Camel Riding Safari in Dubai: What to Know

A typical camel safari is a half-day or evening group trip into the desert. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, driven out (often with some dune bashing), then given a short 20–40 minute camel ride along a marked trail while the sun sets or rises. After the ride there’s usually Arabic coffee, shisha, henna, a buffet BBQ dinner, and some form of entertainment like tanoura dancing. The actual camel part is gentle but can feel bouncy; the animals are well-trained but still smell strongly and occasionally make loud grunting noises. It’s touristy, not a wilderness trek, so expect other groups nearby and plenty of photo stops.

The best time is November to March when daytime temperatures are pleasant and evenings are cool. Skip the scorching summer months (May–September) unless you only want an indoor camel interaction at a breeding center. Expect to pay around $60–$130 per person depending on whether it’s a basic sunset ride with dinner or a longer sunrise/sunset combo with sandboarding and premium pick-up.

Choose the shorter camel ride if you just want the experience and photos; longer “safari” packages add value with dune bashing and shows. Skip anything advertised as a “private camel trek” in the desert unless you’re ready for a significantly higher price and very early start – most are still group experiences with extras tacked on.