Know Before You Go: A Complete First-timer’s Guide to an Overnight Desert Safari in Dubai

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One always views Dubai’s deserts as sun-drenched golden dunes. But have you ever witnessed the magic that moonlit sands conjure? If you have never done that, this is your sign to go on an Arabian Desert safari at night. Anyone who has been on a desert safari in Dubai during the day will be captivated by the remarkable contrast between the sensation of a hot, bright day in the desert and the otherworldly solemnity of a chilly, cool, star-lit night. But hold on! Before booking an overnight desert safari Dubai experience, make sure you are well-prepared so that you can have a great night in the desert. Here’s a guide comprising everything you need to know about an overnight desert safari for a first-time visitor.

What to Expect in an Overnight Desert Safari?

An overnight desert safari Dubai experience is an enticing way to extend your day in Dubai into the wee hours of the night and enjoy a fantastic time in the calm desert.

Daytime Adventures

The tour starts with a drive beyond the city, deep into the desert expanse in the late afternoon. Then, gear up for some exciting adventure sports. Some overnight desert safari Dubai activities to look forward to are dune bashing and camel rides, followed by a mesmerizing sunset on the endless sea of dunes.

Cultural Shows and Traditional Dinner

As the last rays of the sun fade, the desert camp lights up with vibrant illuminations, transforming the ambience into a merry ensemble. The adrenaline rush of the Dubai desert safari adventure activities gives way to joyful, lively traditional activities. The evening comes alive with cheery, energetic, and lively performances such as belly dancing and Tanoura shows, which you can enjoy cosily in the traditional camp while sipping coffee or during a shisha session. Replenish with a wholesome BBQ meal crafted meticulously to reflect the Arabian cooking style.

Serene Night Under the Sky

As the evening stretches from an auburn splash to dark purple-streaked skies and finally to a serene canopy of stars, it is time to enjoy some nonchalant conversations in the hush of the desert and then unwind with a stay at an airy traditional tent instead of a concrete-walled hotel room. Doze to a tranquil sleep, lulling you with the desert’s hushed sounds. The feeling of sleeping under the stars is indescribable. You have to experience it yourself to understand that a cosy warmth envelops you amid the cold desert night. The desert’s silence after dark speaks in soothing hums, so unlike the morning buzz during activities or the bustling city.

Morning Bliss:

After a good night’s sleep, you open your eyes in the morning and are greeted with a stunning sunrise and a refreshing breakfast before heading back to the city.

Tips to know before booking an Overnight desert safari Dubai tour

Not all desert adventures are similar. They do differ in quality and service. Hence it is necessary to know your tour operator’s reputation by checking reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Google. Look for operators with safe drivers, comfy camps, and clear itineraries like Rayna Tours. To make sure you don’t suffer any mishaps in reservations or cancellations, choose reputed operators with good customer reviews.

Best Time to Visit: Keep in mind to book your package only during the best time for Dubai desert safari experience. November to March is the quintessential prime time for outdoor experiences in Dubai because the weather is pleasant and the sun feels less scorching, even in the desert. Also, keep an eye on the weather and check for any sandstorms during your travel dates, as it can affect your Dubai tour.

Book in Advance: This is the only way to secure your spot, especially during peak season, and to avoid disappointment. Also, go through the itinerary and confirm what the package includes. Clarify any doubts as soon as possible before the tour begins.

Smaller Groups: If you are taking a basic package shared with other tourists, try to book packages that take a smaller number of guests per tour group.

Know Your Limits: Overnight desert safaris include a few hours of adventure. However, thrills like dune bashing and quad biking are physically demanding. Skip them if you have chronic medical conditions, motion sickness, or are expecting a child. Also, don’t eat a heavy meal before you go for these adrenaline-rushing, high-speed rides in the desert.

Stay Hydrated: Though most of the time spent on an overnight safari is when the sun is low in the sky and during the night, it is still essential to drink water regularly to combat the desert’s dry heat.

Respect Local Culture: Though there is no dress code for Dubai desert safaris, it is better to dress modestly. Also, be kind and engage respectfully with locals during cultural activities.

Capture Memories in Reality: Obviously, you would love to take photos of your time spent in the desert and make them tangible memories. However, make an effort to stay present and put the camera down to soak in the desert’s magic.

Safety is a Priority: Before you venture out on the overnight safari tour, save all important numbers, like your tour guide’s contact information, and keep your family and friends informed about your whereabouts. Make sure your phone is fully charged. Always listen to your guide and stick with your group.

Packing Tips for an Overnight Desert Safari in Dubai

The desert is quite a predictable landscape. Everywhere you go, hot sand is under your feet and a scorching sun is above your head. Thus, even though overnight safaris happen in the late afternoons, you still have to be quite aware of the desert sun, even if it hangs low in the sky. Being prepared is the key to any successful holiday, and the same goes for an overnight desert safari tour. Packing smartly will help you enjoy your time in the desert comfortably. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind while you pack your bags for the trip:

Clothes and Footwear

• Wear lightweight, airy clothes that let your skin breathe. Cotton and linen fabrics are your best buddies in the desert environment. After a long day in the desert, keep an additional pair to change. If you have doubts about what to wear, get clarity by checking out a Dubai desert safari outfit guide.
• Add a shawl or a light jacket as desert nights can get surprisingly chilly, especially during the cooler months.
• Long sleeves, long pants, or attire that covers as much of your skin as possible are best to protect you from the sun during the day and any unwanted insect bites at night.
• You will walk on sand, so choose comfortable footwear, preferably closed-toe shoes. Socks can add additional protection and comfort to your feet.
• Pack light. You will be spending just one night in the desert, so pack only what is absolutely essential and non-negotiable items. A small backpack will be sufficient.
• Keep plastic bags to segregate sandy clothes from clean clothes.
  

  Sun Safety

• Invest in sunblock or sunscreen with a high SPF because your skin will require the best protection from the intense desert sun, even in the late afternoon and sunset. Reapply frequently.
• Carry sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and bandanas for additional sun protection.
•  A reusable water bottle is a non-negotiable item because you will need to keep yourself well-hydrated during your desert experience. Many camps offer water refills, so take full advantage of them.

Tech and Gadgets

• Your phone is undoubtedly an essential item. Even though an overnight desert safari is an excursion just a couple of hours from Dubai, you should make sure you can be easily reachable by cell phone anytime. Make sure you carry a smartphone, chargers, and portable power banks so that you can enjoy seamless connectivity whenever you need it.
•  If you love the pictures nature paints on the desert canvas, you ought to carry a camera with high resolution and high-quality lenses to capture the breathtaking golden dunes, the stellar sunset scenery, the vibrancy of Arabian folklore, and the beauty of the desert night. Make sure it has good features to click photographs in the dark.
•  Sand is everywhere in the desert, and it will get in everything, even your gadgets. Hence, carry a plastic ziplock bag or sturdy cases to protect your tech devices from the desert sand.

Miscellaneous Essentials

•  Pack travel-sized toothpaste, mini-sized moisturizers, toothbrushes, wet wipes, and hand sanitizers for personal hygiene.
•  Keep a stock of all essential medicines you require, insect repellents, antiseptic wipes, cotton, and band-aids. These can be useful for immediate relief during a desert safari tour.
•  Make disposable bags a non-negotiable item to carry on your journey. As tourists, we must respect our space we are in and keep in mind to leave no trace of trash. Hence, disposable things, such as wrappers, and trash, should be put in a bag and dispose of them in designated bins in the camp.
• Keep some loose cash in AED for tipping and optional activities you would like to enjoy during your desert safari experiences.Here’s a comprehensive checklist of all the essential items to carry on an overnight desert safari tour in Dubai. You can add anything extra you wish to carry:

Conclusion

So, first-time visitors, are you ready to enjoy a desert vibe unlike any other? An overnight desert safari is like having a mini adventure and camping in Dubai’s rugged, sandy backyard. But if you arrive in the desert without proper planning and essential items, it can dampen your whole experience. So, to make things easier, keep this overnight desert safari in Dubai guide and packing list as a reference when you plan your trip.

FAQs about Dubai overnight desert safari

1.  What should one wear for an overnight desert safari?

Always opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or linen for the day and layer with a hoodie, shawl, shrug, or jacket for the night. Closed-toe shoes are the best choice for walking in the sandy desert.

2. Are meals included in the safari?

Most packages include a BBQ dinner and breakfast. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. You can carry dry snacks if you feel like taking a break to satiate your hunger pangs.

3. Can children join an overnight desert safari?

Yes, it’s a family-friendly experience. However, some tour operators may not allow infants and toddlers as a precaution to adhere to safety guidelines, and some activities may have age restrictions as well.

4. Do the tour operators provide camping gear?

Yes, tents, sleeping bags, and pillows are provided in the desert camp. You are free to bring a blanket or a cosy pillow for extra comfort.

5. How long is the overnight Dubai desert safari?

A desert overnight safari in Dubai typically lasts for 10 to 12 hours, starting from your pick-up in the afternoon and ending after breakfast the next morning and dropping at your hotel in the city.

6. Is an overnight desert safari safe?

Yes, reputable tour operators give safety a priority and hire only experienced drivers, feature well-maintained, high-standard vehicles, and have access to clean camps with all standard facilities at your disposal. However, safety should be your consideration by promising to follow the tour guide’s instructions.

7. Is this experience suitable for people with disabilities?

The desert dunes can be tough to traverse for those with physical disabilities. Hence, it is not recommended.

8. Can one stay longer than one night in the desert?

Most tour operators offer desert safaris that include just one night’s stay in the desert. However, you can explore glamping and luxury desert resort options and enjoy more nights in the desert.