Shared vs Private Desert Safari in Dubai: Which to Book?

Most of our desert safaris can be booked in two ways: shared or private. The route and the activities are the same kind of experience, but how you travel is different. Here is how to choose.

The short answer

• Choose shared if you are a solo traveller, a couple or a small group and want the best price. You travel in a 4x4 with other guests and pay per person.
• Choose private if you want your own vehicle and driver for your group. You pay per vehicle instead of per person.

Shared safari

In a shared safari you join other guests in the same 4x4. It is the most popular option and the lowest price: on our website the 4-hour safari without the camp starts from AED 95 per person, and the evening safari with BBQ dinner from AED 130 per person.

Best for: solo travellers, couples, friends and small families who want a great experience at a fair price.

Good to know:

• You are picked up from your hotel or residence, and the driver collects other guests on the way.
• You enjoy the dunes together with other travellers, which many guests find part of the fun.

Private safari

A private option gives your group its own vehicle and driver. It is priced per vehicle, so the total is higher than one shared seat, but it can work out well for a group that fills the vehicle.

Best for: larger families, groups of friends, special occasions, and guests who prefer not to share the vehicle.

Good to know:

• Compare the shared price multiplied by your number of guests with the private price for the same safari.
• Each option shows how many guests the vehicle takes, so check it against your group size.

How to decide

1. How many are you? Solo or two people: shared is usually the better value. A full group: compare the totals.
2. How much do you value privacy? If it matters, choose private.
3. What is your budget? Shared keeps the price per person lowest.

Same cancellation rules

Whichever you choose, you receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour. Read the details on our cancellation policy page.

Find your safari

See all desert safari experiences, read our price guide, or find tours with pickup from your area. If you have a question about your group, check the FAQ or contact us.