Overnight Desert Safari Dubai: Your Complete Guide to a Night Under the Stars
Most desert trips in Dubai end at around 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 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 in this guide we'll explain exactly how it works, what you'll need and what it costs.
What Is an Overnight Desert Safari?
An overnight safari starts like a normal evening 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, and everything is ready when you arrive.
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.
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 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. Soft drinks are unlimited all evening. Then it's time for the overnight safari with BBQ dinner: a big buffet with grilled dishes. After dinner, there's a Tanoura show, a fire show and a belly dance show.
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 shine much brighter out here than in the city. Then you head to your tent for the night.
Sunrise and breakfast
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, and you're at your hotel by around 7:30 AM.
About the Camp
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, 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 small taste of how desert families lived long ago.
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.
Prices and What's Included
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.
Would you rather keep it to your own group? read more A private overnight desert safari costs AED 750 per private 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 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
• 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
• Drink plenty of water during 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
• 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 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.
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.
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. We also offer a Hummer safari for AED 200 and a desert photography tour for AED 250.
Common Questions
Can children come on the overnight trip?
Yes, kids are very welcome. Children usually love camping and the camel ride.
How cold does it get?
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?
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.
Is there anywhere to charge my phone?
It's best to bring a power bank, just in case.
Ready to Sleep Under the Stars?
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.