The Best Desert Safari Tours in Dubai. It's sleek and modern, but Dubai hides a wealth of heritage under those glittering skyscrapers, shopping malls and luxury hotels. On a short trip through the interior of the United Arab Emirates, you'll find strips of red sand dunes that will give you an exhilarating adventure of adrenaline, exotic desert fauna and a glimpse of traditional Bedouin culture. But first, what is the Dubai desert, where is it located? Is it worth booking a tour of the Dubai desert? Before the modern metropolis we know today flourished, Dubai was essentially a desert haven.
The city itself is built right on the edge of the desert base. Most tours take you to the Lahbab or Margham deserts, each of which is 50-60 km (31-37 miles) south of the city. The driving time is usually around an hour, so it's perfectly feasible to go on a tour, even if you're only going to spend a couple of days or a long stopover in Dubai. However, the best desert safaris in Dubai also provide you with an immersive opportunity to learn about traditional Arab and Bedouin culture, customs and food, as well as the opportunity to interact with the desert's native wildlife.
This is usually a camel safari and a falconry show, but there are also specific wildlife tours that will take you through the pristine Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Whether you want to sit in the back seat or take the reins and drive your own quad or buggy through the dunes, I've rounded up the most popular, adventurous and exclusive desert safaris in Dubai. MY TOP 5 OPTIONS FOR THE BEST DESERT SAFARIS IN DUBAI A quick note to say that most tours include transportation to and from the hotel or chosen location in the center of Dubai. I have specified any exceptions to this rule.
The pick-up time is generally one hour before the start time of the tour. You will be informed of the exact time at the time of booking. Please review the conditions carefully to ensure that the area where you are staying in Dubai is included in the shuttle service. Keep in mind that religious holidays, such as Ramadan, affect certain elements of visits, such as cultural performances and dances.
The following 5 listings are the most popular desert safaris in Dubai based on previous customer reviews. These tours offer a balanced mix of adrenaline and culture, and each one has several additional extras if you want to customize your tour. Considering the inclusions, the length of the tour, the price and the customizations, I consider this to be the best desert safari in Dubai in terms of the overall experience. This desert safari in Dubai is essentially a shortened version of the first excursion on my list.
The shorter period of time (and the subsequent reduction in price) make it ideal for those with a shorter stay in Dubai or on a tighter budget. If you've ever fantasized about witnessing the sunrise over the Arabian Desert, this is the best Dubai desert safari for you. If the sunrise takes you too far out of your comfort zone, how about a quieter safari with the option of adding brunch? This desert safari combines the thrill of exploring the dunes and sandboarding in the Dubai desert with the opportunity to enjoy the landscape with peace of mind before the afternoon trips arrive. This is the best desert safari in Dubai for those on a budget who still want to experience a little bit of everything.
For those looking for luxury, you can select the private tour version of this tour. Before starting your tour of the Dubai desert, you will receive comprehensive safety information on how to drive and control your vehicle. Then, your professional guide will embark on the red dunes while you bravely follow them instead. Each ATV is designed to carry a cyclist, there is no option to ride in the back seat.
If quad biking isn't for you, but you're looking for a more daring way to experience the Dubai desert, then a dune buggy is the perfect compromise. This desert safari offers two-seater strollers so you can make friends with your travel companion or go alone. You'll spend the rest of your excursion entertaining yourself with an Arabian dance show and sharing stories with the residents of the desert. Guests can have a regular henna tattoo, the perfect reminder of a wonderful tour of the Dubai desert.
The starting time of this tour is 15:15. Children are welcome on this tour, but those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Turning up the volume a bit, this tour invites you to take charge of your own custom Polaris XP 1000 4WD dune buggy. Pay attention when making your reservation, as there are several variants available to meet your needs. If you want to go even faster, this thrilling self-driving adventure might be the best desert safari in Dubai for adrenaline junkies.
Your personalized “ranger” stroller allows you to get even closer to the dunes and feel every turn as you make your way through the desert. This is the best desert safari in Dubai for adrenaline junkies who want to experience the majesty of the red dunes from every angle. It's perfect for couples and families, and children over 5 years old are allowed to participate. For the last section of my guide to the best desert safaris in Dubai, I've chosen 5 tours that offer something absolutely unique.
As I have explained, this tour does not include attacking the dunes, but rather the safari focuses on the heritage of desert culture and the exotic wildlife that resides in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This is a 225-square-kilometer (87.1 square mile) nature reserve that limits the number of tour operators allowed to organize trips here. This means that with minimal impact on the environment, you can see how the region would have looked centuries ago. In fact, another wonderful factor about this safari tour is that a contribution is made directly to the reservation when you book your place.
If you're waiting for me to share the best desert safari in Dubai for a romantic date, this is the place you'll want to surprise your other half with. Pick-up for this exclusive night safari is at 17:30. Each booking covers two guests and you'll venture out into the desert after sunset in a convertible Land Rover from the 1950s. After driving through the refreshing dunes, you'll take part in a nature walk at dusk where you can see everything from spooky bugs to wildlife.
During the course of the private safari, you'll also interact with an owl and an eagle. The falconry experience of the tour lasts 1.5 hours and is led by a professional falconer who is passionate and committed to caring for beautiful creatures. For the last tour on my list, you'll head into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. While watching native birds, the Arabian oryx, desert watchers, and free-roaming gazelles, your safari guide will enrich your exploration with a wealth of knowledge about the flora, fauna and history of the United Arab Emirates' first national park.
There's no shortage of places to stay in Dubai, from high-end luxury hotels to more affordable options. Contrary to popular belief, you can find good hotel deals in Dubai, no matter your budget. The most important thing to consider when booking a hotel room is the location. Dubai is huge and widely spread out, so make sure you're staying in an area that's close to the sights and attractions you want to see.
Deira: If you're looking for a more traditional Arabian experience, you can't go wrong with Deira. It's also one of the most affordable areas in Dubai. Bur Dubai: This is a great option if you want to be close to the action. Bur Dubai is home to many of the city's best hotels, restaurants and nightlife.
Palm Jumeirah: If you're looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation, look no further: Palm Jumeirah. This artificial island is home to some of the most exclusive hotels and resorts in Dubai. Downtown Dubai: This is the best area for those who want to be close to the city's most popular attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Dubai Marina: This is a great option if you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Dubai's marina is home to many restaurants and bars, as well as a beautiful waterfront. In case you're curious to learn more about each area with advantages and disadvantages and hotel recommendations, be sure to check out my detailed article on where to stay in Dubai. The 5-star Atlantis is located on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah Island and offers a private sandy beach and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. It offers an underwater aquarium and free access to Aquaventure Water Park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
MID-RANGE: Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina The Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina has a restaurant, an outdoor pool, a gym and a bar in Dubai. The property has family rooms and a solarium. The property provides 24-hour reception, room service and currency exchange for guests. Gulf Inn Hotel Al Nasr (formerly Roda Links Al Nasr) has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and shared lounge in Dubai.
Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a solarium. Gulf Inn Hotel Al Nasr offers a continental or buffet breakfast. As the largest hub between Europe and Asia and one of the busiest airports in the world, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is home to a large number of airlines and connects the city with the rest of the world. Although DXB is the largest airport in Dubai, you can also choose to fly to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
This airport is located in the Jebel Ali area, about 50 km (31 miles) from downtown Dubai, and operates mainly cargo flights and low-cost carriers. Dubai is a huge city and getting around can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're not used to such large cities. The good news is that there are a lot of options when it comes to transportation. Public transport: Dubai has metro and public bus systems.
Although the subway is the most efficient way to get around, it only covers certain areas of the city. The bus system, on the other hand, covers a larger area, but can be quite slow during peak hours. This is definitely the cheapest way to get around Dubai, however, it can take quite a while. Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Dubai and are relatively affordable, especially if you share the fare with someone.
The best thing to do is download the Careem app, which is similar to Uber, and allows you to order a traditional Dubai taxi or a private vehicle. Car hire: If you want to have the freedom to explore Dubai at your own pace, then hiring a car is the best option. Just keep in mind that traffic can be quite bad during peak hours, so it's best to avoid driving during those hours. The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and more bearable.
This is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect higher prices and more crowds. If you don't mind the heat, you can visit Dubai during the summer months (June to August), when temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F). Each and every place in Dubai has air conditioning, so you can take shelter from the heat indoors. If you want to avoid the crowds and get cheaper rates, April, May, September and October are the best months to visit Dubai.
Prices will drop and the weather will continue to be relatively pleasant. If you are not a Muslim, you can visit Dubai during Ramadan, you just have to respect local customs and traditions. This brings to an end my guide to the most exclusive desert safaris in Dubai. As you can see, there's much more to experience than the thrill of walking the dunes.
Some safaris focus on heritage and nature, while others are designed with adrenaline junkies in mind. There really is a safari for everyone. The 10 Best Areas to Stay in Dubai. You are viewing Virtual Experiences in Dubai.
See more virtual experiences around the world. Not everything has to cost a lot of money in Dubai; in fact, this desert safari is affordable and yet offers a lot. Desert safari in a vintage Land Rover from the 1950s, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, United Arab Emirates. If you've already read my 4-day Dubai itinerary, you might already be inspired to take your own trip to the Dubai desert.
While Instagram may be full of photos of girls in loose-fitting white dresses walking on top of sand dunes, that may not necessarily be the most appropriate clothing to wear in the desert. You'll spend time watching wildlife in the beautiful Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and then head to a Bedouin camp. Camels will take you to the Bedouin camp in time for sunrise, and the wildlife safari in the Desert Conservation Reserve, which stops to see local animals, is once in a lifetime. This desert tour is typically scheduled with an early departure and a return to the hotel late in the morning, so you have the rest of the day free to do something else.
Crossing the dunes: this is when you enter the desert sands in a 4×4 with expert drivers, driving at full speed through the dunes. In addition to the wildlife safari, you will participate in an astronomy session with a professional telescope that will allow you to fully understand the star-studded sky. The tour is 100% personalized, ask your driver to take you to an area of the Dubai desert where there is no one, so you can experience the beauty and magic of the desert without any other tourist in sight. For early risers who like to seize the day, this morning desert safari from Dubai is truly an unforgettable experience.
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