Overnight Desert Safari Dubai: Your Complete Guide to a Night Under the Stars
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 get the dunes, the sunset and the dinner, and then it's time to go home. But the desert is at its best after the crowds have gone. The camp gets quiet, the sky fills with stars, and in the morning the sun rises over the sand.
That's the whole idea behind an overnight desert safari Dubai trip. Here at Overnight Safari Dubai, it's our favourite trip, and below, we explain exactly how it works, what you'll need and what it costs.
What Is an Overnight Desert Safari?
An overnight safari is a normal evening desert 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, 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
Pickup is at about 3 PM from your hotel or home in Dubai or Sharjah. 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 car goes up, over and down the red dunes, and you'll probably laugh the whole way. 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. You can have as many soft drinks as you like. Then it's time for the overnight safari with BBQ dinner: 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 look at the stars, which are much brighter here than in the city. Then it's time to sleep in your tent.
Sunrise and breakfast
Wake up early for a desert sunrise Dubai guests always remember. The sky turns pink and orange as the light spreads over the dunes. After breakfast, we drive you back to your hotel, arriving at about 7:30 AM.
About the Camp
The Lahbab overnight camp has a traditional Bedouin feel. You sleep in a tent, close to the sand and far from the noise of the city. It's simple, and that's the charm. There's no TV and no traffic, just the sound of the wind and maybe a camel nearby. For most guests, that silence is the whole reason they came. A Bedouin camp overnight stay gives you a feel for old desert life.
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.
Prices and What's Included
Our 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? The private overnight desert safari is AED 750 per car. You get a car and driver just for your group, which suits families, couples and friends.
Safety at the Camp
Yes. The camp is a set, supervised site, not a random spot in the sand. Our team stays nearby through the 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 have any questions about the overnight desert camp Dubai setup, just ask us before you book.
How to Sleep Well in the Desert
• Pack earplugs if small sounds wake you up
• Set an alarm for sunrise so you don't miss it
• Keep a small torch or phone light near your bed
• Drink plenty of water during 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
• Comfortable clothes to sleep in
• Toiletries and a toothbrush
• A power bank for your phone
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Any medication you take
Best Time to Go
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 and holidays get booked early, so plan a few days ahead.
Who Will Love It?
Couples enjoy it because it feels like a true getaway. 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.
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. We also offer a Hummer safari for AED 200 and a desert photography tour for AED 250.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the overnight safari OK for kids?
Yes, families are welcome. Children usually love camping and the camel ride.
Will it be cold at night?
Between November and March, it can get cool at night, so pack a jumper. For the rest of the year, nights are mild to warm.
What time do we get back?
You'll be back at your hotel by around 7:30 AM, so here you still have the whole day ahead of you.
Do we get breakfast in the morning?
Yes. Breakfast is part of the trip, served before the drive home.
Can I add a quad bike?
Yes. A quad bike ride can be added for AED 80. Tell us when you book so we can plan the time.
Is there anywhere to charge my phone?
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. 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.