When I first saw photos of desert safaris in Dubai, I wasn’t sure if it was just another tourist trap — camels, sand, dinner shows. But I decided to try it anyway, mostly out of curiosity. I ended up booking an evening desert safari during my trip to Dubai, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of my stay. In this review, I’ll walk you through exactly what happened, what I loved, what I’d skip, and whether I think it’s worth your time and money.
What My Evening Desert Safari in Dubai Was Really Like?
I booked my evening desert safari a few days before arriving in Dubai, not really knowing what to expect beyond a few camels and some sand. The driver picked me up from my hotel around 3:30 PM in a clean, air-conditioned 4×4. After a short ride out of the city, the buildings gave way to endless dunes — golden, wide, and absolutely silent.
The first part of the tour was all about adrenaline. Our driver deflated the tires and took us dune bashing through steep drops and sharp turns — I held on tight, laughing the entire way. Just before sunset, we stopped for photos. The light was unreal, and I managed to get some of my favorite travel pictures ever.
By the time we reached the desert camp, it felt like we had entered another world. Traditional carpets, low tables, lanterns — everything was set up to feel welcoming and warm. That was just the beginning.
Everything That Was Included in My Safari
Once we arrived at the camp, things slowed down — in a good way. I was welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, then had time to explore. There were camels nearby for short rides (yes, it’s short and mostly for the photo), and I tried sandboarding down one of the smaller dunes. It’s harder than it looks, but fun once you get the hang of it.
Inside the camp, there were stations for henna painting, traditional clothes to try on, and even falcons for pictures. I skipped most of that and went straight for the shisha lounge to relax before dinner.
As the sun went down, the stage lit up. There were several live performances — a spinning tanoura dancer, belly dancing, and a fire show that actually surprised me with how good it was.
Dinner was buffet-style with plenty of grilled meats, salads, rice, and a few vegetarian options. I wouldn’t call it gourmet, but it was generous and satisfying after the day in the sand.
What I Really Thought – The Good and the Bad
Overall, the experience was worth it — but it’s not perfect. The dune bashing was the highlight for me. It felt wild, fast, and surprisingly safe thanks to the driver’s control. Watching the sunset over the dunes was quiet and surreal — that moment alone made the trip worth it.
The camp was lively, maybe a bit too much at times. It’s clearly set up for tourists, and you can feel that. Some people loved the performances; others were more interested in taking photos or relaxing. I liked that I could choose — join the crowd or find a quiet spot under the stars.
What I didn’t enjoy: the upselling. At the camp, some activities that looked included had surprise fees. A guy offered me a picture with a falcon — then asked for cash right after. Also, don’t expect a deep cultural immersion. It’s more entertainment than authenticity.
Still, the organization was smooth, the staff were friendly, and I felt safe the entire time. If you manage your expectations, it’s an evening well spent.
Was It Worth the Price?
I paid around 1200 AED for the standard package, which included hotel pickup, dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, the full camp experience, dinner, and shows. For everything that was packed into one evening, I’d say the price was fair. You’re getting about six hours of activity, transportation, and food — which in Dubai terms is actually good value.
That said, I noticed some people had VIP seating with table service and better views of the stage. If I were to do it again, I might consider upgrading, especially if you want more comfort during dinner. But even with the basic option, I didn’t feel like I missed out.
There are cheaper tours out there, but be careful — I read enough reviews to know that low-cost often means overcrowded vehicles, no air conditioning, or chaotic camps. I went with a mid-range option and had zero regrets.
Tips I Wish I Knew Before Going
Here’s what I would’ve liked to know before booking:
- Wear something light but bring a layer – it gets cold after sunset, especially in winter.
- Skip white shoes – the sand gets everywhere, and you’ll be walking a lot.
- Bring cash – some extras at the camp (like photos, souvenirs, or snacks) are cash-only.
- Eat light before the trip – dune bashing on a full stomach is a bad idea.
- Don’t expect silence – the camp is busy, music is loud, and it’s more festive than peaceful.
- Check reviews by company name – not all tours are the same, and choosing the right operator makes all the difference.
Also, don’t rely on cell signal — once you’re in the dunes, it’s mostly gone. Take your photos early, then enjoy being offline for a few hours.
Would I Recommend Evening Desert Safari?
Yes — with a few conditions. If you’ve never been to the desert, this is an easy and fun way to experience it without planning anything yourself. It’s touristy, yes, but in a good way: smooth logistics, entertaining, and surprisingly well-executed if you pick a decent operator.
Don’t expect deep cultural insight or a quiet escape into nature. This is a show — designed to impress, entertain, and send you home with great photos. If that’s what you’re looking for, it delivers.
I’m glad I did it. The energy, the landscape, the chaos of the camp — it all blended into a chaotic but memorable evening. Would I do it again? Maybe not. But as a one-time experience while in Dubai, it’s absolutely worth checking off the list.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, the evening desert safari wasn’t just a tourist activity — it was a snapshot of Dubai’s ability to turn even the middle of the desert into a full-on experience. I came for the dunes and stayed for the energy, the colors, the organized chaos of it all.
It’s not a deep cultural dive or a quiet retreat — it’s fun, fast-paced, and full of curated moments. If you go in knowing that, you’ll enjoy it. Just choose your tour operator carefully, avoid the cheapest deals, and bring a bit of flexibility. For one evening, I got sand in my shoes, henna on my hand, and more photos than I know what to do with. Worth it.
