The Desert
Red dunes, camels and a quiet sunset, usually under an hour’s drive from the city — as an afternoon trip or a night away.
Overview
Most travellers see the desert on an afternoon and evening trip from their hotel: a drive into the dunes, a camel ride, sunset and dinner at a camp. A sunrise balloon flight or a night at a desert resort gives a quieter, slower version. It suits families, couples and groups on a Dubai city break.
It is the contrast that makes it worth including. After the malls and towers, an evening in the dunes shows a completely different side of the Emirates, and it fits into a stay of three nights or more without needing a separate trip.
What the trip looks like
Built around your dates. There is no fixed itinerary. These are the lengths of stay most of our travellers choose, and we plan the detail with you.
Afternoon and evening
Pick-up after lunch, a dune drive, a camel ride, sunset and dinner at a camp, back in the city late evening.
Sunrise balloon flight
An early pick-up, a flight over the dunes at dawn, and breakfast afterwards. Weather permitting.
Desert resort or camp
A night outside the city, with time for a dune drive, a sunset walk and a quiet dinner.
City and desert
Two or three city nights and one in the desert, with transfers between them.
Experiences
Dune drive
A 4x4 drive over the dunes with an experienced driver. Not suitable in pregnancy, for back or neck problems, or for very young children.
Camel ride
A short ride on the dunes, usually at the camp.
Sunset and camp dinner
Dinner outside at a desert camp, often with entertainment. Programmes change during Ramadan.
Hot-air balloon
Sunrise flights over the desert, subject to wind and weather on the day.
Desert resort stay
A night at a desert resort for space, stars and a slower pace.
Gentler options
Camp visits without the dune drive, and quad or sandboarding activities chosen by age.
Where you'll stay
Most desert trips start and end at your city hotel. For an overnight stay we match the camp or resort to your budget and dates.
Day trip from your hotel
A shared afternoon and evening trip with hotel pick-up; no extra night needed.
Private desert trip
Your own vehicle and driver, timed around your group.
Desert camp overnight
A night at an established desert camp, with dinner and breakfast.
Desert resort
A five-star desert resort with private transfers, for one or two nights.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Best period
- Good / shoulder
- Quieter or wetter
Warm afternoons and cool evenings. The busiest time; book balloon flights well ahead.
Hot afternoons, pleasant evenings. Good value.
Trips run in the early morning or late afternoon, and some programmes are shorter.
High wind can cancel balloon flights. Festive weeks cost more at desert resorts.
What we arrange
What we arrange
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Shared or private desert trips
- Balloon flights, booked in advance
- Desert camp or resort nights
- Flights, visas and city hotels
- Travel insurance
What varies by trip
- Shared or private vehicle
- Afternoon, morning or overnight
- Camp or resort level
- Activities chosen by age and health
- Season and holiday dates
Your written quotation lists exactly what is included for your dates.
Gallery
Where you'll be
Desert trips run to several areas inland from the city, usually 45–60 minutes’ drive from central hotels.
Pricing
What changes the price
- Shared or private
- Time of day
- Balloon flight
- Camp or resort night
- Group size
- Season
Final pricing depends on dates, traveller numbers, accommodation and availability.
Interested in The Desert?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A consultant will come back to you with options and a firm quotation.
- Only name and email are required
- No obligation; a travel advisor replies, not an automated sequence
- Flights, hotels, transfers and visa guidance handled together
Prefer to talk it through? Talk to a travel advisor on +254 727 443840 or email travel@travellifectm.com.
The Desert: good to know
How long is a desert trip?
An afternoon and evening trip is usually about six hours including pick-up. Overnight stays add a night outside the city.
Is the dune drive safe for children?
Drivers are experienced, but dune driving is bumpy. It is not suitable in pregnancy, for back or neck problems, or for very young children; we suggest gentler options instead.
When is the best time?
November to March. In summer, trips run early or late in the day when it is cooler.
Do I need to stay overnight?
No. Most travellers do an afternoon trip from their city hotel. A night in the desert suits those who want a quieter experience.
Can I add the desert to a city break?
Yes. It fits into any stay of three nights or more, and we book it with your hotel and transfers.
Can Travel Life Africa arrange flights and transfers?
Yes. Flights, visa applications, hotels, transfers and tickets are booked together as one trip.
Other places to explore.
Photos via Unsplash (Unsplash Licence). Images show the type of place and experience and are not from a specific Travel Life Africa trip or property.