Thinking About an Overnight Desert Safari Dubai Trip? Read This First
Thinking About an Overnight Desert Safari Dubai Trip? Read This First
Most desert trips in Dubai end at around 9 PM. You get the dunes, the sunset and the dinner, and then it's time to go home. But the desert is at its best after the crowds have gone. The camp gets quiet, the sky fills with stars, and in the morning the sun rises over the sand.
That's the whole idea behind an overnight desert safari Dubai trip. Here at Overnight Safari Dubai, it's our favourite trip, and in this guide we'll explain exactly how it works, what to pack and how much it costs.
How Does the Overnight Trip Work?
An overnight safari is a normal evening desert trip with one big difference: instead of going home after dinner, you stay. You spend the night at a Bedouin-style camp in the Lahbab desert, then watch the sunrise and eat breakfast before heading back. It's desert camping Dubai style, and everything is ready when you arrive.
What Happens and When
Afternoon pickup
Pickup is at about 3 PM from your hotel or home in Dubai or Sharjah. Our drivers are licensed and know the desert well.
Into the dunes
Once you reach the Lahbab desert, the dune bashing begins. The 4x4 climbs and slides over the red dunes, and it's a lot of fun. Then you here stop on a high dune to watch the sun go down.
Camel rides, sandboarding and dinner
At camp, there's a camel ride and sandboarding. You can have as many soft drinks as you like. Then comes the overnight safari with BBQ dinner part of the evening: a big buffet with grilled dishes. After dinner, you watch Tanoura, fire and belly dance shows.
Bedtime in the desert
Once the shows end and the evening guests head home, the camp gets very quiet. You can sit outside and look at the stars, which are much brighter here than in the city. Then you head to your tent for the night.
Sunrise and breakfast
Wake up early for a desert sunrise Dubai guests always remember. The sky turns pink and orange, and the dunes slowly light up. After breakfast, we drive you back, and you're at your hotel by around 7:30 AM.
About the Camp
The Lahbab overnight camp has a traditional Bedouin feel. You sleep in a tent, close to the sand and far from the noise of the city. It's simple, and that's the charm. You won't hear traffic or TV, only the wind and the odd camel. For most guests, that silence is the whole reason they came. A Bedouin camp overnight stay gives you a feel for old desert life.
Want to sleep in the desert Dubai style without roughing it too much? Let us know when you book, and we'll do our best to make your night comfortable.
Prices and What's Included
The overnight desert safari price is AED 170 per person. That includes pickup and drop-off, dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, the BBQ dinner, three live shows, unlimited soft drinks, a night at the camp and breakfast. When you add it all up, it's very good value.
Prefer to stay with just your own group? The private overnight desert safari is AED 750 per car. You get a car and driver just for your group, which suits families, couples and friends.
Will We Feel Safe Overnight?
Yes. You stay at a proper, supervised camp, not out on your own. Our team stays nearby through the night, and there's lighting so you can walk around safely after dark. Most guests say they felt completely relaxed, and many say it was the best sleep of their holiday. If you'd like to know more about the overnight desert camp Dubai setup, ask us before booking.
How to Sleep Well in the Desert
• Pack earplugs if small sounds wake you up
• Set your alarm for sunrise, it's worth it
• Have your phone light handy for the night
• Keep drinking water through the evening
• Keep your shoes inside the tent to avoid sand
What to Bring
• A jumper or jacket, as nights get cool between November and March
• Something comfy to sleep in
• Toiletries and a toothbrush
• A power bank for your phone
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Any medication you take
Which Month Is Best?
The best months for an overnight safari are October to April. The days are warm, the nights are cool, and sleeping in the desert feels great. In summer, nights stay warm, so it's best for people who don't mind the heat. Weekends and holidays get booked early, so plan a few days ahead.
Is It Right for You?
Couples enjoy it because it feels like a true getaway. Families like it because kids get to camp, see the stars and ride a camel. Photographers come for the sunset and sunrise light. And anyone who's tired of busy city life will enjoy the quiet.
Other Trips We Run
Other trips include an evening safari at AED 100, a VIP safari at AED 130 and a morning safari at AED 150. For more action, there's red dune bashing at AED 139, quad biking at AED 80 and sandboarding in Lahbab at AED 80. We also offer a Hummer safari for AED 200 and a desert photography tour for AED 250.
Common Questions
Is the overnight safari OK for kids?
Yes, kids are very welcome. Most kids love the camping and the camels.
How cold does it get?
Between November and March, it can get cool at night, so pack a jumper. The rest of the year, nights are mild or warm.
What time do we get back?
You'll be back at your hotel by around 7:30 AM, which leaves the whole day free.
Do we get breakfast in the morning?
Yes. Breakfast is part of the trip, served before the drive home.
Can I add a quad bike?
Yes, you can add a quad bike ride for AED 80. Let us know when booking so we can fit it in.
Is there anywhere to charge my phone?
Bring a power bank to be safe.
How to Book
You'll be talking about your overnight desert safari Dubai trip for a long time. Call or WhatsApp us on +971 50 991 2456 to book. You can also see all our trips at overnightsafaridubai.com. Just share your date and group size, and we'll handle everything.