Dubai Desert Safari Review 2026: Morning vs Evening
Is a Dubai desert safari worth it? Read our honest review comparing morning and evening tours, premium options, and a crucial warning about henna side effects.
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Is a Dubai desert safari worth it? Read our honest review comparing morning and evening tours, premium options, and a crucial warning about henna side effects.
While planning my Dubai trip,
everyone kept saying that a desert safari
is an absolute must-do~
So, I went ahead and booked one,
and to cut straight to the chase—I was completely satisfied!!
But there was just one little thing... a slight regret,
that I really want to share with you in advance...
Types of Dubai Desert Safaris
Desert safaris are generally divided into
Morning Safaris and Evening Safaris.
The Evening Safari is the classic route that includes a BBQ dinner and live shows,
so most people choose this option!!
(And it's much less hot!!)
The Morning Safari is a shorter, half-day tour, so while it's quick and light,
it skips the evening program (shows and dinner)!
Instead, you get to catch the sunrise over the desert!!
I booked the Evening Safari,
and looking at MyRealTrip now, they have both options available.
They also have safaris combined
with a city tour, so you can choose whatever fits your schedule best!!
👉 Dubai Desert Safari on MyRealTrip
Compare Morning/Evening Options & Book Here
The options are also divided into Standard (shared vehicle + shared camp)
and Premium (small group vehicle + private seating).
I went with the small group vehicle option!!
It felt much more private and less awkward, which was great!
If you're traveling in a group or want to take your time taking photos,
I highly recommend upgrading
to the Premium option!!!
If you want to travel comfortably in a small group,
definitely check out the Premium options too.
Highly recommended for larger groups!!
👉 Dubai Desert Safari on MyRealTrip
If you're planning on getting henna and have sensitive skin, please be careful! 😭
There's a henna experience when you arrive at the camp,
and since it looked so incredibly pretty, I got one on the back of my hand!
But I guess my skin is on the sensitive side.
The skin right where the henna was applied peeled completely,
and it even left a raw scar.
It actually stung so badly right after they put it on that
I wiped it off quickly, but it still left a mark,
scabbed over, and peeled off horribly... ㅠㅠ
Basic henna is free,
but they charge an extra fee on-site
for intricate, fancy patterns instead of the simple ones~
To make matters worse, I actually paid extra to get a big one,
which meant it hurt even more... ㅠㅠ
I think this is definitely something you should keep in mind beforehand!!
But aside from that, the tour itself was incredibly fun~
Dune bashing was an absolute blast! The car flying up and down the sand dunes
at high speed is so exciting!!!!
Hahaha
I tried sandboarding too~
And it was way more fun than I expected!!
I thought the sand would feel super sticky and annoying,
but nope!! It's actually incredibly fine and soft,
so you can just brush it right off and feel totally clean!
In the evening, we had a delicious BBQ buffet at the camp
and wrapped up the night watching belly dancing and other amazing shows.
I highly recommend this, unless you're visiting Dubai in the dead of summer!!!
Since hotel pickup and drop-off are fully included,
you can enjoy the trip completely stress-free without worrying about transportation.
I was mostly getting around Dubai using public transit and walking,
but this made it so easy and convenient! Awesome!!
Checking the price and available pickup zones yourself
is the most accurate way to find out!!
👉 Dubai Desert Safari on MyRealTrip
Check Prices & Book Your Pickup
Tips for the Dubai Desert Tour!!
If you have sensitive skin,
I highly recommend getting just a tiny henna design
or skipping it entirely...
Or, if it starts stinging after you apply it, wash it off immediately!!
I actually kept it on for a bit even though it stung, and then washed it off ㅠㅠ
Also, they might offer to let you take a photo with a falcon,
but keep in mind they'll ask you for money right after you take it!
lol
👉 Click here to view the Dubai Desert Safari
The evening safari includes a barbecue and live performances, and is a relatively cooler course. On the other hand, the morning safari is a half-day course without evening programs, but allows you to watch the sunrise in the desert.
Basic henna is provided for free, but you will need to pay an additional fee on-site for large and elaborate designs. If you have sensitive skin, you may experience side effects such as cuts or peeling skin, so you should wash it off immediately if you feel a stinging sensation.
The standard option involves riding in a shared vehicle and using a shared camp. The premium option provides a small-group vehicle and private seating, making it suitable if you have a large group or want to take photos at your own pace.
You may be offered to take a picture with an eagle at the tour site. However, they will demand payment after the photo is taken, so you should be aware of this in advance and be careful.
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