A desert safari in Dubai is one of the most popular excursions in the United Arab Emirates. For us, it was clear during the planning stage that we didn’t want to miss this experience. That’s why we booked our tour in advance before even arriving. In this article, we share our personal experience and provide practical tips for your own desert adventure. You’ll learn how the safari works, what activities to expect, and what to keep in mind, especially if you want to handle the dune bashing without getting queasy.
What to Expect from a Desert Safari in Dubai
A typical desert safari starts with a hotel pickup, followed by a stop at a quad bike camp. From there, the experience continues with quad biking, then camel riding, sandboarding, and finally dune bashing. Depending on the tour provider, extras like dinner, cultural shows, or other activities may also be included.
In our case, the adventure began even earlier than expected. Although our pickup was scheduled for 8:00 AM, our guide arrived at 7:30 in a rugged 4×4. He picked us up at our lovely hotel in Dubai, and together with two other guests, we drove deep into the desert until we reached a secluded camp nestled between the dunes.
The camp offered water, restrooms, small market stalls, and even a falcon display. We spent about 30 minutes exploring the area. During that time, we bought personalized bracelets and scarves to protect ourselves later from the desert sand and intense sun.
Quad Biking in the Dunes
The first activity on our tour was quad biking in the desert dunes. At the camp, we received a short briefing on how to operate the quads and what to watch out for. There was also a large sign with safety guidelines in several languages, including German and English.
After the safety gear was handed out, our quad adventure began. The route led us over several dunes. The terrain was spacious, which gave us plenty of room to ride freely. However, there were also other participants on the track, so you always had to stay alert.
Camel Riding
After the adrenaline rush of the quad biking, it was time for something completely different, a calm and peaceful camel ride through the dunes. The atmosphere was quiet and almost meditative. As the camel slowly made its way across the sand, we enjoyed sweeping views over the desert. The only slightly thrilling part was getting on and off, as camels are quite tall and the movement when they rise can feel a bit wobbly.
Sandboarding in the Desert
After the camel ride, it was time for one of the most exciting activities of the day: sandboarding. At first, we weren’t sure if we’d manage it, but our guide took the time to explain everything in detail, from the right stance to how to get started safely on the dune.
Earlier, we had seen another group whose guide gave almost no instructions. Most of them barely made it a few meters. But our experience was very different. We managed to ride all the way down the dune several times – sometimes gracefully, sometimes with a little tumble. That’s what made it so much fun.
Dune Bashing in a 4×4
To round off the experience, we went dune bashing in a 4×4. The ride takes you across the dunes at high speed, tossing you around like a roller coaster on sand.
Inside the vehicle, there’s a structure with padded bars you can hold onto tightly. The photos and videos show what it’s really like – and why this part of the safari is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
How to Find the Right Desert Safari in Dubai
The range of tour providers* for a desert safari in Dubai is huge. You’ll also find exciting options in other emirates like Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah. So if you’re planning a round trip, Dubai isn’t your only choice.
We compared tours early on and booked ours* in advance. Many excursions sell out quickly, especially during peak season. There are big differences between the offers. Some tours only include a short desert drive. Others last several hours and come with dinner, shows or a falconry experience. Dune bashing isn’t always included either.
We deliberately chose a tour that included quad biking, camel riding, sandboarding and dune bashing. It was important for us to experience as many activities as possible in one afternoon. We skipped the evening desert camp. Our tour* lasted around four hours instead of seven.
Looking back, everything was so well organized that next time we’d probably go for the longer tour*. The desert camp offers even more highlights: you’ll be welcomed with dates and traditional sweets, have the chance to feed camels, visit a falconry station, try henna painting, and enjoy Arabic coffee or tea. There’s usually a shisha area too, plus several shows and an open-air BBQ in the evening.
Tip: When booking, make sure hotel pickup is included in the price. Also take time to read reviews from other travelers to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Our recommendation for great value for money: View online tickets*
Essential Tips – What You Should Know Before Heading into the Desert
To make your desert adventure a success, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
- Eat little or nothing before the safari
Dune bashing can be rough on your stomach. If you’ve had a big breakfast, you might end up feeling sick. Many tour operators recommend skipping breakfast or just eating something light. - Don’t forget appropriate clothing and sun protection
Wear loose, comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen. A pair of sunglasses, a scarf to cover your head and face, and some good sunscreen are a must. Especially during quad biking, sand can blow right into your face. - Bring proper footwear
Trainers or athletic shoes work best, as you’ll be walking in sand. Flip-flops or open sandals aren’t ideal for activities like sandboarding. - Secure your camera or phone
It’s easy to drop something or lose it in the sand. We recommend using a wrist strap for your camera and carrying your phone in a protective pouch. - Don’t forget travel insurance
With so much action, anything can happen. A basic travel health insurance policy costs just a few euros and gives you peace of mind. We recommend comparing offers before your trip.
Our Personal Conclusion on the Dubai Desert Safari
For us, the desert safari was one of the absolute highlights of our trip to Dubai. It offered a unique mix of adventure, stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and adrenaline-fueled action. Quad biking, sandboarding, and dune bashing got our hearts racing, while camel riding was a slower-paced but equally memorable experience.
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, we definitely recommend adding this experience to your itinerary. Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or solo – there’s a tour to match every style. Just make sure to book early and prepare accordingly.
Our tip: If you have a bit more time, consider booking a longer tour that includes dinner and a traditional show at a desert camp. That’s what we’ll do next time!
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I’m Marie, and I write about our excursions and travel destinations. I love discovering new places and sharing my experiences and practical tips with you. My goal is to inspire you for your next adventure and help you find the best activities and must-see sights.
