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  • The Desert Safari in Dubai: Things to Know Before You Go!

    Rohana Monzon
    Rohana Monzon
    Last updated 28 Mar 2024
    collage of people enjoying the desert safari in dubai

    Image Credits - @fey_garciaa & @julia.onair on Instagram, @hariskhan488 on Unsplash

    The desert safari in Dubai is a quintessential activity when visiting the Emirati megacity. It has all the sights and stops that will better acquaint you with the city: camel riding, dune bashing, belly dancing shows, and more!
    If you’re going for the first time, we’ve got your back. We’ve come up with a guide to equip you to get the best tour experience possible!
    Here’s everything you need to know about the Evening Desert Safari Tour:

    What to expect in a Desert Safari

    The desert safari in Dubai starts at 15:00 and will last about seven hours, a full day of fun and thrill that ends in the Emirati desert. The tour includes an array of activities, including:

    1. Dune Bashing

    Brave through the sand dunes of Dubai on a thrilling dune-bashing adventure.  Credit: @hariskhan488 on Unsplash
    Brave through the sand dunes of Dubai on a thrilling dune-bashing adventure. Credit: @hariskhan488 on Unsplash
    Dune bashing is a thrilling off-road ride where a 4x4 vehicle navigates the sand dunes. You power through them at various speeds and balance on shifty sand, making for an adrenaline-pumping ride!
    After the thrill ride, you’ll settle down at the desert camp, where you’ll enjoy more activities. Just note that the experience can induce motion sickness, so it’s best to be prepared with medicines during the jerky ride.

    2. Camel Ride

    A girl smiling and posing beside a camel
    Meet a friendly camel in Dubai. Credit: @julia.onair on Instagram
    After the more adventurous dune bashing, you can slow it down a bit and watch the sunset before you hop on a camel. The camel will be your trusty steed as you continue to explore the Dubai desert, but this time a little more slow-paced and relaxed.

    3. Henna painting

    close-up on a henna painting
    Get a beautiful Henna tattoo in the deserts of Dubai! Source: Klook
    Cultural immersion is part of the desert safari in Dubai, so you can take part in the tradition of applying Henna tattoos. These tattoos were originally adorned to bring good luck during nuptials but are now a popular beauty statement in Dubai.

    4. Belly dancing and Tanoura show

    a woman belly dancing
    The cultural experience continues with dance performances during the desert safari. Source: Klook

    5. BBQ dinner

    After enjoying the dances, you can dig into the BBQ dinner (which comes with your ticket to the best desert safari in Dubai!). You can also sip on traditional Arabian coffee and sweets and indulge in shisha, a traditional instrument for heating or vaporizing, and then smoking tobacco.

    Things to know before you book your desert safari in Dubai

    Things to know before you book your desert safari in Dubai
    Get ready for the hot weather during your desert experience. Credit: @fey_garciaa on Instagram
    Temperatures of Dubai
    Dubai is known for being a hot, arid desert region, but it can experience cooler temperatures of 57°F or 13.19°C to  75°F or 23.89°C during January. Its hottest month is August, which can reach up to 106°F or 41°C. During May to September or its hotter season, temperatures usually shoot up to over 100°F. 
    Best time to go on a desert safari
    If you prefer cooler weather, it’s best to go from November to March. Afternoons are also much more pleasant during these months. 
    What to wear
    It’s best to wear neutral clothes that accommodate the hot weather as much as the colder mornings and evenings. Pack a hoodie, parka, or pullover to protect you from the sand and the possible cold. We also recommend wearing loose trousers rather than shorts, as you will be sitting in air-conditioned areas during some parts of the tour. After all, your legs will still need some ventilation when outside! Sunscreens and lip balms are also essential to beat the heat and avoid sunburns!

    Where to book the Desert Safari

    a man holding a woman's hand as she looks at the desert in Dubai
    Explore the scenic and mesmerizing deserts of Dubai! Credit: @Valeria andersson on Unsplash
    Begin your Evening Desert Safari journey by booking on Klook, which offers all the above experiences! It includes round-trip transfers to and from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.