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, the stars come out, and the next morning you wake up to a sunrise over the dunes.
That's what click here an overnight desert safari Dubai trip is all about. At Overnight Safari Dubai, it's the trip we love most, and below, we 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, watch the sunrise and have breakfast before we drive you back. It's desert camping Dubai style, with everything set up for you.
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.
Dune bashing and sunset
When you get to the Lahbab desert, the dune bashing starts. The 4x4 climbs and slides over 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 camp, there's a camel ride and sandboarding. You can have as many soft drinks as you like. Then it's time for the overnight safari with BBQ dinner: a big buffet with grilled dishes. After dinner, you watch Tanoura, fire and belly dance shows.
Bedtime in the desert
Once the shows end and the evening guests head home, the camp gets very quiet. You can sit outside and look at the stars, which are much brighter here than in the city. Then you head to your tent for the night.
Morning in the desert
Wake up early for a desert sunrise Dubai guests always remember. 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.
Where You Sleep
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. 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 small taste of how desert families lived long ago.
Want to sleep in the desert Dubai style without roughing it too much? Just tell us when you book, and we'll make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Overnight Desert Safari Price
Our overnight desert safari price is AED 170 per person. That includes 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. When you add it all up, it's very good 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.
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 there's lighting so you can walk around safely 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
• Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper
• Set your alarm for sunrise, it's worth it
• Keep a small torch or phone light near your bed
• Keep drinking water through the evening
• Put your shoes inside the tent so sand stays out
Your Overnight Packing List
• A jumper or jacket, as nights get cool between November and March
• Something comfy to sleep in
• Toiletries and a toothbrush
• A fully charged power bank
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Any medicines you need
Best Time to Go
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 fill up fast, so book a few days in advance.
Is It Right for You?
Couples enjoy it because it feels like a true getaway. Families like it because kids get to camp, see the stars and ride a camel. Photographers love the light at sunset and sunrise. And anyone who's tired of busy city life will enjoy the quiet.
More Desert Trips
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the overnight safari OK for kids?
Yes, families are welcome. Children usually love camping and the camel ride.
How cold does it get?
From November to March, nights can feel cool, so bring a warm layer. For the rest of the year, nights are mild to warm.
When will I be back at my hotel?
We drop you back at around 7:30 AM, which leaves the whole day free.
Do we get breakfast in the morning?
Yes. Breakfast is part of the trip, served before the drive home.
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?
It's best to bring a power bank, just in case.
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. All our trips are listed at overnightsafaridubai.com. Tell us your date and how many people are coming, and we'll take care of the rest.