THE PRICE RANGES

You get what you pay for

This is generally the first question everyone asks. However, like everything else in life, you get what you pay for. I have attached the summary below which may indicate why each safari is priced the way it is.

Dubai Desert Safaris – the 3 categories

Category 1: Low Budget

The (ultra)-low budget Desert Safari have shared camps and often there are poorly trained guides as well as the quality of food and cleanness is poor too.
These tours typically are priced between 75 – 200 AED (20 $ – 55 $) per person.

Category 2: Economy to Premium

The Desert Safare of ‘economy and premium’ are more private style camps, they have always well trained guides and the quality of food, drinks and cleanness is high.
These tours have prices between 200 – 400 AED (55 $ – 135 $) per person.

Category 3: Exclusive to Luxury

The more luxury category do have private set-ups, you can see more wildlife and the pure desert experience compared to the other categories. You drive with luxury SUV and the level of service and entertainment is extremely high.
The prices of these tours are between 500 – 1500 AED (135 $ – 400 $) per person.

ADVENTURE LEVEL

Choose between Dune bashing or Wildlife safari

Do you enjoy participating in adventure sports? Are you in good shape and in good health? No previous back or neck issues? You’re not prone to motion sickness? Do you enjoy riding roller coasters? Are you a fan of motorsport? If you answered yes to all of those questions, dune bashing is probably your preferred mode of transportation. These high-octane adrenaline rushes are not for the faint of heart, but they can be a lot of fun.

If you answered no to any of these questions, a wildlife drive is probably your best option. These are more similar to African safaris and are suitable for all ages. Only two companies are permitted to conduct wildlife safaris within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. You will provide the most interesting, safest, and visually appealing experience. In nature, these drives usually last longer than dune bashing.

Dubai Premium Tours is a premium partner of Platinum Heritage, one of the two companies. With us you get always the same, best price with enhanced service.

TIME OF DAY

Do you prefer a tour in the morning or evening? Sunrise or sunset?

Dubai desert safaris are also available at various times throughout the day. And, in many cases, the time of day influences the activities available.

Morning safaris offer spectacular views of the desert sunrise, while daytime safaris focus on adventure sports like sand boarding and dune buggy riding.

Evening safaris provide the opportunity to see a beautiful desert sunset, and most entertainment activities, such as henna painting and dance shows, are held at night. There are even overnight safaris where you can sleep under the stars and have an unforgettable experience.

SAFARI GUIDE

The trained safari guide – #1 factor

A good Safari Guide is the most important factor that will make or break your trip. Inquire with your safari company if they can guarantee that your safari will be led by one of their employees. Some companies operate with no employees and rely on independent safari guides. Some freelancers are excellent, while others are less so. In either case, a company that relies on freelancers has no say in which one you’ll get. Other businesses employ some of their own employees and outsource to Freelance guides when they become overburdened. They won’t be able to guarantee the quality of your safari guide if this happens. A company that can guarantee that you will have a company train will provide the best service.

FOOD & DRINKS

Dinner or Fast-Food ?

Everyone understands why a fast-food meal is less expensive than one at a fine dining restaurant. You should ask for information about the safari’s menu. Is the food freshly prepared or has it been pre-cooked? Is there a chef on site or does the food come from a caterer? Is the food authentic to the area, or should you expect a BBQ or curry? You wouldn’t pick a restaurant at random, and your safari should be treated with the same care and attention. Obviously, the better the food and higher the quality, the higher the price of your safari.

If there is food included in your desert safari, you want to make sure that it’s to your tastes and specific requirements, if you have any.

The majority of desert safaris include a BBQ dinner with both Arabic and international cuisines. There is usually vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food available.

However, if anyone in your group has a food allergy, you should mention it when making your reservation. After that, your service provider can make sure that everyone in your group has a great time dining in the desert.

WHOLESALER or PROVIDER

Safari Wholesaler.

For a variety of activities, the majority of businesses are wholesalers. They will select one or two safari suppliers and sell to them. Inquire as to which company/camp they are using, and then do some research on that company’s reputation. Wholesalers may have a significant disadvantage in that you will have no recourse if you are dissatisfied or something goes wrong.

Safari Provider

This is the organization in charge of the finished product. You have a better chance of making changes, amendments, or special requests when working with these companies.

Dubai Premium Tours is provider and wholesaler as well? Why? We are focused on some best tours in Dubai. So, just picking out the best and some of them are done as provider and others are of wholesalers. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

CAMP TYPE & SIZE

Crowds of people or private style?

The majority of foreign visitors are unsure that there are so many different types of camps, which is why this question is so crucial.

Type 1 | Shared camp with other companies

These camps are generally geared toward the budget tours (category 1) and can provide good value for money for those on a tight budget. Because many companies will come to the same camp for dinner, the company you book with may have no control over hygiene, food quality, entertainment, or facilities. If you have a problem, your company usually has no recourse.

Type 2 | Large private camps (50 to 600 guests)

Some safari companies have their own camps, but they cater to large groups of people, up to 500-600 per night. This may be a good option if you feel more confident when there are a lot of people around. A very busy desert, long buffet lines, and a lack of personalized service are some of the major drawbacks.

Type 3 | Small private camps (< 100 guests)

There aren’t many of these to choose from, but they offer a higher level of service, more customization, and a more personal experience. Couples, well-traveled guests, families, and those celebrating special occasions will enjoy these.

Type 4 | Private set-up

This is the ultimate safari experience. You’ll find a staff-to-guest ratio of 3 or 4 to 1 here. This means that your every need will be met, your experience will be completely tailored to you, and your privacy and quality will be guaranteed. However, keep an eye out for setups that lack bathroom facilities. Nothing puts a romantic dinner on hold like having to “go in the dunes.”

Tipp: Spend a little more for your Desert Safari here because you will remember to this forever.

REPUTATION

High kudos for many years or not ?   

I’d like to start with this because I believe it’s the most important factor to consider when selecting a safari that’s right for you. A recommendation from a friend who shares your interests is always the most valuable. Look for honest traveler reviews.

TOUR PACKAGE

Summing up the whole package is important to meet your wishes and requirements.

Addionally there are further aspects like the transfer, the overal desert safari experience and the possiblity to get in touch with Arabia.

Transfers

If you’re wondering how you’ll get to the desert, nearly all safari companies include transportation to and from the desert campsite as part of the package. The safari provider will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off after taking you on a tour of the various activities you have chosen as part of the safari. This means that your transportation to and from the desert is taken care of, and all you have to do now is relax and enjoy your safari!

Adventures

Again, several adventure activities will be available to you during the desert safari, and you can choose which ones you want to participate in. They include activities such as dune bashing and dune buggy riding, as well as wildlife viewing, sandboarding, and camel rides. Quad biking is also available from some providers.

Taste of Arabia

Finally, the entertainment shows and a buffet dinner are two of the more traditional activities included in Dubai desert safaris. Belly dancing, tanoura dancing, horse dancing, puppet dancing, and fire dancing are just a few of the entertainment shows available.

DESERT FACTS

Dubai Desert

It is only slowly that one becomes aware that a visit to downtown Dubai is actually in the middle of the desert. Numerous large parks and residential complexes have emerged in green areas. Wonderful gardens, trees, alleys with palm trees, green areas along the streets adorned with long, well-tended lawns and colorful flowers – a small part of the actual desert has become paradise.

Water fountains and artificial waterways conjure up a landscape in which you quickly forget where you are. Even where the many high-rise buildings are, a green, colorful landscape with real flowers and plants was created. Not only are the golf courses vast and green, the new residential areas are also planned accordingly with landscaping.

Beyond the gates of the city, the pristine desert patiently waits for the many visitors and some residents, who come every day. The range of excursion options is large, there is something for everyone, for children, parents, couples, groups and also for older people, who want to experience the desert “comfortably”.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR)

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is one of the largest areas designated as a nature reserve by the UAE government. With an area of 225 km², it covers about five percent of Dubai’s total land area. The area is surrounded by a fence to protect the regional flora and fauna.

Since it was declared a protected area in 2004, the reserve is home to more than 50 plant species, 120 bird species and 43 mammal and reptile species. The reserve is also a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and has gained an international reputation for its efforts to protect habitat and pristine wilderness.

CHECKLIST