Desert Safari Lahbab: Prices, Timings and What to Expect
Not all desert in Dubai looks the same. At Lahbab, the sand turns a deep red-orange, the dunes are high and steep, and at sunset the whole place glows. That's why a desert safari Lahbab trip is the one we recommend first.
Here's everything you need to know: where it is, what's included and how much you'll pay.
Getting to Lahbab
The Lahbab desert Dubai area sits off the Dubai to Hatta road, around 45 minutes to an hour from the city. You don't need to worry about getting there, because we include free 4x4 pickup from hotels in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. Our Lahbab desert camp is where you'll have dinner and watch the shows.
The Lahbab red dunes are the main reason people come out this way. Photos taken here look amazing without any filter, especially in the hour before sunset. If you've been searching for a red dunes desert safari Dubai trip, this is it.
Some safari companies use flatter desert nearer the city. It's quicker to reach, but the dunes are smaller and the sand is paler. For us, the extra few minutes on the road are worth it, because the scenery is in a different league.
The Evening Trip
Most guests book the evening desert safari Lahbab trip. Pickup is between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, and the whole trip takes about six hours. You start with dune bashing, then stop on a high dune for sunset. After that, you head to camp for a Tanoura show, a fire show and a BBQ dinner.
Adults pay AED 75, and children pay AED 60. Kids under three don't pay at all.
The Morning Trip
If evenings don't work for you, try the morning desert safari Lahbab trip, which lasts about four hours. We collect you between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM. It includes dune bashing, sandboarding and a short camel ride. Adults pay AED 65 and kids pay AED 55.
Premium Safari with Quad Bike
For a bit more adventure, the Premium Safari with Quad Bike is a great pick. You get the evening safari, a 20-minute quad ride, VIP seats and a better BBQ. It costs AED 139 for adults and AED 110 for kids, and lasts about six and a half hours.
Already booked a standard trip? You can add quad bike Lahbab time at the camp for AED 120 per bike for 30 minutes. You can also add a 30-minute dune buggy for AED 299, a 20-minute camel trek for AED 45 or a photo package for AED 79 per group.
Sleeping Under the Stars
There's something special about waking up in the desert. The overnight desert safari Lahbab trip includes everything from the evening safari, plus a campfire, a night in the camp, a sunrise walk and breakfast. It lasts about 17 hours and costs AED 189 for adults and AED 150 for kids.
Private Trips
Want the car to yourselves? Our private desert safari Lahbab trip is AED 649 per 4x4, and fits up to six people. You get your own driver and Land Cruiser, and the timing is flexible.
Driving your own 4x4? The Own Car Desert Safari is only AED 40 per person. You meet us at camp and enjoy the shows, the BBQ and unlimited drinks.
Dune Bashing at Lahbab
Dune bashing means riding in a 4x4 while a skilled driver takes it up, over and down the dunes. Because the Lahbab dunes are tall, the ride here feels more exciting than in flatter deserts. Expect a bumpy ride and a lot of laughing, but you're strapped in the whole time.
Pregnant guests, people with back problems and parents with babies should let us know when booking, and we'll suggest the best option for you.
How to Get the Best Photos
Charge your phone fully before the trip. Keep the sun behind you to make the red sand really stand out. For silhouette shots, face the sun from the top of a dune. If you want proper pictures without the effort, add the photo package for AED 79 per group. Golden hour is short, so be ready the moment the car stops on the dune. And don't forget to put the phone down for a minute and just enjoy it.
Which Season Is Best?
October to April is the best time to go, when days are warm but nights are pleasant. In summer, stick to the evening Lahbab Red Dunes trip, because it cools down after sunset. The red dunes look their best in the last hour before sunset. Weekends get busy, so book a few days ahead.
Good to Know Before You Go
• No prepayment is needed, you pay on the day
• You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup
• Vegetarian food is available at dinner
• Wear light clothes and bring sunglasses
• A jacket helps in winter, as the desert gets cool at night
Questions People Ask
Do I pay extra for pickup?
Yes. Pickup by 4x4 is free from hotels in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
Do I need to pay in advance?
No prepayment is needed. You pay on the day.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes, children pay less, and under-threes go free.
Is there vegetarian food?
Yes, the BBQ always includes vegetarian dishes.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
How long is the drive to the desert?
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour from most hotels in Dubai. Most guests enjoy the drive, and the driver can tell you about the area on the way.
Is it possible to add a quad bike at the camp?
Yes, you can add a quad bike for AED 120 per bike for 30 minutes, but it's best to tell us when you book so we can keep one ready.
Who Is This Trip For?
First-time visitors who want classic desert views will love Lahbab. Families enjoy it too, with lower prices for kids and lots to see at camp. Couples come for the sunset, and groups of friends come for the quad bikes and buggies. Photographers love the colour of the sand, especially in the late afternoon.
Book Your Lahbab Desert Safari
For the best dunes near Dubai, a Lahbab desert safari is hard to beat. We're open every day from 7 AM to 11 PM. Call or WhatsApp us on +971 56 127 7925, or book your desert safari Lahbab trip at desertsafarilahbab.com.
