Overnight Desert Safari Dubai: Your Complete Guide to a Night Under the Stars
Most desert trips in Dubai end at around 9 PM. You get the dunes, the sunset and the dinner, and then it's time to go home. But some of the best moments in the desert happen after everyone else has left. The camp goes quiet, the stars come out, and the next morning you wake up to a sunrise over the dunes.
That's website 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.
The Overnight Trip in a Nutshell
An overnight safari is a normal evening desert trip with one big difference: instead of going home after dinner, you stay. You sleep at a Bedouin-style camp in the Lahbab desert, then watch the sunrise and eat breakfast before heading back. It's desert camping Dubai style, and everything is ready when you arrive.
What Happens and When
Afternoon pickup
We pick you up from your hotel or home in Dubai or Sharjah at around 3 PM. Our drivers are licensed and know the desert well.
Into the dunes
When you get to the Lahbab desert, the dune bashing starts. The car goes up, over and down the red dunes, and it's a lot of fun. Then you stop on a high dune to watch the sun go down.
Camel rides, sandboarding and dinner
At the camp, you can ride a camel and try sandboarding. Soft drinks are unlimited all evening. Then comes the overnight safari with BBQ dinner part of the evening: a full BBQ buffet. After dinner, you watch Tanoura, fire and belly dance shows.
Night under the stars
When the shows finish and the day visitors leave, the camp becomes very peaceful. 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, and the dunes slowly light up. After breakfast, we drive you back to your hotel, arriving at about 7:30 AM.
About the Camp
Our Lahbab overnight camp is built in a traditional Bedouin style. You sleep in a tent, close to the sand and far from the noise of the city. It's simple, but that's the point. You won't hear traffic or TV, only the wind and the odd camel. Most guests say that quiet is exactly what they came for. 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.
How Much Does It Cost?
The overnight desert safari price is AED 170 per person. For that, you get 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. For everything included, it's great value.
Would you rather keep it to your own group? A private overnight desert safari costs AED 750 per private 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 plenty say they slept better than in the city. If you'd like to know more about the overnight desert camp Dubai setup, ask us before booking.
Simple Tips for Your Night
• Pack earplugs if small sounds wake you up
• Set your alarm for sunrise, it's worth it
• Keep a small torch or phone light near your bed
• Drink plenty of water during the evening
• Keep your shoes inside the tent to avoid sand
What to Bring
• A warm layer, because desert nights can be cool from November to March
• Comfortable clothes to sleep in
• A toothbrush and basic toiletries
• A fully charged power bank
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Any medication you take
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.
Is It Right for You?
Couples love it because it feels like a real escape. Families love it, as kids get to camp, ride a camel and see the stars. Photographers love the light at sunset and sunrise. And if you need a break from the city, the silence is wonderful.
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.
Common Questions
Is the overnight safari OK for kids?
Yes, kids are very welcome. Most kids love the camping and the camels.
Will it be cold at night?
From November to March, nights can feel cool, so bring a warm layer. The rest of the year, nights are mild or warm.
What time do we get back?
You'll be back at your hotel by around 7:30 AM, so you still have the whole day ahead of you.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, breakfast is included before we drive you back.
Is quad biking available on the overnight trip?
Yes. A quad bike ride can be added for AED 80. Let us know when booking so we can fit it in.
Can I charge my phone at the camp?
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. To book, send us a WhatsApp or call +971 50 991 2456. 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.