Last year, I took my family for a private desert safari, a service I initially thought was overpriced. However, a mere half-hour into the adventure, I had my answer as I watched my kids delight, and even my elderly mother was enjoying the expedition. Desert safari family packages aren’t just about an exclusive safari experience; they offer the opportunity to tailor the experience to each family member’s comfort level and adventure spirit, from the extreme to the cautious.
If you are headed to Dubai with family, a private desert safari is a highly recommended activity for numerous reasons. In contrast to shared tours, private desert safari Dubai rates let you design your own expedition, choose how you spend your time, and even make wonderful memories without other tourists.
Why Do Families Prefer Private Desert Safaris?
While the group safaris will have you traveling with strangers and partaking in a rigid itinerary, private desert safari Dubai packages allow you to leave your own 4×4 Land Cruiser for your family group only. This ultimately means no time constraints, no trade-offs, and no concerns about whether the provided activities are age and ability-appropriate for everyone.
Set your own boundaries. Requires gentler dune bashing because you have kids? Inform your driver. Want to miss some activities because someone isn’t feeling well? That is completely understandable. Want to leave the group to take sunset pictures? Go for it!
Time is completely up to you. Pick up will be around when your family is ready. Morning folks can leave at sunrise. Families with toddlers can leave when they are napping. \You make the schedule from start to finish.
No need to share a car with strangers. This will allow you to talk with your family and be private. Kids are free to be kids and not worry about annoying people.
What’s in the Private Desert Safari Package for Family?
The private family desert safari packages are for 6-7 people per car and are fully equipped for families.
Transportation:
– 4×4 Land Cruisers, which are air-conditioned
– Licensed professional driver
– Pickups and dropoffs from and to hotels/homes in Dubai and Sharjah
– Baby boosters and child seats upon request,
– Desert Activities
Include:
– Dune bashing at a customized intensity of your choice
– Sandboarding
– Camel riding at your choice of flexible hours
– Sunset photography
– Quad biking at an extra cost,
-Camp Activities
Include:
– VIP and Private beds at the Bedouin-style camp
– Welcome drinks (Arabic coffee and tea with dates)
– Henna for ladies and children
– Dressing in traditional Arabic garb for photos
– Kids’ area with a playground and swings
Entertainment:
– BBQ buffet
– Soft drinks and tea
– Belly dance
– Tanoura
– Fire show
– Shisha for adults only (in designated areas)
Family Friendly:
– Rest areas with shade for naps
– Private desert safari package pricing for families
– Desert safari packages at AED 600 to AED 1,500 for families, depending on inclusions and 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 distributed evenly among 6 people, the per-person cost is AED 117-250 – often on par with premium shared safaris; however, you receive all the advantages of a private tour.
Age-Appropriate Activities for Every Family Member
Infants and Toddlers (0-3 years): Families with infants can select packages that do not include dune bashing, and instead include gentle drives, adult-supervised camel rides, and camp activities. The private vehicle allows you to stop for diaper changes, feeding breaks, or anything else.
Young Children (4-8 years): This may be the most fun age group. For camel rides and dune activities, children 3-11 must have an adult with them. The driver will do dune bashing, and it is fun, not scary. Sandboarding and the camp playground are great for this age group.
Children and Teenagers (9-17 years): They want to experience everything, so they request more intense dune bashing, quad biking, and extended sandboarding. They will likely enjoy the cultural side more than you expect.
Grandparents: Older adults are advised to skip dune bashing and other rough rides. On private packages, they can enjoy the drive to camp, have a saddled camel ride, and enjoy cultural performances and dinner.
Selecting Morning, Evening, or Overnight Family Packages
Morning Private Family Safari (4-5 hours): Great for families with kids under 10, as the temperatures are cooler and the experiences are more gentle. Great for summer, or families that want a shorter adventure. Includes dune bashing, camel rides, and a light breakfast (no evening show).
Evening Private Family Safari (6-7 hours): Most balanced with a good mix of adventure and cultural experiences. Pick up 2:30-3:00, desert activities during sunset and full camp with dinner and show until 9:00-9:30.
Overnight Private Family Safari (16 – 18 hours): This is ideal for families with older children (8+) because it also features evening activities, overnight camping, stargazing, sunrise photography, and breakfast. It’s a real desert immersion experience, but it entails kids staying away from home overnight.
Booking Your Private Family Desert Safari
Book 5-7 days in advance, especially during the peak season (November – March) and weekends. When booking, be sure to include:
The ages of all family members are especially important for planning safety and activities.
Special requests – baby seats, health, dietary, and mobility restrictions
Desired pickup time – to accommodate naps and other plans
Preferred activities – gentler dune bashing, and skipping or extending camel rides
Celebrations – inform the guide about birthdays and anniversaries, as they may arrange for a surprise
Booking: Ensure the operator for your intended date is available, and read the latest family-specific reviews. Make sure the operator is licensed for tourism and insured. Avoid booking through your travel agency.
Payment: Most desert safari operators charge a booking fee of 25% – 50% for the tour, with the remainder of the balance due before the tour. Cash payments can be made in AED, USD, and EUR. Bank transfers also available. Online payments can be made through the tour operator’s website as well as at the safari entrance.
How to Make the Most of Your Family Experience
What to bring:
Extra diapers, wipes, and baby food for young children.
Snacks for kids that you know they will eat (camp food may not suit picky eaters).
Light jackets, even in the summer, as the camps are air-conditioned.
A change of clothes in case your toddler gets messy.
Sun hats and sunglasses for every family member.
Any family member’s medications.
A power bank for your phones and your cameras.
Timing Strategies:
Schedule your day around nap times if you have toddlers.
Plan on stopping for a light lunch prior to your afternoon pickup.
If they sleep in, consider starting a little later.
Driver Communication: It’s your tour, don’t be shy. Professional drivers are accustomed to family-specific needs and welcome open dialogue. They will also make any necessary adjustments if someone is feeling uncomfortable or unwell.
Why Choose a Private Family Safari Over a Shared Family Safari?
The answer comes down to cost versus benefit for the family.
Choose Private If
- There are children aged 3 and under or elderly family members who require special attention.
- Different family members have diverging interests, where some prefer active and adventurous activities, while others prefer the opposite.
- You prefer spending quality time with family without the presence of strangers.
- You need the option for more control and freedom with the schedule and activities.
- Your group size is 5 or more people, as the cost per person ends up being more reasonable.
Opting for Shared Might Work If
- Every family member is a healthy adult or older child.
- You can live with and adjust to a more rigid system.
- You are more on the budget side of the family and traveling as a group of 2 to 4 people.
You, by default, are inclined to socialize and interact with strangers.
The Private package family desert safari creates unique memories with the family. Everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, gets to share in the adventure. Toddlers will giggle as the face of the camel will excite them. Parents will relax for the safari because they are in control of the pace.
Is it more expensive than shared tours?
Yes.
Is it worth it for families?
Absolutely. For families, the ability to customize everything, comfort, and flexibility all combine to make the experience a good desert safari and a memorable desert safari experience.
