- BBQ Dinner & Live Shows – Fire show, Belly Dance, Tanoura
- Best Price Guarantee – Starting from AED 85
- Reserve Now, Pay Later – Pay cash on pickup
What’s Included in Your Desert Safari?
- Pickup & Drop-off (Hotel/Home)
- 25-45 min Dune Bashing in Red Dunes
- Camel Ride
- Sandboarding
- Photo stop at the Desert with a Falcon
- Access to Bedouin-style Camp
- BBQ Buffet Dinner (Veg & Non-Veg)
- Soft Drinks, Water, Tea & Coffee
- Live Shows – Tanoura, Fire Show, Belly Dance
Top-Rated Reviews
Discover why our guests love us! Read real reviews and stories from travelers who picked Desert Safari Dubai tours for an epic adventure.
We promise you’ll have the best time with Desert Safari Dubai. It’s more than a tour — it’s a magical ride you’ll always cherish. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Desert Safari Dubai tour now and let the desert work its magic!
Itinerary – How Your Desert Safari Day Looks
Time | Activity |
3:00 PM – 3:30 Pm | Pickup from Hotel/Residence |
4:30 PM | Arrive at Red Dunes – Photo Stop |
5:15 PM | Dune Bashing Adventure |
7:00 PM | Arrival at Desert Camp |
7:15 PM | Camel Ride & Sandboarding |
7:45 pm | BBQ Dinner + Live Shows Begin |
8:45 pm | End of Shows & Relax |
9:00 PM | Departure from Camp |
10:00 – 10:30 PM | Drop-off at Hotel/Residence |
FAQs
A. Desert safari tours are packed with exciting activities and authentic cultural experiences. Depending on your package, you can expect:
- Dune Bashing: An exhilarating 4×4 ride over dunes with an expert driver.
- Camel Rides: A short camel trek to experience travel the traditional way.
- Sandboarding & Quad Biking: Surf down the dunes on a sandboard or ride an ATV (often offered as add-ons).
- Desert Camp Activities: Henna painting, shisha (hookah), falconry displays, and dressing in Arabian costumes.
- Live Cultural Shows: Evening safaris feature performances like belly dancing, Tanoura (whirling dervish) dances, and fire shows.
- BBQ Dinner: Most evening safaris include a buffet BBQ dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options under the stars.
Each tour may vary, so check your specific itinerary for exactly which activities are included.
A. Starting from 85 AED per person, depending on the package.
A. The duration of a desert safari depends on the type of tour:
- Morning Desert Safari: Approximately 3 to 4 hours, usually starting around 7:00–8:00 AM and ending by late morning. These focus on dune bashing and desert activities in the cooler morning hours (no dinner or shows).
- Evening Desert Safari: Around 6 to 7 hours, typically from about 3:00 PM until 9:00–10:00 PM. Evenings include sunset views, camp activities, dinner, and live entertainment.
- Overnight Desert Safari: Can last 12 to 15 hours (full evening + overnight). It starts in the late afternoon (around 3:00 PM) and goes until the next morning (around 9:00 AM), including the evening program, overnight camping, stargazing, and breakfast at sunrise.
All options include travel time to and from the desert. You’ll be back at your hotel the same day for morning/evening tours, while overnight tours return the next day.
A. Yes, from anywhere in Dubai.
A. Comfortable clothes, closed shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a Hat.
A: Desert safaris generally include round-trip transport from Dubai.
- Evening safaris: Pickup from your hotel or designated location is usually between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, with drop-off around 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM after all activities.
- Morning safaris: Pickup is often around 7:00 AM, with drop-off by noon.
- Overnight safaris: Start with an afternoon pickup (around 3:00 PM) and drop you back the next day after sunrise (approximately 8:00–9:00 AM).
Exact timing can vary based on season and your pickup location, but we will provide the schedule when you book. (Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in a 4×4 are typically included in most packages for your convenience.)
A: You can choose from a variety of desert safari tours to suit different schedules and preferences:
- Morning Desert Safari: A short, adrenaline-filled tour with dune bashing and desert activities, ideal if you have evenings busy or prefer cooler morning weather.
- Evening Desert Safari: The most popular option, offering a complete experience with dune bashing, camel rides, sunset in the desert, and an evening camp with dinner and cultural shows. (View our Evening Desert Safari package for details.)
- Overnight Desert Safari: Extends the evening safari with camping under the stars. You’ll enjoy the full evening program plus overnight accommodations in the desert and a sunrise breakfast.
- Luxury/VIP Desert Safari: A high-end experience with extra comforts – often including private setups, premium vehicles, gourmet dining, and personalized service. (See our VIP Desert Safari for a deluxe adventure.)
- Specialty Safaris: Options like Camel Desert Safari (focus on camel riding and a gentler experience), Desert Safari & Quad Bike combos for thrill seekers, and Dinner-Only Desert Safaris (no dune bashing, just the camp experience).
Each package offers a unique twist on the desert adventure, so you can pick one that best fits your interests and schedule.
A: An Overnight Desert Safari in Dubai is an extended tour where you stay in the desert camp until the next morning. It includes everything an evening safari offers (dune bashing, activities, dinner, and live shows), plus a night of camping under the desert sky. Tents, sleeping gear, and basic facilities are provided, and you’ll get to stargaze in the tranquil darkness of the desert – a magical experience away from city lights. In the morning, you’re treated to a peaceful desert sunrise and a light breakfast before heading back to the city.
Who is it best for? Overnight safaris are perfect for travelers who want a deeper desert immersion. If you love camping, stargazing, and don’t mind rustic overnight accommodations, this is a memorable option. It’s popular with couples (for the romance of the night sky), photographers (to capture sunset and sunrise), and adventure lovers who want the ultimate desert experience. Families with children can also enjoy it, but keep in mind the overnight aspect – you’ll need to be okay with camping conditions and a cooler night environment.
A: A Luxury or VIP Desert Safari is an upgraded desert experience that offers extra comfort, exclusivity, and personalized service compared to a regular safari. In a standard shared tour, you’ll travel with other guests and enjoy a buffet dinner and common camp activities. In a VIP safari:
- You often get private or priority seating at the camp, sometimes in a separate VIP lounge or a reserved table for your group.
- No waiting in queues for activities or food – dinner is usually served to you at your table by dedicated staff, rather than self-service buffet.
- The vehicles might be luxury models or limited to your party (e.g., a private 4×4 just for you), and the camp setup is more lavish (comfortable majlis seating, exclusive sections, upgraded facilities).
- Some luxury packages include premium add-ons like a longer dune drive, gourmet food menus, upgraded entertainment, and optional adult beverages.
In short, a VIP safari lets you enjoy all the desert activities but with a more exclusive, comfortable touch. It’s a great choice if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just prefer a high-end experience. (For example, our VIP Desert Safari package offers a luxury BBQ dinner and personalized service for an elevated adventure.)
A: Yes – desert safaris in Dubai are generally very safe. Reputable operators (like Desert Leap Safari) use well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and employ experienced, licensed drivers for dune bashing. Before the ride, drivers deflate the tires for better grip and give a safety briefing. You’ll be buckled in during the dune drive, and the drivers are trained to handle the dunes safely while still giving you an exciting ride.
At the camp and during activities, staff are on hand to guide and assist you (for example, with sandboarding or camel mounting). Basic first-aid is usually available on site as well. Safety tips: If you have any medical conditions (like serious back or heart issues, or if you’re pregnant), it’s important to inform the tour provider beforehand. They can arrange for you to skip the bumpy dune bashing or take extra precautions so you can still enjoy the desert experience safely. Overall, thousands of people of all ages do desert safaris every week – it’s a well-regulated activity, and your guides will prioritize your safety.
A: Absolutely – desert safaris can be enjoyed by families and older visitors, with a few considerations:
- Children: Kids love desert safaris! Most tours allow children (often at reduced rates). For safety, very young children (typically under 3 or 4 years old) are usually not allowed on extreme dune bashing rides. If you have toddlers, you can request a gentler dune drive or skip dune bashing altogether (see the next FAQ about skipping activities). Many camps have kid-friendly activities like sand play, henna for fun, or safe camel rides led by an adult. Car seats can be provided on request for infants.
- Older Adults: Many seniors enjoy safaris, especially the cultural aspects like the camp entertainment and dinner under the stars. If anyone in your group has back or heart conditions or other mobility concerns, they can opt out of the rough dune bashing and go directly to the camp to relax. We can arrange for a smoother ride or a separate vehicle if needed. It’s wise for older guests to avoid heavy meals right before dune bashing and to stay hydrated.
In short, people of most ages can participate. The tour can be tailored (or a specific type of safari chosen) to make sure everyone has a comfortable and fun experience. If you have concerns, talk to us – we’ll recommend the best tour format for your family. Our goal is to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone.
A: For families with kids, an Evening Desert Safari is often the top choice because it offers a little something for everyone. Children can enjoy the gentle camel rides, try sandboarding on small dunes, and get simple henna tattoos at the camp. The evening dinner buffet has a variety of options (so even picky eaters will find something), and the live performances – like the belly dance, fire show, and tanoura dance – are entertaining for all ages. The timing (afternoon to evening) means it’s not too late a night for kids, yet they get to experience the beautiful sunset and a bit of night desert magic.
If you have very young children or prefer a milder experience, you could opt for a private desert safari or a camel desert safari. A private tour allows the driver to tone down the dune bashing, and you can have more flexibility with your schedule. A camel-focused safari or a dinner-only camp experience skips the rough rides altogether, which can be great for toddlers or anyone prone to motion sickness. We also ensure our drivers adjust the driving to a comfortable level for families. (Tip: You can contact us to discuss the most kid-friendly safari options and any special accommodations you need.)
A: If you’re an adventure junkie looking for maximum thrills, consider a safari that emphasizes high-octane desert activities:
- Morning Desert Safari with Quad Biking: Mornings are great for adrenaline because you can add on quad biking or dune buggy rides in the open desert when the sand is smooth and the temperatures cooler. You’ll get intense dune bashing and the option to sandboard down steep dunes.
- Premium Red Dunes Safari: This special safari (usually an evening tour) heads out to the Lahbab desert or other areas known for high red sand dunes. It offers a longer, more extreme dune bashing session on bigger dunes – perfect for thrill-seekers who want an extra rush. (Check out our Premium Red Dunes Safari for a high-adrenaline experience.)
- Dune Buggy Adventures: Some tours let you drive a powerful dune buggy yourself, following a guide through the dunes. This hands-on experience is one of the most thrilling ways to conquer the desert and is a favorite for adventure lovers.
In summary, choose a package that highlights adventure — look for keywords like “extreme,” “quad bike,” “dune buggy,” or “red dunes” when booking. Even these high-thrill tours are run by professionals who prioritize safety while you have fun, so you can push your limits and enjoy the desert responsibly.
A: Desert safaris run all year, but the best time to go is during the cooler months, roughly November through March. In winter, daytime temperatures are pleasant and evenings can be a bit cool, which makes the desert very enjoyable. You can comfortably do all activities and even enjoy sitting by a campfire or under a blanket of stars during an overnight safari.
Summer (June–August): Safaris still operate, but the heat is intense (40°C+ in the day). If you visit in summer, consider an evening safari (temperatures drop after sunset). Operators may start activities later in the day to avoid the worst heat. It’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and a hat. (The upside: summer tours can be slightly less crowded, and you might find off-season discounts.)
Shoulder seasons (April–May, Sept–Oct): These months are warm but not as extreme as summer. You’ll have fewer crowds than peak winter, and the weather, while hot in midday, is manageable in mornings and evenings. It’s a nice compromise if you want to avoid peak season rates yet still be relatively comfortable.
Regardless of when you go, try to avoid days with unusual weather (rare rain or sandstorms). If conditions are bad, tours might reschedule for safety. But Dubai’s weather is typically clear, so you can plan your safari with confidence in any season.
A: It’s highly recommended to book your desert safari in advance, especially during the busy tourist season (November to March) and on weekends. Booking ahead (even by a few days) ensures you get your preferred date and type of tour, and it allows us to arrange any special requests (like vegetarian meals, child seats, or private car upgrades).
Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, but availability can be limited. If you’re only in Dubai for a short time, it’s best not to risk it – secure your spot early. Many tours (including ours) offer easy online booking and instant confirmation. By booking in advance, you’ll also have more time to plan your day around the safari (since you’ll know the exact pickup time and drop-off).
That said, if you find yourself with a free day in Dubai, feel free to contact us even on short notice – we’ll do our best to accommodate you if there are open slots. We understand spontaneity, and we always try to welcome last-minute adventurers when possible!
A: We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be flexible for our guests:
- You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before your safari’s start time. We’ll refund your payment or help you pick a new date, no hassle.
- If you cancel on shorter notice (for example, within less than 24 hours of departure), we’ll not refund you.
- In case of genuine emergencies or unexpected situations, please inform us as soon as possible. We do our best to accommodate rescheduling requests even last-minute, subject to availability.
Always check the specific terms when you book, as policies can vary by package or promotional deal. But generally, with Desert Leap Safari you have peace of mind – if you give us enough notice, you won’t lose your money. We’re flexible and will work with you to rearrange your desert adventure if your plans shift.
A: Yes, you can absolutely book a private desert safari. This means your group will have a 4×4 vehicle (or multiple vehicles) exclusively for yourselves, along with a dedicated driver/guide. It’s a popular option for families, groups of friends, or couples seeking a more personal experience.
- Group Size: There’s no strict limit on group size for private tours – we can accommodate from 2 people up to large corporate or tour groups by arranging the appropriate number of vehicles. A standard 4×4 vehicle fits 6–7 guests plus the driver. So, for example, a group of 10 might use two private vehicles. If you have a big group, we can even set up a private camp area just for your party.
- Custom Itinerary: With a private safari, you can often customize the schedule and activities. Want to spend extra time sandboarding or skip a certain activity? Prefer a later start time? We can tailor the experience to your preferences.
Booking a private tour ensures a more intimate experience and is great if you have specific needs (such as accommodating young kids or avoiding the bumpier dunes for an older family member). To arrange a private safari, just reach out to us directly – we’ll organize the perfect exclusive adventure for your group.
A: Yes, you can still enjoy a desert safari even if you prefer to skip the dune bashing. We understand that not everyone is up for a bumpy 4×4 ride over the dunes – whether due to motion sickness, pregnancy, back issues, or just personal preference.
Options to consider:
- Dinner in the Desert (No Dune Bashing): Choose a tour option that forgoes the dune drive. We can take you directly to the desert camp where you can enjoy all the other activities (camel rides, henna, sandboarding on smaller dunes, falconry, etc.), plus the live entertainment and dinner. You’ll experience the magic of the desert at sunset and night without the roller-coaster ride.
- Private Car – Gentle Drive: If you book a private safari, you have more control. You can ask your driver to take a flatter route or drive very slowly over the dunes, essentially skipping the intense thrills. Your group still gets the desert scenery and stops for photos, just without the steep drops and fast turns.
When booking, just let us know that you’d like to avoid dune bashing. Many guests do this and still have a fantastic time. You won’t be the only one – families with infants, pregnant travelers, and anyone prone to motion discomfort often choose this option. You’ll still arrive at the camp in time to enjoy the sunset, feast, and fun, minus the adrenaline rush (and jolts) of dune bashing.
A: Evening and overnight safaris include meals. Typically, you’ll get a full BBQ buffet dinner at the desert camp in the evening. The spread usually features grilled meats (chicken, lamb, etc.), rice or noodles, salads, Arabic bread, and a variety of side dishes and desserts. For overnight trips, a simple breakfast (coffee/tea, juice, pastries or eggs) is provided in the morning.
And yes – vegetarian options are available. Tour operators in Dubai cater to diverse visitors, so the dinner buffet always has plenty of vegetarian dishes (salads, grilled veggies, curries, pasta, rice, falafel, hummus, and other Middle Eastern specialties, etc.). If you have specific dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), it’s a good idea to inform us when booking so we can make arrangements, but generally,y you will find enough choices.
Do note that alcohol is not included by default. Some camps have a cash bar where you can purchase beer or wine (availability of alcohol may be restricted during religious holidays or certain months like Ramadan). Water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee are complimentary and unlimited in almost all safari packages to keep you refreshed throughout the experience. Enjoy the feast!