The sun is setting, painting the sky in shades of burnt orange and deep purple. You are standing on top of a 300-foot sand dune, the silence of the desert stretching out for miles around you. Just an hour ago, you were surrounded by the glass skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai. Now, you are about to strap into a Land Cruiser for the ride of your life, followed by a BBQ dinner under the stars.
This is the Dubai evening safari tour the city’s #1 must-do activity.
But let’s be honest: with hundreds of tour operators promising the “best experience,” booking a safari can feel like navigating a minefield. Why does one company charge 50 AED while another charges 400 AED? Will you get a real 4×4 experience or just a bus ride to a crowded camp?
At Maverick Safari UAE, we believe transparency is key. We want you to know exactly what you are paying for. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about evening safaris in 2025, from the adrenaline of dune bashing to the quality of the buffet dinner.
Quick Answer: What You Need to Know (Fast Facts)
- What is it? A 6-hour excursion including off-road driving (dune bashing), sunset photos, and a Bedouin-style camp dinner with live shows.
- Duration: Typically 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Best Location: Look for tours in the Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes) for high dunes. Al Aweer is flatter and less thrilling.
- Price Range:
- Budget/Bus Pickup: 50 AED – 90 AED (Often shorter dune bashing).
- Standard/Advance: 120 AED – 200 AED (Full 4×4 experience).
- VIP/Private: 600 AED – 1000+ AED per car.
- Who is this for? Everyone! (Except pregnant women and infants for the dune bashing part).
What Is a Dubai Evening Safari Tour?
An evening safari is the classic desert experience. It strikes the perfect balance between adventure and culture. Unlike the morning safari (which is mostly about driving), the evening tour includes entertainment and dinner, making it a complete night out.
Here is the typical flow of the event:
- The Pickup: You are collected from your hotel or a meeting point.
- The Drive: A 45–60 minute drive away from the city lights to the desert edge.
- Deflation Point: The driver lets air out of the tires for traction. This is your chance to use the restroom or rent a quad bike (optional).
- Dune Bashing: The main event. 30–45 minutes of roller-coaster driving over the dunes.
- Sunset Stop: A pause on a high peak for photos.
- The Camp: Arrival at the traditional campsite for activities (camel riding, henna) and dinner.
- Return: Drop-off at your location around 9:00 PM or 9:30 PM.
Current Packages & Price Range in 2026
The price of a Dubai evening safari tour depends on three things: Transport, Food Quality, and Service Level.
Here is how Maverick Safari UAE structures our packages to fit every budget:
1. Self-Drive & Basic Packages (Budget-Friendly)
- Price Range: 50 AED – 100 AED per person.
- How it works: You drive your own car to the desert meeting point, or you are picked up by a bus from a central location (like Deira City Centre or Spinneys).
- The Reality: Great for saving money, but be aware that if you take the bus, you might skip the “heavy” dune bashing or have a shorter drive.
- Inclusions: BBQ dinner, shows, and standard camp seating.
2. Advance & Premium Packages (Most Popular)
- Price Range: 150 AED – 250 AED per person.
- How it works: Door-to-door pickup from your hotel in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. You stay in the same car from pickup until drop-off.
- The Reality: This includes the full Red Dune bashing experience in Lahbab.
- Inclusions: 30-45 mins dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride, and priority seating at the camp.
3. VIP & Private Packages (The Exclusive Choice)
- Price Range: 700 AED – 1,200 AED (Per Car, up to 6 people).
- How it works: You book the entire vehicle. No strangers.
- The Reality: You control the AC, the music, and the speed of the dune bashing. At the camp, you get VIP table service—food is brought to you, so you don’t have to wait in the buffet line.
- Best For: Families with kids, couples, or anyone wanting privacy.
What’s Included (And What Most Companies Don’t Tell You)
Transport & Pickup Details
We cover Dubai and Sharjah.
- Hotel Pickup: Standard for Advance/VIP packages. We pick up from the lobby.
- Residence Pickup: Yes, if you live in a villa or apartment, we come to your doorstep.
- Luggage: If you are heading to the airport directly after, let us know! We can store luggage in the back of the private cars.
Dune Bashing & Safety
- The Cars: Toyota Land Cruisers (LC200/300) or Nissan Patrols. All fitted with roll cages and tracking systems.
- Safety: Drivers are professionally licensed for off-road driving.
- Infants: Families with babies cannot do dune bashing. You must book a private car that takes a direct, flat route to the camp.
Activities & Camp Experience
- Camel Ride: Included! But note: it is usually a short ride (circle) for a photo. Long treks cost extra.
- Sandboarding: Included. We provide the boards; you provide the balance.
- Henna Painting: A small design on the hand is free for ladies and kids. Larger, complex designs are paid extras.
- Shisha: Free in the designated shisha area. If you want a pipe brought to your private table, there is an extra charge (approx 50 AED).
Food & BBQ
- The Menu: Buffet style with Salad bar, Tabbouleh, Hummus, Biryani rice, Noodles, Dal (lentils), Vegetable curry, BBQ Chicken, Seekh Kabab, and fruits/desserts.
- Veg/Non-Veg: Both are available.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- Quad Bikes: Always an extra cost (paid at the desert meeting point), unless you book a specific “Combo” package.
- VIP Service: In standard packages, you fetch your own food. In VIP packages, waiters serve you.
- Photos: There might be photographers with falcons or at the entrance. They will print photos and offer to sell them to you. You are under no obligation to buy.
How to Choose the Best Safari Package
| Traveler Type | Recommended Package | Why? |
| Families with Kids | Private Car | Kids can get loud or carsick. A private car lets you stop whenever you need. |
| Couples | VIP Package | Avoid the buffet queues and enjoy a romantic dinner served at your table. |
| Friends (Group of 4-6) | Advance / Private | Booking a full car for your group is often cheaper and way more fun. |
| Solo Travelers | Shared Advance | You’ll be placed in a car with other tourists—a great way to make friends! |
| Seniors | Dinner Only (No Dune Bashing) | We can drive you straight to the camp without the rough ride. |
Real Experience: What a Typical Guest Day Looks Like
3:00 PM: Your Land Cruiser pulls up. The driver, dressed in a smart uniform, greets you. The car is cool and smells fresh.
4:00 PM: You arrive at the desert edge. The driver deflates the tires. You see rows of red dunes ahead. The excitement builds.
4:30 PM: The engine roars. The car climbs a steep dune, tilting towards the sky. You crest the top and slide sideways down the other side, sand spraying the windows. Everyone in the car screams and laughs. It feels like a rollercoaster, but on sand.
5:30 PM: You stop in the middle of nowhere. The sand is cool and soft. The sun is a giant orange ball touching the horizon. You take jump shots, selfies, and panoramic videos.
6:15 PM: You arrive at the camp. It looks like a fortress with low lights. The smell of charcoal BBQ hits you. You hop on a camel for a quick ride, then grab a cold drink.
7:30 PM: Dinner is served. You sit on cushions (or VIP sofas) under the stars. The Tanoura dancer spins on stage, his LED skirt lighting up the night. Then comes the Belly Dancer and the Fire Show, heating up the atmosphere.
9:00 PM: The show ends. You are driven back to the city, tired but buzzing with memories.
Practical Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
1. The “Motion Sickness” Rule
Dune bashing is turbulent. Do not eat a heavy lunch. If you get motion sickness easily, take a pill 1 hour before pickup and ask for the front seat (subject to availability).
2. What to Wear
- Summer (May-Sept): Loose, light cotton clothes. Shorts are fine.
- Winter (Nov-Mar): It gets surprisingly cold in the desert at night. Bring a jacket or hoodie.
- Shoes: Sandals or flip-flops are best. Sand gets into sneakers and stays there forever!
3. Best Time of Year
- The best weather is from October to April.
- During Ramadan, entertainment shows (belly dance) and alcohol are often restricted by government law. The experience is quieter but more culturally immersive.
4. Common Scams
- “Free” Gifts: If someone at the camp offers you a “gift” or puts a scarf on your head without asking, they will likely ask for money after. Just say a polite “No thank you.”
- Ticket Resellers: Avoid booking with street vendors offering “30 Dirham” safaris. These are often unlicensed and use unsafe vehicles.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE?
- We Are Local: We aren’t a faceless global booking site. We are based here, our cars are here, and our team is here.
- Safety First: Our roll cages are inspected, and our drivers are senior professionals. We don’t risk your safety for a thrill.
- Transparent Pricing: The price you see is the price you pay. We clearly list what is “extra” so you aren’t surprised.
- 24/7 Support: flight delayed? Need to change pickup location? You can WhatsApp us anytime.
How to Book (Action)
Ready to escape the city and conquer the dunes?
Slots for sunset timings fill up fast, especially on weekends.
- Check Live Availability & Book Now
- WhatsApp Us for Custom Packages: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
Don’t just visit Dubai—experience the desert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the evening safari safe for children? A: Yes, generally for kids aged 3 and up. For younger children (under 3), we recommend booking a Private Car so the driver can go directly to the camp without the rough dune bashing.
Q: Can I wear shorts on the safari? A: Yes, shorts are perfectly acceptable for both men and women at the desert camp. It is a casual environment.
Q: Is alcohol available at the camp? A: Yes, alcohol is usually available at the camp bar for an extra cost. However, it is not served during religious holidays or Ramadan.
Q: Do you pick up from Sharjah? A: Yes! Maverick Safari UAE offers pickup from hotels and residences in Sharjah as well as Dubai.
Q: How long is the dune bashing? A: In our Standard and Premium packages, the actual dune bashing lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. Budget bus packages often have little to no dune bashing.
Q: What if I have back pain? A: If you have back problems, neck issues, or are pregnant, you must not do dune bashing. Please contact us to arrange a “Camp Only” transfer where you skip the bashing but enjoy the dinner and shows.