Desert Safaris

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Choosing the Perfect Dubai Desert Safari

These days Dubai might be better known for its jaw-dropping skylines and lavish attractions, but its golden desert remains as unmissable as ever. Here's how to make the most of your safari visit.

  • Wildlife

    1. Wildlife

    With gazelles, wildcats, monitor lizards to be seen, the Dubai desert can match any savannah for wildlife sightings. Try a falconry experience for the ultimate in animal close-ups.

  • Camel Rides

    2. Camel Rides

    Camel rides make for a great hands-on Dubai Desert Tour. Most desert safaris include a short ride, but you can definitely opt for a tour with extended riding time.

  • Food

    3. Food

    Budget safaris (meals included) are available, but it's worth it to spend a little more if possible. You'll get authentic, local cuisine and hospitality that makes you feel like a VIP.

  • Extreme Thrills

    4. Extreme Thrills

    Thrill-seekers are spoilt for choice with the dune-bashing, quad-biking, sand-skiing, and dune-buggy rides offered on various safari tours. Not for the faint-hearted!

  • Time of Day

    5. Time of Day

    Can't handle the heat? Experience the desert by night. The evening tours offer breathtaking beauty and a unique stargazing experience.

Planning Your Visit

  • What is Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve?

    With Dubai's rapid expansion, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve was founded to protect the natural landscape and endemic wildlife from overspill. It is located in the southeastern corner of the Emirate of Dubai and covers 87 squared miles of land. Some safaris are allowed to take you out to these pristine dunes.

  • How hot does it get?

    Dubai summer temperatures average at 106ºF (41ºC), and often get a lot higher than that. Temperatures are more comfortable between December and March, but you might have to contend with irregular spurts of rain.

  • Can you camp?

    In some places it's possible to camp, but unless you're extremely experienced, we wouldn't recommend it without being accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Fortunately, there are several overnight camping safaris available.

  • What is a desert safari?

    What can you really expect on a safari tour? More than you may realize! This is your chance to drive over dunes and participate in a variety of traditional desert activities: camel riding, sandboarding, trying shisha, authentic cuisine, henna tattoos, and local entertainment.

Other Sightseeing Options in Dubai


What people are saying about Dubai

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 41,874 reviews

First time that we used GetYourGuide and we had a great time with Nabeel at the desert tour. Pick up was very well coordinated prior to the tour! It was super fun to ride the dunes and he had a lot of interesting facts about Dubai. Also he took great pictures. Would highly recommend // Wie haben zum ersten Mal über GetYourGuide gebucht und wir können die Wüstentour mit Nabeel sehr empfehlen. Alles super organisiert gewesen, hab gar keine Probleme. Alles super ungezwungen, wenn man will, konnte man noch Buggies bzw Quads vor Ort im Camp mieten. Ansonsten war ein toller kleiner Kamelritt inklusive und eine (lange) Fahrt über die Dünen. Er hat sich auch sehr viel Zeit für Fotos genommen.

i had a tour today with my little brother and my boyfriend I really didn't expect that much, it was so fun and ahmed was so nice and made sure that we didn't miss anything and that we didn't get bored, he also looked after my little brother so well. our statements are totally open! Many thanks to ahmed for everything, we can only recommend it!

Despite Ramadan and COVID 19, the tour with our guide, Yasir, was really nice . Everything was as described. Please note, to tip as much as you can even though everything is included. Some stuff are still not for free, as makeover / Arabic dress / scarf. All in all, a good and well structured tour with lot of excreting activities.

Our guide Mohammed was amazing. Very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. Pick up was exact and timely. He was very fun as a driver as well. The itinerary was flexible and customizable. Would choose this company again for future trips.

Great experience, did pick the 4am one since not warm and allowed us to be back at hotel at 9am to enjoy the day at the pool. Great service, ride on the camel, with perfect breakfast at the end.