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You are planning your trip to Dubai. You will have seen the amazing images golden dunes, flaring sunsets and people grinning madly on quad bikes. You know you want to go on a desert safari. But then it’s the options: Morning Safari or Evening Safari. Suddenly, it’s not so simple. Which one is right for you? It seems like a big decision and you don’t want to mess it up.
Don’t worry. It is the only guide you will need to make that perfect choice. We’re not going to just make a list of facts; we’re going to guide you through the feeling, space and point of every adventure. When it’s all over, you’ll know precisely which Morning vs Evening Desert Safari in Dubai experience is the one for you.
The Quick Answer: A Story of Two Adventures
Before we go down the rabbit hole, here’s what it is in a few words. Think of it like this:
A Morning Desert Safari is nothing but pure adrenaline. It’s the hustle, the cool morning air, and the stunning golden light of a desert sunrise. It’s for the thrill-seekers.
An Evening Desert Safari is the whole thing. It begins with adventure, and finishes against a backdrop of culture, cuisine and entertainment beneath the stars.” It’s the complete Arabian experience.
Both are amazing. The right one just depends on what kind of memory you want to create.
The Morning Desert Safari: An Adrenaline-Pumped Beginning
Now, imagine getting up early and leaving the city behind as you see the desert come alive with a rising sun. The air is brisk, wholesome and cold, and a relief to the city heat. This is the morning safari. It is focused, fast and all about the ride.
What’s It Like to Go on a Morning Safari?
It feels raw and energizing. The part of the day is dune bashing in a 4×4 and quad biking. Because the sand is harder in the cooler morning, it’s ideal for both. You’ll have the strength of your vehicle beneath you as you reach steep peaks and the wind through your hair on a quad bike that let’s you blaze your own trail. It’s pristine and uncut, it ends by late morning, and you’re done for the day.
Who is the Morning Safari PERFECT for?
The Thrill-Seeker: If all you’re after is the excitement of dune bashing and quad biking, then the morning safari has this in store for you, with none of the frills.
The Photographer: Something magical about the soft, golden light of a desert sunrise. If you’re a photography buff, head in the early hours for breathtaking (and crowd-free) photos you won’t be able to get later in the day.
The Person Who’s Short on Time: It’s a half-day trip, so you’d be back at your hotel by noon or 1 p.m. and can explore the city or hit up the beach in the afternoon.
What’s it like on a Typical Morning Safari?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (even by 5 a.m.!)
- Dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle
- A session of 4×4 quadding (30-45 minutes)
- And it’s always worth a short break for some camel riding
- Water and soft drinks
What’s NOT included: Desert camp, BBQ dinner and Household entertainment shows.
The Desert Safari In The Evening Is All About Experiencing Culture At Its Best
Now imagine this: You stand on the dunes at sunset and watch the sun turn the sky orange, then pink. The thrill of the dune bashing and quad biking begins to slip away as you start feeling mellow and eager for an action-packed night. This is the evening safari. It’s an epic odyssey from high energy to deep serenity.
The Magic of a Desert Sunset
There are few experiences in life as breathtaking as a desert sunset. “Then the sky becomes a canvas for this explosion of color.” Long, dramatic shadows stretched over the dunes. It’s a moment of serene and awe-inspiring beauty. This, then, is the setting of your evening.
Who Is The Evening Safari PERFECT For?
The Family: There’s something for everyone. The adventure is adored by kids and grown-ups, and the entire family enjoys camp activities, food and shows.
The Couple: It’s incredibly romantic. Sharing a beach sunset over the dunes and dining with some entertainment are an evening not to be forgotten.
The First-Timer: If you have never been to Dubai, this is the experience. It’s the best when it comes to adventure, culture, food and hospitality.
An Evening of Food and Fun
You’re taken to a magical Bedouin-style camp after the adventure. Energy moves from adventure into atmosphere. You can laze around, chug the Arabic coffee and partake in an array of cultural activities before gorging on a banquet dinner and taking in a spectacular show all under the stars.
This is where you can:
- Take a gentle camel ride.
- Attempt sandboarding off a gentle dune.
- Have a nice henna painting done on your hand.
- See exciting performances such as the vibrant Tanoura dance and a daring fire show.
- Feast on a huge BBQ dinner with both global and local fare.
[Video: A 60-second montage of the best moments of an evening safari, including dune bashing, a quad bike on one during sunset and a brief glimpse of the fire show.]
Morning vs Evening Safaris – How do they Really Compare?
Still can’t decide? Let’s put them side-by-side.
“What if I want the adventure AND the culture?” Go for the Evening Safari. It includes everything. You get the thrill of the quad bike and the dune bashing, followed by the full cultural experience. You won’t miss a thing.
“What if I’m traveling on a budget?” The Morning Safari is usually your more budget-friendly option. You get the core adventure for a lower price, leaving you more money for other Dubai experiences.
“What if I hate big crowds?” The Morning Safari might be better for you. The desert feels more peaceful and exclusive in the early hours before the larger evening groups arrive.
“Is the quad biking experience different?” The activity itself is the same. The only difference is the environment. In the morning, you ride in the cool, fresh air. In the evening, you ride towards a spectacular sunset. Both are incredible in their own way.
Let’s Get Personal: Your Last Ask Me Anything Queries Answered
A couple of more questions to answer, and we’ll be through.
“But what if I want the adventure AND the culture?” Go for the Evening Safari. It includes everything. You get the excitement of the quad bike and dune bashing, and then the complete cultural experience. You won’t miss a thing.
“What if I’m traveling with a tight budget?” The Morning Safari is generally your budget-friendly choice here. You still get all that at a central adventure-zone coffin spread, but you save money to spend on other Dubai activities.
“What if I hate big crowds?” Maybe you should try the Moring Safari. Early in the morning before hundreds of larger evening groups descend it feels more tranquil and exclusive here in the desert.
“Is the quad biking being done any differently? The process itself is identical. The only distinction is the environment. You ride in the cool, fresh air of morning. You ride into a magnificent sunset in the evening. Both are amazing in their own way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are desert safaris safe for children?
Yes, absolutely. Morning and evening safaris are usually quite child-friendly. The drivers and guides are pros. Quad biking is generally age restricted (usually 16+ otherwise riding pillion with an adult or guide) oppressively so for younger children.
Q2: What to wear on a desert safari?
Comfortable, casual clothing is best. Light jacket is required during the winter (Nov-Mar) period, as it can be cold at night. Dress light but respectful (no bathing suits) in the summer. Most exciting for me, the distance limit was lifted a few weeks ago to 5 miles, so as lockdown continued I could extend the treats and stroll barefoot in the sand. Closed-toe shoes such as sneakers are far better than sandals really, to walk on the hot sand you need them.
Q3: Is it possible to reserve for private desert safari?
Yes, a lot of companies do private safaris. If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, don’t want to be around other people at all or have an occasion to celebrate, this is a fantastic choice. It is more expensive, but you are guaranteed privacy and freedom.
Q4: Which is best for seeing stars?
6) The Evening Safari is your one chance to stargaze. When the entertainment ends and the lights of the camp are dimmed, one can marvel at an impressive starry desert far away from any city lights.
The Verdict: Your Ideal Desert, Right Here
A morning desert safari or an evening – it totally depends which one you consider “better.” There is only the perfect choice for you. If you are a pure adventurist and your heart beats for adventure, and want to see the desert in the morning, please choose our morning safari.
If you need the works – adventure, culture, tasty food and full entertainment – then the evening safari is your best bet. Either one will provide you with memories to treasure forever. You’ve just got to pick the story you want to tell.
