Desert Safari in Dubai

Desert safaris in Dubai offer the perfect blend of adventure and culture. Golden dunes, traditional camps and thrilling rides make them a highlight of any visit. MakeMyTrip brings you 734 desert safari options in Dubai for 2026, including morning drives, evening shows and overnight stays. Travellers can enjoy dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles, try sandboarding or watch a desert sunset. Evening tours often include barbecue dinners, music and cultural performances under the stars. Each trip combines excitement with an authentic local experience. With Dubai desert safari prices starting from INR 326, you can enjoy an unforgettable desert escape. This February, let MakeMyTrip take you on a journey across the sands.

Discover the Best Ways to Enjoy Desert Safari in Dubai

A desert safari in Dubai is the kind of trip you remember long after it ends. The city is known for its towers, malls, and busy streets. But step outside the centre and you find a very different world. Golden dunes, open skies, and the calm rhythm of the desert wait just beyond the skyline.

A safari is not only about racing over sand in a 4x4. It is also about slowing down. You might ride a camel at sunset, watch the sky change colour, or enjoy dinner with live music at a desert camp. Some travellers pick short morning safaris, others stay overnight, and some go all out with private luxury camps.

No matter which type of desert safari you choose, the mix of thrill and calm makes a desert safari in Dubai special. In this guide, you will find the types of safaris, what they include, their prices in INR, and practical tips to help you decide what fits best.

Types of Safaris

A desert safari in Dubai is never one-size-fits-all. It comes in many styles. You might be an early riser chasing the morning light, a sunset lover, a family looking for fun, or someone who wants the full overnight stay. Each type has its own pace and highlights. On MakeMyTrip, you’ll see options like Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Live Shows or Luxury Private Desert Safari Camp. These make it easy to match your mood, budget, and timing.

Morning Desert Safari

A morning desert safari in Dubai is ideal if you want adventure without giving up the whole day. Pick-up is usually around breakfast. Within half an hour, you’re in the dunes. First comes dune bashing in a 4x4. Then camel rides and sandboarding follow. Many operators also offer ATV rides for extra fun.

The trip lasts about four hours. It’s perfect if you’re short on time. The air is cooler, and the light is soft, making it great for photos.

Evening Desert Safari

The evening desert safari in Dubai is the most popular. It starts mid-afternoon and takes you into the dunes before sunset. You’ll get dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and ATV options for those who want more thrill. After the rides, the desert camp becomes the main focus.

Guests enjoy refreshments on arrival. A barbeque buffet follows, along with shows like belly dancing and Tanura. It’s a mix of action, food, and culture under the stars. For most visitors, this is the favourite choice.

Overnight Desert Safari

The overnight desert safari in Dubai gives you adventure and calm together. It begins like the evening safari with dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and ATV rides. After dinner and shows, the desert empties out. The quiet makes the camp feel more private.

You sleep in tents or camp setups, sometimes simple, sometimes with more comfort. In the morning, breakfast and sunrise over the dunes are the highlights. It suits travellers who want both energy and peace.

Hot Air Balloon Desert Safari

The hot air balloon safari shows the desert from above. Pick-up happens before sunrise so you’re in the air as daylight begins. Floating over the dunes, you see the desert turn golden. Sometimes you spot gazelles or camels below. The ride lasts about an hour, giving plenty of photo opportunities.

Some operators add breakfast after landing. This safari is more about calm and scenery than adrenaline. It’s one of the most premium ways to enjoy the desert.

Private or Luxury Desert Safari

A luxury desert safari in Dubai is designed for comfort and privacy. You have a dedicated 4x4, a flexible schedule, and more time for chosen activities. Camps are upgraded with private seating and fine dining. Meals are often gourmet, served in a quiet setting.

Prices are higher, but the extras can include balloon rides, wildlife drives, or exclusive camp stays. This option suits couples, families, or anyone who wants exclusivity with the desert experience.

Ticket and Pricing

Booking through trusted platforms like MakeMyTrip makes comparing safari types and costs easier. Prices vary depending on what’s included, from basic group tours to premium private experiences. Here is the approximate desert safari price in Dubai:

Morning Desert Safari:
• Adult: INR 3,800 – 4,200
• Child: INR 3,200 – 3,500

Evening Desert Safari:
• Adult: INR 3,900 – 4,500
• Child: INR 3,300 – 3,600

Overnight Desert Safari:
• Adult: INR 10,000 – 12,000
• Child: INR 8,000 – 9,500

Hot Air Balloon Desert Safari:
• Adult: INR 25,000 – 30,000
• Child: INR 21,000 – 22,500

Private / Luxury Desert Safari:
• Adult: INR 30,000 – 65,000+
• Child: INR 20,000 – 35,000+

Key Activities and Features

A desert safari in Dubai is more than just a drive into the sand. Each package includes a mix of adventure, tradition, and leisure. Here are the highlights you can expect:

• Dune Bashing: The main thrill of any safari. A 4x4 races up and down steep dunes, giving you an adrenaline rush that feels like a desert rollercoaster.
• Camel Riding: A slower, traditional way to explore the desert. Short rides are included in most tours, offering a glimpse into Bedouin-style travel.
• Sandboarding: Grab a board and slide down sandy slopes. It is easy to try, fun for all ages, and perfect for quick photos.
• Desert Camp: Evening and overnight safaris often end in camps. Expect tent seating, local decor, and a relaxed setting for food and entertainment.
• Cultural Performances: Traditional shows bring the desert to life. Belly dancing, Tanura spinning, and fire performances are often part of evening packages.
• Food: Dinner usually features a barbeque buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Overnight safaris also include breakfast before you head back.
• Other Activities: Optional add-ons include quad biking, buggy rides, falcon photography, or even henna painting at the camp.

Booking and Logistics

Sorting out the basics for a desert safari in Dubai is usually simple, but knowing details like transport, costs, pickup options, and timing in advance makes the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable.

• Hotel Pickup: Most safaris include pickup from your hotel. Shared rides are standard. If you prefer privacy, you can pay extra for a private transfer.
• Transportation: The desert sits about an hour from central Dubai. Once the road ends, the driver takes the 4x4 straight onto the dunes for the real adventure.
• Cost: Evening safaris are usually the cheapest. Balloon flights and luxury camps cost more. The choice depends on how basic or premium you want your trip.
• Best Time to Visit: The best season is winter, from November to March. Days are cooler, evenings are pleasant, and mornings are great for photos.

Tips for Your Safari

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to a desert safari in Dubai. These small things can make your trip far more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Set Your Budget: Think about whether you want a simple dune-bashing trip or the full luxury camp. Prices vary a lot, so decide before you browse.
• Reserve in Advance: Evening safaris and balloon rides often sell out quickly in peak season. Booking early means better prices and more choice.
• Dress Code: Stick to light, breathable clothes during the day and carry a jacket for cooler evenings. Closed shoes are better for walking on sand.
• What to Bring: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a bottle of water. A camera is a must, but remember a small bag is easier to handle.