How to Choose the Best Dubai Desert Safari?

Author: Sikander Ali

When we think of travelling to Dubai, huge skyscrapers, magnetic nightlife and wonderful modern-day wonders come to our mind. But holidaying in a city that has the most charming desert and returning without experiencing it is like not enjoying the essence of Dubai. No words can define the experience of riding an SUV on the wide-open stretch of the desert and piercing through the sand dunes. No wonder many tourists prefer desert safari as the best option to complete their journey. In fact, desert safari trips are most popular among touring activities in Dubai. With the growing demand among tourists, there are touring companies that arrange the desert adventure under different packages. From low-key overnight camping trips to action packed day tours, one can have different packages to choose from. Before we check on how to choose the best desert safari, let us know different types of safari adventures offered:

Dune Bashing: This is the best Dubai desert safari offered and is the most popular desert dunes of Dubai one can experience in a luxurious SUV. However, one needs to be prepared for the knuckle ride through the dramatic waves and sand dune. Taking off with a high-speed, the drive becomes a roller-coaster as the gears shift. Camel Rides: This is the low-octane adventure and is famous in Dubai deserts. Known as the Ship of Desert, camels were used for transportation and trading purpose. Though it is slow in terms of adventure, but still family tourists can prefer camel ride and enjoy the jerks while having an unobstructed view of the desert. Wildlife Safari: How about holding an eagle in your hand and having an eye-to-eye contact. This part of Dubai safari is thrilling and adventurous too. You can go for a camping expedition and great outdoors to spot desert wildlife.

Let us now check how you can choose the best desert safari: Morning Desert Safari: It consists of a wide variety of thrilling activities and many things to explore. This is best suited for those who want to enjoy their night relaxing after the entire day safari. The activities included in the morning desert safari are:

  • Sand ski
  • Camel rides
  • Dune bashing
    • Tourists can enjoy any of the above safari options. However, do check the price and package offered. Evening Desert Safari: This tour departs in the afternoon across the desert of Dubai with several photo stops during an exciting dune drive to the first destination at a camel farm. The drive continues across the desert. Tourists can get the experience of camel ride, sand hoardings and can try henna designs on their hands. The best thing of this Dubai safari is to watch the beautiful sunset in the desert with a delicious barbecue dinner and shisha. The evening desert safari also offers the attractive, sensual, and amusing belly dancing.The activities included in the evening desert safari are:
  • Dune bashing
  • Shisha
  • Belly dancing
  • Barbeque
  • Sand ski
  • Bar
  • Sunset photography
  • Quad bike
    • Overnight Safari:To enjoy a gala time with your groups, this is the best option to go for. This safari event includes dinner, breakfast and an overnight stay to experience the magical night in the desert. Check out the overnight safari deals offered by companies. Some of the deals offered by Dubai desert safari are:
  • Transfer service
  • Dune Bashing
  • Sunset Photography
  • Shisha
  • Traditional costumes
  • Overnight stay
  • Breakfast along with Arabic coffee
    • Points to Consider: There are certain points to consider before choosing the desert safari adventure:
  • What type of drive suits you - dune bashing or wildlife safari? For adventurous people, dune bashing is the best, but for tourists with health issues, wildlife safari is the best.
  • Group size and the type of camp to prefer.
  • A very important question is which camp and group size makes you feel comfortable, is it shared camp or a private camp?
  • Large private camps - serve to 500 – 600 guests per night. If you feel comfortable with lots of people around, then this is the best option.
  • Shared camp with other companies - for those travelling on a shoestring budget, this is the best option.
  • Private set up - for those who need privacy and quality time, this is the best option. For romantic dinners and to experience the best hospitality, this is the best option.
    • Freelance staff or company staff: It is important to check whether the safari will be undertaken by company representatives or freelancers. Some companies have no staff and rely on freelance safari guides. Some freelancers are excellent in terms of guidance and adventurous ride, but some are not worth. So make sure that you maintain the quality of safari ride.

    What's for dinner?Food plays a big role when it comes to Dubai desert safari. One should ask whether the food is prepared fresh or pre-cooked, barbeque availability, and for vegetarians and non-vegetarians available. A high quality food with serving can really make the experience worth it.

    Is the place where you are staying 'reputed' A very important point to consider is the reputation of the place. A referral from friend or company’s website is most valuable. Feel free to ask people who have made reviews and ask them questions. Reviewing the reputation of the desert safari company is also important to receive a good service under the best deal.

    Budget: Getting the best for what you paid is always a good experience. Decide the place of staying, the type of safari you want to prefer and the package offered.

    Here is a brief summary, according to your budget

  • Ultra luxury - private set up, only in-house safari guides, wildlife driving in a luxurious SUV, entertainment facilities. Price is around AED 1500.
  • Luxury- private set up, reliable freelance safari guides, wildlife driving in AED 895.
  • Premium-large private camps, a mix of in-house safari guides, wildlife driving. AED 275 – 375.
  • Economy- dune bashing, freelance safari guides, large private camps Price is around AED 220 - 275.
  • Exclusive-small private camps, only in-house safari camps, price range AED 545.
    • Budget-shared camp, freelance safari guides. Price range is between AED 75 -180.

    Having armed with information and questions, you can now go ahead to check the best Dubai safari service available during your trip. Have a conversation with the tour operator to know about the packages and overall reputation of the different service providers. This will certainly help in deciding and enjoying the best time with family.