How Long Does a Desert Safari Take? A desert safari in Dubai can take anywhere from 3 hours to over 18 hours, depending on the package you choose. Most travellers book a safari without realizing how much time each type actually requires, which is why this guide breaks down every option clearly.
Whether you want a quick adventure, a sunset experience with BBQ dinner, or a full overnight stay under the stars, you’ll find the exact timings, duration breakdown, and tips below.
If you’re planning to book a desert experience, check out our most popular packages like the Morning Desert Safari and the Evening Desert Safari in Dubai for accurate timings and inclusions.
Types of Desert Safaris & Their Exact Time Duration
Different desert safari packages vary not only in activities but also in how long they take. Here’s a complete duration guide so you can choose the experience that fits your schedule perfectly.
Morning Desert Safari – How Long It Takes
A Morning Desert Safari usually lasts 3 to 4 hours, making it the perfect choice for travellers who want a quick but thrilling desert adventure before noon.
Typical Duration: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Total Time: 3–4 hours
What Happens During This Time?
- Hotel pickup early morning
- Drive to red dunes (40–50 minutes)
- 20–30 minutes of dune bashing
- Short camel ride
- Sandboarding time
- Optional quad biking
- Photo stops at sunrise
- Drop-off back to hotel
If you prefer a short, time-saving experience that still delivers all the desert highlights, the Morning Desert Safari Dubai is your best option.
Evening Desert Safari – Time Duration & Timings
The Evening Desert Safari is the most popular package and lasts 6 to 7 hours. It includes adventure activities as well as cultural entertainment and a BBQ dinner.
Typical Duration: 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Total Time: 6–7 hours
What Happens During This Time?
- Afternoon pickup
- Dune bashing session
- Camel ride & sandboarding
- Sunset photography point
- Henna painting
- Tanoura & fire show
- BBQ dinner
- Drop-off after 9 PM
If you want the full desert experience, adventure + entertainment + dinner — choose the Evening Desert Safari Dubai.
Time Breakdown – What Happens & When
A desert safari isn’t just one long block of time, it’s a mix of travel, adventure, photo stops, entertainment, and dinner (if you choose the evening package). Understanding how each part fits into the timeline helps you estimate the total duration more accurately.
Here’s how the day usually unfolds.
Pickup & Travel Time
The experience technically starts the moment your driver arrives.
Most pickups happen from hotels, and the driving time to the desert depends on where you’re staying.
How long does a desert safari take to arrive?
On average, it takes 30 to 60 minutes to reach the dunes. Hotels closer to Downtown or Bur Dubai take less time, while areas like Dubai Marina or JBR may add a few extra minutes.
How long does a desert safari take from Dubai?
If you’re anywhere within Dubai city, the desert is always within an hour’s reach. The route is smooth, and drivers usually give a quick briefing about the activities, so the trip doesn’t feel long.
What affects the arrival time?
A few things can stretch or shorten the journey:
- Traffic during rush hours
- Your hotel location (Marina, JLT, JVC = longer route)
- Shared pickups where the driver collects other guests
- Weather conditions, especially during foggy mornings
Dune Bashing Duration
Once the convoy reaches the red dunes, the adventure starts.
Dune bashing is usually the highlight for most visitors.
- The standard dune bashing session lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
- In VIP or private safaris, drivers sometimes extend it if you request it or if the group is enjoying the ride.
Every session is different because the dunes shift slightly every day, keeping the experience fresh even for returning travellers.
Activities & Free Time
After dune bashing, the pace slows down and you get time to enjoy the desert properly.
Common activities include:
- A short camel ride
- Sandboarding on gentle slopes
- Quad biking / ATV (if included or added)
- Plenty of photo stops
- Optional falcon photography
This part usually takes 30–45 minutes, depending on crowds and your chosen package.
Camp Activities & Shows (Evening Safari)
If you’re on an evening safari, the day shifts from thrill to culture.
At the desert camp, you move through:
- Traditional fire show
- Tanoura dance performance
- Sometimes a belly dance performance
- Henna painting, shisha, and local snacks
- And finally, a full BBQ dinner with veg and non-veg dishes
This section takes about 2 to 3 hours, but it never feels slow because everything flows naturally from one experience to the next.
Return / Drop-Off Time
When the shows wrap up and dinner ends, guests slowly prepare to return.
- For morning and evening safaris, the drive back takes 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic and your hotel location.
- For overnight safaris, the return usually starts after breakfast the next morning, unless you choose a delayed checkout.
What Affects the Total Duration of Your Safari
Several factors can stretch or shrink the time you spend in the desert:
- Pickup location: farther areas add travel time
- Traffic or weather: fog, rain, or rush hours slow movement
- Extra activities: quad biking or longer photo stops
- Private vs shared vehicle: private tours move faster
- Seasonal timings: during winter, sunset happens earlier
Your safari can be shorter or longer depending on how many activities you add and how quickly the group moves.
Quick Table – Duration of All Desert Safari Types
Here’s a simple breakdown you can understand at a glance:
| Safari Type | Duration | Best For |
| Morning Safari | 3–4 hours | Short trips, early birds |
| Evening Safari | 6–7 hours | Full experience with shows |
| Overnight Safari | 16–18 hours | Adventure lovers, couples |
| Private Safari | Flexible | Families, custom timing |
| Quad Bike Safari | 1–3 hours | Thrill seekers |
Which Desert Safari is Best for You? (Comparison)
Choosing the right desert safari depends on your timing, budget, and what experiences you want. Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide:
Morning vs Evening Desert Safari – Which is Better?
Both safaris offer different experiences. Here’s a clear breakdown:
Morning Desert Safari – Pros
- Cooler weather in winter mornings
- Great for adventure lovers (quad biking, dunes)
- Less crowded than evening camps
- No long waiting times at camps
- Ideal for people with tight schedules
Morning Safari – Cons
- No dinner or live shows
- No sunset photography
- Can be hot in late morning during summer
Evening Desert Safari – Pros
- Stunning sunset views
- BBQ dinner + live shows included
- More photo opportunities
- Best for families and tourists
- Full cultural experience (henna, shisha, Arabic dress-up)
Evening Safari – Cons
- Longer duration (6–7 hours)
- More crowded because it’s the most popular
- Warmer temperatures before sunset
Photography Comparison
- Morning: Clear skies, bright golden light
- Evening: Best sunset shots, dramatic colors
Weather Comparison
- Morning: Cooler in winter, warm in summers
- Evening: Hot at pickup time, cooler after sunset
Dinner Availability
- Morning: No dinner
- Evening: BBQ + live shows included
What to Wear on a Desert Safari (Full Clothing Guide)
Wearing the right outfit ensures comfort, safety, and great pictures in the desert. The desert can get hot in the day and cool in the evening, so choose wisely.
Can I Wear Shorts on a Desert Safari?
Yes, you can wear shorts, especially during the hot months.
But avoid very short shorts because sand can stick to the skin and cause discomfort.
Should I Wear Shorts in the Desert?
Shorts are fine for morning safaris.
For evening safaris, lightweight trousers can be more comfortable because temperatures drop after sunset.
Can a Lady Wear Shorts on Safari?
Yes, completely allowed.
Women can wear:
- Knee-length shorts
- Loose cotton trousers
- Lightweight jumpsuits
Just avoid very tight or very short clothing due to sand and heat.
Which Dress is Best for a Desert Safari?
The best dress for desert safari is:
- Breathable cotton shirt
- Loose pants or joggers
- Sportswear
- Light shawl or scarf for sun protection
For ladies:
- Maxi dresses
- Abaya-friendly outfits
- Casual tops with trousers
What Do Ladies Wear on Safari?
Most women prefer:
- Lightweight shirts
- Leggings or loose pants
- Comfortable sandals or sneakers
- Sunglasses, hat, scarf
Avoid fancy clothes, it’s sandy and windy.
What Not to Wear on a Safari? (Important)
Avoid the following:
Tight Clothing
Sand gets inside and causes irritation.
Heavy Fabrics
Thick jeans, wool, jackets — too hot.
High Heels
Impossible to walk in sand.
Black Clothes in Summer
Black absorbs heat, making you feel hotter.
Can I Wear Crocs to Desert Safari?
Yes, crocs are easy to walk with in sand.
But sand can enter through the holes.
Better option: sports shoes or sandals.
Can I Wear Sneakers on Safari?
Absolutely. Sneakers are the best footwear for dune bashing and walking on sand.
Pro tip:
Remove shoes during photo stops, it’s more comfortable.
How Do You Go to the Bathroom on a Safari?
- All desert camps have clean restrooms
- Use washrooms before starting dune bashing
- During long dune drives, guides can stop at a rest area if needed
Which Month Is Good for Desert Safari?
The best months for desert safari in Dubai are:
✔ October to April (Peak Season)
- Perfect weather
- Cool evenings
- Best photography
- Comfortable for all activities
Avoid June–August
- Extremely hot
- Hard to enjoy outdoor activities
Quick Table – Duration of All Desert Safari Types
Below is a clean, easy-to-read table that helps users instantly compare every safari type. You can place this right after the duration breakdown section it increases dwell time and helps Google understand the structure.
| Safari Type | Duration | What’s Included | Best For |
| Morning Desert Safari | 3–4 hours | Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride, optional quad biking | Short trips, transit travelers, adventure lovers |
| Evening Desert Safari | 6–7 hours | Sunset views, dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner, shows | First-timers, families, full experience |
| Overnight Desert Safari | 16–18 hours | Evening safari + camping, breakfast, stargazing | Adventure seekers, couples, photographers |
| Private Desert Safari | Flexible timing | Personalized itinerary, private car, custom activities | Families, honeymooners, VIP travelers |
| Quad Bike / ATV Safari | 1–3 hours | Guided quad bike session, sandboarding | Thrill seekers, short visits |
| Dune Buggy Safari | 1–3 hours | 2-seater/4-seater buggy drive | Adrenaline lovers |
| Dinner-Only Safari | 3–4 hours | Camp shows, dinner, henna, without dune bashing | Senior travelers, families with kids |
What Affects the Total Duration of Your Safari
Even though most tours follow fixed schedules, actual timings may vary. Here’s what truly affects how long your desert safari takes:
1. Pickup Location
- Hotels in Deira, Bur Dubai, and Downtown take less time
- Areas like JVC, JVT, Dubai Hills, Palm Jumeirah may take slightly longer
- Shared transfers add extra stops
Internal Linking Tip:
Add link to your pickup page using anchor text desert safari pickup points in Dubai.
2. Traffic & Weather Conditions
- Peak hours around 2 PM can delay evening safaris
- Fog during winter mornings
- Sandstorms in summer can slow down the drive
Your drivers always adjust for safety.
3. Additional Activities
Extra add-ons increase the total tour duration:
- Quad biking (20–45 minutes)
- Dune buggy ride (30–60 minutes)
- Extended camel trek
- VIP seating / private lounge
4. Private vs Shared Vehicle
Private Safari:
✔ Faster pickup
✔ Customize duration
✔ No waiting for other guests
Shared Safari:
- Takes longer
- Multiple stops
- More affordable
5. Seasonal Timings (Sunset Changes)
Sunset timing affects the evening safari schedule:
- Winter sunset: 5:30–6:00 PM (earlier pickup)
- Summer sunset: 7:00–7:10 PM (later pickup)
This is why the evening safari starts earlier in winter.
FAQ
1. How long does a desert safari take in Dubai?
A typical desert safari in Dubai lasts between 6 to 7 hours if you choose the evening package. Morning safaris are shorter at around 3–4 hours, while overnight safaris stretch to 16–18 hours including camping and breakfast.
2. How long does a desert safari take to arrive?
Most travelers reach the desert in 30 to 60 minutes depending on their hotel location. Areas like Downtown, Deira, and Bur Dubai are closer, while Dubai Marina, JLT, and JVC take slightly longer.
3. How long does a desert safari take from Dubai city?
From central Dubai, the drive to the desert takes about 45 minutes on average. Shared vehicles may take a bit longer because of multiple pickups.
4. What is the total duration of a morning desert safari?
A morning safari usually takes 3 to 4 hours, including pickup, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride, and optional quad biking.
5. What is the total duration of an evening desert safari?
Evening desert safaris last around 6 to 7 hours and include sunset views, dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner, and live shows like the fire show and belly dance.
6. Which desert safari is better: morning or evening?
Choose the morning safari if you prefer adventure and cooler early hours.
Choose the evening safari if you want sunset photos, dinner, and cultural entertainment.
7. How long is dune bashing?
Dune bashing normally lasts 20–30 minutes. VIP and private packages can extend it up to 45 minutes.
8. How long are quad biking sessions?
Quad biking depends on the package:
- 10–15 minutes (basic)
- 30 minutes (standard)
- 60 minutes (pro track)
9. How long is camel riding?
A standard camel ride is 2–3 minutes for photos.
Extended camel treks can last 20–30 minutes.
10. Which month is best for a desert safari?
The best months are October to April when weather is cooler.
Avoid June to August due to high heat.
11. Can I wear shorts on a desert safari?
Yes, you can wear shorts. They’re comfortable and breathable, especially in winter. In peak summer, lightweight trousers may feel better.
12. Can women wear shorts on a desert safari?
Absolutely. Women can wear shorts, capris, light trousers, or dresses. Just avoid very short skirts as sand can make movement difficult.
13. What should ladies wear on a safari?
Comfortable clothing like:
- Cotton tops
- Linen pants
- Activewear
- Maxi dresses
Carry a light scarf for the evening breeze.
14. What not to wear on a desert safari?
Avoid:
- Tight clothes
- Heavy fabrics
- High heels
- Black clothes in summer
- Thick denim
Comfort is key.
15. Can I wear Crocs on a desert safari?
You can, but sand enters easily. Sneakers or sports shoes are more practical.
16. Can I wear sneakers on a desert safari?
Yes, sneakers are actually the best because they protect your feet and provide grip on dunes.
17. How do you go to the bathroom during a safari?
All desert camps have clean restrooms.
Before dune bashing, the driver also stops at a rest point where you can freshen up.
18. Is a 7-day safari too long?
For African safaris, 7 days is perfect.
For Dubai desert safaris, the longest option is overnight, not multi-day.
19. How long is an overnight desert safari?
An overnight safari is around 16–18 hours, including:
- Evening shows
- BBQ dinner
- Stargazing
- Camping
- Breakfast next morning
20. What is included in a 6–7 hour desert safari?
A complete evening safari offers:
- Pickup
- Dune bashing
- Camel ride
- Sandboarding
- Quad biking (optional)
- BBQ buffet dinner
- Fire & tanoura show
- Henna
- Shisha (in lounge areas)
