When you go to Dubai the number one thing that you should not miss is the Desert Safari.

There are different companies which offers the tour. The cheapest that you could get is at AED 99 (USD 27) and could go up to AED 300 (USD 82) or more. Well ofcourse the price could depend on the type of food, camp site, and if the company is organize. But I could tell that the activities are all the same.

This blog post will help you understand what to expect for your safari experience in the desert. Trust me I have been to different safaris in Dubai.

There are two deserts that you can choose from for the tour (ask which desert you will go to before you book):
1. Al Awir Desert - is along the Hata-Oman Road which is priced less than the other.
2. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (Margam) - it is well known for its big red dunes and if you are lucky you will be able to see different desert animals such as oryx, gazelle and hare (yes it is true, all of this I have seen in my tour which will be showed in my next blog post).

All the companies that offers this in Dubai includes the transfers (pick-up and drop off) usually in any hotel, shopping mall or residence. I suggest you choose any hotel for the pick-up location so that the driver can locate it easily, this is a suggestion even if you are a tourist or a resident in Dubai. The main problems that could occur at this point might be as follows:
1. late pick-up (due to another clients from another place came late or due to traffic)
2. the driver couldn't find you in the location as there might be a lot of people also waiting to be pick-up (it is advisable that you have a phone with you to contact you easily during this time. Make sure to buy a local sim card - it will lessen your roaming expense, and it will be cheaper)
3. the driver pick-up the wrong guest (yes it does happen)
4. missed booking due to any system error from the company (make sure to reconfirm your booking).
Once you were pick-up you are good to go. The drive going to the desert could be 45 minutes to an hour.

The first activity will be the Dune Bashing - adventurous ride in a Land Cruiser (option of Hummer for a different cost). Fasten your seat belts everyone this will be fun! A thrill ride for 30 minutes. This could make you feel nauseous (depends).

Once you get in the desert camp you will be welcomed with drinks such as coffee, water, tea and soda. The activities that you could do are as follows: camel ride (only for 5 minutes but you can do it again), sand boarding, falcon photo (additional AED 10), relax in the bedouins, rent an ATV (extra cost usually at AED 125 per 15 minutes), henna painting, try on arabic costume and sheesha.

And the night is on and the dinner is ready, food would be arabic and indian, vegetarian option is always available. The food would be delicious, but will depend upon your taste. The belly dancer and the tanoura dancer will entertain you the whole night.

The last advise that I can give is you really have to be keen in choosing the company that you will book with and don't forget to reconfirm your booking.