Planning for a desert safari requires careful consideration of clothing, footwear, and essential items that will ensure your comfort and safety in the challenging desert environment. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about what to wear and what to carry for an unforgettable desert safari experience in Dubai.
Essential Things to Carry for Desert Safari Dubai
Must-Have Items Checklist
Sun Protection Essentials:
- Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes
- High SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- UV-protection sunglasses with secure straps
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap with chin strap
- Lip balm with SPF protection
Personal Care Items:
- Wet wipes for cleaning hands and face
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues or toilet paper
- Personal medications
- Insect repellent (though insects are minimal in desert)
Technology and Documentation:
- Fully charged phone with extra battery/power bank
- Camera or GoPro with dust protection
- Valid ID or passport copy
- Cash for tips and souvenirs
- Plastic bags to protect electronics from sand
Comfort Items:
- Carrying a scarf or pashmina shawl is recommended
- Small backpack or crossbody bag
- Refillable water bottle
- Basic first aid kit
- Extra contact lenses (if applicable)
What to Wear for Desert Safari Dubai
Fabric Selection and Colors
Optimal Fabric Choices:
- Choose cotton or linen clothing when choosing what to wear in Dubai. Opt for lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton in neutral or light colors to help keep you cool during the day
- Lighter hues like white and beige work best in the scorching Desert sun
Recommended Colors:
- White, beige, and light khaki
- Pale blues and soft pastels
- Avoid dark colors that absorb heat
- Earth tones blend well with desert landscape
Desert Safari Dress Code
General Dress Guidelines:
- Most desert activities require strolling the sands in direct sunlight, so it’s important to keep yourself covered and avoid over-exposure or burns. Long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, along with full-sleeve pants, are ideal for the safari day trip
- Modest clothing respecting local customs
- Comfortable fit allowing freedom of movement
- Layered approach for temperature changes
Clothing Requirements:
- Long-sleeved tops for sun protection
- Full-length pants or capri leggings
- Wear loose, lightweight clothes made of breathable fabric like cotton or linen when going for dune bashing. Remember that it will be a bumpy ride
- Avoid overly loose or flowing garments
Desert Safari Outfit Female
Women’s Clothing Recommendations
Daytime Safari Outfit:
- Long-sleeved cotton or linen blouse
- Comfortable palazzo pants or leggings
- Lightweight cardigan or shawl for layering
- Breathable undergarments
- Modest necklines and hemlines
Evening Safari Options:
- Long jeans with Cardigans or Jumpers would be ideal. Be sure to carry a snug-fitting hat with ear flaps or earmuffs to protect against the cool breeze
- Maxi dresses with sleeves (avoid flowing styles)
- Comfortable midi skirts with long tops
- Light jacket or wrap for temperature drops
What to Avoid:
- Since you get bumped around, dresses or loose-flowing clothes will annoy you. Anything too baggy could fly up with gusts from cracked windows
- Mini skirts or shorts
- Strapless or sleeveless tops
- Delicate fabrics prone to tearing
- High heels or uncomfortable footwear
Female Desert Safari Accessories
- Lightweight scarf for head and neck protection
- Crossbody bag or secure pocket bag
- Hair ties and headband
- Minimal jewelry (avoid loose pieces)
- Comfortable sports bra for activities
Desert Safari Outfit Male
Men’s Clothing Recommendations
Optimal Male Attire:
- Long-sleeved cotton polo or button-down shirt
- Lightweight chinos or cargo pants
- T-shirt with long pants combination
- Light zip-up hoodie or jacket for evening
Activity-Specific Considerations:
- What you should consider wearing are things like: T-shirt or tank top paired with shorts or Capri leggings · Lightweight pants like workout leggings
- Moisture-wicking materials for comfort
- Secure pockets for personal items
- Flexible waistband for sitting activities
Male Desert Safari Essentials:
- Baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable belt with secure buckle
- Lightweight socks that wick moisture
- Minimal accessories to avoid loss in sand
What Shoes to Wear for Desert Safari Dubai
Footwear Selection Guidelines
Recommended Footwear:
- Closed-toe shoes are essential, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Wear closed-toed shoes with your trousers
- We tend to prefer sneakers or light boots ourselves (in true desert safari style!), although if you’ve just bought a fresh pair of Crocs, sandals or flip-flops, we won’t turn you away
Best Shoe Options:
- Comfortable sneakers with good grip
- Lightweight hiking boots
- Athletic shoes with breathable material
- Closed-toe sandals with secure straps
Footwear to Avoid:
- Open-toe sandals for active periods
- High heels or formal shoes
- Brand new shoes (risk of blisters)
- White or very light shoes (show sand stains)
Foot Care Tips:
- Wear moisture-wicking socks
- Consider bringing an extra pair of socks
- Apply foot powder to prevent chafing
- Stick to durable, protective fabrics and closed toe footwear and your desert safari dubai experience will be that much more enjoyable
What to Wear in Desert Safari During Summer
Summer-Specific Clothing Strategy
Beating the Heat:
- Ultra-lightweight, long-sleeved shirts
- Breathable cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics
- Light-colored clothing exclusively
- Wide-brimmed hat for maximum shade coverage
- Cooling towel or neck wrap
Summer Layering System:
- Base layer: Lightweight, breathable shirt
- Middle layer: Light cotton long-sleeve (removable)
- Outer layer: Light jacket for air-conditioned vehicles
- Make sure to dress in layers, so you easily remove your outer layers off once the sun’s out
Summer Activity Adaptations:
- Extra sun protection measures
- More frequent hydration breaks
- Preference for morning or evening safaris
- Lightweight pants over shorts for sun protection
Best Outfit for Desert Safari Dubai
Ideal Complete Outfits
Perfect Day Safari Ensemble:
- Light-colored, long-sleeved cotton shirt
- Comfortable khaki or beige pants
- Closed-toe sneakers with good traction
- Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap
- Lightweight scarf or bandana
Evening Safari Combination:
- Long-sleeved shirt with light sweater
- Comfortable jeans or cargo pants
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Protective hat and sunglasses
Activity-Specific Considerations:
- Dune Bashing: Secure, comfortable clothing that won’t shift
- Camel Riding: Pants to protect legs, comfortable fit
- Sandboarding: Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, or anything that exposes your lower body to sand
- Cultural Activities: Modest, respectful attire
Seasonal Considerations for Desert Safari Attire
Winter Desert Safari Clothing (November-March)
Temperature Management:
- Even when you visit during the winter months (November to April), the temperature could still get as high as 30°C
- Layered approach for temperature fluctuations
- Warmer clothing for evening activities
- Ideally, winter is the best time to go for your desert safari. The weather tends to be cooler
Winter-Specific Items:
- Light fleece or wool sweater
- Long pants (jeans acceptable)
- Closed-toe shoes essential
- Warm hat for evening activities
Summer Desert Safari Clothing (April-October)
Heat Protection Priority:
- Maximum skin coverage with lightweight fabrics
- Light colors exclusively
- Enhanced sun protection measures
- Cooling accessories and aids
Packing Tips for Different Safari Types
Morning Safari Packing
Early Start Considerations:
- Layers for cool morning temperatures
- Sun protection for midday heat
- Comfortable walking attire
- Breakfast-friendly clothing
Evening Safari Essentials
Temperature Transition Preparation:
- Day clothes for afternoon activities
- Warm layers for evening entertainment
- Evening camps conclude the day with a meal served on rugs placed on the floor. Wear whatever would be most comfortable
- Cultural respect considerations for dining
Overnight Safari Packing
Extended Stay Requirements:
- Multiple outfit changes
- Sleepwear suitable for desert camping
- Morning activity clothes
- Extra personal care items
Special Considerations for Different Activities
Dune Bashing Attire
High-Activity Requirements:
- Be prepared to be tossed around. You must ensure that you are dressed appropriately
- Secure fitting clothes that won’t shift
- Comfortable waistband
- Nothing loose that could tangle
Camel Riding Clothing
Riding Comfort Essentials:
- Long pants to prevent chafing
- Comfortable, flexible clothing
- Secure footwear
- Hat with chin strap
Cultural Activity Attire
Respectful Presentation:
- Modest necklines and hemlines
- Covered shoulders and legs
- Appropriate footwear for removing shoes
- Comfortable sitting position clothing
Children’s Desert Safari Clothing
Kids’ Safety and Comfort
Child-Specific Needs:
- Kids should wear lightweight, breathable clothes that cover most of their skin to protect against the sun. A hat, sunglasses, and closed shoes are also important. Don’t forget sunscreen!
- Extra clothing changes
- Easy-to-remove layers
- Secure, comfortable shoes
- High-visibility colors for safety
Common Clothing Mistakes to Avoid
Fashion Pitfalls
Inappropriate Choices:
- Avoid flimsy fashion choices prone to rips, tears, or exposure to the harsh desert elements
- Overly tight or restrictive clothing
- Impractical footwear choices
- Inadequate sun protection
- Inappropriate cultural choices
Practical Considerations
Comfort and Safety:
- Ignoring temperature fluctuations
- Overdressing or underdressing
- Choosing style over functionality
- Forgetting cultural sensitivity
Final Preparation Checklist
Pre-Safari Review
24 Hours Before:
- Check weather forecast for your safari date
- Lay out chosen outfit combinations
- Pack essential items in accessible bag
- Charge all electronic devices
Day of Safari:
- Apply sunscreen before departure
- Dress in base layers
- Pack additional layers in easily accessible bag
- Wear or bring all essential items
Emergency Backup Items
Just-in-Case Essentials:
- Extra shirt in case of tears or stains
- Additional sunscreen for reapplication
- Backup sunglasses
- Extra water bottle
- Basic medications for common issues
Conclusion: Dress for Desert Success
Choosing the right outfit for your desert safari Dubai can make all the difference in how enjoyable your experience becomes. The key to a successful desert safari lies in balancing protection, comfort, and respect for local customs while ensuring you can fully participate in all activities.
Remember that the desert environment is challenging but predictable – with proper preparation and appropriate clothing choices, you’ll be able to focus on the incredible experiences rather than discomfort or safety concerns. To enjoy your trip, put safety first and check the weather before you go.
Your desert safari outfit should prioritize sun protection, comfort during activities, and cultural appropriateness while allowing you to create lasting memories in one of Dubai’s most spectacular natural settings. With this comprehensive guide, you’re equipped to make informed decisions that will enhance your desert adventure experience.
