When I took my family on a private desert safari last year, I wasn’t sure if the extra cost was worth it. Thirty minutes into the dunes, watching my kids scream with delight while my elderly mother enjoyed a gentle ride at her own pace, I had my answer. A private desert safari package for family isn’t just about exclusivity – it’s about creating an experience perfectly tailored to everyone’s comfort level, from your adventurous teenagers to your cautious toddlers.
If you’re planning a family trip to Dubai, a private desert safari offers something the shared tours can’t match: complete control over your adventure, flexibility with activities, and memories without the crowds.
What Makes Private Desert Safari Perfect for Families?
Unlike shared safaris where you’re grouped with strangers on a fixed schedule, a private desert safari Dubai package for family gives you an exclusive 4×4 Land Cruiser just for your group. This means no rushing, no compromising, and no worrying about whether activities suit everyone’s ages and abilities.
Your vehicle, your rules. Want gentler dune bashing because you have young children? Just tell your driver. Need to skip activities because someone’s feeling unwell? No problem. Want to spend extra time photographing the sunset? Take all the time you need.
Perfect timing flexibility. Choose your pickup time based on your family’s schedule. Morning people can start at sunrise. Families with napping toddlers can depart later. You control the pace from beginning to end.
Privacy and comfort. No sharing space with strangers means more room for your family, intimate conversations during the drive, and the freedom to just be yourselves. Kids can be kids without worrying about disturbing others.
Private Desert Safari Package for Family: What’s Included
Most private family desert safari packages accommodate 6-7 people in one vehicle and include comprehensive amenities designed specifically for families.
Transportation:
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 Land Cruiser
- Professional licensed driver
- Hotel/home pickup and drop-off anywhere in Dubai or Sharjah
- Baby booster seats and child car seats available upon request
Desert Activities:
- Customizable dune bashing (intensity level your choice)
- Sandboarding on family-friendly slopes
- Camel riding with flexible duration
- Sunset photography stops
- Optional quad biking (additional cost)
Camp Experience:
- Private or VIP seating section at Bedouin-style camp
- Welcome drinks (Arabic coffee, tea, dates)
- Henna painting for ladies and children
- Traditional Arabic costume photography
- Kids’ playground area with swings
Entertainment & Dining:
- BBQ buffet dinner (vegetarian and non-vegetarian)
- Unlimited soft drinks, water, tea, coffee
- Belly dance performance
- Tanoura dance show
- Fire performance
- Shisha smoking (designated areas for adults)
Family-Friendly Features:
- Shaded rest areas for breaks
- Clean restroom facilities
- Flexible return timing
- Option to skip campsite and do desert activities only
Private Desert Safari Package Pricing for Families
Private desert safari packages typically range from AED 600 to AED 1,500 per vehicle, depending on what’s included and the season.
Standard Private Package: AED 700-850
- Holds 6-7 people
- All basic activities included
- Regular camp seating
- Standard BBQ dinner
Premium Private Package: AED 950-1,200
- VIP camp seating with tables and chairs
- Enhanced food quality
- Longer activity times
- Professional photography included
Luxury Private Package: AED 1,300-1,500
- Premium vehicle
- Extended desert time
- Gourmet dinner options
- Personal guide throughout
- Optional extras included (quad biking, extended camel rides)
Cost breakdown per person: When you split the cost among 6 people, the per-person price becomes AED 117-250 – often comparable to premium shared safaris but with all the private tour advantages.
Age-Appropriate Activities for Every Family Member
Infants and Toddlers (0-3 years): Families with infants can opt for packages where dune bashing is completely avoided, focusing instead on gentle drives, camel rides with adult supervision, and camp activities. The private vehicle allows you to stop anytime for diaper changes or feeding breaks.
Young Children (4-8 years): This age group typically loves everything. Children aged 3-11 must be accompanied by adults during camel rides and dune activities. The driver can adjust dune bashing intensity – thrilling but not terrifying. Sandboarding becomes their favorite activity, and the camp playground keeps them entertained.
Pre-teens and Teenagers (9-17 years): These adventure seekers want the full experience. Request more aggressive dune bashing, add quad biking to your package, and let them try extended sandboarding sessions. They’ll also enjoy the cultural elements more than you might expect.
Elderly Family Members: For older adults, it’s recommended to skip dune bashing and rough rides. Private packages allow them to enjoy the drive directly to camp, participate in camel riding at their comfort level, and fully experience the cultural performances and dinner in comfort.
Choosing Between Morning, Evening, and Overnight Family Packages
Morning Private Family Safari (4-5 hours): Best for families with children under 10, offering cooler temperatures and gentler experiences. Perfect for summer visits or families who prefer shorter adventures. Includes dune bashing, camel rides, and light breakfast. No evening entertainment shows.
Evening Private Family Safari (6-7 hours): The most popular choice combining adventure and culture. Pickup around 2:30-3:00 PM, complete desert activities during golden hour, then enjoy the full camp experience with dinner and entertainment. Return by 9:00-9:30 PM.
Overnight Private Family Safari (16-18 hours): Best for families with older children (8+), including evening activities, overnight camp stay, stargazing, sunrise photography, and breakfast. A genuine desert immersion experience but requires kids comfortable sleeping away from home.
Booking Your Private Desert Safari Package for Family
Book 5-7 days in advance, especially during peak season (November-March) and weekends. When booking, clearly specify:
- Ages of all family members – crucial for safety equipment and activity planning
- Special requirements – baby seats, dietary restrictions, health concerns
- Preferred pickup time – coordinate with nap schedules or other plans
- Activity preferences – gentler dune bashing, skip certain activities, extended camel rides
- Any celebrations – birthdays, anniversaries (operators can arrange small surprises)
Where to book: Use reputable platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, or established operators like Arabian Adventures. Read recent family-specific reviews carefully. Verify the operator has proper tourism licenses and insurance.
Payment options: Most accept online payment, cash on arrival (AED, USD, EUR), or bank transfer. Some require 25-50% deposit with balance due before the tour.
Essential Tips for the Best Family Experience
What to bring:
- Extra diapers, wipes, baby food for young children
- Snacks kids actually eat (camp food may not suit picky eaters)
- Light jackets even in summer (camps get air-conditioned)
- Change of clothes for messy toddlers
- Sun hats and sunglasses for everyone
- Any medications family members need
- Power bank for phones and cameras
Timing strategies:
- Schedule around nap times if you have toddlers
- Eat light lunch before afternoon pickup
- Consider starting slightly later if kids sleep late
Communication with driver: Don’t hesitate to speak up during the tour. Professional drivers expect families to have specific needs and appreciate clear communication. If someone feels uncomfortable or unwell, they’ll adjust immediately.
Why Choose Private Over Shared Family Safari?
The deciding factor often comes down to one question: Is the extra cost worth it for your family’s specific needs?
Choose private if:
- You have children under 3 or elderly family members requiring special consideration
- Your family has different activity preferences (some want adventure, others want calm)
- You value privacy and quality time without strangers
- You want flexibility with timing and activities
- Your group is 5+ people (cost per person becomes reasonable)
Shared might work if:
- All family members are healthy adults or older children
- You’re comfortable with fixed schedules
- Budget is tight and you’re traveling as 2-4 people
- You enjoy meeting other travelers
Making Memories That Last
A private desert safari package for family creates those rare moments when everyone – from grandparents to grandchildren – shares the same adventure. The teenagers put down their phones to marvel at the sunset. The toddlers laugh at camel expressions. Parents actually relax knowing everything’s at their pace.
Is it more expensive than shared tours? Yes. Is it worth it for families? Absolutely. The flexibility, comfort, and ability to customize everything to your family’s needs transforms a good desert experience into an unforgettable one.
Book your private family desert safari and give your loved ones an Arabian adventure perfectly tailored to them – no compromises, no rushing, just pure family fun in the golden dunes of Dubai.
