Dubai is famous for its luxurious experiences, and while many of them come with a hefty price tag, the desert safari is one adventure that can be enjoyed on a budget. The desert offers a beautiful and unique landscape, and a safari provides thrilling activities like dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and cultural performances. However, if you want to enjoy this experience without breaking the bank, it's essential to find ways to save money during the booking process.
Here are some money-saving tips for booking a desert safari in Dubai while sticking to a budget:
1. Book in Advance
Booking your dubai safari tour booking​ in advance can save you both time and money. Many tour companies offer discounts for early bookings, and by securing your spot ahead of time, you can avoid paying higher last-minute prices. You can also compare prices between different operators, ensuring you find the best deal for your budget.
Tip: Use online platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, or the safari operator's own website to find deals for early bookings.
2. Choose a Morning Safari
While evening safaris tend to be more popular and come with higher costs due to the added activities (like BBQ dinners and cultural performances), morning safaris tend to be more affordable. Since fewer tourists opt for morning safaris, they often offer lower prices while still including exciting activities like dune bashing and camel rides.
Tip: If you're flexible with timing and don't mind missing the sunset or evening entertainment, opt for the morning safari to save on costs.
3. Opt for Group or Shared Packages
Instead of booking a private safari, which can be expensive, consider opting for a group safari. In a group tour, the cost of the vehicle and guide is shared among all participants, significantly lowering the price per person. Shared packages include almost all the same activities as private tours, so you won’t miss out on the desert adventure.
Tip: Look for shared safari packages that include pick-up and drop-off from major hotels in Dubai to save even more on transportation.
4. Avoid Peak Season
Dubai experiences a high tourist season from November to March, with the weather being most favorable. During this time, safari prices tend to rise due to increased demand. To save money, plan your trip during the off-peak season (the summer months or early fall). Though it may be hotter, many tour companies offer discounted rates during the off-season to attract customers.
Tip: Check the weather forecast and try to visit during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) to get lower prices.
5. Look for Special Deals and Promotions
Tour companies frequently run special promotions, seasonal offers, or discounts, especially during festivals like Ramadan or Dubai Shopping Festival. These promotions can help you book a desert safari at a significantly reduced price. Always keep an eye out for discounts on websites, social media, or even sign up for newsletters to receive exclusive offers.
Tip: Follow the official websites of desert safari operators or social media pages to stay updated on deals and limited-time offers.
6. Bundle with Other Activities
If you plan on doing other tours or activities in Dubai, consider booking a combined package that includes both the desert safari and another activity, like a city tour, Dubai Aquarium visit, or Burj Khalifa tickets. Many tour companies offer bundled deals, giving you access to multiple activities at a discounted rate.
Tip: Look for combo packages where you can add a desert safari to other experiences, often saving up to 20% off the total price.
7. Choose Budget-Friendly Operators
Dubai has a wide variety of safari operators, ranging from high-end luxury services to budget-friendly options. When booking, do a little research to find tour operators that specialize in affordable safaris. Many budget operators offer excellent services without the hefty price tag. They may not have the same luxurious amenities as the more expensive packages, but the core desert safari experience remains the same.
Tip: Read reviews and compare prices online to find highly-rated, budget-friendly tour operators. Websites like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews can give you a better idea of what to expect from each operator.
8. Avoid Extra Upgrades
Many desert safari tours offer add-ons like VIP seating, private dinners, extra-long camel rides, or premium transport. While these may sound tempting, they can quickly add to the cost. Stick to the basics — like dune bashing, camel rides, and cultural performances — to keep the cost down.
Tip: Only choose essential add-ons and avoid unnecessary upgrades that don't significantly enhance your experience.
9. Use Local Discount Websites or Coupons
There are many local platforms and coupon websites in Dubai that offer discounts on desert safari bookings. Websites like Groupon or Cobone regularly feature discount vouchers for tours and activities, including desert safaris. These platforms allow you to purchase vouchers for a specific price and redeem them when booking your safari.
Tip: Look for discount vouchers on local coupon sites before booking to find significant savings.
10. Check for Hotel Packages
Many hotels in Dubai offer special discounts or deals for guests looking to book desert safaris. If you’re staying at a hotel, inquire about any exclusive rates or partnerships the hotel may have with desert safari operators. Some hotels offer a discounted safari experience as part of a package deal or even offer a free desert experience for guests who book longer stays.
Tip: Ask the hotel concierge if they have any affiliated safari providers or special offers that can help reduce the cost of your desert safari.
11. Travel with a Group or Family
If you’re traveling with family or friends, you can split the cost by booking a private vehicle for your group. Though private safaris tend to be more expensive per person, the overall cost per individual decreases when you share the vehicle with others. Many safari operators provide discounted rates for large groups.
Tip: Book a private safari for a group to enjoy lower rates and a more personal experience without paying the full price for each person.
12. Avoid High-End Luxury Safaris
While Dubai offers ultra-luxurious desert safari experiences with lavish dinners, private vehicles, and exclusive performances, these tours are far more expensive than standard or budget options. For those on a budget, skip the luxury safari packages and opt for standard packages that still provide the core desert activities but at a fraction of the cost.
Tip: Choose a basic or standard safari package to avoid the high costs associated with luxury services, and still enjoy an authentic desert adventure.
Final Thoughts
With a little planning, research, and flexibility, you can enjoy a memorable desert safari experience in Dubai without going over your budget. The key is to avoid unnecessary upgrades, book in advance, and look for deals and discounts to maximize your savings. Whether you choose a morning safari to keep costs low or take advantage of off-season deals, following these money-saving tips will help you have an unforgettable experience in the Dubai desert without the hefty price tag.
By planning carefully and making informed choices, you’ll be able to enjoy the thrill of the desert while staying within your budget. Happy safari hunting!
