What most safaris miss: the desert after dark
An overnight desert safari is the evening safari with the best part added. When the day-trippers leave, you stay behind. The camp goes quiet, the lights are dimmed, and the sky fills with stars that you almost never see from the city.
Your day begins the same way as a regular evening safari, with dune bashing, a sunset stop, a camel ride, sandboarding, a BBQ dinner and live shows. Afterwards you settle into your tent or Bedouin-style bed with bedding provided. At sunrise you can walk the dunes or take an optional camel trek, then have a freshly prepared breakfast before the drive back.
It suits couples, photographers, stargazers and families with older children who want something slower than a six-hour trip. Tents and beds are limited each night, so it is worth booking early.
Highlights of the Overnight Desert Safari
What you will do, see and eat.
Stargazing
Far from city lights, the desert sky is clear and dark. Winter nights are especially good for it.
Sleep at the camp
A tent or Bedouin-style bed with pillows and blankets, set up for guests staying the night.
Full evening safari
Dune bashing, sunset stop, camel ride and sandboarding before the camp settles for the night.
BBQ dinner and shows
A BBQ buffet and live Tanoura, belly dance and fire shows around the camp.
Desert sunrise
Wake up early to watch the dunes change colour in the morning light, with a quiet camel trek on request.
Breakfast in the desert
A freshly prepared breakfast with eggs, bread, cheese, fruit and hot drinks before the drive back.
Itinerary
Timings are typical and move a little with the season, sunset time and your pickup area.
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Hotel pickup
Bring a small overnight bag. Your driver collects you in a 4x4 and drives to the desert.
- 4:30 PM
Dune bashing
Around 30 to 40 minutes over the red dunes, with photo stops.
- 5:45 PM
Sunset stop
Watch the sun go down from the dunes and take your photographs.
- 6:30 PM
Camp check-in
Welcome with Arabic coffee and dates. Choose your tent or bed and settle in. Camel ride, sandboarding and henna are available.
- 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
BBQ dinner and live shows
Dinner is served live while performers present the Tanoura, belly dance and fire shows.
- 9:30 PM onwards
Stargazing and rest
Lights are lowered. Lie back and watch the stars, or sit by the camp with tea. Sleep in your tent or bed.
- 6:00 AM
Sunrise and optional camel trek
Wake up to a quiet desert morning. Walk the dunes, take photographs, or join a short camel trek.
- 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Breakfast and drop-off
Eat breakfast at the camp, then head back to your hotel or home.
What’s included
Included
- Hotel or home pickup and drop-off
- Dune bashing and sunset photo stop
- Camel ride and sandboarding
- BBQ dinner buffet and live shows
- Overnight stay in a camp tent or Bedouin-style bed with bedding
- Stargazing
- Breakfast the next morning
- Tea, coffee, water and soft drinks
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Quad bike or dune buggy (optional upgrade)
- Private tent or cabin upgrade
- Optional sunrise camel trek and professional photography
- Tips for staff
Packages and prices
Pick the option that fits your group. Prices are in UAE dirhams (AED).
Overnight Standard
Full safari, dinner, shows, a night at the camp and breakfast.
Child: AED 349
Book this optionOvernight VIP Seating
Standard overnight with reserved VIP seating at dinner and shows.
Child: AED 430
Book this optionOvernight + Quad Bike
Standard overnight with a 30 minute quad bike ride.
Child: AED 499
Book this optionStarting prices for standard dates. Peak season, public holidays and special events can change the final price, which we confirm before you pay.
Good to know before you book
Nights can be cool
From November to March the desert can feel cold after dark. Bring a warm jacket, socks and a scarf.
What to pack
A small bag with a change of clothes, toiletries, a torch, sunscreen and a charger. Bedding is provided.
Camp facilities
The camp has toilets and washing facilities. Facilities are simple compared with a hotel.
Health and comfort
Dune bashing is not recommended for pregnant women, infants, or those with back, neck or heart problems.
