What Activities Are Included in Desert Safari Dubai Package?

If you’re planning a visit to Dubai and want to experience its iconic desert landscape, then a desert safari is a must-do. With AJ Caravan, you’ll embark on a journey into the golden dunes, experience thrilling rides, cultural traditions, and a magical night under the Arabian sky.

But what exactly is included in a desert safari Dubai package? In this blog, we’ll explore every activity from heart-pumping dune bashing to relaxing henna painting and shisha lounges. So you know what to expect and how to get the most out of your safari adventure.

1. Hotel Pickup & Transfer: The Start of Your Adventure

One of the first things included in most desert safari packages, and certainly with AJ Caravan, is the hotel/residence pickup. This makes the experience easy and seamless:

• A 4×4 vehicle or comfortable SUV will arrive at your hotel in Dubai or nearby.
• You’ll be provided with a safe ride to the desert meeting point.
• The drive itself often builds excitement: as you leave the city behind and enter the red sand dunes.
  This included transfer means your adventure begins the moment you step into the vehicle.

2. The Drive to the Desert & Scenic Photo-Stops

As you head out of the city into the desert region (commonly the Red Dunes of Lahbab or Al Aweer), you’ll enjoy:

• A drive across shifting sands and changing landscapes.
• Photo stops at key vantage points where the sun hits the dunes just right for a golden-hour shot.
• The chance to feel the desert wind, see camels in the distance, and capture the vastness of the Arabian desert.
  With AJ Caravan, your driver will often stop for a sunset photo stop, allowing you to pause, breathe, and capture memories before the next phase of the safari.

3. Dune Bashing: The Thrill Ride

Few activities define the desert safari like dune bashing:

• You’ll climb into a licensed 4×4 vehicle (Land Cruiser or similar) driven by experienced drivers.
• The ride takes you up steep dune slopes, down into valleys, and across undulating sand — akin to a desert roller-coaster.
• Typical duration: 20-30 minutes in many tours.
• Safety is paramount: seat belts, smooth drive (for moderate rides) and professional guides.
  With AJ Caravan you can choose how adventurous you want your ride to be — whether a gentle cruise or a heart-racing dash across the sands.

4. Sandboarding & Surfing the Dunes

After dune bashing, you’ll often get the fun chance to sandboard:

• Think of it like snowboarding, but on soft sand.
• You’ll be given a board and taught how to slide down the dune safely — either standing, kneeling or sitting.
• It’s beginner-friendly and fun for children and adults alike.
  This activity adds a playful moment to your safari — a chance to surf the desert and enjoy the ride at your own pace.

5. Camel Ride: Embracing the Traditional

No desert safari is complete without a ride on the “ships of the desert.” With your AJ Caravan package you’ll likely enjoy:

• A short guided camel ride around the camp or in the dunes.
• Photo opportunities with camels, a memorable souvenir of your desert experience.
• A slower, more traditional way to experience the desert landscape, contrasting with the high-adrenaline dune drive.
  It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a more relaxed moment in the desert.

6. Falcon Photographs & Wildlife Moments

In some packages (especially VIP or premium safari packages) you’ll get added experiences such as:

• A falconry photo session: meet a trained falcon, learn about Emirati tradition and take a memorable photo.
• Wildlife spotting: depending on the location you may see Arabian oryx, gazelles, desert foxes and other fauna.
  AJ Caravan’s team ensures the moment is authentic and respectful of the environment and animals.

7. Traditional Welcome at the Desert Camp

Upon arrival at the camp (after your dune drive and activities) you’ll be welcomed in true Arabian style:

• Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates served.
• A chance to wear traditional Arabic dress for photographs.
• Soft drinks, tea, coffee, water, served throughout your stay.
  This welcome helps you shift from the excitement of the drive into the comfort and culture of the desert camp.

8. Henna Painting, Arabic Dress & Shisha Lounge

The desert camp offers cultural touches:

• Henna painting: get intricate designs on your hands or feet done by an artist.
• Arabic dress photography: put on local attire and take pictures in the dunes.
• Shisha (hubbly-bubbly) lounge: relax in a traditional Arabian setting with flavored shisha.

These elements add a gentle, immersive cultural layer to your desert safari, making it more than just adrenaline, it’s an experience.

9. BBQ Buffet Dinner Under the Stars

One of the highlights for many safari guests: the BBQ buffet dinner at the camp:

• A generous spread of grilled meats, vegetarian options, salads, Arabic dishes and desserts.
• Outdoor dining under the desert sky, often with traditional seating arrangements.
• Time to relax, chat, enjoy spices and local flavors after your activities.
  AJ Caravan ensures that dietary preferences are considered — vegetarian options and a diverse menu are typically available.

10. Live Entertainment: Show Time in the Desert

After dinner enters the show:

• Live performances like belly dancing, Tanoura (spinning skirt dance), fire show and traditional music.
• The desert stage comes alive with vibrant costumes, rhythmic tunes and desert storytelling through performance.
• For a deeper cultural lift, AK Caravan often offers full-camp shows in the evening safari packages.
  This is the perfect wrap up to your desert experience — from thrill to camp to dance and spectacle.

11. Sunset Moments & Photography Opportunities

Don’t miss the sunset — one of the most photographed moments in a Dubai desert safari:

• The sky turns golden and red, the dunes glow, and you feel the desert’s calm and power.
• Many safari packages include a dedicated photo stop for perfect shots.
• As AJ Caravan travels into the deeper desert, you’ll find quieter, less-crowded spots for those memorable sunset frames.

12. Optional Add-ons and VIP Upgrades

For those wanting an extra touch of luxury or adventure, many desert safari packages (including AJ Caravan’s VIP style options) offer add-ons:

• Quad-biking or ATV rides across the dunes.
• Dune buggy rides for a guided single or duo experience.
• Private 4×4 tours, private majlis (tent seating), butler service, and premium BBQ menus.
• Overnight or premium camp stays under the stars.
• If you’re looking for a bespoke experience — AJ Caravan can tailor the safari to include these extras and make the evening even more special.

13. Morning & Overnight Safari Variations

To suit different interests and schedules, safari packages can vary in timing:

• Morning safari: Early start, cooler temperature, more active desert. Activities usually include dune bashing, sandboarding and camel ride. Evening entertainment may be minimal.
• Evening safari: most popular. Includes full camp experience, dinner, live shows and sunset.
• Overnight safari: stay overnight in the desert camp, stargaze, wake up to sunrise, and have breakfast before return.
  AJ Caravan offers all these variations, so you can choose what fits your schedule and vibe.

Why Book With AJ Caravan?

As you consider your desert safari booking, here are some reasons why AJ Caravan stands out:

• Reliable hotel transfers and comfortable 4×4 vehicles.
• Skilled and licensed drivers experienced in desert terrain.
• Inclusive packages that offer a mix of adventure and cultural immersion.
• Transparent pricing with clear inclusions (activities, dinner, entertainment) and optional upgrades.
• Flexibility to tailor your experience — whether you want a relaxing ride, adrenaline rush, luxury upgrade or family-friendly evening.
  When you book with AJ Caravan, you’re choosing a provider committed to making your desert safari memorable, safe and full of value.

How to Choose the Right Package for You

When selecting your desert safari, keep these in mind:

• Activity level: Do you prefer high-adrenaline (dune bashing, quad biking) or more relaxed (camel ride, camp show)?
• Timing: Evening safari offers full camp experience; morning offers cooler air and earlier return.
• Group vs private: Shared tours are more budget-friendly; private safari gives you control and exclusivity.
• Dining & entertainment: Consider whether dinner, live shows and cultural extras are included or optional.
• Extras & upgrades: Decide if you want quad bikes, dune buggies, falcon photos, private seating etc.
  AJ Caravan’s team will guide you through options and help match your interests, budget and schedule to the best package.

18. Final Thoughts & Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

A desert safari in Dubai is one of those experiences that blends thrill, culture, nature and nostalgia into one unforgettable evening. With activities ranging from dune bashing to sandboarding, camel rides to cultural performances, and a dinner under the desert sky, it offers something for every traveler.

With AJ Caravan, you’re choosing a partner who understands what makes the moment special and strives to deliver it smoothly. Whether you’re on holiday, celebrating a special occasion or just looking for an escape from the city, a desert safari is a chance to connect with the iconic Arabian desert, capture incredible memories and feel the magic of Dubai beyond the skyscrapers.