Overnight Desert Safari Dubai: What It's Really Like to Sleep in the Desert
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 some of the best moments in the desert happen after everyone else has left. The camp goes quiet, more info the stars come out, and the next morning you wake up to a sunrise over the dunes.
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.
How Does the Overnight Trip Work?
An overnight safari starts like a normal evening 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, with everything set up for you.
A Night in the Desert, Step by Step
Afternoon pickup
Pickup is at about 3 PM from your hotel or home in Dubai or Sharjah. Your driver is licensed and very experienced on the sand.
Into the dunes
When you get to the Lahbab desert, the dune bashing starts. The 4x4 climbs and slides over the red dunes, and you'll probably laugh the whole way. 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. 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
Once the shows end and the evening guests head home, the camp gets very quiet. You can sit outside and enjoy 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, but that's the point. There's no TV and no traffic, just the sound of the wind and maybe a camel nearby. Most guests say that quiet is exactly what they came for. A Bedouin camp overnight stay gives you a feel for old desert life.
Want to sleep in the desert Dubai style but still be comfortable? Just tell us when you book, and we'll make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
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.
Prefer to stay with just 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.
Is It Safe to Sleep in the Desert?
Yes. You stay at a proper, supervised camp, not out on your own. Our team is close by all night, and there's lighting so you can walk around safely after dark. Guests usually tell us they felt totally at ease, 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 an alarm for sunrise so you don't miss it
• Have your phone light handy for the night
• Keep drinking water through the evening
• Put your shoes inside the tent so sand stays out
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 power bank for your phone
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for the evening and morning
• Any medicines you need
Which Month Is Best?
The best months for an overnight safari are October to April. The days are warm, the nights are cool, and sleeping in the desert feels great. In summer, nights stay warm, so it's best for people who don't mind the heat. Weekends fill up fast, so book a few days in advance.
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 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.
Your Questions, Answered
Can children come on the overnight trip?
Yes, families are welcome. Most kids love the camping and the camels.
How cold does it get?
From November to March, nights can feel cool, so bring a warm layer. The rest of the year, nights are mild or 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, you can add a quad bike ride for AED 80. Tell us when you book so we can plan the time.
Can I charge my phone at the camp?
Bring a power bank to be safe.
Book Your Night in the Desert
You'll be talking about your overnight desert safari Dubai trip for a long time. Call or WhatsApp us on +971 50 991 2456 to book. You can also see all our trips at overnightsafaridubai.com. Just share your date and group size, and we'll handle everything.