Dubai’s golden sand dunes offer one of the most exciting adventures you can have. A desert safari is a combination of fun, local culture and beautiful nature in a single fantastic trip.
However, with the large number of companies that provide various packages, it may be difficult to choose the right one. This guide will help you choose the ideal desert safari.
Morning Safari vs. Evening Safari
Desert safaris come in two main types: morning and evening. Each one offers something different.
Morning Safari is ideal for adventurous spirits who wish to do other activities later in the day. These tours begin in the early morning and end at lunchtime. You will engage in fun activities like dune bashing (driving over sand dunes in a 4×4 car), camel riding, and sandboarding. And you can see the beautiful sunrise in the desert.
Evening Safari provides you with the whole experience with additional activities. These tours begin in the afternoon and continue till night. You will have all the fun activities and have a BBQ dinner in a desert camp. You will also see spectacular shows such as belly dancing and fire shows in the open air. Evening safaris are the most popular option as it is cooler and more relaxing.
What Do You Want From Your Safari?
Before you book, think about what’s most important to you.
- If You Love Adventure: The most preferred packages for this case are the dune buggy rides, quad biking and aggressive dune bashing within the Al Badayer Desert. The sand dunes in this region are massive, and this makes the rides even more exciting.
- If You Want Culture: Choose safaris which are devoted to traditional experiences. These may be old-fashioned Land Rover tours, falcon education, henna tattoos and trying Arabian clothing to take pictures.
- If You’re Bringing Your Family: Choose family-friendly safaris, which involve activities for all ages. Find some mild camel riding, child-friendly sandboarding and entertaining performances that everyone will love.
Which is the Best Company for Desert Safari in Dubai?
Dubai Buggy Advanture is the best company to select when it comes to desert safari in Dubai. Their packages are excellent, and they offer adventure and culture. Their drivers are qualified, their vehicles are secure and in good condition, and their prices are reasonable. Whether it is your first time or you have already taken safaris, Dubai Buggy Advanture will ensure that you have a great time.
Standard vs. Deluxe Safaris: What’s the Difference?
Desert safaris come in two levels: standard and deluxe.
Standard Safaris
These are less expensive but equally fun. You will go dune bashing, ride camels, sandboard, have a buffet dinner and see shows.
You will be traveling in shared vehicles in larger groups. The desert camps are pleasant, but plain. These are safaris that are wonderful when you feel like saving money and still want to have a complete desert experience.
Deluxe Safaris
These provide you with additional special treatment. You will be in smaller groups and have more attention from the tour guides. The vehicles are more luxurious, the camping is more comfortable, and the food has a greater selection.
The performances are superior, and you may have the chance of doing some extra things, such as holding falcons or having a photo session of your own. It is less crowded, and everything seems special.
Which Desert is Best for Safari in Dubai?
Desert safaris are best done in the Lahbab Desert, also known as the Red Dune Desert. It is approximately 50 kilometers from the city of Dubai.
The region is blessed with spectacular high red sand dunes that make dune bashing extremely exhilarating. The red sand is very beautiful in photographs, especially during sunrise and sunset.
How to Choose a Safe and Good Company
Picking the right company is very important for safety and fun. Here’s what to check:
- Read Reviews: Find Google and TripAdvisor reviews. Read what other users are saying regarding safety, drivers, and the experience.
- Check What’s Included: Good companies inform you of what you are getting. This should include pickup and drop-off time, all activities, food, and shows. Beware of packages that appear to be too low in price; they may have hidden costs.
- Make Sure It’s Safe: Ensure that it is safe. Go for companies that care about safety. They must have experienced drivers who are knowledgeable about driving in the desert. The vehicles are to be inspected frequently and equipped with first aid. Dubai Buggy Advanture is safety-oriented, and the drivers have years of experience.
Is a Desert Safari Worth the Money?
Yes! One of the best activities that you can do in Dubai is a desert safari. This experience is not available in any other part of the city. Most of the packages involve transportation, numerous activities, a complete meal, and entertainment. The desert safari is one of the most popular activities for many visitors who come to Dubai. It’s definitely worth it!
When is the Best Time for Desert Safari?
October to March are the most favorable months to have desert safaris. The weather in these months is pleasant and not so hot (about 25-40°C). The desert is not hot, and you can have all the activities.
During summer (June to August) it is extremely hot—more than 40°C! When you come during the summer, you should only do evening safaris, as they begin after the hottest part of the day.
The evening safaris are more preferable as they are cooler and the sunset is seen. But morning safaris are good, also! The daylight is ideal for taking photos, and there are fewer people.
What to Wear and Bring
Wear light and comfortable clothes made of cotton. Carry a light jacket since it is cold in the desert at night, particularly during winter. Wear closed shoes (no sandals) to be able to walk on the sand safely. Do not put on white clothes as the red sand can stain them. Carry a hat and sunglasses to keep out of the sun.
You should bring your phone or camera to take photographs. Carry sunscreen during evening safaris. Bring any medicine you have. A tiny backpack is good for your belongings.
Leave costly jewelry at home because it can get lost in the sand. Do not bring big bags—they are difficult to carry.
How Long Does a Desert Safari Take?
Evening safaris last approximately 5-7 hours altogether, including driving to and from your hotel. You’ll spend about 45-60 minutes driving each way, 30-45 minutes dune bashing, time to ride camels and sandboard, and 2-3 hours at the camp having dinner and shows.
Morning safaris are shorter—approximately 3-4 hours all in all. They are more activity-oriented and do not involve the long camp experience.
Is Food Included?
Yes! A majority of desert safaris consist of a BBQ dinner. You will be served with a buffet of grilled meats, vegetarian food, salads, traditional Arabic food such as hummus, and desserts. Drinks will be water, soft drinks, Arabic coffee, and tea.
Deluxe packages are even superior in food, with more options. In case you have any special food requirements (vegetarian, allergies, etc.), inform your company at the time of booking. They can usually help you.
Can Older People Do Desert Safaris?
Yes, but there are a few things to consider. Dune bashing is rough and tumble—a roller coaster on sand. People with back problems, heart problems or anyone who gets car sick would not like it. But there are other options!
Some people skip the dune bashing and go straight to the camp. Or they may opt to take softer tours that are centered on camel rides and culture rather than extreme sports.
In your booking, always mention any health issues to your company. They are able to recommend the appropriate package to you.
How Much Should You Tip?
Tipping is nice but not required in Dubai. To your safari driver, AED 20-50 each is standard. In case your driver was really good, helpful, safe, and made your trip memorable, tip more.
Choosing a Safari for Your Family
If you’re bringing your family, look for companies that focus on families. They should have:
- Shorter, gentler dune bashing for kids
- Safe camel rides with helpers
- Shows that kids will enjoy
- Comfortable places to sit and rest
- Clean bathrooms
- Shaded areas
Check if the activities are age-restricted. There are requirements on the age or height of kids to do some activities, such as quad biking. The family packages offered by Dubai Buggy Advanture are safe and fun for all.
How to Book Your Safari
When you have your mind made up, make your bookings early! Tours are booked quickly, particularly in the months of October to March. You also get better prices with early booking.
Get it all in writing: pick up time and location, activities included, food choices, what to bring, and cancellation policy. Good companies allow you to make a reservation on the internet and mail you all the information.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best desert safari in Dubai is easy when you know what you want. Consider whether you prefer adventure or culture more, read reviews, get to know what is covered in various packages, and be ready.
Having secure, reliable companies such as Dubai Buggy Advanture that have amazing packages, your ideal desert experience is just waiting to be had in the gorgeous golden dunes of Arabia. You are about to have a great time that you will never forget!
