The evening safari is exhilarating, but it ends just when the desert becomes truly magical. As the last Land Cruisers drive back to the city and the camp floodlights dim, a profound silence falls over the dunes. The air cools down. The sky, free from the city’s light pollution, fills with stars.
This is Overnight Camping Desert Dubai the complete Bedouin experience.
For many travelers, this is the highlight of their Dubai trip. But sleeping in the open desert raises questions. Is it safe? Where exactly do we sleep? Are there toilets? Is it too cold? Do I need to bring my own tent?
At Maverick Safari UAE, we turn the rugged desert into a comfortable retreat. We don’t just leave you in the sand; we host a full evening of entertainment followed by a peaceful night of stargazing, a secure campsite stay, and a fresh morning breakfast.
In this definitive, data-rich guide for 2026, we will peel back the curtain on the overnight experience. We will walk you through the entire 18-hour itinerary, inspect the sleeping arrangements, detail the food menu, and give you an honest packing list so you can wake up to a desert sunrise feeling refreshed and inspired.
Quick Answer: What You Need to Know
If you are planning your trip right now, here is the essential data at a glance:
- What is it? An 18-hour extended safari. You do the full evening tour, stay at the camp overnight, sleep in provided tents, and enjoy breakfast the next morning.
- Timings: Pickup approx. 03:00 PM (Day 1) – Drop-off approx. 09:00 AM (Day 2).
- Sleeping Gear: Included. We provide Igloo tents, mattresses, pillows, and freshly laundered sleeping bags/blankets.
- Facilities: Permanent, clean, gender-separate restrooms and basic shower facilities are available all night.
- Temperature: In winter (Nov-Mar), it gets cold (10°C–15°C). In summer, it is warm but breezy.
- Price Range (2025):
- Standard Overnight: 250 AED – 350 AED per person.
- VIP / Private Tent: 450 AED – 650 AED per person (includes upgraded bedding & privacy).
The Full 18-Hour Experience: A Step-by-Step Timeline
Most tourists only see “Part 1” of the safari. As an overnight guest, you get exclusive access to “Part 2” (The Silence) and “Part 3” (The Sunrise). Here is exactly what happens, hour by hour.
Phase 1: The Adrenaline (03:00 PM – 09:00 PM)
Your day begins like the classic Evening Desert Safari.
- 03:00 PM – Pickup: Your Maverick Safari driver arrives at your hotel/residence in a 4×4 Land Cruiser.
- 04:00 PM – The Red Dunes: We arrive at the Lahbab Desert. Tires are deflated for traction.
- 04:30 PM – Dune Bashing: 30–45 minutes of high-intensity off-road driving. The car slides, climbs, and dives through the dunes.
- 05:30 PM – Sunset Stop: We stop on a high ridge for photos. The sand turns a deep orange.
- 06:00 PM – Camp Arrival: You enter the Bedouin camp. Enjoy camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, and shisha.
- 07:30 PM – BBQ Dinner & Shows: A lavish buffet is served while you watch the Tanoura dance, Fire show, and Belly dance.
Phase 2: The Transformation (09:30 PM – Midnight)
This is where the overnight experience truly begins. Around 9:30 PM, the drivers start rounding up the evening guests. The buses leave. The loud music stops. The main floodlights are turned off or dimmed to a soft glow.
Suddenly, the camp is quiet.
- 10:00 PM – The Bonfire: Our staff lights a traditional bonfire in the center of the camp.
- Social Time: You gather around the fire with the other overnight guests (usually a small, intimate group). This is the time for storytelling, meeting travelers from around the world, or simply staring into the flames.
- Unlimited Refreshments: Tea, coffee, and water remain available throughout the night.
- Late Shisha: If you enjoy shisha, you can smoke it by the bonfire in peace, without the rush of the evening crowd.
Phase 3: The Sleep (Midnight – 05:30 AM)
- Tent Setup: Our staff sets up your sleeping area. You don’t have to lift a finger.
- The Gear: We provide waterproof camping tents (Igloo style) tailored for 2 people. Inside, we arrange a foam mattress, a pillow, and a sleeping bag or heavy blanket (depending on the season).
- Security: You are not alone in the wild. Our security staff and guide stay on-site overnight to ensure safety and keep the fire managed.
Phase 4: The Sunrise & Breakfast (05:30 AM – 08:30 AM)
- 05:30 AM – The Wake-Up: Waking up before the sun is essential. The desert dawn is cool, blue, and silent.
- 06:00 AM – Sunrise: Step out of your tent and walk up the nearest dune. Watch the sun break the horizon, turning the grey sand into brilliant gold. It is a spiritual, photogenic moment that evening guests never see.
- 07:00 AM – Fresh Breakfast: Unlike the heavy spice of the dinner, the morning meal is light.
- Menu: Boiled eggs, toast with butter/jam/cheese, fresh fruits (melon, orange), juice, and plenty of hot tea/coffee (Gahwa/Karak).
- 08:30 AM – Departure: We pack up and drive you back to the city. You are usually back at your hotel by 09:30 AM, ready for a nap or the pool.
2026 Packages & Pricing: Standard vs. VIP
How much does overnight desert camping Dubai cost? It depends on the level of privacy and comfort you desire.
1. The Standard Overnight Package
- Price: 250 AED – 350 AED per person.
- Accommodation: Standard Igloo tent (2-man), foam mattress, sleeping bag.
- Transport: Shared 4×4 pickup.
- Dining: Standard buffet dinner and breakfast.
- Best For: Backpackers, groups of friends, and solo travelers on a budget.
2. The VIP / Glamping Overnight
- Price: 450 AED – 650 AED per person.
- Accommodation: Upgraded tent or elevated bed (depending on camp facilities), premium bedding (duvet/thick blanket instead of sleeping bag), additional pillows.
- Privacy: Tents are often placed in a quieter section of the camp.
- Dining: VIP table service during the evening dinner (waiters bring food to you).
- Best For: Couples seeking romance, families who need extra space, and those who want a “glamping” feel rather than “camping.”
Safety, Hygiene & Facilities
At Maverick Safari UAE, we believe you should know exactly what to expect regarding facilities.
1. Toilets & Showers
- Are they clean? Yes. The camp has permanent concrete restroom blocks, separated for men and women. They are tiled, lit, and cleaned regularly by on-site staff.
- Are there showers? Yes, basic shower facilities are available. Note that water pressure is standard, and water temperature can be cool in the early morning. Most guests prefer to wash their face and brush their teeth at the camp, then take a full shower back at their hotel.
2. Temperature & Weather
- Winter (Nov – Mar): The desert gets COLD. Temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F). The wind chill makes it feel colder. You must bring a hoodie or jacket.
- Summer (Jun – Sep): The nights are warm (25°C – 30°C). We provide lighter bedding. However, sleeping inside a zipped tent in July can be stuffy. Many guests choose to sleep with the tent fly open (mesh closed) for airflow, or even sleep directly on the carpets under the stars.
3. Insects & Wildlife
- Safety: The designated campsites in Lahbab are safe zones. Dangerous wildlife (like scorpions) avoid these areas due to the constant vibration of cars and foot traffic.
- Precaution: We always recommend keeping your tent zipped shut when you are not in it to keep out harmless beetles or sand flies.
4. Security
The camp is enclosed by a perimeter fence. There is a night watchman on duty 24/7. You are safe and secure at all times.
The Ultimate Packing List for 2026
Since you are packing for two different climates (hot afternoon sun and cold night air), use this checklist:
- Power Bank: Charging points exist at the camp but are limited and shared. Bring a fully charged power bank for your phone.
- Warm Clothes: Even in April or October, the early morning breeze is chilly. In January, you will need a proper jacket, sweatpants, and socks.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, and contact lens solution.
- Change of Clothes: You will likely be sweaty and sandy from the sandboarding. Fresh clothes for the morning drive are a must.
- Closed Shoes: Sandals are great for the day, but sneakers/socks are much better for keeping your feet warm at night around the bonfire.
- Medication: There are no pharmacies in the dunes. Bring any personal medication you need.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE for Overnight Camping?
With hundreds of operators in Dubai, why trust Maverick Safari UAE for your overnight trip?
1. Hygiene Guarantee The biggest complaint about overnight safaris in Dubai is dirty blankets. At Maverick, we ensure that every sleeping bag liner and blanket is professionally laundered after every single use. We provide fresh pillowcases for every guest.
2. We Own Our Operations Many websites are just ticket resellers who hand you over to a random camp. We operate our fleet and have direct partnerships with the best camps. We oversee the quality of the tents and the safety of the food.
3. Small Groups We try to keep our overnight groups intimate. We don’t pack 100 people into the overnight section. This ensures you get peace, quiet, and a spot by the bonfire.
4. Transparent Pricing The price we quote is the price you pay. We don’t ask for extra money for the tent, the mattress, or the breakfast. It is an all-inclusive package.
Ready to Book Your Night in the Dunes?
The Overnight Desert Safari is more than just a tour; it’s an escape. It’s a chance to hear the silence of the earth and wake up to the most beautiful sunrise of your life.
Don’t settle for the standard tourist loop. Go deeper. Stay longer.
Overnight spaces are limited (we only accept a small number of guests per night for privacy).
- Check Availability & Book Your Tent Now
- WhatsApp Us for Questions: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
The stars are waiting. Will you answer?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I sleep outside the tent? A: Yes! Many guests choose to drag their mattresses out of the tent and sleep directly under the open sky on the carpets. In good weather (Oct-May), this is highly recommended for the best stargazing experience.
Q: Is there alcohol at night? A: The camp bar serves alcohol during the evening shows (extra cost). The bar usually closes around 9:30 PM. If you wish to enjoy a drink by the bonfire later, please check with us regarding the specific camp rules for that night.
Q: What if I have a medical emergency at night? A: Our staff is trained in first aid, and we have vehicles on standby 24/7 to drive you back to the city or the nearest hospital (20 mins away) if absolutely necessary.
Q: Can I book a private bonfire? A: The main bonfire is communal. However, for large groups (corporate or big families), we can arrange a private area with a dedicated fire pit for an additional fee.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi? A: Most desert camps do not have Wi-Fi, and 4G/5G signal can be spotty in the deep dunes. Take this opportunity to disconnect from the world and connect with nature!
About the Author
This comprehensive guide was written by the adventure team at Maverick Safari UAE. We are passionate about showing visitors the “real” Dubai the one made of sand, stars, and silence.