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halfday

Half Day Desert Safari Dubai

Dubai DesertApprox. 4 Hours

Key Information

Duration

Approx. 4 Hours

Language

English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu

Transportation

Private 4x4 Land Cruiser

Group Size

Up to 7 Guests (Exclusive)

Pickup

Free Hotel / Home Pickup

Ticket

Mobile E-Ticket

Payment

Cash, Card, Online

Cancellation

Free (24h prior)

Timing

Flexible Morning or Afternoon

Overview

A focused, flexible desert trip for guests who want the dunes without the full evening programme. Priced per Land Cruiser rather than per person, the half day safari gives your group an exclusive vehicle, a dedicated driver and the core desert experience - dune bashing, a daylight camel ride and sandboarding - with timings that fit around your schedule rather than dictating it. It is a strong choice for business travellers with an afternoon free, cruise passengers on a short stopover, and families who would rather be back before dinner.

Tour Highlights

The desert on your schedule, in a vehicle that is yours alone. What is included:

  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser for your group at one flat vehicle price
  • Flexible morning or afternoon departure to suit your day
  • Full dune bashing session across the red dunes
  • Daylight camel ride - the best light for photographs
  • Sandboarding on the dunes with equipment provided
  • Bonfire in the desert during the winter season

What's Included & Excluded

Included

  • Complimentary hotel or home pickup and drop-off across Dubai
  • Exclusive 4x4 Land Cruiser for your group only
  • Flexible departure timing, morning or afternoon
  • Dune bashing in a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser
  • Daylight camel ride across the dunes
  • Sandboarding on the dunes (boards and instruction provided)
  • Photography stops at the high dunes
  • Unlimited mineral water throughout the trip
  • Bonfire in the desert during the winter season

Not Included

  • BBQ dinner, buffet meals and camp dining - not part of the half day programme
  • Henna painting, falcon display and live evening entertainment (evening tours only)
  • Quad bike / dune buggy rides (bookable at the camp for an extra charge)
  • Pickup from outside Dubai city limits (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman) - supplement applies
  • 5% VAT and 3% card machine charge (added at the time of payment)
  • Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase at the camp)
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs and professional photo prints
  • Gratuities for your driver and camp staff (optional)
  • Travel and medical insurance

Tour Itinerary

Slot StartHotel Pickup

Your private driver collects your group at your agreed time - morning departures are typically 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and afternoon departures around 2:00 PM.

+45 MinDesert Arrival & Tyre Deflation

A short stop at the desert edge to deflate the tyres for grip, and a briefing from your driver.

+1 HourDune Bashing

Your private dune bashing session across the red dunes, at whatever intensity your group prefers.

+2 HoursCamel Ride & Sandboarding

A daylight camel ride with excellent photo conditions, followed by sandboarding on the slopes.

+3 HoursBonfire & Refreshments

During the winter season a bonfire is lit in the desert - a relaxed break with unlimited mineral water before the drive back.

+4 HoursReturn Journey

A direct private drive back to your hotel or residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'private' mean in this package?

You get an entire 4x4 Land Cruiser reserved exclusively for your group - no strangers sharing your vehicle, no waiting for other guests to be collected, and a driver who follows your pace. The camp itself is shared with other guests, which is what keeps the entertainment programme lively.

How many people can join on the private vehicle price?

The price is charged per vehicle, not per person, and each Land Cruiser seats up to 6-7 guests including children. Larger groups are easily accommodated by booking additional vehicles at the same rate - ask us for a group discount.

Can we customise the timings on a private safari?

Yes, within reason. Private guests can request an earlier pickup for more daylight photography, extra time at the sunset point, or an earlier return to the hotel. Let us know your preference when booking and we will plan the route around it.

Is dinner or the camp entertainment included?

No. This is a shorter, adventure-focused trip without the Bedouin camp dining and stage programme. Unlimited mineral water is included. If you want the BBQ buffet and live shows, our Evening Desert Safari or Private Evening Desert Safari is the right package.

Can I choose morning or afternoon?

Yes - that flexibility is the point of this package. Tell us your preferred start time when booking and we will confirm availability. Afternoon slots can be arranged to finish around sunset for the best photography.

Is the bonfire always included?

The bonfire runs during the cooler winter season, roughly November to March. In summer it is not practical or comfortable, so it is not offered - everything else in the programme runs year round.

How many people does the price cover?

The rate is for the entire Land Cruiser, which seats up to six or seven guests including children. There is no per-person charge, so the more people in your group, the better the value.

What should I wear for a desert safari?

Wear light, loose and comfortable clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. Sandals or slip-on shoes are ideal because you will be walking on soft sand, and closed shoes fill up quickly. Bring a light jacket or shawl for the evening - desert temperatures drop noticeably after sunset, especially between November and February. Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are recommended for the daylight portion of the trip.

Is dune bashing safe for everyone?

Yes. All dune bashing is carried out by DTCM-licensed drivers with years of off-road experience, in fully maintained 4x4 Land Cruisers fitted with seat belts and roll protection. Drivers adjust the intensity of the drive to suit the passengers in the vehicle, so simply tell your driver if you prefer a gentler ride. Dune bashing is not recommended for pregnant women, guests with heart, back, neck or spinal conditions, or those who have recently had surgery.

Is the tour suitable for children and elderly guests?

Absolutely. Children of all ages and senior guests are welcome and join the tour every day. Infants and toddlers usually skip the dune bashing intensity - just request a gentle drive. Children under 3 years travel free of charge, and the camp has a supervised play area, so the safari works very well as a family experience.

Do you offer vegetarian, vegan or Jain food?

Yes. The BBQ buffet always includes a generous vegetarian selection - salads, grilled vegetables, hummus, fresh breads, rice and hot vegetarian dishes. Vegan and Jain meals are available when you let us know at the time of booking so the kitchen can prepare them separately.

Will I get motion sickness during the dune drive?

Some guests do feel light-headed during dune bashing. To minimise it, avoid a heavy meal in the two hours before pickup, sit in the front or middle row, keep your eyes on the horizon and take motion sickness tablets 30 minutes before the drive if you are prone to it. Your driver can slow the pace at any moment - just say the word.

What should I bring with me?

A fully charged phone or camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light jacket for the evening and a small amount of cash for optional extras such as quad bikes, souvenirs or beverages. Everything else - food, drinks, activities and transport - is arranged for you.

Can I pay by card, and when do I pay?

You can pay in cash, by credit or debit card, or online through a secure payment link. Most guests pay the driver on the day of the tour, so no advance deposit is needed for standard bookings. A 5% VAT and a 3% machine charge apply on card payments.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled pickup are completely free of charge. Cancellations inside 24 hours, or no-shows at the pickup point, are charged in full because the vehicle and camp seats are already reserved in your name. Rescheduling is free whenever seats are available.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Desert safaris operate all year round and light rain rarely affects the programme. In the rare event of a sandstorm or heavy rain that makes the route unsafe, we will contact you to reschedule to another date or issue a full refund - your safety always comes first.

Is alcohol available at the camp?

Alcoholic drinks are not included in the package but can be purchased at the camp bar where licensed. Unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are included throughout your visit.

Are there toilets and changing facilities at the camp?

Yes. The camp has clean, separate washrooms for men and women, plus wash basins and changing space. Prayer facilities are also available on site.

How do I book and confirm my seat?

Send us a WhatsApp message on +971 58 916 7880 with your date, hotel or area, and the number of guests. You will receive instant confirmation along with your mobile e-ticket and pickup window. No printing is needed - just show the e-ticket on your phone.

AED 549

/ Per 4x4 Land Cruiser