Desert Safari★★★
The Desert Safari is the most booked experience in the UAE — and rightly so. A half-day tour into the desert combines adrenaline, nature, and Arabian culture into an unforgettable package.
Typical Afternoon Safari Schedule (15:00–21:00)
- Pick-up: An off-road vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser) picks you up directly at the hotel. Drive into the desert (45–60 minutes).
- Dune Bashing (30–45 min): The driver lets air out of the tires and then it begins — racing over the sand dunes in an off-road vehicle, drifting sideways, sliding down steep slopes. It's like a roller coaster, only in the desert. Not for sensitive stomachs!
- Photo stop in the dunes: The golden dunes at sunset — one of the most beautiful photo moments of the entire trip.
- Camel ride (15–20 min): Leisurely ride on a dromedary through the dunes. Higher than expected!
- Desert camp: A traditional Bedouin camp with carpets, cushions, and lanterns. Here you can enjoy:
- Sandboarding on the dunes
- Henna painting
- Smoking shisha
- Arabic coffee and dates
- BBQ buffet dinner (grilled chicken, kebabs, salads, Arabian desserts)
- Belly dance show and Tanoura dance (whirling dervishes)
- Stargazing (the desert has minimal light pollution)
- Return: Back to the hotel around 21:00.
Providers & Prices
- Standard Safari: 150–250 AED (37–62 EUR) per person, group format (6 people per car)
- Premium/VIP Safari: 400–800 AED (100–200 EUR) per person, private car, better dinner, less crowd
- Overnight Safari: 500–1,000 AED (125–250 EUR), overnight stay in the desert under the stars
Reputable providers: Arabian Adventures (official Emirates subsidiary), Platinum Heritage (authentic, vintage Land Rover), Al Maha Desert Resort (luxury safari).
💡 Tipp
Book a safari with Platinum Heritage — they use restored Land Rovers from the 1950s instead of modern SUVs, drive in smaller groups, and offer a more authentic experience than the mass providers. More expensive (from 600 AED/150 EUR), but worth every dirham.
Achtung
Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or children under 3 years old (dune bashing). Those prone to motion sickness should take a travel tablet beforehand. Dune bashing is more comfortable on an empty stomach.