Overnight Desert Safari Dubai: Your Complete Guide to a Night Under the Stars
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 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 an overnight desert safari Dubai trip is all about. Here at Overnight Safari Dubai, it's our favourite trip, 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 is a normal evening desert trip with one big difference: you don't go home after dinner. 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, with everything set up for you.
Your Trip, Hour by Hour
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.
Into the dunes
Once you reach the Lahbab desert, the dune bashing begins. The 4x4 climbs and slides over the red dunes, and it's a lot of fun. After that, you stop on a high dune for the sunset.
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
When the shows finish and the day visitors leave, the camp becomes very peaceful. You can sit outside and look at the stars, which shine much brighter out here than in the city. Then it's time to sleep in your tent.
Sunrise and breakfast
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.
The Bedouin Camp
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. 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 feel for old desert life.
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.
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. 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.
Will We Feel Safe Overnight?
Yes. The camp is a set, supervised site, not a random spot in the sand. 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 many say it was the best sleep of their holiday. If you'd like to know more about the overnight desert camp Dubai setup, ask us before booking.
Tips for a Better Night
• Pack earplugs if small sounds wake you up
• Set your alarm for sunrise, it's worth 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
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
October to April is the best time for a night in the desert. Days are warm and nights are cool, which makes sleeping outside very pleasant. 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 Is This Trip For?
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 come for the sunset and sunrise light. And if you need a break from the city, the silence is wonderful.
If You Have More Time
We also run an evening desert safari for AED 100, a VIP desert safari for AED 130 and a morning safari for AED 150. If you want more action, try red dune bashing for AED 139, a quad bike ride for AED 80 or sandboarding in Lahbab for 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, kids are very 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.
When will I be back at my hotel?
You'll be back at your hotel by around 7:30 AM, so you still have the whole day ahead of you.
Do we get breakfast in the morning?
Yes, breakfast is included before we drive you back.
Is quad biking available on the overnight trip?
Yes, you can add a quad bike ride for AED 80. Let us know when booking so we can fit it in.
Is there anywhere to charge my phone?
Bring a power bank to be safe.
Ready to Sleep Under the Stars?
You'll be talking about your overnight desert safari Dubai trip for a long time. To book, send us a WhatsApp or call +971 50 Overnight Desert Safari Dubai 991 2456. All our trips are listed at overnightsafaridubai.com. Just share your date and group size, and we'll handle everything.