Thinking About an Overnight Desert Safari Dubai Trip? Read This First
Most safaris in Dubai have you back at your hotel by 9 PM. You see the dunes, enjoy the sunset and dinner, and then you head back. 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. At Overnight Safari Dubai, it's the trip we love most, and in this guide we'll explain exactly how it works, what to pack and how much it costs.
What Is an Overnight Desert Safari?
An overnight safari is a normal evening desert trip with one big difference: you don't go home after dinner. You spend the night at a Bedouin-style camp in the Lahbab desert, watch the sunrise and have breakfast before we drive you back. It's desert camping Dubai style, and everything is ready when you arrive.
What Happens and When
Around 3 PM: 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 stop on a high dune to watch the sun go down.
Evening at camp
At the camp, you can ride a camel and try sandboarding. You can have as many soft drinks as you like. Then it's time for the overnight safari with BBQ dinner: a full BBQ buffet. After dinner, there's a Tanoura show, a fire show and a belly dance show.
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 it's time to sleep in your tent.
Morning in the desert
Get up early for the desert sunrise Dubai visitors rave about. The sky turns pink and orange as the light spreads over the dunes. After breakfast, we drive you back, and you're at your hotel by around 7:30 AM.
Where You Sleep
The Lahbab overnight camp has a traditional Bedouin feel. You stay in a tent, surrounded by sand and far from any traffic. It's simple, and that's the charm. There's no TV and no traffic, just the sound of the wind and maybe a camel nearby. For most guests, that silence is the whole reason they came. A Bedouin camp overnight stay gives you a small taste of how desert families lived long ago.
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.
Would you rather keep it to your own group? The private overnight desert safari is AED 750 per car. You get your own vehicle and driver, which is perfect for families, couples and small groups of friends.
Safety at the Camp
Yes. You stay at a proper, supervised camp, not out on your own. Our team is close by all night, and the camp has lighting for walking around after dark. Most guests say they felt completely relaxed, and many say it was the best sleep of their holiday. If you'd like click here 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
Your Overnight Packing List
• A warm layer, because desert nights can be cool from November to March
• Something comfy to sleep in
• Toiletries and a toothbrush
• A fully charged power bank
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Any medicines you need
When Should You Book?
The best months for an overnight safari are October to April. Days are warm and nights are cool, which makes sleeping outside very pleasant. In the summer, nights are warm, so it suits people who are fine with the heat. Weekends and holidays get booked early, so plan a few days ahead.
Who Is This Trip For?
Couples enjoy it because it feels like a true getaway. Families love it, as kids get to camp, ride a camel and see the stars. 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
We also run an evening desert safari for AED 100, a VIP desert safari for AED 130 and a morning safari for 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. There's also a Hummer safari at AED 200 and a desert photography tour at AED 250.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the overnight safari OK for kids?
Yes, kids are very welcome. Children usually love camping and the camel ride.
How cold does it get?
From November to March, nights can feel cool, so bring a warm layer. For the rest of the year, nights are mild to warm.
When will I be back at my hotel?
We drop you back at around 7:30 AM, which leaves the whole day free.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, breakfast is included before we drive you back.
Can I add a quad bike?
Yes. A quad bike ride can be added for AED 80. Tell us when you book so we can plan the time.
Is there anywhere to charge my phone?
Bring a power bank to be safe.
Book Your Night in the Desert
An overnight desert safari Dubai trip is something you'll talk about for years. Call or WhatsApp us on +971 50 991 2456 to book. You can also see all our trips at overnightsafaridubai.com. Tell us your date and how many people are coming, and we'll take care of the rest.