Imagine driving into the golden sands of Dubai, but instead of being squeezed into a car with strangers, it’s just you, your family, and a vast, open horizon. You choose the music. You control the air conditioning. And most importantly, you tell the driver exactly how fast or slow you want to go over the dunes.
This is the freedom of a private desert tour Dubai.
While shared tours are great for meeting people, they lack flexibility. You move on a fixed schedule, wait for other passengers, and have little say in the experience. A private safari flips the script. It transforms a standard tour into a bespoke adventure tailored entirely to your rhythm.
Whether you are a couple seeking a romantic sunset, a family with young children needing a gentle drive, or a group of friends wanting to blast your own playlist, Maverick Safari UAE offers the most reliable private fleet in the city.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how the private option works, why it’s often cheaper for groups than you think, and the hidden perks of going exclusive in 2026.
Quick Answer: What You Need to Know
- What is it? You rent the entire 4×4 vehicle (Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol) exclusively for your group.
- Capacity: Up to 6 or 7 people per car depending on the vehicle model.
- Price Range (2025): Typically 750 AED – 1,200 AED per car (not per person).
- Key Benefit: Total Control. You decide the pickup time, the dune bashing intensity, and when to stop for photos.
- Best For: Families with kids (safety seats available), couples, and groups of 5+ friends.
What Exactly Is a Private Desert Tour Dubai?
A private safari follows a similar itinerary to the classic evening tour, but the logistics are upgraded for exclusivity.
Instead of a bus or a shared SUV picking up passengers from three different hotels (which can take an hour), your private driver comes directly to your doorstep. You head straight to the desert.
There is a common misconception that “Private Safari” means you get a private camp. Clarification: Usually, “Private Safari” refers to a Private Car. You still go to the main camp for dinner and shows, but you often get VIP seating. If you want a completely private camp (just you and a waiter in the middle of nowhere), that is a bespoke “Royal” setup that costs significantly more.
A Typical Private Timeline
- 03:00 PM: Direct pickup from your hotel/residence (No waiting for others).
- 03:50 PM: Arrival at Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes).
- 04:00 PM: Custom Dune Bashing (You set the pace: Mild, Medium, or Wild).
- 04:45 PM: Extended Sunset Stop (Stay as long as you like for photos).
- 05:30 PM: Sandboarding & Camel Ride (Driver assists you personally).
- 06:00 PM: Arrival at Camp (VIP Table reserved).
- 08:30 PM: Leave whenever you are ready no need to wait for the show to end if you are tired.
Current Packages & Price Range in 2026
At Maverick Safari UAE, we price our private tours by the vehicle, making it surprisingly affordable for groups.
1. The Private Family Car (Up to 6 Guests)
- Price Range: 750 AED – 950 AED per car.
- The Deal: You get a dedicated Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol.
- Inclusions: Private pickup, private dune bashing, water, soft drinks, and access to the standard or VIP camp area (depending on your selection).
- Why it’s a steal: If you are a group of 6, this works out to roughly 130 AED per person almost the same as a shared tour, but with way more comfort!
2. The VIP Private Experience
- Price Range: 1,000 AED – 1,400 AED per car.
- The Deal: Includes the private car PLUS VIP Table Service at the camp.
- Perks: You don’t stand in buffet lines. Dinner is served to your table. You get premium sofa seating near the stage.
3. The “Nature Only” Private Drive
- Price Range: 700 AED – 850 AED.
- The Deal: For those who hate the “tourist trap” camp vibe or cannot do dune bashing. We pick you up, drive gently through the dunes, watch the sunset, maybe do some sandboarding, and drive you straight back. No camp, no loud music.
What’s Included
When you go private with Maverick, you unlock a level of service that shared guests don’t get.
Transport & Pickup Details
- Flexibility: We pick up from anywhere in Dubai, Sharjah, or Ajman. Want to stop at a supermarket on the way to buy specific snacks? Just ask your driver.
- Luggage: Heading to the airport right after? Private cars have plenty of trunk space for your suitcases.
Custom Dune Bashing & Safety
- The “Motion Sickness” Cure: In a shared car, if you feel sick, you might feel bad asking the driver to stop. In a private car, you are the boss. If you feel dizzy, we stop immediately. If you want a gentle “nature drive” without the scary drops, we do that.
- Kids Safety: We can provide child car seats upon request (please book in advance).
Activities & Entertainment
- Camel Ride: Your driver will escort you to the camels to ensure you get a good photo without fighting the crowds.
- Sandboarding: Take your time. No rush to get back to the car because other passengers are waiting.
Food & BBQ
- Service: In our VIP Private packages, food is brought to you.
- Menu: Standard International BBQ Buffet (Veg/Non-Veg). Note: For completely private food setups (private chef in the dunes), please contact us for a custom quote.
Hidden Costs / Clarifications
- Quad Bikes: Not included in the car price. You pay per bike at the rental area.
- Camp Privacy: Unless specified, you will enter the main camp for dinner. It is a shared space, though you will have your own table.
Why Go Private? The Comparison
| Feature | Shared Tour | Private Tour |
| Pickup | Multiple stops / Waiting | Direct / Instant |
| Dune Bashing | Driver decides speed | YOU decide speed |
| Privacy | Strangers next to you | Just your group |
| Music | Driver’s playlist | Your Bluetooth playlist |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule | Stop whenever you want |
| Cost | Per Person | Per Car (Great value for groups) |
Real Experience: The Freedom of a Private Tour
It is 3:30 PM. Your driver, Rashid, arrives in a spotless white Land Cruiser. You have your own playlist connected to the car’s Bluetooth. The mood is set.
As you reach the desert, you see other cars queuing up. Rashid bypasses the wait and takes you to a secluded deflation point. You tell him, “We have never done this before, please start slow.”
He nods. The drive starts gently. As you gain confidence, you tell him to turn it up. Soon, you are flying over the Red Dunes, screaming and laughing with your family.
At the sunset stop, there is no rush. You spend 30 minutes taking photos. Rashid happily acts as your personal photographer, suggesting the best angles.
When you reach the camp, you are escorted to a reserved table. While others are queuing for the buffet, a waiter brings you cold drinks and starters. You lean back on the cushions, watching the fire show, feeling like you truly own the night.
Practical Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
1. Booking for 7 People?
Most Land Cruisers comfortably seat 6 passengers + 1 driver. If you have 7 people, it is a tight squeeze. We highly recommend booking two cars or asking specifically for our 7-seater Nissan Patrols (subject to availability).
2. The “Motion Sickness” Advantage
If you are prone to carsickness, a private tour is the only way to go.
- Tip: Ask to sit in the front passenger seat for the best view and stability.
- Control: Tell the driver to stop for fresh air whenever you need.
3. Dress Code
Since you have a private car, you can bring a change of clothes! Wear a nice dress for photos, then change into comfortable shorts for the camel ride. You can leave your bag securely in the car.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE?
- Owned Fleet: We own our cars. We check the brakes, the roll cages, and the AC daily.
- No “Tourist Traps”: We don’t force you to stop at carpet shops or souvenir stores on the way (unless you want to).
- Trusted Drivers: Our private drivers are our most senior staff. They are excellent with families and know how to handle the car smoothly for nervous guests.
- Transparent Pricing: The price is per car. No surprises.
Ready for Your Exclusive Adventure?
Escape the crowds and experience the desert on your own terms. Whether you want a high-speed thrill or a peaceful sunset drive, the car is yours.
Private cars are limited, especially on weekends!
- Check Private Car Availability & Rates
- WhatsApp Us to Customize Your Trip: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
Book your private Land Cruiser today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can we customize the pickup time?
A: Yes! Since the car is yours, you can request a pickup at 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM if you prefer. However, we recommend sticking to the 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM window to ensure you catch the sunset in the dunes.
Q: Does the private safari include a private camp?
A: No, standard private packages include a private car only. You will still dine at the main camp, usually with VIP seating. Private camp setups are available but cost significantly more (starting from 3,000+ AED).
Q: Is it safe for pregnant women?
A: Dune bashing is not safe for pregnant women. However, with a private car, we can take you on a “flat route” directly to the camp, skipping the bashing entirely so you can still enjoy the dinner and shows safely.
Q: Can I play my own music?
A: Absolutely. All our cars have Bluetooth or Aux connections. You are the DJ for the day!
Q: Is quad biking included in the private car price?
A: No, quad biking is an optional extra. However, since you are in a private car, we can wait for you as long as you like while you ride.
Q: Do you pick up from Abu Dhabi?
A: Standard pricing covers Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman. We can pick up from Abu Dhabi for an additional transfer fee. Contact us for a quote.
About the Author
This guide is brought to you by the team at Maverick Safari UAE. We specialize in bespoke desert experiences, ensuring that every guest from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy the magic of Dubai in comfort and safety.