VIP Safari (Royal Desert Safari) by Desert Adventures Tourism

A complete guide to the Royal Desert Safari by Desert Adventures: from thrilling dune bashing to a starlit dinner.

We tell you what to expect and whether it’s really worth it. A desert safari in Dubai is like Russian roulette: you can hit the jackpot with adrenaline and awe, or get stuck in a tourist “assembly line” with tired camels and lukewarm shish kebabs. How do you bet on the right outcome and guarantee a royal experience? The answer lies in the details: the level of service, the comfort, and the sense of exclusivity. It’s these three elements—service, comfort, and exclusivity—that set a true VIP safari apart from its pale imitations. Today, we dissect the Royal Desert Safari by Desert Adventures Tourism—a tour that claims to be the gold standard in this niche. In this guide, we’ll break down the program in detail, highlight all its key features, compare it with other options on the market, and provide comprehensive practical advice. This is your ultimate guide to planning the perfect desert trip, where adventure meets royal comfort.

Immersing in a VIP safari: A timeline of your adventure

To understand what Royal Desert Safari is all about, it's best to walk through the entire journey from start to finish. We've recreated a typical timeline for this action-packed evening for you.

Stage 1: Adrenaline on the red sands

Your adventure begins with the main attraction—dune bashing. This isn't just a ride; it's a true desert rodeo. Here, your Land Cruiser climbs an almost vertical dune, pauses for a moment at the crest, and all you see ahead is the sky... and in the next instant, the vehicle plunges down, leaving you breathless with the sensation of weightlessness. Sand erupts in fountains as the driver expertly handles the car through sharp turns—and this cycle of exhilaration and adrenaline repeats again and again.

After your adrenaline fix, you'll be offered more relaxed activities. You can try sandboarding—a fun ride down sandy slopes that's perfect for vibrant photos. And for those who want to drive themselves, quad bikes or buggies are available for rent at an additional cost.

Stage 2: Sunset photo break and desert symbols

As the sun begins to dip toward the horizon, your convoy will stop at the most picturesque spot. This is the “golden hour” for photographers and the perfect moment to capture the magic of the desert.

It is here that you will be introduced to important symbols of Bedouin culture. You will witness an impressive falconry show, where the falconer will share the history of this traditional hunting practice and demonstrate the flight of a bird of prey. This is not just entertainment; it is a valuable cultural experience.

Now, let’s talk about camels. Let’s be honest: this is not an epic desert crossing like in Lawrence of Arabia. Instead, it’s more like a “lap of honor” on the charismatic “ship of the desert”—just enough time to feel its unhurried gait, have a laugh, and take that iconic photo against the backdrop of the dunes. A perfect photo break without any unnecessary extremes.

Stage 3: Arrival at the royal camp

And then, as velvety twilight envelops the desert, your jeep enters an oasis of light and hospitality. This is your camp: the shimmering glow of hundreds of lights, the aroma of grilled meat mingling with the scent of shisha, and the enveloping sounds of the Arabic lute. You are greeted with a smile and a tray of dates—and from the very first minute, you realize that the chaos of the big city has been left behind in another life.

Stage 4: Dinner and a show under the stars

Evening in the camp is the highlight of your safari, where gastronomy and entertainment come together in perfect harmony. The VIP dinner is served as an extensive buffet with a grill station where meat is prepared right in front of you. The menu features dishes from Arab, international, and Indian cuisine—ranging from a variety of appetizers and salads to hearty main courses and desserts.

But here’s where the real magic of the VIP package comes into play: you don’t have to go anywhere. Forget queuing at the buffet with a plate in your hand. You sit back and relax at your table in the best spot in the camp, while a dedicated waiter brings you appetizers, grilled dishes, and drinks directly to you. This is the moment when your safari transforms from a “buffet adventure” into a true restaurant-style dinner under the stars.

Non-alcoholic beverages, water, tea, and Arabic coffee are included without limit, and alcoholic drinks are available at an additional cost at a separate bar.

At the same time as dinner, a vibrant show program unfolds on stage. You’ll be treated to a mesmerizing Tanoura dance, in which a dancer in a layered skirt spins around, creating incredible patterns; a spectacular fire show with pyrotechnic effects; and, of course, an elegant belly dance performance. And once again, your VIP status makes a difference: you’re guaranteed the best seats with an outstanding view of the stage.

How to choose the perfect safari: A comparison with other options

The desert safari market in Dubai is vast, and it's easy to get confused by the many offerings. They can be broadly divided into three categories:

1. "Budget Option": The cheapest segment, appealing primarily due to its low price. The drawbacks are obvious: large groups, minimal comfort, long lines for food at a shared buffet, and an overwhelming sense of being part of a crowd.

2. "VIP Standard (Royal Desert Safari)": Let's call this "smart premium." It's the choice for those who no longer want to skimp on their experience but aren't yet ready to pay the exorbitant prices associated with ultra-luxury options. You get all the hallmarks of comfort—excellent service, a private area, no queues—and the reliability of a top-tier operator, all at a price that is fully justified by the quality. This is a meticulously planned, predictably superb experience.

3. "Ultra-Luxury (Platinum Heritage)": This is an exclusive product for the most discerning travelers. Here, the focus shifts from extreme thrills to authenticity and sustainability: rides in vintage Land Rovers, an intimate atmosphere in small groups, and a gourmet dinner prepared by a chef. The price for such tours is significantly higher.

Planning guide: Everything you need to know before your trip

To ensure your adventure goes perfectly, it's important to be well-prepared. We've gathered all the key practical information in one place.

Dress code and checklist: what to wear and what to bring?

• What to wear: Choose lightweight, comfortable clothing made from natural fabrics that covers your shoulders and knees—this is both comfortable in the sun and respectful of local culture. Footwear should be closed-toe and comfortable (sneakers or trainers). It can get cool in the desert in the evening, so bring a light jacket, windbreaker, or shawl.
• Your hiking kit (Checklist):
  • Sunscreen: Even the evening sun in the desert can be deceptive.
  • Sunglasses: Not just for style, but also to protect against sand and bright rays.
  • Headgear: A cap, Panama hat, or an Arab scarf is your best friend until sunset.
  • Power bank: You'll be taking lots of photos, and outlets are scarce in the desert.
  • Some cash: For souvenirs, tipping the driver, or buying alcohol at the bar—cards are not always accepted.

Camp amenities and accessibility

The camp has permanent, clean restroom facilities with separate sections for men and women. However, keep in mind that there is no guest Wi-Fi or lockers for personal belongings—bring only the essentials with you.

Rules and safety: what you should keep in mind

For everyone's comfort and safety, simple rules apply at the camp. Bringing your own alcohol and using drones without a special permit are strictly prohibited. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas.

Health and comfort: tips for a pleasant trip

If you or your companions feel motion sick during travel, we recommend taking an appropriate medication before starting the dune bashing. Feel free to inform the driver about your condition—he can adjust his driving style accordingly.

Who is Royal Desert Safari perfect for?

This tour is a versatile option, but it will particularly appeal to certain categories of travelers:

• Families with children over 6 years old: The combination of safe adventures, a comfortable dinner, and an entertaining program makes it an excellent choice for family vacations.
• Couples: The romantic sunset atmosphere in the desert, beautiful photo locations, and the privacy of the VIP area create ideal conditions for a special evening together.
• Small groups: This is a great way to spend time together in a fun and carefree manner, leaving all the logistical hassles to the professionals.

At the same time, the tour may not be suitable for those seeking extreme thrills, budget-conscious travelers, or families with infants due to the nature of the program and infrastructure.

Is Royal Desert Safari worth the money?

To sum up, Royal Desert Safari is essentially an investment in peace of mind. You can rest assured that the vehicle will be in good condition, the driver will be a professional, the dinner will be delicious, and your only concerns that evening will be capturing the perfect sunset photo and not overindulging in desserts.

The main value of this tour lies not in the uniqueness of the activities (dune bashing and belly dancing are available almost everywhere), but in the quality of their execution. This is your VIP pass to the magical world of the desert, granting you access through the exclusive entrance and bypassing all lines and hustle. And perhaps that kind of tranquility in the very heart of adventure is truly worth the price.