Looking for an adventure in the desert landscape of the UAE beyond skyscrapers and luxury malls? A wild desert and camel safari is the ultimate way to experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel rides, and bedouin-style evenings under a starlit sky. The desert safari that combines Emirati culture and adventure is a must-have experience for everyone visiting the UAE.
Major desert safari locations in the UAE
Lahbab desert
Lahbab Desert is one of the top desert safaris located about 50 km south of Dubai city and is famous for its red dunes. The tall dunes in the Lahbab Desert are perfect for dune bashing in powerful 4×4 vehicles. The Lahbab desert safari offers a blend of adventure, culture, and Arabian hospitality for all visitors.
Al Marmoom Desert
Al Marmoom Desert is a conservation reserve that is home to Arabian wildlife. You can spot gazelles, oryx, and desert foxes. Al Marmoom is well known for its eco-friendly safaris and camel rides, allowing you to enjoy the desert at a slower pace. It is a great choice for families and travelers who want to admire wildlife in a calm atmosphere away from the city.
Liwa Desert
Liwa Desert is part of the famous Empty Quarter and has some of the tallest dunes in the world. It is a perfect desert safari destination for those who want a more adventurous desert safari. Liwa is popular for overnight camping, camel rides, and wildlife spotting in the desert landscape. It gives you the real vibe of UAE desert life.
Activities in the wild desert and camel safari
Dune Bashing
One of the major adventurous activities of a desert safari in the UAE is dune bashing, where you can experience a thrilling 4X4 ride across the dunes. Expert drivers take you on a ride to enjoy the adrenaline rush while racing up and sliding down through the steep dunes in powerful vehicles. This ride usually lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes and is the perfect way to start your desert adventure.
Camel Rides
Bedouins travelled on camels through the desert, and camel rides are the perfect way to experience Emirati tradition. Camel rides often offer an authentic way to travel through the desert. Most of the tour operators provide short camel rides, and some premium packages feature extended treks so that you can enjoy unforgettable views.
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Sandboarding and quadbiking
Excited for adventure sports in the desert? If you are an adventure seeker, sandboarding is a must-try on a wild desert and camel safari. You can also try quad biking and drive an ATV through the desert terrain. Sandboarding and quad biking are guided by experienced instructors and licensed desert guides. They provide safety instructions and correct techniques, making it suitable for beginners and families.
Bedouin-style camps
The Bedouin-style camps are designed with traditional low seating, woven carpets, and lanterns to recreate the traditional Arabian hospitality for the travellers. In the camp, you can enjoy the popular Arabian coffee, try shisha, and take part in cultural experiences like henna painting or falconry displays.
BBQ dinner
The desert safari is not just about adventurous experiences; it is also about the ethnic Arabian food. The tour operators provide a lavish BBQ dinner offering both Arabic and international dishes. The buffet includes grilled meats, fresh salads, and traditional sweets for the travellers to experience Arabian hospitality.
Dance shows and entertainment
During the night, desert camps become alive with dance shows and entertainment. The popular performances in the camp include tanoura and fire shows with music. These shows create a lively atmosphere during the safari.
Price details for the desert safari in the UAE
- A basic desert safari package costs around AED 100 to AED 150 per person.
- Evening desert safari or shared group tours cost AED 150 to AED 250 per adult. This desert safari package often includes 4×4 dune bashing, short camel rides, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, and live shows.
- Private desert safari with exclusive features and personal itineraries costs AED 700 to AED 1,100 for families.
- Luxury desert safari costs around AED 1000 per person, which features gourmet dining, eco-friendly tours, and extended camel rides.
Top Tour Providers for Wild Desert and Camel Safari
Choosing the right tour operator in the UAE ensures that your wild desert and camel safari is safe, comfortable, and memorable. Some of the top tour operators include:
- Platinum Heritage focuses on luxury and eco-conscious safaris, providing sustainable safaris to travelers
- Desert Rose Tourism provides evening and overnight Liwa desert safaris with activities like dune bashing, camel rides, and cultural shows.
- Arabian Adventures is a well-known tour operator in Dubai providing professional services and flexible desert safari packages suitable for small groups and families.
- Fairway Tours is a trusted name for affordable and family-friendly desert safaris known for well-organized trips and customizable packages.
Safety tips for a desert safari in the UAE
- Always choose licensed and experienced tour operators for the wild desert and camel safari.
- Wear a seat belt during activities like dune-bashing. If you want to try quad biking or sandboarding, take the necessary safety precautions.
- Families traveling with kids must request mild dune drives.
- Pregnant women, infants, and individuals with serious health conditions should avoid activities like dune bashing.
- Always carry water and stay hydrated during the desert safari. Also, protect yourself with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
- Avoid carrying heavy bags and carry necessary items like a phone, a camera, and a water bottle.
Conclusion
A wild desert and camel safari in the UAE provides you with an experience that blends adventure, culture, and the natural beauty of Arabia. Each desert safari offers a unique experience to connect with the land and its people. Tour operators organize thrilling 4×4 rides, peaceful camel treks, and authentic Bedouin-style camps to create unforgettable desert safari experiences for travelers. While planning for a UAE trip, don’t forget to enjoy the desert safari to experience the Emirati hospitality.
