How to Enjoy Desert Safari with Families: A Complete Guide for Unforgettable Moments

In the Middle East, and especially in tourism hotspots like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, desert safari Dubai have transformed into one of the most exciting and family-friendly activities. No matter if you aim for a week-long holiday or a quick family vacation over the weekend, a desert safari guarantees enjoyment and relaxation for people of all ages.

In this guide, we will discuss how to enjoy desert safari with families step by step, including what to expect, how to prepare, what to wear, activities, and the most enjoyable options for children and elderly family members.

Why Choose a Desert Safari for Family Fun?

There is a common misconception that desert safaris are only for the adventurous. With numerous options catering exclusively to families, there are always endless opportunities to enjoy:

Adventure sports such as dune bashing and sandboarding
Cultural activities like Henna painting, camel riding, and traditional Bedouin dinners
Entertainment shows like belly dancing, fire shows, and Tanoura dance
Relaxation on an open desert while stargazing

Unlike cities with their crowded places and theme parks, every desert safari gives families an opportunity to reconnect with nature and heritage in a peaceful and memorable setting.

Classes of Desert Safari Packages for Families

Families look for different experiences when choosing safari packages. These are the most common types:

Morning Desert Safari

Most suitable for families with elderly members or toddlers
Includes camel riding, falcon interaction, and dune driving in cooler hours
Duration: up to 4 hours

Evening Desert Safari

Easiest option for families to enjoy while accommodating everyone’s needs
Includes BBQs, entertainment, and adventure rides
Most popular option

Overnight Desert Safari

Ideal for supervised older teens and children
Includes stargazing, overnight camping, and sunrise viewing
Offers deeper cultural immersion

Private Desert Safari

Best for larger families that value privacy
Fully customizable: activities, entertainment, meals, and number of guests
Ideal for birthdays, reunions, or anniversaries

How to Plan for a Desert Safari When Accompanying Seniors or Children

Select a Family-Friendly Tour Operator

You want operators that:

Offer adjustable baby and child seats
Use certified drivers for safe dune bashing
Provide medical aid and shaded rest areas

Look Into Health and Age Limitations

Children under 3 and seniors with heart or back issues should skip dune bashing
Request to head straight to camp instead

Hydration and Snacks

Carry bottled water and light snacks
Avoid heavy meals before the trip to prevent motion sickness

Pack Wisely

Essential items include:

Sunscreen, sunglasses
Hats or scarves
Light jacket
Comfortable, closed-toe footwear

Exciting Family Activities to Do on a Desert Safari

Camel Rides

Gentle and enjoyable for kids and seniors
Great for photo opportunities

Read more: Abu Dhabi City Tour

Dune Bashing (Optional)

High-speed 4×4 ride on sand dunes
Suitable for families with older children
Must be done with a certified driver and air-conditioned vehicle

Sandboarding

Great for children over 6
Requires minimal instruction

Quad Biking (Adult or Teenager Only)

Available in designated zones
Ensure helmets and safety measures are followed

Henna Painting

Often included at no or minimal cost
Fun and artistic for kids

Falcon Photo Sessions

Kids can safely hold falcons for memorable photos

Traditional Arabic Costume Photography

Dress up for a cultural photoshoot
Perfect for keepsakes and family albums

Live Shows & Cultural Entertainment

Fire shows, belly dancing, and Tanoura dance
Enjoy alongside buffet meals with Arabic and international options

Dining in the Desert: A Family Culinary Adventure

Most desert safari offer buffet-style dinners
Menu includes vegetarian, non-vegetarian, BBQ, hummus, biryani, salad, kebabs, and desserts
Special meals available for children (nuggets, fries, juice)
Inform operators about dietary needs in advance

What to Wear on a Desert Safari

Light, breathable clothing during the day
Jacket or layer for chilly evenings
Closed shoes or sandals to prevent sand burns
Avoid black clothing (retains heat)
Modest attire to respect local culture

Recommendations:

Women: Loose pants, long skirts, long-sleeved tops
Kids: Sunglasses, sun hats, long-sleeved sun shirts

Desert Safari Family Safety Tips

Use insured tour operators with licensed drivers
Ask for infant car seats
Avoid dune bashing with infants or frail elders
Stick with the group to avoid getting lost
Carry a first-aid kit
Reapply sunblock every 2 hours
Stay hydrated throughout the trip

Best Time to Go for Desert Safari with Families

Ideal Season: October to April
Avoid extreme summer months (June–August) unless opting for morning safaris
Evening safaris: 3 PM to 9 PM for golden sunsets and cool dinners

Capture the Memories

Bring a camera or GoPro
Ask your guide for help taking family photos
Use wide-angle mode for desert shots
Consider hiring a professional photographer on private tours

Budgeting Tips for Family Desert Safari

Package Type	Estimated Cost per Person
Shared Evening Safari	$35 – $60
Private Safari	$200 – $400 (4–6 pax)
Overnight Safari	$100 – $180
Add-ons (ATV, Photos)	$10 – $50

Look for unsold combo deals on trusted platforms
Booking online directly can offer discounts and family packages

Conclusion: How to Make a Desert Family Safari an Experience to Remember

Dubai desert safari is more than shredding sand on a 4×4 vehicle; it’s a perfect chance to unwind as a family, enjoy the local culture, and appreciate nature’s tranquility. With a little planning on the right activities, clothing, and preparation, your family trip can transform into an unforgettable adventure.

Whether it’s camel riding, savoring Arabic cuisine, or watching the desert sunset, every moment spent together in the desert becomes a lifelong memory.

Questions (DQs)