You are standing in a queue. It’s hot, you are holding a plastic plate, and there are fifty people ahead of you waiting for the buffet. This is the reality of a “budget” desert safari.
But imagine a different evening.
You arrive at the camp and are ushered past the crowds to a private, raised platform. You sink into a plush sofa while a waiter brings you cold sparkling juice and fresh appetizers. You have the best view of the stage, plenty of legroom, and when dinner is ready, a feast of grilled meats and fresh salads is served directly to your table.This is the VIP desert safari Dubai experience.
If you are searching for a way to see the majestic Arabian desert without sacrificing comfort, you have come to the right place. But what exactly does “VIP” mean in Dubai? Is it just a better seat, or is the whole tour different? And is the price tag worth it?
At Maverick Safari UAE, we believe luxury should be transparent. We want you to feel like a Sheikh for the evening, not just a tourist with a ticket. In this guide, we will break down the real differences between a standard and a VIP safari, the 2025 pricing structures, and why upgrading your package might be the best decision you make on your holiday.
Quick Answer: What You Need to Know (Fast Facts)
- What is it? A premium version of the evening safari featuring table service (no buffet lines), exclusive air-cooled or open-air lounge seating, and often private transfers.
- The Main Difference: Service & Seating. Standard guests sit on cushions/carpets and self-serve food. VIP guests sit on sofas/chairs and have waiters.
- Price Range (2025):
- VIP Shared (Shared Car + VIP Camp): 250 AED – 350 AED per person.
- VIP Private (Private Car + VIP Camp): 900 AED – 1,500 AED per car (up to 6 guests).
- Best For: Couples on date nights, families with elderly parents, and anyone who dislikes queues.
What Is a VIP Desert Safari in Dubai?
A VIP desert safari takes the thrill of the desert and removes the hassle. While the core activities dune bashing, camel riding, and henna remain the same as the standard tour, the way you experience them is elevated.
The experience is split into two parts: the Drive and the Camp.
- The Drive: In a VIP setup, you typically travel in a high-end 4×4 (Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol). You can choose a Private Car option where you control the AC, the music, and the intensity of the dune bashing.
- The Camp: This is where the VIP status truly shines. Instead of sitting in the general communal area, you have access to a VIP Lounge. This is usually a raised area or a dedicated section with better furniture, better views of the stage, and dedicated staff.
A Typical VIP Timeline
- 02:30 PM: Pickup from your hotel lobby (VIPs often get priority pickup times).
- 03:30 PM: Arrival at the desert. Private deflation point stop.
- 04:00 PM: Dune Bashing (30-45 minutes).
- 05:00 PM: Sunset stop. (Private cars can stay longer for photos).
- 06:00 PM: Arrival at Camp. Escort to VIP seating area.
- 06:15 PM: Welcome drinks and appetizers served at your table.
- 07:00 PM: Dinner service begins (Platter service to table).
- 09:00 PM: Priority departure and drop-off.
Current Packages & Price Range in 2026
It is crucial to understand that “VIP” can mean different things depending on the package you select. Here is how Maverick Safari UAE structures our premium offerings to ensure you get exactly what you pay for.
1. The “VIP Camp” Upgrade (Shared Car)
- Price Range: 200 AED – 300 AED per person.
- The Experience: You share the 4×4 vehicle with other guests during the pickup and dune bashing. However, once you reach the camp, you are separated from the group and escorted to the VIP lounge.
- Inclusions: Shared 4×4 transport, Dune Bashing, VIP Seating, Table Service Dinner.
2. The Full VIP Private Experience
- Price Range: 800 AED – 1,400 AED (Per Vehicle).
- The Experience: This is the gold standard. The car is yours exclusively.
- Privacy: No strangers in the back seat.
- Flexibility: Want to stop for 20 minutes to take photos of a camel herd? We stop. Want to skip the rough driving because you have back pain? We take the flat route.
- Camp: Includes the full VIP table service experience.
3. The Royal / Premium Safari
- Price Range: 1,500 AED+
- The Experience: These are highly customized tours often involving a private setup in the desert (away from the main camp), a private waiter, and a custom menu. Contact us directly for these bespoke arrangements.
Maverick Transparency: Be careful of street vendors selling “VIP” tickets for 100 AED. Usually, this just means a slightly better plastic chair in the standard area, not the full service you are expecting.
What’s Included (And What Most Companies Don’t Tell You)
When you book a luxury desert safari Dubai, you are paying for convenience and comfort. Here is the detailed breakdown of what Maverick Safari includes.
Transport & Pickup Details
- Vehicle Quality: We use late-model Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols. They are kept spotless and smell fresh crucial for a luxury feel.
- Locations: Door-to-door pickup from any hotel or residence in Dubai, Sharjah, or Ajman.
VIP Camp Facilities
- The Seating: Sofas or cushioned armchairs, often on a raised deck.
- The View: A direct line of sight to the center stage for the Belly Dance and Tanoura shows. No craning your neck over crowds.
- The Food:
- Starters: Falafel, Shawarma, and Sambousek brought to you.
- Main Course: A massive platter of BBQ grills (Shish Tawook, Lamb Kofta), Grilled Fish, Rice, Salads, and Hummus placed on your table.
- Drinks: Unlimited water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee (served by staff).
Activities
- Standard Inclusions: Sandboarding, Camel Ride (short), Henna Painting.
- VIP Perks: In some VIP packages, you get “Fast Track” access to the camel ride so you don’t have to wait in line.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Even in VIP, some things are extra:
- Alcohol: It is available at the bar, but you must pay for it separately. It is not included in the ticket price.
- Shisha at the Table: Free shisha is usually available in a designated smoking corner. If you want a personal shisha pipe brought to your VIP sofa, there is an extra charge (approx. 50 AED).
- Falcon Photography: Taking photos with the falcon usually incurs a fee of 20-30 AED.
How to Choose the Best VIP Package
Not sure if you need the upgrade? Here is who benefits the most from the VIP service:
| Traveler Type | Recommended Package | Why? |
| Couples / Honeymooners | Private VIP Car | Privacy is romantic. You don’t want to be squashed next to strangers on your special night. |
| Elderly Parents | VIP Camp Upgrade | The standard “floor seating” on carpets is hard on the knees. VIP sofas are comfortable and accessible. |
| Families with Infants | Private Car (No Bashing) | You can’t do dune bashing with a baby. A private car lets you bypass the rough driving and go straight to the VIP lounge. |
| Business Groups | Premium / Private | Impress your clients with dedicated service and a private conversation space. |
| Impatience Haters | VIP Camp Upgrade | If you hate queuing for food (which can take 20 mins in peak season), the table service is a lifesaver. |
Real Experience: What a Typical VIP Guest Day Looks Like
3:00 PM: Your private Land Cruiser arrives at the hotel. The AC is already running. Your driver, dressed in a smart uniform, helps you with your bags (if you have any).
4:00 PM: You reach the Red Dunes. Because you booked the Private VIP option, you tell the driver: “We love thrills, go fast!” He obliges, sending sand spraying over the windshield as you conquer the highest peaks. It’s exhilarating.
5:00 PM: The driver takes you to a secluded spot away from the other convoys for sunset. You have time to take perfect, uninterrupted photos without 50 other tourists in the background.
6:00 PM: You arrive at the camp. While standard guests line up for their assigned tables, a host greets you and walks you straight to the VIP deck. You sink into a cushioned sofa. A waiter immediately places a cold drink in your hand.
7:30 PM: The show starts. You have a front-row view. Dinner arrives a steaming platter of BBQ chicken, lamb, and fresh Arabic breads. You eat at your own pace, chatting comfortably.
9:00 PM: As the fire show ends, you don’t have to wait for a bus to fill up. Your driver is ready. You are whisked back to the city in comfort, bypassing the exit queues.
Practical Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
1. Dress the Part (But Be Comfortable)
“VIP” doesn’t mean you need a tuxedo. It’s still a desert environment.
- Wear: Smart casual. Linen trousers, polo shirts, or summer dresses.
- Shoes: Sandals are still best. Heels will sink into the sand, even in the VIP area.
- Warmth: Bring a shawl or light blazer. The desert drops to 15°C or lower in winter nights.
2. Book in Advance for Weekends
VIP lounges have limited capacity (usually only 20-30 seats compared to 300 standard seats). On Fridays and Saturdays, these sell out days in advance.
3. Food Allergies?
Since you have a waiter, tell them immediately if you are vegetarian or have nut allergies. They can ensure your specific platter is prepared separately from the main buffet mix.
4. Bathroom Facilities
Most VIP areas are located closer to the restrooms, and in some premium camps, there are dedicated “VIP Only” restrooms that are cleaner and less crowded.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE for Your VIP Experience?
There are many “luxury” operators, but here is why Maverick stands out:
- We Own the Experience: We don’t outsource you to a random third-party camp. We have direct control over the quality of service you receive.
- Honest VIP: We don’t sell “fake VIP” where you just get a table cloth but still have to queue. Our VIP service means table service.
- Family Friendly: We understand that VIP often means “ease for the family.” Our staff are trained to help with kids and elderly guests.
- Flexible Cancellation: We know plans change. We offer fair terms if you need to reschedule your premium booking.
Ready for the Royal Treatment?
Don’t settle for the standard tourist trail. Elevate your Dubai holiday with a desert experience that combines adrenaline with genuine Arabian hospitality.
Limited VIP seats available per night.
- View VIP Packages & Reserve Your Sofa
- WhatsApp Us for Custom Private Tours: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
Book now and experience the desert the way it was meant to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the VIP safari food different from the standard safari? A: The food is prepared in the same kitchen (which maintains high hygiene standards), but VIP guests often get extra appetizers, fresh fruits, and premium cuts of meat served hot to the table, whereas standard guests serve themselves from the buffet warmers.
Q: Can I customize the pickup time for a VIP Private tour? A: Yes! With a private car, you can choose to leave later (e.g., 4:00 PM) if you want to skip some of the daytime heat, though we recommend sticking to the schedule to catch the sunset.
Q: Is alcohol included in the VIP price? A: No. Alcohol is never included in the ticket price due to licensing laws. You can purchase beer and wine at the bar in the camp.
Q: Is there a dress code for the VIP area? A: No strict dress code, but smart casual is recommended. Please dress modestly (avoid swimwear or extremely revealing clothes) out of respect for local culture.
Q: How many people fit in a Private VIP car? A: Our Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols comfortably seat 6 people (plus the driver). If you have a group of 7, we recommend booking two cars for maximum comfort, or one large van (though vans cannot do dune bashing).
Q: Are tips included? A: Tips are not mandatory but are highly appreciated by your driver and the waiters who serve you. If you enjoyed the VIP service, a small gratuity goes a long way.
About the Author
This guide is curated by the luxury travel team at Maverick Safari UAE. We have hosted diplomats, celebrities, and families who demand the best, ensuring every VIP guest leaves with memories of a lifetime.