Essential Dubai Desert Safari Guide: What to Know Before You Go

A Dubai desert safari is one of the best things to do in the city! You’ll ride over the sand dunes, see the sunset, and enjoy fun activities and cultural entertainment at the camp. Are you someone who is planning a desert safari?

Here is everything you need to know before booking your safari with Trawey: what to wear, what to pack, how pick-up and drop-offs work, the best time to click amazing pictures, and what makes your experience truly special.

We have got it all covered so that you can come prepared and enjoy every second of your safari without any worries. If you want to learn more about the specific area we visit, check out our guide on the red dune desert safari in Dubai.

I. Essential Prep: Before Pickup

This section covers everything guests need to do to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

Punctuality & Communication Policy

To ensure a smooth safari experience, be aware of our strict schedules:

Be Ready, Be On Time: Please be in the hotel lobby at least 5–10 minutes early before your scheduled time. Drivers follow tight schedules, especially during shared tours, so early readiness helps avoid delays.
Stay Connected: Keep your phone on and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Our drivers contact guests via WhatsApp or call when they are nearby.
Backup Contact: Provide an alternative contact number if possible. In case your primary contact number is unreachable, a backup helps avoid missed pickups.
Shared Tours: Shared tours include multiple pick-ups and drop-offs. We appreciate your patience, as there may be a short waiting time while other guests are being collected.
Upgrade Option: If you prefer a comfortable and flexible journey, upgrading to a private desert safari is a great option as it is allowed to get customized and flexible with timings based on your plans.

What to Wear: Comfort, Safety & Photos

Dressing right makes your safari experience a lot more comfortable.

Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are the ideal footwear for safari. They will protect your feet from sand and dust and provide stability on uneven terrain.
Clothing: Lightweight clothes made of materials like linen and cotton are suitable for the desert safari. This will help you stay cool and comfortable during the outdoor activities.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses and a hat will shield your eyes from the strong desert sun.
Layering: Always carry an extra jacket or cardigan. Early mornings and evenings in the desert can be really cooler and this will keep you warm. This is especially true during the winter months (November to March).

Dining & Motion Etiquette

Before you head out for the dune bashing, it is good to know what to eat and how to stay comfortable.

Pre-Safari Meal: Eat at least 30 minutes before the ride. Heavy and greasy meals can cause you discomfort during dune bashing.
In-Vehicle Rule: Do not eat or drink inside the vehicle. Try to keep the ride pleasant for everyone.
Motion Sickness: If necessary, take motion sickness medicines beforehand. If you feel unwell, you can always ask the driver to stop.

II. The Adventure Activities Guide

The Dubai desert safari is packed with lots of fun and adventure. Here are the top activities and some tips for safety.

Quad Bike & Buggy Disclaimer

If you are planning to ride a quad bike or dune buggy, it is important to know:

These rides are not covered under Trawey’s insurance.
Riders are fully responsible for their safety and any damage to the vehicle. Review our quad biking safety tips before riding.
If you want to explore the desert a little deeper, you can upgrade your trip to a private safari or a 1-hour buggy tour.

Dune Bashing

An exciting ride over dunes in a 4×4 with expert drivers. To understand the skill involved, read our guide on dune bashing vs. dune driving.

Safety Note: Remember to have a light meal and take medicine beforehand if you are prone to motion sickness. Learn more about dune bashing in Dubai.

Sandboarding

Sliding down the sand dunes over a board is great fun.

Gear Up: Make sure you are properly geared up for the activity, especially kids. It is ideal to wear a closed-toe shoe with good grip. Learn how to try the dune slide properly.
Safety Tip: Wear a knee pad and helmet if necessary; falling is pretty common while sandboarding.

Camel Riding

It is the best activity for you to enjoy the beauty of the desert in a traditional and peaceful way.

Etiquette: Always keep in mind to stay calm and follow the rhythm of the camel as you hop on. It may feel strange at first but you will quickly catch the grip. At Trawey, we prioritize camel welfare and ethical tourism.

Quad Biking

Kids’ Safety: Kids can be allotted mini quad bikes, which can be ridden in a separated, fenced area. The ground is stable there, so it is easy for them to ride.
Inspection: Make sure that your bikes are in good condition. If you are not sure how to check it, always ask for help from professional guides.
Rule of Thumb: Stay on the line and follow the fenced area. Try not to deviate and go for a solo adventure, as the desert can be secluded.

III. At the Camp: Safety, Etiquette & Vendor Awareness

This section ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience at the Bedouin camp during your evening desert safari with BBQ dinner.

Safety & Belongings

Carry only what you need, like your phone, wallet, and ID.
Security: Always keep your belongings close. Do not leave them unattended in the car or in the campsite.
Phone Care: Make sure that you carry a phone screen protector to avoid sand damage. Check our desert photography guide for gear tips.

Vendor Awareness & Cultural Etiquette

Along your journey, there are chances that you may meet vendors offering headscarves, souvenirs, key chains, etc.

Important Note: Trawey is not connected to any of the vendors and there are no third-party commissions included.
Declining: If you are not interested in buying any, you can politely say no. If you are getting uncomfortable, call your guide for help.
Respect the Desert: You can discover more about the cultural side of Dubai desert safaris through our live shows.

Respect the Desert: Keep It Clean

Do not litter the desert. Carry your own trash and dispose of it properly.
Use waste bins at the campsite or garbage bags inside the vehicle.
Help us preserve the natural habitat and beauty of the desert.

IV. Final Policy: Drop-off & Connectivity

This section ensures the end of the tour is as smooth as the beginning.

Drop-off Policy & Punctuality Matters

Location: We will pick you up and drop off at the same location. If you have any other plans and want to get dropped somewhere else, you can prearrange it accordingly. Most tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off.
No Show Policy: If you are more than 15 minutes late or haven’t picked up our call, you will be marked as a “no show,” and the driver will leave.
Flexibility: If you want a more flexible safari, you can upgrade your safari to a private tour. This way you will get direct pickup and drop-off with no stops.
Health: Always check who should avoid a desert safari for specific health guidelines.

Connectivity Tip

Make sure that your mobile has mobile data before starting your safari.
If you are visiting from another country, make sure that you have roaming packs or e-SIMs to stay connected.
It is recommended to share an alternative contact number with us, just in case we need to reach you before pickup.

Ready for Your Unforgettable Safari? (Conclusion)

A little preparation makes a huge difference to your trip. When you are booking your safari with Trawey Tours, we make sure that you get all the information needed while booking. We have a great team of professional guides who can handle any situation.

If you’re coming with a large group, we have specialized services for large groups. We also focus on providing a family-friendly desert safari experience. Make sure that you follow all the instructions and let your guide know if you are having any trouble or discomfort during your journey.

At Trawey, we make sure that every guest is served well and leaves with great memories for a lifetime. Book your desert safari in Dubai today!