The Ultimate Packing List for a Desert Safari in Dubai

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A Dubai holiday without experiencing a desert safari is like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. The desert is at the root of Dubai’s history, culture, and heritage. Long before the Arabs moved to the city, they lived in the forest. Even today, after all the advancements, the Emiratis still follow the desert or the Bedouin culture of the past. The desert safari is their way of preserving desert culture and showing it to the world. Moreover, the desert safari has evolved itself to become more adventurous and entertaining. If you are visiting Dubai, or are a resident of the city or the country and are planning to go on a desert safari, it is important to know what to pack for a desert safari in Dubai. Here is the ultimate packing list for a desert safari in Dubai.

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clothing

What to wear

What to wear for a desert safari in Dubai is a common question. You will be spending more than 6 hours in the desert, at least a few hours in the blazing heat of the sun. So, you need to pack your clothes accordingly. Cotton and linen clothes are your best bet. It is best to opt for long cotton/linen pants and long-sleeved or half-sleeved tops and t-shirts of the same fabrics. While the days in the desert are extremely warm, evenings are chilly. As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops, and you are likely to feel cold in your cotton wear. Hence, you must carry a light jacket, a shrug, or a shawl to keep yourself warm.

What not to wear

Shorts may seem to be a great clothing choice for the Dubai desert safari. But it may not be. First, you can suffer from sunburn when your legs are exposed to the sun for a long time. Also, you will feel extremely cold after sunset. Apart from shorts, it is best to avoid short skirts, dresses, etc. The Bedouin-style seating arrangement will require you to sit on low-lying cushions, making these clothes uncomfortable. Also, you will find them discomforting while trying the numerous desert adventures like camel riding, quad biking, etc. Moreover, avoid wearing revealing clothes, as they are frowned upon by the locals.

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footwear + accessories

What to wear

The sand dunes are uneven, and you must choose a sturdy pair of footwear. It is best to wear a closed pair of shoes like walking shoes, sneakers, or trainers. This will give you a good grip while walking over the sand. Also, it will keep your feet from burning. Go for snug-fit shoes so that sand does not enter them easily. Wearing socks is optional. Keep accessories to a minimum. Women must opt for small studs or hoops as earrings. Short necklaces with a small pendant are enough. Men and women should go for simple belts without any embellishments.

What not to wear

Sandals and flip-flops are not ideal for desert safari in Dubai. Similarly, you must avoid footwear with heels at all costs. As for accessories, avoid any kind of heavy or long earrings and necklaces. Chunky bangles, bracelets, and rings should also be avoided. These can hurt you as well as others around you while trying out the different desert safari activities.

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sun protection essentials

It is a known fact that it is extremely hot in the desert. With absolutely no trees and other natural covers, the desert sun can become unbearable. If you are opting for an evening desert safari, you need to bear the sun only for a couple of hours. Still, you need to be prepared for its harsh effects. Here are some things you should pack to keep yourself cool.

• WATER BOTTLE
  It is important to keep drinking water so that you do not feel dehydrated. Carrying a water bottle is essential. You can refill the bottle at the desert camp.

• SUNSCREEN
  A sunscreen with a high SPF is necessary to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Slather the exposed parts of your skin generously with sunscreen. You may have to reapply the sunscreen after a few hours, especially if you are going for a morning desert safari.

• LIP BALM
  The desert sun can make your lips dry and chapped. So, keep lip balm handy. Pick a lip balm that comes with an SPF.

• SUNGLASSES
  Just like your skin, your eyes also need protection from the sun. Hence, you must pack sunglasses for your desert safari trip.

• HAT OR SCARF
  A wide-brimmed hat is necessary to protect your head from the heat. You can also use a scarf to cover your head and face in the heat.

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electronics

• CAMERA
  A camera is a must to capture beautiful images of the desert landscape, especially the sunset. If you do not have a camera, a smartphone is also enough.

• PORTABLE CHARGER
  A portable charger to charge your phones should also be on your desert packing checklist. You are not likely to find charging stations or plug points at the desert camp.

• TORCH
  A torch is something you should carry, especially if you are opting for an overnight desert safari.

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first aid + hygiene kit

• PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE
  You must carry your prescription medicines that you need to take before or after meals.

• PAIN KILLERS
  Carry some essential medicines like painkillers, pills for preventing or curing nausea, vomiting, or digestion issues, etc., for emergencies.

• FIRST AID KIT
  Your first aid kit should also contain antiseptic solutions, cotton, and bandages.

• INSECT REPELLENT
  You will need insect repellent for the evening and night.

• WET WIPES OR SANITIZER
  For hygienic purposes, carry some wet wipes and sanitizers.

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backpack

You will need to carry a bag to keep your essentials during your desert safari tour. A small backpack is the most comfortable to carry. If you do not have a backpack, a tote would also suffice. But do not carry bags that are too large. Make sure your bag is lightweight, and all the essential things easily fit into it.

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FAQ

Q: Do I need to take my own bedding for an overnight desert safari in Dubai?

A: It is not necessary to pack your own bedding if you are going on an overnight desert safari with a tour company. In this case, all sleeping arrangements like tents, beds, mattresses, and sleeping bags are available onsite. However, if you are camping in the desert independently, you will need to carry your own bedding or sleeping bag.

Q: Do I need to pack food for the desert safari?

A: No, you do not need to pack for your desert safari tour if you book one through a desert tour company. Usually, breakfast (morning desert safari), dinner (evening desert safari), and refreshments are included in the package. But this does not mean you cannot carry outside food with you. If you have food restrictions, you can carry your own food. If your baby is accompanying you, you can also carry baby food with you.

Q: Are toiletries available for overnight desert safari?

Toiletries may not be available at the desert safari camp. You will have to carry your own toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, and other essential toiletries.

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Do include these tips for Dubai desert safari. It will ensure that you have a safe and memorable experience in the beautiful deserts of Dubai.

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about the author

Kashish Jethani

Kashish Jethani is an ardent travel writer. Her insatiable interest to discover new destinations and sample varied cuisines propels her wanderlust. She documents her experience with vivid tales which transports readers to the world over.

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Last Updated: 06.19.2024