The Arabian desert, which covers over 2 million square kilometers (!), is a very short drive from Dubai and, therefore, one of the most popular day trips from the city. It’s easy to understand why, when you picture endless golden dunes, camel rides at sunset, traditional Bedouin camps, and barbecues under the stars!
I loved exploring the desert with a safari tour, and I personally think it’s one of the best things to do in Dubai, so I took it upon myself to search for the best excursions to recommend to you.
No matter if you’re seeking a thrilling adventure or a chill evening at a desert camp, there are plenty of experiences to choose from. In this post, you’ll find the most iconic Dubai desert safari tours, so you can pick based on your interests, time, and budget without worrying about whether the experience is worthwhile – it is!
Why should you trust me? I was a resident of Dubai for a year, so I had plenty of time to explore its major attractions… including the desert! Besides, I’ve been in the travel industry for more than a decade, and I’ve developed a knack for identifying extraordinary activities.
I’m very careful when selecting tours, for myself and my readers, to make sure they’re high-quality, offer incredible value, and are worth your while. You’re in good hands!
I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide for booking tours when I travel. I especially recommend them because of their cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can cancel most tours and activities up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Limited time? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Premium Safari, Camel Ride & Al Khayma Camp |
| OUR SECOND TOP PICK | Authentic Safari in Vintage Land Rover |
| SUNRISE TOUR | Sunrise Desert Jeep Safari with Wildlife |
| BALLOON FLIGHT | Sunrise Balloon Flight, Breakfast and Transfer |
| OVERNIGHT SAFARI | Overnight Safari, Dinner, Stargazing & Al Khayma Camp |
| BUDGET TOUR | Half-Day Desert Safari, Camel Ride, ATV & Refreshment |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Night Vintage Land Rover Desert Safari |
Interested in other types of tours? I’ve written a whole post about the best tours in Dubai. Check it out!
OUR PICK: The BEST Dubai Desert Safari
The Dubai: Premium Safari, Camel Ride & Al Khayma Camp – 3 Buffets is a 7-hour excursion that includes all the classic desert adventures, and then takes it to the next level by offering three spectacular buffets of Emirati, Moroccan, and Arabian cuisine.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven into the red dunes of Lahbab, where you can opt for a quad bike ride followed by a thrilling session of dune bashing. You’ll then travel to Al Khayma Camp, where you’ll be welcomed with rose water, dates, and Arabic sweets, in true Bedouin fashion.
Spend the evening exploring the camp and taking part in the various activities offered, which include getting a henna tattoo, smoking shisha, feeding the camels, and witnessing a falconry demonstration.
As the sun sets, sit down to enjoy live fire shows, Yola dances, and a Bedouin camel parade. The night ends with a stargazing session through a high-power telescope, though not before you relish local and international flavors from the three scrumptious buffets.
I personally went on this tour and thought it was the perfect introduction to the desert, which is why I highly recommend it.
Why is this the top tour? It boasts over 25 THOUSAND stellar reviews, and offers a thrilling day with all the desert activities included. You’ll be driven through the sand dunes by a professional, try all the adrenaline-inducing sports, and relax at a camp with traditional entertainment. Plus, the tour is capped at small groups to ensure a personalized experience.
Read what the reviews say:
“It was the most fantastic desert Safari I have been to. Our guide, Ramzan, is super nice to ensure the pick-up time is well communicated. So the whole process is seamless. I brought my 70-year-old mom with me this time for the adventure, and Ramzan is very caring and also helps me take extra care of mom. I am very appreciative. And also thanks to Faheem Qureshi for giving us an excellent dining experience.”
Hsu – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Hotel pick up and drop-off, a safari guide, all activities with gear, a BBQ dinner, coffee, snacks, and unlimited soft drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
OUR 2ND PICK: A Luxury Desert Safari Experience
Step into the traditions of Bedouin life with this Authentic Safari in Vintage Land Rover with Traditional Dinner, a fantastic excursion that lasts a full day.
You’ll depart from Dubai and cross the sand dunes of the desert in a vintage 1950s Land Rover, guided by a knowledgeable Conservation Guide. The first stop will be at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where you’ll discover native wildlife like Arabian gazelles and oryx, as well as the desert’s unique plant life while learning about them.
After the visit, continue to a traditional Bedouin camp where you’ll witness an incredible falconry display, sip Arabic coffee with dates, and try a few Emirati activities including henna tattoos, camel rides, and drumming performances. You can even try your hand at bread and coffee making!
This tour includes: Hotel roundtrip transportation, a guide, all activities, and a multi-course meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Best Dubai Safari Tours On a Budget
▶️ The Dubai: Half-Day Desert Safari, Camel Ride, ATV & Refreshment allows you to experience dune bashing and sandboarding at an affordable price.
Aside from experiencing the thrilling desert activities, you’ll visit a traditional camp for a treat of sweets, dates, and Arabic coffee. Finally, head to a camel farm to learn about these animals and ride one.
This tour includes: Hotel pick up and drop-off, a guide, all activities, snacks with coffee, soft drinks, and a camel ride. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Dubai: Red Dune Safari, Camel Ride, Sandboarding, and Dinner takes you to the desert for 4 or 7 hours (your choice!). You’ll enjoy sandboarding, dune bashing, and camel riding with a professional guide.
You can choose between a morning or afternoon departure, and if you opt for the longer tour you’ll also visit a Bedouin camp. Experience traditional dances, shisha smoking, and henna painting before finishing the day with a BBQ dinner.
This tour includes: Hotel pick up and drop-off, a guide, all activities, and dinner. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Have Fun On a Quad Desert Safari
▶️ This Dubai: Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Sandboarding tour lasts 4 hours and takes you straight to the impressive red dunes. There you’ll go dune bashing, sandboarding, and even quad biking!
You’ll also have the chance to ride a camel after the thrilling activities, and enjoy comfortable rides back to your hotel. It’s a short trip that allows you to enjoy the desert with plenty of time left for city adventures.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, all activities and gear, water, and a photo stop. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Dubai: Red Dune Desert, Dune Baggy Ride & BBQ Buffet Dinner is ideal for thrill-seekers, as you’ll get behind the wheel and drive a sand buggy in the sand dunes.
You’ll also try your sandboarding skills before visiting a desert camp. There you’ll get to indulge in Arabic coffee with dates, and take part in fun activities such as henna painting and shisha smoking. Cap off the trip with a BBQ buffet dinner.
This tour includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, a guide, all activities, safety gear, coffee, and a BBQ meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Sunrise Desert Safari in Dubai
▶️ With the Dubai: Sunrise Desert Jeep Safari with Wildlife you’ll enjoy a picnic breakfast as you witness the beginning of the day.
After the sun rises from behind the dunes, embark on a safari ride to look for the local wildlife, which includes gazelles and Arabian oryx. Visit the impressive Al Quadra Lakes, and practice your balance on a sandboarding session.
This tour includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, a guide, all visits, and light refreshments. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Tour with Breakfast begins with a drive through the desert in a Range Rover. You’ll travel to the reserve, where you’ll look for the Arabian oryx, the gazelles, and the birdlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to see Gordon’s wildcat, all while learning about the animals from your expert guide.
You’ll also visit a lake and a bird sanctuary within the reserve, and cap off the tour with a scrumptious breakfast.
This tour includes: Hotel pick up and drop-off, a guide, use of binoculars, a headscarf, and breakfast. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Go On a Balloon Flight Over the Desert
▶️ The desert can also be explored from above, and there’s no better way to do it than with a Dubai: Sunrise Balloon Flight, Breakfast and Hotel Transfer.
You’ll soar over the vast desert and spot the wandering camels and other wildlife as the sun rises, marveling at the changing shadows and green oases scattered in the landscape.
Upon your return, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and visit a Bedouin camp, where you can opt for a photo with a camel, or to ride one.
This tour includes: Hotel pick up and drop-off, a guide, a balloon flight, a visit to a Bedouin Camp, and breakfast. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Dubai Hot Air Balloon, Land Rover Defender & Gourmet Breakfast is a morning excursion. You’ll enjoy a spectacular sunrise flight over the desert plains and the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Admire the unbeatable viewpoint of the vast dunes, and spot plenty of wildlife roaming. After the flight, witness a falcon display and indulge in a gourmet breakfast.
This tour includes: Hotel pick up and drop off, a guide, a balloon flight, a falcon display, and breakfast. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Sleep in the Desert With an Overnight Safari in Dubai
▶️ Feel like camping in the desert? The Dubai: Overnight Safari, Dinner, Stargazing & Al Khayma Camp can make it happen. The trip, which lasts 17 hours, will take you dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding on the fabulous sand dunes.
After the afternoon adventures you’ll visit a Bedouin-style camp, where you’ll feast on a BBQ dinner, enjoy shows, and stargaze. Stay overnight, and wake up for a sunrise camel trek, followed by an Arabian breakfast.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, all activities, accommodation, meals, and unlimited water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Overnight Desert Safari – Vintage Land Rovers & Traditional Activities will drive you in a vintage Land Rover around the Conservation Reserve. There you’ll get to spot the wildlife and enjoy a falcon display.
After the activities, head to a Bedouin camp to spend the evening watching live bread and coffee-making. Get henna tattoos, smoke shisha, and ride a camel as the sun sets.
You’ll spend the night in an Arabic stone dwelling after a substantial dinner, and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of waking up in the desert to a fantastic breakfast.
This tour includes: Hotel pick up and drop-off, a guide, all activities, equipment, accommodation, and meals. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Tours from Dubai
▶️ The Private Night Vintage Land Rover Desert Safari & Stargazing takes your group in a vintage Land Rover to explore the desert after dusk. Spot the wildlife through night-vision binoculars as you drive around the Conservation Reserve!
Make your way to a desert retreat where you’ll stargaze with an astronomer guide, and feast on a 2-course dinner before trying shisha.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, all activities, and dinner. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ You’ll also hop aboard a vintage Land Rover on the Private Vintage Land Rover Heritage Desert Safari – 4-Course Dinner & Activities.
It’s a 7-hour tour that takes you around the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with a private guide. They’ll explain everything about the local flora and fauna as you pass by the wildlife.
You’ll then head to a desert camp to enjoy a falconry display, dance performances, camel rides, henna painting and a BBQ buffet dinner.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, all activities, dinner, and a donation to the Conservation Reserve. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
