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4-Hour vs 7-Hour Desert Safari in Dubai: The Difference

By Lead Adventure Tour 2 min read

Two of our most booked desert safaris are the 4-hour safari and the 7-hour safari. Both include dune bashing in a 4x4, sandboarding and a camel ride, but they are very different outings. This guide compares them.

The short answer

  • Choose the 4-hour safari if you want the dunes at a lower price and do not need the camp. It starts from AED 95 per person (shared).
  • Choose the 7-hour safari if you want the full evening: the sunset, a BBQ dinner at the Bedouin camp and the traditional shows. It starts from AED 130 per person (shared).

4-hour safari (no camp)

This is a morning or evening trip focused on the desert itself. Expect about 35 to 50 minutes of dune bashing across the red dunes, sandboarding and a camel ride, then you are taken back to your hotel.

Best for: travellers on a tight schedule, guests who want the lowest price, and anyone who does not need dinner at a camp.

Good to know:

  • A self-drive 30-minute quad bike or dune buggy ride can be added.
  • There is no camp stop on this tour.

7-hour safari with BBQ dinner

This is the classic evening safari. It includes about 30 to 45 minutes of dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding, the sunset over the dunes and a BBQ dinner buffet at the desert camp, with vegetarian options. The camp also has traditional entertainment such as tanoura and belly dance shows.

Best for: first-time visitors, couples, families and groups who want the whole experience.

Good to know:

  • A VIP table is available at the camp for a higher price.
  • You will usually be back at your hotel in the evening, so plan the rest of your day around it.

Side by side

  1. Duration: 4 hours or 7 hours.
  2. Camp and dinner: only on the 7-hour safari.
  3. Shows: only on the 7-hour safari.
  4. Price (shared, from): AED 95 or AED 130 per person at the time of writing.

How to decide

If you mostly want the dunes, choose the 4-hour safari. If you want the sunset, the dinner and the atmosphere of the camp, choose the 7-hour safari. Our guide to morning vs evening safaris can help you pick the time of day.

Book online

See the 4-hour safari from AED 95 and the evening safari with BBQ dinner, or browse all desert safaris. You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour; see the cancellation policy.

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