After guiding 200+ desert safari trips, I've seen every clothing mistake possible: flip-flops filled with sand, guests freezing after sunset, white shirts turning orange. Here's what actually works – and what to avoid.
The Essential Desert Safari Packing List
Before diving into details, here's your quick checklist:
| Item | Why It Matters | Common Mistake |
|---|
| Closed shoes (sneakers) | Sand protection, dune climbing | Sandals = sand everywhere |
| Light-colored clothing | Reflects heat | Black absorbs sun, gets hot fast |
| Light jacket or hoodie | 15°C temperature drop after sunset | Forgetting layers, freezing at dinner |
| Sunglasses | Sand glare is intense | Leaving them in the car |
| Sunscreen (SPF 50+) | Desert sun is brutal | Applying once, not reapplying |
| Hair tie (long hair) | Wind during dune bashing | Hair in face for all photos |
What to Wear: Clothing That Actually Works
Skip Cotton – Here's Why
Cotton absorbs sweat and stays wet. In the 40°C afternoon heat, you'll be soaked. By sunset (when it drops to 25°C), you'll be clammy and cold. Instead, wear moisture-wicking fabric – any sports shirt works. It dries in minutes and keeps you comfortable.
The Footwear Rule
I've seen guests in everything from high heels to barefoot. Here's what works:
- Best choice: Sneakers or sports shoes – protect feet, easy to shake out sand
- Acceptable: Sandals with ankle straps – some sand gets in, but manageable
- Avoid: Flip-flops (sand everywhere), hiking boots (too hot), anything white (permanently orange after)
For Women: Dress Code Specifics
No strict dress code, but practical matters:
- Loose pants or long skirts work best for camel rides (easier mounting)
- Avoid short skirts – sitting positions can be awkward
- Bring a scarf – useful for sun protection and covering shoulders at camps
- Skip heavy makeup – it'll melt by hour two
For more on what to expect, see our complete guide to booking a desert safari.
Temperature Reality Check
This is where most visitors get caught off guard:
| Time | Temperature | What It Feels Like |
|---|
| 3:00 PM (pickup) | 38-42°C | Hot. Direct sun feels hotter. |
| 5:00 PM (dune bashing) | 35-38°C | Still hot, but wind helps |
| 6:30 PM (sunset) | 28-32°C | Pleasant, cooling quickly |
| 8:00 PM (dinner) | 23-26°C | Cool – you'll want that jacket |
| 9:00 PM (heading back) | 20-23°C | Genuinely cold if underdressed |
Winter months (November-February): Evening temperatures can drop to 15-18°C. A proper jacket is essential, not optional.
What Activities to Expect (And How to Prepare)
Dune Bashing (30-40 minutes)
Your driver navigates the red sand dunes in a Land Cruiser. It's intense – sharp turns, steep drops, quick accelerations. Prepare by:
- Taking motion sickness medication 30 minutes before (Dramamine works)
- Sitting in the front seat if you're prone to nausea
- Eating light beforehand – heavy meals make it worse
- Telling your driver if you want "gentle" or "thrilling" – they'll adjust
Want to drive yourself instead? Our self-drive dune buggy lets you control the pace.
Sandboarding
Like snowboarding, but slower and sandier. Tips:
- Wax is provided – use it, or you won't slide
- Sit-down boarding is easier for beginners
- Sand gets everywhere – zip all pockets closed
Camel Ride (15-20 minutes)
The mounting process is the tricky part – the camel lurches forward then backward as it stands. Hold the saddle handle firmly. The actual ride is gentle and relaxing. For photography tips during activities, see our desert photography guide.
Evening Camp: What to Know
Entertainment Schedule (Typical)
- 6:30-7:00 PM: Arrival, welcome drinks (Arabic coffee, dates)
- 7:00-7:30 PM: Henna painting, traditional dress photos
- 7:30-8:30 PM: BBQ dinner buffet opens
- 8:30-9:30 PM: Shows (Tanoura dance, belly dance, fire show)
- 9:30 PM: Departure
For more on entertainment, see our guide to desert safari entertainment.
Food: What's Actually Served
Standard BBQ buffet includes:
- Grilled meats: chicken, lamb, beef kebabs
- Rice dishes: biryani, saffron rice
- Salads: hummus, baba ganoush, fattoush, tabbouleh
- Bread: Arabic flatbread, pita
- Desserts: kunafa, baklava, fresh fruit
- Drinks: water, soft drinks, Arabic coffee, tea
Vegetarian/vegan: Always available – inform your driver during pickup.
Safety Tips That Actually Matter
GSC data shows people search "dubai desert safari safety tips" – here's the real advice:
- Seatbelt on during dune bashing – obvious, but some guests unbuckle for photos
- Stay with your group – the desert looks the same in every direction
- Hydrate before, during, after – you'll lose more water than you realize
- Protect your phone – sand damages charging ports and speakers
- Medical conditions: Inform your guide about back problems, pregnancy (not recommended), heart conditions
What to Skip (Save Your Money)
Some optional activities aren't worth the extra AED:
- Quad biking at camp: Short duration, overpriced. Book a dedicated quad tour instead.
- Professional photos: They're overpriced (AED 50-100). Your phone works fine.
- Shisha: Included in most packages – don't pay extra.
Booking the Right Package
Now that you know what to expect, choose the right experience:
- Standard evening safari (AED 100-180): Shared vehicle, all activities included. Good for most visitors.
- Premium safari (AED 250-400): Better vehicle, VIP seating, enhanced dinner. Worth it for special occasions – see our premium desert safari package.
- Self-drive options: Control your own adventure with a dune buggy or quad bike.
For a complete UAE experience, combine your safari with an Abu Dhabi city tour – different vibe, equally impressive landmarks.
Final Checklist Before You Go
- ☐ Closed shoes (sneakers preferred)
- ☐ Light-colored, moisture-wicking clothing
- ☐ Light jacket or hoodie for evening
- ☐ Sunscreen SPF 50+ and sunglasses
- ☐ Fully charged phone (bring power bank)
- ☐ Motion sickness medication (if needed)
- ☐ Cash for tips (AED 20-50 for driver is customary)
- ☐ Camera with sand-proof case or ziplock bag
