Desert Safari Dubai with Kids - Family Guide

Desert Safari Dubai with Kids — A Complete Family Guide

One of the most common questions we get from families is "can we bring our kids on a desert safari?" The short answer is yes — and children usually love it more than adults. Here is everything families need to know about taking kids on a desert safari in Dubai.

Age limits and safety

1. Children under 3: not permitted on dune bashing for safety reasons. The sharp turns and bumps are too intense for very young children. However, babies and toddlers are welcome at the desert camp — you can arrange a direct transfer to the camp without the dune bashing portion.
2. Children 3-12: welcome on all activities with parental supervision. They must wear seatbelts during dune bashing. Most children this age absolutely love dune bashing — they treat it like a theme park ride.
3. Teenagers: they can participate in everything including quad biking (with supervision) and sandboarding. Teenagers often rate the desert safari as the best part of their Dubai trip.

What kids enjoy most

Based on feedback from hundreds of families:

1. Dune bashing — children (3+) almost universally love it. The screaming and laughing from the back seat is part of every trip.
2. Camel riding — a gentle, short ride that fascinates younger children especially.
3. Sandboarding — sliding down dunes on a board. Easy to learn, endlessly fun.
4. Henna painting — many children (boys and girls) love getting temporary henna designs.
5. Playing in the sand — the simplest thing, but desert sand is different from beach sand and kids find it fascinating.
6. The BBQ dinner — children are not usually picky about the buffet because they are hungry and excited from the activities.

Which safari is best for families?

The evening desert safari with BBQ dinner is the best choice for families. It has the widest range of activities (dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna, shows, dinner) in a single package. Children eat for the same rate as adults — AED 109 per person. Children under 3 are free.

For families who want a quieter, less crowded experience, consider a sunrise safari — the morning desert is peaceful and the temperatures are comfortable for children. It is also a private vehicle experience, so your family has the 4x4 to yourselves.

Tips for families

1. Book the evening safari in winter months (October-March) when temperatures are comfortable. Summer evening safaris are hot at the start — children can find the initial 30 minutes uncomfortable before sunset.
2. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles even though water is provided at the camp. The transfer and dune bashing happen before you reach the camp.
3. Inform your driver about your children's ages at pickup. Drivers adjust the intensity of dune bashing for families with young kids — slightly gentler turns, same fun.
4. Bring a light jacket for children in winter — the desert gets cold after sunset and kids feel it more.
5. Charge your phone before the trip. There are no charging points at the desert camp.

Can pregnant women go on a desert safari?

Dune bashing is not recommended during pregnancy due to the bumps and sharp turns. However, pregnant visitors can arrange a direct transfer to the desert camp (skipping the dune bashing) and enjoy the camel ride, dinner, entertainment, and atmosphere. Contact us on WhatsApp to arrange this.

Booking for families

Browse all desert safari packages and book online. For large families or groups of 6+, message us on WhatsApp at +971 55 534 6567 — we can arrange a private vehicle so your family is not sharing with strangers. All tours include hotel pickup from anywhere in Dubai.