Dubai is a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls stand side by side with vast, endless sand dunes. While the bustling city is known for its innovation and opulence, the surrounding desert offers an entirely different world, full of adventure, tradition, and awe-inspiring beauty. One of the best ways to experience this incredible landscape is through a Dubai Desert Safari. With Viator, you can book a variety of desert safari packages that cater to every kind of traveler—from thrill-seekers to those looking for a more relaxed desert experience.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the different desert safari experiences available through Viator, and why it should be on your list of must-do activities when visiting Dubai.
One of the most popular desert experiences is the Evening Desert Safari, and Viator offers several variations of this exciting adventure. The journey typically starts with a thrilling 4x4 dune-bashing ride, where you’ll drive up and down the steep sand dunes at high speeds, feeling the adrenaline rush as your vehicle glides over the vast desert landscape.
This experience is perfect for adventure lovers, as dune bashing is a heart-pumping ride that offers a unique way to explore the desert. The ride often lasts around 30-40 minutes, depending on the package you choose, and it’s an experience you won’t forget. Once the ride is over, many safaris will take you to a Bedouin-style camp where you can unwind and enjoy traditional desert activities.
Tip: For an extra touch of luxury, Viator offers VIP evening desert safari packages that include private 4x4 vehicles, premium seating at the desert camp, and upgraded gourmet meals.
The desert is rich in history and culture, and no desert safari is complete without experiencing the camel ride. Camels have been used as transportation in the desert for centuries, and today they are one of the most iconic symbols of desert life. A camel ride allows you to get up close to these majestic animals and gives you a chance to experience the desert the way the Bedouins did.
Viator’s desert safari packages often combine camel rides with cultural experiences that will immerse you in traditional Bedouin life. At the desert camp, you can enjoy activities like Henna painting, shisha smoking, and sandboarding. For those interested in traditional Arabic entertainment, many packages feature performances such as belly dancing, Tanoura dancing, and fire shows.
Tip: If you’re interested in more unique cultural experiences, Viator also offers overnight desert safaris that allow you to camp under the stars, enjoy traditional storytelling, and spend the night in the desert.
For travelers looking for an exclusive, indulgent desert experience, Viator offers luxury desert safari packages that go above and beyond the usual desert safari. These high-end tours often include private, chauffeured 4x4 vehicles, ensuring a more intimate and personalized journey through the desert. You’ll have the chance to experience the stunning sand dunes in style, with a more relaxed pace and a focus on comfort.
In addition to the standard activities like dune bashing, camel rides, and cultural performances, luxury packages often feature gourmet meals prepared by top chefs, private tents at the desert camp, and exclusive activities such as falconry displays and sunset photography sessions. These safaris are ideal for couples or anyone seeking a more refined desert experience, combining adventure with relaxation.
Tip: Consider booking the VIP Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner, which includes a private desert guide, exclusive seating, and a delectable three-course meal under the stars.
If you're an early riser, the Sunrise Desert Safari is a perfect way to experience the desert at a quieter, more serene time of day. Starting before dawn, you’ll be driven to the desert where you can watch the sunrise over the vast dunes—an awe-inspiring sight. Many tours offer a light breakfast and refreshments as you watch the sun rise, painting the desert landscape with shades of gold and orange.
The sunrise safari experience is often more relaxed than the evening safari, with fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, you’ll have time for a camel ride, sandboarding, and a leisurely exploration of the desert. This package is perfect for those who prefer a more tranquil desert adventure or who are short on time.
Tip: The sunrise desert safari is also an excellent opportunity for photography, as the soft morning light offers fantastic conditions for capturing the beauty of the desert.
For those who want a more personalized experience, Viator offers private desert safari packages that are fully customizable. You can design your itinerary based on your preferences, whether you want to focus on adrenaline-fueled dune bashing, enjoy a more relaxed camel ride, or dive into the cultural side of desert life with traditional entertainment and Henna tattoos.
Private safaris are ideal for families, groups, or couples who want to experience the desert at their own pace. You can choose from various options such as sunset or sunrise timings, and enjoy an exclusive experience that ensures privacy and flexibility.
Tip: Booking a private safari gives you the freedom to spend as much time as you like at each stop, so you can savor the desert without feeling rushed.
For adrenaline junkies, sandboarding is an activity that should not be missed. Many of Viator’s desert safari packages include sandboarding, which allows you to ride down the dunes on a specially designed board. The experience is similar to snowboarding but takes place on the soft, golden sand of the desert, providing an exhilarating ride.
Whether you’re a seasoned boarder or a first-timer, sandboarding is a great way to experience the desert’s beauty from a different perspective. You can take the opportunity to glide down the dunes and feel the thrill of the ride while taking in the stunning desert landscape.
Tip: For the best sandboarding experience, choose a safari that offers a variety of dune heights, as the taller dunes provide the most exciting rides.
Booking a desert safari through Viator comes with several advantages. Viator provides access to a range of carefully selected desert safari tours, each offering a unique experience. Their reliable customer service and easy-to-navigate platform make it simple to book in advance, and their reviews from previous travelers can help you choose the right tour for your interests.
With Viator, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your desert safari is organized by local experts who know the desert like the back of their hand. Additionally, many of their tours come with round-trip transportation, so you don’t need to worry about logistics.
A Dubai desert safari is one of the most exhilarating and culturally immersive experiences you can have while visiting the UAE. With Viator offering a variety of packages, including sunset safaris, luxury tours, camel rides, and sandboarding, you’re sure to find an option that fits your interests and budget. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a cultural exploration, or a relaxing time in the desert, the Viator Dubai Desert Safari experience will leave you with unforgettable memories of this stunning natural landscape.
So, pack your sunscreen, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in the heart of the Dubai desert!