🏜️ 1. Transfers: Pickup & Drop-Off
Almost all desert safari tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai or nearby locations in a 4×4 vehicle or coach. This ensures you don’t need to arrange transport yourself.
🚙 2. Thrilling Desert Activities
A big part of the safari adventure is active desert fun — standard inclusions often are:
- Dune bashing — an exciting ride over high sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle with a professional driver.
- Sandboarding — sliding down dunes on a board supplied by the operator.
- Camel ride — short camel rides around the dunes or at the desert camp.
- Photography stops — often at scenic areas or sunset viewpoints on the dunes.
These exciting activities are usually part of morning and evening safari packages.
🏕️ 3. Desert Camp Experience
Most safaris conclude with time at a desert camp offering cultural and relaxation activities:
- Henna painting — traditional designs applied on hands or arms.
- Traditional costumes/photo opportunities — you may be able to wear local attire for photos.
- Arabic coffee and dates welcome — greeting guests with local hospitality in many camps.
- Shisha lounge areas — some camps provide communal shisha spots (may be included or small fee).
- Camp seating & rest facilities — carpets, seating areas, washrooms, etc.
These cultural elements give a taste of traditional Bedouin-style desert life.
🍽️ 4. Food & Refreshments
- BBQ buffet dinner — a highlight of evening and overnight safari packages, usually including grilled meats, vegetarian choices, salads, and desserts.
- Soft drinks, water, tea & coffee — generally included and served throughout the camp experience.
- Some tours may offer light refreshments instead of dinner for morning safaris.
Alcoholic beverages are not typically included in standard packages and often cost extra.
🎭 5. Live Entertainment & Cultural Shows
Evening and overnight safaris often include show performances in the desert camp such as:
- Belly dance shows
- Tanoura dance performances
- Fire shows or other cultural entertainment during the evening.
These shows create a lively Arabian atmosphere under the stars.
⭐ 6. Optional Extras (Often at Extra Cost)
Beyond standard inclusions, many safari packages offer upgrades or add-ons you can book for extra:
- Quad biking (ATV) or dune buggy rides
- VIP seating or reserved tables at the camp
- Falcon photography sessions
- Horse riding
- Overnight camping with breakfast next morning
These add-ons let you tailor your desert experience for more adventure or luxury.
🧠 Quick Summary: What’s Typically INCLUDED
✔️ Hotel pickup & drop-off
✔️ Dune bashing in 4×4 vehicle
✔️ Sandboarding
✔️ Camel ride & photo stops
✔️ Cultural activities (henna, photos, costumes)
✔️ BBQ dinner buffet & refreshments (evening/overnight)
✔️ Live entertainment shows
✔️ Desert camp access