Overnight Desert Safari Dubai: What It's Really Like to Sleep in the Desert
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 goes quiet, the stars come out, and the next morning you wake up to a sunrise over the dunes.
That's the whole idea behind an overnight desert safari Dubai trip. At Overnight Safari Dubai, it's the trip we love most, and below, we explain exactly how it works, what you'll need and what 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 spend the night 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
We pick you up from your hotel or home in Dubai or Sharjah at around 3 PM. Your driver is licensed and very experienced on the sand.
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 camp, there's a camel ride and sandboarding. You can have as many soft drinks as you like. Then comes the overnight safari with BBQ dinner part of the evening: 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 are much brighter here than in the city. Then it's time to Bedouin Camp Overnight 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.
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. You won't hear traffic or TV, only the wind and the odd camel. 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.
Overnight Desert Safari Price
The overnight desert safari price is AED 170 per person. For that, you get 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. When you add it all up, it's very good value.
Would you rather keep it to 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.
Safety at the Camp
Yes. The camp is a set, supervised site, not a random spot in the sand. Our team stays nearby through the night, and the camp has lighting for walking around after dark. Guests usually tell us they felt totally at ease, and many say it was the best sleep of their holiday. If you have any questions about the overnight desert camp Dubai setup, just ask us before you book.
How to Sleep Well in the Desert
• Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper
• Set your alarm for sunrise, it's worth it
• Keep a small torch or phone light near your bed
• Keep drinking water through the evening
• Put your shoes inside the tent so sand stays out
What to Pack
• A warm layer, because desert nights can be cool from November to March
• Comfortable clothes to sleep in
• Toiletries and a toothbrush
• A fully charged power bank
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for the evening and morning
• 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 fill up fast, so book a few days in advance.
Who Will Love It?
Couples love it because it feels like a real escape. Families love it, as kids get to camp, ride a camel and see the stars. Photographers love the light at sunset and sunrise. And if you need a break from the city, the silence is wonderful.
More Desert Trips
Other trips include an evening safari at AED 100, a VIP safari at AED 130 and a morning safari at 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.
Your Questions, Answered
Can children come on the overnight trip?
Yes, families are welcome. Most kids love the camping and the camels.
How cold does it get?
From November to March, nights can feel cool, so bring a warm layer. 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, 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.
Can I add a quad bike?
Yes. A quad bike ride can be added for AED 80. Tell us when you book so we can plan the time.
Can I charge my phone at the camp?
It's best to bring a power bank, just in case.
Ready to Sleep Under the Stars?
An overnight desert safari Dubai trip is something you'll talk about for years. To book, send us a WhatsApp or call +971 50 991 2456. All our trips are listed at overnightsafaridubai.com. Just share your date and group size, and we'll handle everything.