Dubai desert safari

Head out into the Emirati desert on an air-conditioned 4x4 safari across the dunes of Dubai. Three options are on offer: a morning outing to enjoy the desert in the first hours of the day, the famous sunset safari, or a night-time experience to discover the desert under the stars.

Your driver picks you up directly from your hotel or residence before heading out to the desert. Once there, get ready for the thrill of dune bashing, a 4x4 ride across the dunes with your driver adapting to the terrain. A break in the heart of the desert lets you take in the scenery, get some superb photos and, if you fancy it, try sandboarding down the dunes.

The morning safari is ideal for discovering the desert while temperatures are milder and making the most of the landscapes. Departure between 8am and 9am, for around 4.5 hours: return transfer, dune safari, sandboarding and photo stops.

The classic safari is the most complete option: you watch the sunset, then carry on the evening at a traditional Bedouin camp. Departure around 1pm or 3.30pm depending on the season, for around 6 hours. On top of the safari, sandboarding and photo stops, you get a short camel ride, henna tattoos and the shisha area, then a buffet dinner with traditional shows and a fire-breather. On the menu, among other dishes: fattoush and tabbouleh, hummus and aubergine dip, falafel with tahini sauce, grilled chicken and beef, spiced rice, noodles, vegetables in sauce, fruit and Emirati doughnuts, with water, soft drinks and tea.

The night safari reveals a completely different atmosphere: as the desert grows dark and temperatures soften, enjoy the stillness of the dunes and a starry sky far from the bustle of the city. The programme, timings and what is included are confirmed for the option you select when booking.

Good to know: the prices shown are per adult, in a shared vehicle. For children aged 4 to 11, the morning safari is €40 and the classic safari €38. The night safari is on request. A private vehicle (6 seats maximum) can be arranged on request, so you enjoy the experience with your group only and the driver can tailor the dune driving even more: a flat rate of €175 for the morning safari, €250 for the classic safari, and on request for the night safari. Pickup times may vary with the season and where you are staying. Sandboarding is optional. For pregnant women, dune driving can carry risks: the conditions for taking part must be checked before booking.