Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing & Camel Ride

Watch the desert come alive at dawn with refreshing stops and camel farm views

A morning desert safari from Dubai combines a 4x4 drive through rolling sand dunes with dune bashing, sand boarding, a camel ride at a desert campsite, and traditional Arabic coffee and dates. The tour leaves early, includes hotel pickup and a professional driver, and runs about four hours plus travel time from your hotel. It suits travelers who want the desert experience without the midday heat.

Options for this experience

7 options

From AED 188 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Morning Safari-Private Vehicle 07:30 Guide in English Camp activities: Desert Dune Drive, sand boarding and camel ride over 4 hours in a Toyota Land Cruiser. Only the vehicle is private; all other desert activities are shared with other guests at the camp site. Pickup is included.

Morning safari, shared basis 07:30 Guide in English Camp activities: Desert Dune Drive, sand boarding and camel ride over 4 hours in a Toyota Land Cruiser shared with other guests. Guests have to share the vehicle with other guests. Pickup is included.

Safari plus 30-minute private quad bike 07:30 Guide in English Child policy: children under 21 are strictly not allowed to drive the quad bike. Toyota Land Cruiser (private): only the vehicle is private; guests share with other guests for other camp activities (camel ride, sand boarding, etc.). Pickup is included.

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Safari plus 15-minute shared quad bike 07:30 Guide in English Camp activities: Desert Dune Drive, sand boarding and camel ride, plus 15 minutes of quad bike per person. Toyota Land Cruiser (shared): guests share the vehicle and camp activities with other guests (camel ride, sand boarding, etc.). Child policy: children under 21 are strictly not allowed to join this tour. Pickup is included.

Safari plus 60-minute private quad bike 07:30 Guide in English Child policy: children under 21 are strictly not allowed to drive the quad bike. Toyota Land Cruiser (private): only the vehicle is private; guests share with other guests for other camp activities (camel ride, sand boarding, etc.). Pickup is included.

Safari plus 30-minute private buggy 07:30 Guide in English Camp activities: Desert Dune Drive, sand boarding, camel farm visit and camel ride, plus 30 minutes of dune buggy per person. Child policy: children under 21 are strictly not allowed to drive the dune buggy but may sit together with their parents. Toyota Land Cruiser (private): only the vehicle is private; guests share with other guests for other camp activities (camel ride, sand boarding, etc.). Pickup is included.

Safari plus 60-minute private buggy 07:30 Guide in English Camp activities: Desert Dune Drive, sand boarding, camel farm visit and camel ride, plus 60 minutes of dune buggy per person. Child policy: children under 21 are strictly not allowed to drive the dune buggy but may sit together with their parents. Toyota Land Cruiser (private): only the vehicle is private; guests share with other guests for other camp activities (camel ride, sand boarding, etc.). Pickup is included.

None of these options right for you? See 12 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning desert safari and activities

• Depart early from Dubai city
• Drive through sand dunes
• Stop for photos and refreshments
• Try sand boarding on dunes
• Visit camel farm for photos
• Arrive at desert campsite
• Enjoy camel ride
• Drink Arabic coffee ‘Gahwa’
• Experience traditional welcome with dates
• Relax with Shisha water-pipe
• Return drive to Dubai city

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional licensed driver.
• dune bashing and sand boarding on the desert dunes.
• a camel ride at the Desert Campsite.
• Arabic coffee (Gahwa) and local dates.
• cold mineral water in the vehicle.
• separate washroom facilities at the campsite.
• shisha (Arabic water pipe) available to try.

Times

• Every day 07:30

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 20 · max 9 per booking

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Book up to 6h before

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Odyssey DMC

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

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The experience

The tour starts with a 4x4 Land Cruiser pickup from your Dubai hotel in the early morning. The drive north takes you out of the city and into the Arabian Desert, where the operator deflates the tires to grip the sand before the vehicle tackles the undulating dunes. You'll make several stops for photos as the jeep climbs and drops over the landscape, then continue to the Desert Campsite where the day's main activities happen.

At the campsite you're welcomed with Gahwa, Arabic coffee, and local dates. Then you try sand boarding on the powder-soft dunes, take a brief camel ride, and can smoke shisha if you want to. The whole experience at the camp is shared with other guests from different hotels (unless you book the private vehicle option, in which case only your group's jeep is private, the camp activities remain shared). After the activities, a pleasant drive brings you back to the city.

The tour runs four to four and a half hours at the desert, but add another 60 to 90 minutes for the drive from your hotel and back depending on traffic and time of day. Bring sports shoes for sand boarding, sunglasses, and a hat. In winter months a light jacket is wise for the evenings. In summer (June to September), daytime temperatures can reach 42–45 degrees Celsius with humidity over 90 percent, so take precautions. Cold mineral water is provided in the vehicle, and separate washroom facilities are available at the campsite.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly is dune bashing in Dubai?

Dune bashing is an exhilarating drive over the rolling sand dunes in a 4x4 jeep. The vehicle's tires are deflated to grip the sand, then it climbs and descends the undulating landscape at speed, creating a rollercoaster-like sensation. You'll make several stops along the way for photos and to take in the desert views.

Is the camel ride included, or do I pay extra?

The camel ride is included in all tour options. It's a brief ride at the Desert Campsite as part of the main experience. Quad bikes and buggies are available at the camp at an extra charge if you want to add those activities.

What's the difference between the shared and private vehicle options?

On the shared tour, you travel in a 4x4 with up to five guests from different hotels. On the private vehicle option, only your group travels together in the jeep. Either way, the desert activities at the campsite (dune bashing, sand boarding, camel ride and coffee) are shared with other guests unless you book a private option that includes extended quad or buggy time.

What should I wear and bring for a morning desert safari?

Wear lightweight summer clothing and sports shoes suitable for sand boarding. Bring sunglasses and a hat for sun protection. In winter months (November to February), add a light jacket and closed shoes for the cooler evenings. In summer (June to September), the desert reaches extreme heat and humidity, so wear light, breathable clothes and bring extra water and sunscreen.