🌵 Secret Tips for Tourists & Visitors at Desert Safari & Dune Bashing in Dubai
The Dubai Desert Safari is one of the most thrilling and unforgettable experiences for visitors, offering dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, falconry, traditional Bedouin camps, and live entertainment. To make the most of your adventure, here are some insider tips, expert recommendations, and hidden secrets to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience.
⏰ Best Time to Go for Desert Safari
📅 Best Season: October to April
Dubai experiences extreme summer heat, so the ideal time for a desert safari is during the winter months (October – April) when the temperatures are cooler (15°C – 30°C / 59°F – 86°F).
🌅 Best Time of the Day for Desert Safari
Time Slot Recommended? Pros & Cons
Morning Safari (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) ✅ Good for adventure seekers ✅ Best for quad biking, sandboarding, and wildlife spotting
❌ No evening entertainment or BBQ dinner
Afternoon Safari (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM) ✅ Most popular option ✅ Includes dune bashing, sunset views, dinner, and shows
❌ Can be crowded in peak season
Overnight Safari (3:00 PM – 9:00 AM) ✅ Best for full experience ✅ Camping under the stars, stargazing, sunrise views
❌ Requires extra time, not ideal for short trips
💡 Secret Tip:
For photography lovers, choose the Afternoon Safari for breathtaking sunset views in the desert.
🏆 How to Choose a Reputable Desert Safari Provider
There are hundreds of tour operators offering desert safari experiences, but not all provide quality services or safe vehicles. To avoid scams and disappointment, consider these factors when choosing a tour provider:
1️⃣ Book with a Licensed & Well-Rated Tour Operator
Look for companies certified by Dubai Tourism (DTCM).
Check Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Viator ratings.
Reputable operators include:
✅ Platinum Heritage (Luxury, Eco-friendly, Vintage Land Rover Experience)
✅ Arabian Adventures (Premium service, dune bashing, wildlife safari)
✅ OceanAir Travels (Highly rated, best value for money)
💡 Secret Tip: Avoid super cheap deals (below 150 AED) as they may involve low-quality vehicles, rushed experiences, and hidden costs.
2️⃣ Choose the Right Safari Package Based on Your Interests
Package Type Best For Inclusions
Budget Safari (100-200 AED) General tourists Basic dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner
Premium Safari (250-450 AED) Best overall experience Private vehicle, VIP dinner seating, longer dune bashing
Luxury Safari (600-1200 AED) Luxury travelers Vintage Land Rover, wildlife drive, gourmet meals
Overnight Safari (400-800 AED) Adventure lovers Stargazing, campfire, sunrise photography
💡 Secret Tip: If you don't like crowded camps, opt for a small-group or private safari for a personalized experience.
3️⃣ Check for Vehicle Safety & Experienced Drivers
Ensure the company uses well-maintained 4x4 Land Cruisers or Range Rovers for dune bashing.
Drivers should be licensed desert safari guides with 5+ years of experience.
Dune bashing should last 20-30 minutes—some cheaper tours only offer a short 5-10 min ride.
💡 Secret Tip:
If you have motion sickness or back pain, inform the driver in advance for a milder ride or skip dune bashing and go for a wildlife safari instead.
🎭 What to Expect & Secret Tips for the Best Experience
🎢 1️⃣ Thrilling Dune Bashing (Most Exciting Part!)
A 4x4 adventure over massive sand dunes at high speeds.
Best seats for thrill: Front row for extreme adventure, middle row for moderate ride.
💡 Secret Tip:
Hold on to the roof handle, not the seat, for better balance during the ride!
🏄 2️⃣ Sandboarding & Quad Biking
Sandboarding (similar to snowboarding) down steep dunes is a must-try!
Quad biking & dune buggies (extra charge) let you ride through the desert at your own pace.
💡 Secret Tip:
Wear sunglasses & a scarf to avoid sand getting in your eyes while riding downhill.
🐪 3️⃣ Camel Ride & Falcon Photography
A short camel ride is included in most packages.
Upgrade to a longer camel trek for an authentic Bedouin-style experience.
Take a photo holding a falcon—a symbol of Emirati culture.
💡 Secret Tip:
Ask for a sunset camel ride for stunning golden-hour desert photos.
🍽️ 4️⃣ Traditional BBQ Dinner & Live Entertainment
Enjoy a buffet dinner featuring grilled meats, Arabic mezze, and desserts.
Live Belly Dancing, Tanoura (whirling dervish dance), Fire Shows, and Arabic Music.
💡 Secret Tip:
Sit near the stage area for the best view of the performances!
🌌 5️⃣ Stargazing & Overnight Camping (Hidden Gem!)
If you book an Overnight Safari, you can enjoy stargazing in the desert.
Wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the sand dunes.
💡 Secret Tip:
Bring a jacket—the desert gets chilly at night (10-15°C / 50-59°F).
🎒 What to Wear & Pack for Desert Safari
👕 Clothing Tips:
✔ Wear light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen).
✔ Long pants or leggings to avoid sand irritation.
✔ Comfortable closed-toe shoes or sneakers (avoid sandals).
✔ Bring a light jacket if visiting in winter evenings.
✔ Women can wear long skirts or loose pants for comfort.
🎒 Essentials to Carry:
✔ Sunglasses & Hat – Protects against sun & sand.
✔ Sunscreen – The desert sun is strong!
✔ Scarf or Shemagh (Arabian Head Covering) – Useful for covering face during dune bashing.
✔ Power Bank – No charging points in the desert.
✔ Camera / GoPro – Capture epic desert shots!
💡 Secret Tip:
Ask your safari guide to take a "jumping photo" on the dunes for a cool Instagram shot! 📸
🎯 Final Secret Tips for the Best Desert Safari Experience
✅ Book online in advance – Prices are lower when booked early.
✅ Go for a premium or small-group safari – Less crowded & better service.
✅ Eat a light meal before dune bashing – Avoid heavy food to prevent nausea.
✅ Wear comfortable clothes & closed shoes – Sand can get hot!
✅ Stay hydrated – Bring a water bottle.
✅ Choose a camel ride at sunset – Best for photography.
A Dubai Desert Safari is one of the most thrilling and memorable experiences, so plan wisely, follow these tips, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! 🏜️🐪🔥