⏱️ TL;DR: I booked 8 of the most popular desert safaris in Dubai and did them one by one. Excursion Point's Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Quad Bike & BBQ Dinner is the one I would book: a guide who actually guided, a schedule that ran on time, the best sandboarding of all my safaris and an evening show that beat the "luxury" camps.
4.9
GetYourGuide4.9(18.4k+)Every Dubai desert safari promises dune bashing, camels and a BBQ under the stars, and most have thousands of 5-star reviews. Prices run from €24 to €195 and the guides, camps and shows are very different, so it is easy to end up in a crowded camp with a bored driver. So I booked 8 of the most popular desert safaris myself and paid for every one.
I judged the guide, the cars and the dune bashing, the activities, the camp, the food, the shows and the value for money. Below is the short version: which one won, why, and when one of the other seven is the better pick for you. The full reviews and photos are in my complete Dubai desert safari ranking.
How the 8 Desert Safaris I Tested Compare
| Safari | Price | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Excursion Point Red Dunes Safari 4 to 7 h, Al Lahbab red dunes ✓ Tested in person 4.9Rating on GetYourGuide GetYourGuide4.9(18.4k+) | From €29 | A full first safari with dinner and shows | Only 2 soft drinks included, alcohol extra |
| Funtours Morning Safari 4 to 7 h, Lahbab desert ✓ Tested in person 5.0Rating on GetYourGuide GetYourGuide5.0(23.6k+) | From €27 | A morning safari, back before lunch | No dinner or camp on the 4-hour tour |
| OceanAir Al Khayma Camp 4 to 7 h, red dunes ✓ Tested in person 4.9Rating on GetYourGuide GetYourGuide4.9(73.5k+) | From €27 | The most-reviewed safari, with shisha and BBQ | No stargazing or telescopes |
| Ammar Tours Quad Safari 4 to 7 h, Lahbab red sand ✓ Tested in person 4.9Rating on GetYourGuide GetYourGuide4.9(33.6k+) | From €24 | The cheapest way to add a 35-min self-drive quad | Quad bikes only, no dune buggy |
| Platinum Heritage Land Rover 7 h, Desert Conservation Reserve ✓ Tested in person 4.8Rating on GetYourGuide GetYourGuide4.8(890+) | From €195 | Vintage Land Rovers, falconry and a 4-course dinner | No dune bashing, highest price |
| Noble Life Camp 6 h, Al Marmoom desert ✓ Tested in person 4.9Rating on GetYourGuide GetYourGuide4.9(1.4k+) | From €114 | Fire and dance shows, VIP seating option | Buffet, not a served dinner |
| Odyssey Sunrise Safari 4 h, Dubai Desert Reserve ✓ Tested in person 4.7Rating on GetYourGuide GetYourGuide4.7(1.8k+) | From €48 | Sunrise, oryx feeding and a picnic breakfast | Pickup around 04:15 |
| Dream Journey Red Dunes 4 h, Lahbab dunes ✓ Tested in person 4.8Rating on GetYourGuide GetYourGuide4.8(12.7k+) | From €41 | A short safari with 45 min of dune bashing | No dinner |
Why Excursion Point Took the #1 Spot
Several safaris came close on price, and Noble Life and Platinum Heritage had fancier settings. Excursion Point was the one with no weak link: an on-time pickup, a real guide, well-kept vehicles, activities that were thrilling but safe, and the best camp evening of all 8. If you only book one desert safari in Dubai, book this one. Here is what I found.
1. A Guide, Not Just a Driver
Pickup was set for 2:45 PM and the driver arrived at 2:44. On the hour-long, 90 km drive our guide Ismail talked about Dubai's population, architecture, nature and history, explained how the desert's three sand colours formed and answered every question. I fact-checked him later: he was right. Across the whole 7-hour tour there were no delays and no waiting around.
2. Its Own Quad and Buggy Station
Excursion Point uses its own quad and buggy station instead of a shared rental yard: spotless restrooms, an air-conditioned shop, brand-new quads and well-kept buggies. I upgraded to a 1000cc buggy, about four times the power of the 250cc quads, and it was the highlight of the day. The upgrade costs extra, and it is much cheaper booked online in advance than paid on the spot.
3. Hard Dune Bashing, Done Safely
Ismail checked every seatbelt, then floored it: about 20 minutes of intense dune bashing and 10 more of a gentler ride. The tyres were let down almost flat for better grip and smoother turns, something most operators only do halfway. Afterwards the team even cleaned the sand off our shoes.
4. The Best Sandboarding of All 8 Safaris
The guides took the time to show how to ride sitting down, which no other operator did. Sitting, I had my fastest, longest and smoothest run of any safari. There is also a falcon photo stop in the open desert for about 20 AED (around €5), payable by card.
5. A Camp and Show That Beat the "Luxury" Camps
The evening is spent at a large fortress-style camp run by Arabian Adventures, an Emirates Group brand: spotless, with sun loungers, campfires, a camel ride, henna, shisha and even football and badminton courts. The BBQ buffet was delicious with just enough variety.
The show opened with a Tanoura dancer, then the best belly dancer I saw on any tour, and finished with a 20-minute fire show. The drive back took about 50 minutes, so I was in the city by 10 PM.
What I Didn't Love
- Only two soft drinks are included. Water is unlimited, but alcohol, juices and extra soft drinks cost extra at the camp.
- The back row is cramped for tall people. At 190 cm I was fine because only two people sat in the back, but sit further forward if you can.
- The buggy upgrade is extra. And the ride depends a lot on your guide and the speed of the group.
- It is a long day. The dinner option runs about 7 hours from pickup.
- The falcon photo costs extra. About 20 AED, and falcons are not careful with your shirt.
Quick Questions
Morning or evening safari?
The afternoon option with the BBQ dinner and shows is the one I tested and recommend. The morning tours skip dinner and the camp evening.
What is included?
Dune bashing, sandboarding and a camel ride, plus the BBQ dinner and Tanoura show on the dinner option. Two soft drinks and unlimited water are included. Quad bike time depends on the option you choose.
Is alcohol available?
Yes, at the camp bar, but you pay for it separately.
What are the pickup times?
On the GetYourGuide calendar for Saturday 14 November 2026: morning tours at 07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00, afternoon tours with the camp dinner at 14:00, 15:00 and 15:30. Times change by season.
Which languages does the guide speak?
English, Hindi and Urdu, as listed on GetYourGuide.
My pick for your Dubai desert safari
Excursion Point's red dunes safari with the BBQ dinner option. Hand over your phone before sandboarding, and do not wear your favourite shirt for the falcon photo.
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