41 minutes ago
(This post was last modified: 39 minutes ago by Reena Rajput.)
Search for desert safari deals in Dubai and you'll find hundreds of them. Most look the same at first glance. They aren't. A few minutes of checking before you pay can save you from a cramped car, a crowded camp, or surprise charges on the night.
1. Pick the Right Time: Morning trips first. Shorter, cooler, mostly dune bashing and sandboarding and that's it. Overnight camps are the other end, you actually sleep out there under the stars. Most people end up picking the afternoon desert safari though. Dunes, sunset, camp dinner, all in one trip. Pickup around 3 PM, back at the hotel by 9 or so.
2. Shared or Private? Shared trips put you in a 4x4 with other guests, up to six people per car. Cheaper, and fine for solo travellers or couples. Families with small kids, or anyone who wants to stop for photos whenever they like, will be happier in a private vehicle. It costs more, but the whole car is yours.
3. Read What's Actually Included: This is where people get caught out. A standard afternoon desert safari in the AED 120 to 180 range normally covers pickup, dune bashing, a camel ride, BBQ dinner and the shows. Quad biking? Often extra. Soft drinks might be free while anything else is charged. VIP seating near the stage is sometimes a paid upgrade too. Ask before booking, not after.
4. Think About Who's Coming Dune bashing is rough on the body. Pregnant women, elderly guests and people with back problems should skip it, and some operators offer a direct drive to camp instead. Kids under three usually go free, but check the car seat situation.
5. Check the Operator Stick with companies licensed by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. Look at recent Google reviews rather than the star rating alone, especially comments about drivers and food. Camps in the Lahbab and Al Awir areas vary a lot in quality, so photos from real guests help.
A few more things to check. Pickup time, the exact one. Whether they come to your area at all, because some deals don't cover Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. And the cancellation policy, in case there's a sandstorm or bad weather that day.
After that, picking one is easy. Citytourindubai.com has afternoon desert safari packages with the price shown upfront and nothing added on later. Choose the one that works for your group and book.
1. Pick the Right Time: Morning trips first. Shorter, cooler, mostly dune bashing and sandboarding and that's it. Overnight camps are the other end, you actually sleep out there under the stars. Most people end up picking the afternoon desert safari though. Dunes, sunset, camp dinner, all in one trip. Pickup around 3 PM, back at the hotel by 9 or so.
2. Shared or Private? Shared trips put you in a 4x4 with other guests, up to six people per car. Cheaper, and fine for solo travellers or couples. Families with small kids, or anyone who wants to stop for photos whenever they like, will be happier in a private vehicle. It costs more, but the whole car is yours.
3. Read What's Actually Included: This is where people get caught out. A standard afternoon desert safari in the AED 120 to 180 range normally covers pickup, dune bashing, a camel ride, BBQ dinner and the shows. Quad biking? Often extra. Soft drinks might be free while anything else is charged. VIP seating near the stage is sometimes a paid upgrade too. Ask before booking, not after.
4. Think About Who's Coming Dune bashing is rough on the body. Pregnant women, elderly guests and people with back problems should skip it, and some operators offer a direct drive to camp instead. Kids under three usually go free, but check the car seat situation.
5. Check the Operator Stick with companies licensed by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. Look at recent Google reviews rather than the star rating alone, especially comments about drivers and food. Camps in the Lahbab and Al Awir areas vary a lot in quality, so photos from real guests help.
A few more things to check. Pickup time, the exact one. Whether they come to your area at all, because some deals don't cover Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. And the cancellation policy, in case there's a sandstorm or bad weather that day.
After that, picking one is easy. Citytourindubai.com has afternoon desert safari packages with the price shown upfront and nothing added on later. Choose the one that works for your group and book.