Planning a desert safari right after landing in Dubai? You’re probably wondering how far you’ll need to travel. The good news is that the well-known desert safari spots in Dubai are rather close to the airport, and one can easily begin the adventure in a short period of time.
Distance from Dubai Airport to Desert Safari
The Dubai International Airport (DXB) is located approximately 50-65 kilometers (31-40 miles) away from the major desert safari regions. The majority of desert safaris are conducted in the Lahbab Desert, also referred to as the Red Dune Desert, which is approximately 60 kilometers from the airport. The drive normally takes 45-60 minutes, depending on the traffic.
When you are coming to the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in the south of Dubai, you are technically in the desert, just 35-40 kilometers away, and the drive will take you about 30-40 minutes.
Can You Visit the Desert from Dubai?
Absolutely! Dubai is surrounded by the Arabian Desert, and therefore, the desert safaris can be easily accessed anywhere within the city. The nearest desert to Dubai is the Lahbab Desert, which is characterized by beautiful red sand dunes and ideal dune bashing terrain. This is the place where the majority of the leading safari companies carry out their tours.
The Arabian Desert is a wide region; however, the Lahbab region has the most dramatic scenery and thrilling experiences. It has been the most preferred location for desert safari due to its high red dunes and its proximity to the city.
Getting from Dubai Airport to Your Desert Safari
In their packages, most desert safari companies offer free hotel pick up and drop off. This is the most convenient and simple alternative. Your tour operator will collect you from your hotel or a central place and drive you to the desert.
When you are heading to the airport and directly to the desert safari (this is not a common case), you can choose among the following:
- Taxi or Uber: A ride in a taxi in Dubai Airport to the city center would cost about AED 50-80, but to get to the desert, it would cost more, about AED 120-150. Nevertheless, most would rather get into their hotel and leave the safari company to do the transportation.
- Hotel Transfer First: The most effective means of traveling from Dubai Airport to your hotel is through taxi, Uber, or a pre-booked hotel transfer. The majority of the hotels in the city center of Dubai are located within 15-20 minutes of the airport. When you are all settled, reserve your desert safari with a company that offers pickup.
How Much Time is Needed for Desert Safari?
Plan for 5-7 hours for a complete evening desert safari experience. This includes:
- Pickup from your hotel: 15-60 minutes (depending on your location)
- Drive to the desert: 45-60 minutes
- Desert activities: 3-4 hours (dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, dinner, and shows)
- Return drive: 45-60 minutes
Safaris in the morning don’t last as long and are approximately 3-4 hours. These are primarily adventure tours without the dinner and entertainment part.
Is Desert Safari Worth Doing in Dubai?
Yes! One of the activities that one cannot afford to miss in Dubai is a desert safari. You will have exciting dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, traditional entertainment and a tasty barbecue dinner all in one package. It is the best experience that many visitors claim to have had during their visit to Dubai. The adventure will allow you to take a rest after the skyscrapers of the city and enjoy the natural scenery of the Arabian Desert.
Which Dubai Desert Safari is Best?
The ideal desert safari is based on what you want. For a complete, reliable experience with excellent safety standards and great value, Dubai Buggy Adventure offers top-quality tours in the Al Badayer desert. Their adventure activities are mixed with cultural experiences and are therefore ideal for both first-time travelers and those who have travelled extensively.
Evening safaris are the most common as they have it all: adventure, culture, dinner and entertainment. Morning safaris are better when you do not want a lot of people and do not want to spend the whole day on the safari.
When Should You Go?
Desert safari is best during October to March when the weather is pleasant. The climate is ideal for doing outdoor activities, and you will not be overheated.
Avoid summer months (June-August) when the temperature is above 40°C. If you need to visit in summer, then you should do evening safaris, which will begin after the heat has subsided.
How Much Does a Desert Safari Cost?
Desert safari prices in Dubai vary by package type:
- Standard packages: AED 150-250 per person
- Premium packages: AED 300-500 per person
- Luxury experiences: AED 600+ per person
Most packages include transportation, all activities, dinner, and entertainment, making them an excellent value for money.
Planning Your Desert Safari
For the smoothest experience:
- Book in advance: Tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season
- Choose a company with pickup service: This eliminates transportation worries
- Allow enough time: Don’t schedule tight plans before or after your safari
- Check what’s included: Make sure your package covers transportation, activities, and meals
Final Tips
Although the desert is within 50-65 kilometers of the Dubai Airport, it is not advisable to drive directly to the airport and then to a safari. Rather, first have a shower in your hotel, clean up, and leave the pick up to your tour operator. In this way, you will be relaxed and will be in a position to enjoy your desert adventure to the fullest.
Dubai Buggy Adventure simplifies the whole process through convenient pickup services in all major hotels and proper communication regarding timing and logistics. They will drive you safely and on time to the desert, whether you are staying close to the airport or in downtown Dubai, to have an experience of a lifetime in the beautiful Arabian dunes.
