Complete Guide on Dubai Desert Safari During Winter

Dubai’s winter desert safari is a luxury playground for adventure seekers. These cooler winter days are the perfect time for vast desert exploration. Whether you are interested in camel rides or dune bashing, this season in Dubai allows everyone to immerse themselves in Arabian adventure. Family-friendly desert activities offer the visitors a unique blend of excitement & relaxation.

Why choose Winter Desert Safari?

1. Body pleasant temperature makes dune bashing or camel rides like activities enjoyable.
2. Outdoor activities become accessible for everyone. Family & friends group can have their fun in day time, while couples can enjoy romantic evening desert safari.
3. Temperature in evenings ranges between 12 to 15 °C, making camping activities and bonfire more enjoyable.
4. Dubai’s clean air and lower sun angle during winter, gives sunset a warm tone and clearer view of skies at night.
5. Many desert animals like Arabian oryx, gazelles, desert foxes & some raptors are more active during the winter, increasing the chance of wildlife sightings.

Desert safari tours in Dubai offer a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making them a must-do experience. While the daytime can be felt pleasant, the desert temperature drops down drastically as soon as night approaches. The major game of dressing during Winter Desert Safari is about layering. During the day time, Loose-fitting, Long-sleeved tops and trousers of breathable fabrics, like cotton & linen are recommended to wear. Long, loose cloth help to protect from direct sun during the day, and also from the chilly weather at night. On the other hand, talking about the footwear, closed-toe shoes which are easy to empty like sneakers or light hiking shoes work best. In addition to that, one should wear sunglasses & high SPF sunscreen to shield from desert sun.

Let’s look at FAQs!

Q1. Do we need to have a heavy jacket in the desert after sunset during winter?

• Not really but, but a hoodie or a thin puffer is more than sufficient for majority of the visitors. A heavy coat is not recommended unless you feel too cold easily.

Q2. How much daylight I’ll be having for photos? What will be the duration and timing of the journey?

• You will be picked up from the hotel or residency at around 02:30 PM to 03:00 PM & will be dropped off by 08:30 AM. Your journey will be of around 18 hours approximately. You’ll get roughly around 1 & half hour daylight.

Q3. Is dune-bashing safe for young children, pregnant women, or seniors with back problems?

• The kids of around 3 to 4+ years are usually accepted by most operators with child car seats. Seniors with back issue or pregnant women are advised to skip dune-bashing.

Q4. What types of shoes are best for sand-boarding or walking around the camp at night?

• Closed-toe or light hiking shoes with proper grip.

Q5. Will there be options among vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options at barbecue dinner?

• Yes even if you don’t eat meat, you’ll still find variety of options for vegetarian dinner. For Vegans/gluten-free dinner, better you should inform the operator 24 hours before so that they can prepare everything accordingly.

Q6. What will happen in some unexpected extreme bad weather conditions like Rain or a sandstorm during my safari?

• Rainfall at Dubai’s surface is quite rare during winter. Still if the severe sandstorm takes place, the reputable operators will either cancel the safari (With a refund) or will reschedule for another day.

Q7. Is travel insurance necessary that specifically covers dune sports or off-road driving?

• Generally regular policies often do not include “motor sports.” You can opt for a plan that lists 4×4 excursions & quad biking as covered activities.

Bonus Tips:

1. Screenshot your booking confirmation and driver contact. Cell data can be sketchy when traveling in the dunes; an offline copy is one sure way not to cause a check-in headache.
2. Sit above the rear axle, not in the back row if you’re nervous, least jerk and fastest way out if you change your mind in the middle of the ride.
3. Pack a zip-top bag for your phone, it will find its way into every port and jam the charging jack for weeks.
4. Bring a water bottle with a hook. Most eco-camps now have chilled dispensers but no single-use plastic.
5. Hand-warmers (air-activated packets) weigh practically nothing but will save your life when the wind picks up at sunset for the kids or anyone who feels the cold.
6. Have your driver turn off the engine at the sunset ridge for 60 seconds of silence: You’ll hear the desert ‘sing’ as the sand cools and contracts.”
7. Newer phones have a “night mode” feature. Add a mini flexible tripod. You’ll be star fielding in no time without lugging around a heavy DSLR.
8. For light sleepers on the overnight desert safari, bring silicone ear plugs: generators, camel grunts and early-morning quad bikes can break the desert hush.
9. Exchange a little cash into 5s and 10s in AED before the tour; very seldom do camps have change for tipping or souvenir stalls.