Desert Safari Lahbab: A Local's Guide to the Red Dunes
Desert Safari Lahbab: A Local's Guide to the Red Dunes
Blog Article
Ask anyone who has done a few safaris in Dubai, and they'll tell you the sand isn't the same everywhere. Out at Lahbab, the dunes are a deep red-orange colour, 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.
How Far Is Lahbab from Dubai?
Lahbab desert Dubai is just 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.
People come here mainly for the Lahbab red dunes. Your photos will look great without a single 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.
Our Most Popular Package
The evening desert safari Lahbab trip is what most people book. We pick you up between 2:30 and 3:30 PM, and the whole trip takes about six hours. First comes dune bashing, then a sunset stop on top of a high dune. After that, you head to camp for a Tanoura show, a fire show and a BBQ dinner.
It costs AED 75 for adults and AED 60 for kids. Kids under three don't pay at all.
Morning Desert Safari Lahbab
If evenings don't work for you, try the morning desert safari Lahbab trip, which lasts about four hours. Pickup is between 7:30 and 8:30 AM. It includes dune bashing, sandboarding and a short camel ride. The price is AED 65 for adults and AED 55 for kids.
Premium Safari with Quad Bike
If you want to drive on the dunes yourself, go for the Premium Safari with Quad Bike. 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. Other add-ons include a dune buggy at AED 299 for 30 minutes, a 20-minute camel trek at AED 45 and a photo package at AED 79 per group.
Stay the Night
Waking up in the desert is something else. 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? A private desert safari Lahbab trip costs AED 649 per 4x4, for up to six guests. 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.
What Happens on the Dunes
Dune bashing is when an experienced driver takes the 4x4 up and down the dunes at steep angles. At Lahbab, the dunes are high, so the ride feels bigger than in flatter areas. You'll bounce around and probably scream a little, but you're strapped in the whole time.
If you're pregnant, have back problems or are travelling with a baby, tell us when you book, and we'll suggest the best Lahbab Red Dunes option for you.
Photo Tips for the Red Dunes
Make sure your phone is charged before the sunset stop. Shoot with the sun behind you to bring out the red colour of the sand. For silhouettes, stand on top of a dune and face the sun. For professional shots, add the AED 79 photo package for your 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.
When to Go
The best months are October to April, when the days are warm and the evenings are cool. Summer trips still run, but the evening safari is the better choice then. The light is best in the last hour before sunset, when the red dunes look brightest. Book a few days in advance for weekends.
A Few Practical Tips
• You don't pay anything until the day of the trip
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup
• Vegetarian food is available at dinner
• Bring sunglasses and wear something light
• In December and January, bring a light jacket for the evening
FAQs About Lahbab
Is pickup really free?
No, 4x4 pickup is free from hotels in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
When do I pay?
No prepayment is needed. You pay on the day.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes. Kids have their own lower prices, and children under three go free.
Do you have veg options?
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?
From most Dubai hotels, it's around 45 to 60 minutes. The time passes quickly, and the driver is happy to answer questions on the way.
Is it possible to add a quad bike at the camp?
Yes. A 30-minute quad bike costs AED 120 per bike, though it helps to mention it when you book.
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, while groups of friends come for the quad bikes. Anyone into photography will love the red sand in the late afternoon light.
Book Your Lahbab Desert Safari
A Lahbab desert safari is the easiest way to see the best dunes near Dubai. We're open every day from 7 AM to 11 PM. Send a WhatsApp or call +971 56 127 7925, or visit desertsafarilahbab.com to book your desert safari Lahbab trip.
Report this page