Dubai surprised me in many ways, but nothing felt as different as the desert. Before visiting, I thought the desert safari would be a loud, rushed tourist activity. I imagined dozens of people taking pictures, fake “Arabian nights” vibes, and a short drive on sand.
But after doing it myself, I realized something important: a desert safari can actually be a very good experience, if you know what to expect and how to choose the right tour.
This article is my honest guide for first-timers. I’m writing this like one traveler to another. No hype. No perfect promises. Just practical things I learned the hard way.
I booked my desert safari dubai tour after comparing a few options, reading reviews, and asking questions. And honestly, asking the right questions changed everything. If you don’t ask, you may end up with a tour that doesn’t match your comfort level.
So if you’re nervous, confused, or unsure, this guide is for you.
Why Desert Safari Looks Simple (But Isn’t)
On the internet, desert safari is described as one activity: “go to the desert, do dune bashing, eat dinner, go back.”
In reality, it’s more like a full experience with many parts:
- pickup and travel time
- dune bashing
- photo stops
- optional activities (camel ride, sandboarding, quad bike)
- camp experience (food + shows)
- return to hotel
And every part can feel good or bad depending on the plan and the people running it.
That’s why some travelers say “best night of my life,” while others say “never again.” They are not lying. They just had different versions of the safari.
Step 1: Choose the Right Safari Type for Your Personality
This is the first thing I wish someone told me. Desert safari is not one product.
1) Standard shared safari (most common)
This is what most tourists book. You share the car with other travelers. It is affordable and usually fun. But timing may feel strict.
2) Private safari
More expensive, but perfect for couples, families, or people who want comfort. You can adjust the pace. If you hate crowds, this is worth it.
3) Morning safari
Shorter. Less dinner/camp vibes. Good for people who don’t like late nights.
4) Overnight safari
This is for adventure lovers. Sleeping in the desert sounds romantic, but it’s not for everyone.
I chose a standard safari, but I would consider a private one next time because I enjoy calm, slower travel.
Step 2: The Most Important Question — Dune Bashing or Not?
This is where the biggest difference happens.
Many people don’t realize dune bashing is intense. It’s not a “gentle desert drive.” It’s basically a car riding over dunes like a roller coaster.
If you enjoy thrill rides:
You will love it.
If you get motion sickness:
You might hate it.
If you are pregnant or have back issues:
You should not do dune bashing. Many tour operators will mention this, but some people ignore it. Please don’t.
When I booked, I asked if dune bashing was included and if the driver could reduce intensity if needed. That made me feel safer.
Step 3: A Real Timeline (So You Can Plan Your Day)
Here is how my safari day looked:
Afternoon Pickup
Pickup happened around late afternoon. The driver messaged and confirmed. That was a good sign.
Drive Outside City
The drive was peaceful. City buildings slowly disappeared. Then it became more open and sandy.
Desert Stop Area
We stopped for restrooms and quick snacks. Some people also used the time to take photos.
Dune Bashing (20–35 minutes)
This part was exciting and scary at the same time. I held the seatbelt like a child. After 10 minutes, I started laughing because it felt unreal.
Sunset Photo Stop
This was my favorite part. Quiet and beautiful. The desert looks soft, not “empty.” The sky does amazing colors.
Camp Activities
We arrived at the camp, walked around, sat, and tried small activities.
Dinner + Shows
Food buffet and performances.
Return to Hotel
Late evening or night, depending on traffic.
So if you are the type of person who likes planning, just remember: a desert safari will take half your day and can end late.
Read More: Dune Buggy Rental by TopGear Adventures Dubai
How to Avoid Disappointment (My Honest Mistakes)
I saw many people disappointed—not because the safari was bad, but because their expectations were wrong.
Let me share a few small “mistakes” travelers make.
Mistake 1: Expecting a quiet desert trip
Most safaris have groups and a schedule. It is not a private desert journey unless you book it privately.
Mistake 2: Thinking everything is included
Many activities are optional. Even if you see it on posters, it may not be included.
Mistake 3: Wearing the wrong clothes
Sand + wind + sitting on cushions means you need comfort, not fashion.
Mistake 4: Bringing too many things
You don’t need a big backpack. Sand goes everywhere.
These are simple things, but they change the mood a lot.
What to Wear (So You Feel Comfortable)
I wore light clothes and I was thankful. Dubai can be hot even in the evening.
What works best:
- loose cotton clothes
- long pants (sand is rough on skin)
- sneakers or sandals
- sunglasses
- light jacket for evening breeze
What to avoid:
- heels (I saw women struggling badly)
- heavy jeans
- tight dresses
- expensive white clothes
Also: tie your hair if it’s long. The desert wind has no respect for your hairstyle.
What to Bring (And What Not to Bring)
Bring:
- water
- phone power bank
- tissues/wet wipes
- small cash (for optional extras)
- motion sickness tablet (if needed)
Don’t bring:
- passport
- too many valuables
- large camera bags
- important papers
You will move a lot and sit on sand. Keep it simple.
Dune Bashing: How It Felt (Not Like You Imagine)
Before I went, I thought dune bashing would be like driving on a normal road, just on sand.
Nope.
It is fast, bumpy, and sometimes sideways. The car climbs high dunes and drops down quickly. Everyone screams at least once.
I didn’t get sick, but I understood why some people do. If you have a sensitive stomach, take your medicine before pickup. Don’t wait.
My advice:
- don’t look at your phone
- focus on the horizon
- eat light before safari
- keep a calm breath
- tell driver if you’re uncomfortable
Good drivers adjust the ride if needed. Bad ones show off. You want the first type.
Sunset in the Desert (The Most Underrated Part)
Sunset in the desert feels different from a city sunset.
It’s not noisy. It’s not crowded in the same way. You can hear wind and silence. The sand looks golden and soft like a blanket.
I took many photos, but honestly, the best memory is the feeling. Even if you don’t take photos, just stand quietly for two minutes. It feels special.
This alone made the trip worth it for me.
The Camp Experience: What’s Real and What’s “Tourist Style”
Camps are designed for tourists. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s good to know.
At the camp, you may see:
- camel ride area
- sandboarding zone
- henna booth
- shisha corner
- BBQ buffet
- stage area
Some activities feel authentic, some feel like entertainment. Both can still be enjoyable if you don’t overthink it.
I personally enjoyed:
- sitting on cushions outside
- trying tea
- watching the Tanoura dance
- slow desert evening vibe
I didn’t enjoy:
- people pushing souvenirs
- paid photo upsells
But again, it wasn’t horrible. Just normal tourist stuff.
Food: What It’s Like (And What Not to Expect)
The food was better than I expected.
It was buffet style with many options:
- grilled chicken/kebab
- rice and bread
- salads
- sauces
- dessert
- tea/coffee/soft drinks
Is it a fine dining meal? No.
Is it satisfying after a long evening? Yes.
If you have allergies or strict diet needs, ask in advance. Some camps have vegetarian options, but it depends.
The Shows: Are They Worth Watching?
Yes, they are worth it at least once.
Most camps have:
- Tanoura dance
- fire show
- belly dance (depends on rules/camp policy)
The shows bring energy to the camp. After dinner, people sit and relax, and the performances make the night feel like an event.
I liked the Tanoura dance most. It felt artistic and calming, not loud.
The “Extras” Problem (How to Handle It Politely)
Let’s talk honestly. Extras are common in desert safari.
You may hear offers like:
- “VIP seating”
- “quad bike ride now”
- “professional photos”
- “long camel ride”
Sometimes it’s presented nicely, sometimes it feels pushy.
Here is what worked for me:
Smile → say “No, thank you” → repeat once → stop engaging.
No drama. No argument. They move on quickly.
Quad Bike: What Travelers Should Know
Many people book safari mainly for quad bike rides, and it’s easy to understand why.
Many travelers now prefer a desert safari with quad bike because it feels more active and gives you extra freedom before the evening camp experience.
Quad bike can be fun, but please understand:
- It is not always included in standard safari
- Some places offer short rides only
- Some rides are in a fenced area
- Safety rules matter (helmet, guidance)
If you choose a quad bike, don’t try to be a hero. Sand can be slippery, and injuries happen when people become careless.
If you are traveling with kids, always check age limits.
How to Choose a Tour Company Without Overthinking
Here is my simple method:
Check reviews for these keywords:
- “driver was professional”
- “on time pickup”
- “safe driving”
- “good communication”
- “clean car”
Avoid tours where reviews say:
- “driver was rude”
- “rushed”
- “felt unsafe”
- “too pushy”
Dream Destiny Tourism is a Dubai-based tour provider that helped me book my desert safari in a simple, stress-free way.
That’s the style of provider I recommend: calm communication, no confusion, no pressure.
Is Desert Safari Worth It? My Final Answer
If you are in Dubai for the first time, yes—desert safari is worth doing once.
It gives you:
- a different landscape
- a real adventure feeling
- a peaceful sunset
- an easy cultural evening
But only if you go with correct expectations.
The desert safari is not a perfect luxury. It’s an organized adventure experience. If you accept it for what it is, you will enjoy it.
My final travel tip:
Don’t chase the “perfect safari.”
Chase the safari that matches your comfort level.