Dubai, a city famous for its futuristic skyline and luxurious lifestyle, is also home to a vast desert landscape that offers a different kind of adventure.
One of the most popular activities for tourists and locals alike is embarking on a desert safari, where you can explore the beauty of the Arabian desert through various thrilling and culturally immersive experiences.
With a range of options available, the cost of a desert safari in Dubai can vary depending on the type of experience you choose.
In this article, we’ll break down the different desert safari options and their costs to help you make the best choice for your next adventure.
Desert Safari Tours – Quick Price Checklist
- Basic desert safari: AED 100-250 ($27-$68) per person
- Luxury desert safari: AED 400-700 ($109-$190) per person
- Exclusive or private desert safari: AED 1,000-2,000 ($272-$544) per person
- Morning or evening desert safari: AED 150-350 ($41-$95) per person
- Overnight desert safari: AED 250-600 ($68-$163) per person
- Specialty desert safaris (hot air balloon, wildlife, etc.): AED 500-1,500 ($136-$408) per person
1. Basic Desert Safari
A basic desert safari is an affordable way to enjoy the Dubai desert experience. This type of tour typically includes transportation to and from your accommodation, dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle, camel rides, and a chance to try sandboarding.
The evening concludes with a barbecue dinner and live entertainment, such as belly dancing and tanoura performances.
Basic desert safaris can range from AED 100-250 ($27-$68) per person, depending on the provider and the inclusions.
2. Luxury Desert Safari
For those who prefer a more upscale experience, a luxury desert safari offers premium amenities and services. These tours often take place in a conservation area or a private desert retreat and feature high-end vehicles, such as vintage Land Rovers, for dune bashing.
The evening entertainment and dining experience are elevated, with gourmet cuisine and exclusive live performances. Luxury desert safaris can cost between AED 400-700 ($109-$190) per person.
3. Exclusive or Private Desert Safari
An exclusive or private desert safari offers a tailor-made experience for you and your group. This option is perfect for those who want to enjoy the desert at their own pace and with their choice of activities.
Private safaris can be customized to include unique experiences such as private falconry demonstrations, guided wildlife drives, or photography workshops.
The cost of an exclusive or private desert safari ranges from AED 1,000-2,000 ($272-$544) per person.
4. Morning or Evening Desert Safari
Morning and evening desert safaris cater to those who have specific time preferences or want to experience the desert during a particular time of day. Morning safaris often include activities like dune bashing, camel rides, and sandboarding, followed by a light breakfast.
Evening safaris, on the other hand, offer similar activities but culminate in a barbecue dinner and live entertainment under the stars.
The cost of a morning or evening desert safari can range from AED 150-350 ($41-$95) per person.
5. Overnight Desert Safari
For a truly immersive desert experience, an overnight desert safari allows you to spend the night in the Arabian desert. After enjoying the activities and dinner offered in evening safaris, you’ll sleep in a traditional Bedouin-style tent or a luxury glamping setup.
The next morning, you can witness a breathtaking sunrise and enjoy a hearty breakfast before returning to the city.
Overnight desert safaris can cost between AED 250-600 ($68-$163) per person, depending on the level of accommodation and services provided.
6. Specialty Desert Safaris
Specialty desert safaris cater to those looking for unique experiences that go beyond the traditional desert safari offerings. Some examples of specialty safaris include hot air balloon rides, wildlife safaris, and even desert safaris on horseback.
These experiences often come at a premium, with costs ranging from AED 500-1,500 ($136-$408) per person, depending on the activity and provider.
Additional Factors Affecting Desert Safari Costs
The cost of a desert safari in Dubai can also be influenced by factors such as group size, time of year, and booking method.
Discounts may be available for larger groups, while peak tourist seasons may see an increase in prices. Booking online or in advance can also help secure better deals and promotions.
What Have We Learnt
With a variety of desert safari options available in Dubai, there is an experience to suit every budget and preference.
From basic desert safaris to luxury experiences and specialty tours, the cost of a desert safari in Dubai can range widely based on the activities and services included.
By understanding the different options and their respective costs, you can choose the perfect desert adventure for your next visit to Dubai.
References:
- Platinum Heritage Luxury Tours and Safaris. (n.d.). https://www.platinum-heritage.com/
- Arabian Adventures. (n.d.). https://www.arabian-adventures.com/ae/english
- Balloon Adventures Dubai. (n.d.). https://www.ballooning.ae/
- Visit Dubai. (n.d.). Desert Experiences. https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/top-things-to-do-in-dubai
- OceanAir Travels. (n.d.). Dubai Desert Safari Tours. https://www.oceanairtravels.com/
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. (n.d.). Wildlife Safari. https://www.ddcr.org/en-us/