Dubai’s dazzling cityscape is famous for its modern skyscrapers and luxury shopping, but the true magic lies just beyond the city in the vast expanse of golden desert dunes. A desert safari in Dubai offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the Arabian Desert, with thrilling activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and stargazing. However, one of the first questions many visitors ask is, “What is the desert safari Dubai price?” This guide will walk you through the different pricing options, what’s included in each package, and how to get the most out of your desert adventure, no matter your budget.
What Affects the Desert Safari Dubai Price?
The desert safari Dubai price can vary depending on several factors, including the type of safari, the time of day, and any additional activities you choose to add to your experience. Here’s a closer look at what determines the price:
1. Time of Day
The time of day you choose to take your desert safari significantly impacts the price. Generally, evening and overnight safaris are more expensive than morning safaris due to the additional activities and amenities provided.
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Morning Desert Safari: This is the most affordable option, usually costing between AED 150 and AED 300 per person. It typically includes dune bashing, camel rides, and sandboarding, but there’s no dinner or evening entertainment.
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Evening Desert Safari: The evening safari is the most popular choice and includes a full range of activities like dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, and a traditional buffet dinner under the stars. Expect to pay between AED 250 and AED 500 per person, depending on the level of service and luxury provided.
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Overnight Desert Safari: If you want to enjoy the desert to the fullest, an overnight safari is an excellent choice. These safaris allow you to stay in the desert and include a full dinner, breakfast, cultural performances, and stargazing. The price for an overnight safari typically ranges from AED 600 to AED 1,000 per person.
2. Group vs. Private Safari
Another important factor affecting the desert safari Dubai price is whether you opt for a group safari or a private experience.
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Group Desert Safari: Group safaris are more affordable, as you share the 4×4 vehicle with other guests. Group safaris typically cost between AED 150 and AED 400 per person, making it a great choice for solo travelers or those on a budget.
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Private Desert Safari: If you prefer a more exclusive experience, a private safari is a perfect option. You’ll have your own 4×4 vehicle and guide, providing you with a more personalized and flexible adventure. Private safaris usually start at AED 600 and can go up to AED 1,500 or more, depending on the inclusions.
3. Additional Activities and Luxury Packages
To enhance your desert experience, many operators offer add-ons and upgrades. These additional activities can increase the overall desert safari Dubai price, but they also provide a more luxurious and customized experience.
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Quad Biking: Many tours offer the option to ride quad bikes across the dunes. The cost for quad biking typically ranges from AED 150 to AED 300 for a 30-minute ride.
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Hot Air Balloon Ride: For an unforgettable aerial view of the desert, you can add a hot air balloon ride to your safari experience. Prices for hot air balloon rides usually start at AED 900 and can go up to AED 1,200 per person.
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Luxury Desert Safari: If you’re looking for a high-end experience, you can book a luxury desert safari, which includes private vehicles, gourmet meals, and VIP services. These luxury experiences can cost anywhere from AED 800 to AED 2,000 or more per person.
What’s Included in the Desert Safari Dubai Price?
Most desert safari Dubai packages include a set of core activities and services, making your safari a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. Here’s what you can expect to be included in your safari:
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Dune Bashing: One of the most thrilling parts of the safari, dune bashing involves speeding up and down the desert dunes in a powerful 4×4 vehicle.
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Camel Ride: A quintessential desert experience, camel rides allow you to explore the dunes slowly and take in the desert’s beauty from a unique perspective.
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Sandboarding: A fun and exciting activity where you can ride down the dunes on a sandboard, much like snowboarding.
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Cultural Entertainment: Many evening safaris include cultural performances such as belly dancing, Tanoura dancing, and fire shows, providing a taste of traditional Arabian entertainment.
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Traditional Arabian Dinner: A highlight of many evening safaris is the traditional Arabian buffet dinner, featuring grilled meats, salads, hummus, falafel, and Arabic sweets. Alcoholic beverages are often available for an additional charge.
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Henna Painting and Shisha Smoking: Some safaris include activities like henna painting or the chance to enjoy shisha (flavored tobacco) at the camp, enhancing your cultural experience.
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Stargazing: Overnight safaris often offer stargazing opportunities, letting you enjoy the clear desert sky and observe the stars in a tranquil environment.
Tips to Get the Best Desert Safari Dubai Price
If you want to ensure you get the best value for your money, here are some tips to help you save on your desert safari Dubai experience:
1. Book in Advance: Desert safari tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking in advance can help you secure a better price and avoid last-minute price hikes.
2. Travel in a Group: Many tour operators offer discounts for group bookings. If you’re traveling with friends or family, booking a group safari can help reduce the cost per person.
3. Look for Special Promotions: Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts, particularly during the off-peak season. Some operators offer seasonal deals, and you can also find discounts for larger groups or packages.
4. Opt for a Morning Safari: Morning safaris are typically cheaper than evening and overnight safaris, as they don’t include dinner or entertainment. However, you’ll still get to experience the thrill of dune bashing and camel rides.
5. Compare Packages: Prices can vary significantly between operators, so take time to compare the different packages available. Look at what’s included in each package and choose the one that provides the best value for your budget.
What to Expect Beyond the Price
While the desert safari Dubai price is a key factor in planning your adventure, it’s equally important to consider the overall quality of your experience. Pay attention to the reputation of the tour operator, the condition of the vehicles, the professionalism of the guides, and the overall customer service. A slightly higher price may be worth it if it ensures a more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
A desert safari in Dubai is an unforgettable experience that offers a thrilling mix of adventure and culture. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly morning safari or a luxury overnight adventure, there’s an option for every budget. The desert safari Dubai price typically ranges from AED 150 for a basic group safari to over AED 2,000 for a luxury private tour. By understanding the factors that affect the cost and comparing different options, you can ensure you get the best experience for your money.
So, are you ready to embark on a desert adventure like no other? Book your desert safari Dubai today and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the golden dunes of the Arabian Desert!
