Desert Safari Lahbab: A Local's Guide to the Red Dunes
Not all desert in Dubai looks the same. 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 we always suggest a desert safari Lahbab trip for first-timers.
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. Getting there is easy, 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. Photos taken here look amazing without any filter, especially in the hour before sunset. If you want a proper red dunes desert safari Dubai experience, this is the place.
Some safari companies use flatter desert nearer the city. It's quicker to reach, but the dunes are smaller and the sand is paler. We think the short extra drive to Lahbab is worth it, because the scenery is in a different league.
The Evening Trip
Most guests book the evening desert safari Lahbab trip. We pick you up between 2:30 and 3:30 PM, and the whole trip takes about six hours. You start with dune bashing, then stop on a high dune for sunset. Then it's off to the camp for a Tanoura show, a fire show and BBQ dinner.
Adults pay AED 75, and children pay AED 60. Children under three go free.
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. You get dune bashing, sandboarding and a short camel ride. The price is AED 65 for adults and AED 55 for kids.
Quad Bike Lahbab
For a bit more adventure, the Premium Safari with Quad Bike is a great pick. It's the full evening trip plus a 20-minute quad ride, VIP seating and a premium 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 at AED 120 per Quad Bike Lahbab bike for half an hour. 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.
Sleeping Under the Stars
Waking up in the desert is something else. Our overnight desert safari Lahbab package has everything from the evening trip, 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.
Your Own Car, Your Own Pace
Prefer not to share? Our private desert safari Lahbab trip is AED 649 per 4x4, for up to six guests. You get a private Land Cruiser and driver, with flexible timing.
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 means riding in a 4x4 while a skilled driver takes it up, over and down the dunes. 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 belted in the whole way.
If you're pregnant, have back problems or are travelling with a baby, tell us when you book, and we'll help you pick the right trip.
How to Get the Best Photos
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. If you want proper pictures without the effort, add the photo package for AED 79 per 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.
Which Season Is Best?
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. Weekends get busy, so book a few days ahead.
Good to Know Before You Go
• No prepayment is needed, you pay on the day
• You can cancel free of charge 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
Common Questions
Is pickup really free?
Yes. Pickup by 4x4 is free from hotels in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
Do I need to pay in advance?
No prepayment is needed. You pay on the day.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes, children pay less, and under-threes go free.
Is there vegetarian food?
Yes, the BBQ always includes vegetarian dishes.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
How far is the camp from my hotel?
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour from most hotels in Dubai. Most guests enjoy the drive, and the driver can tell you about the area on the way.
Can I add a quad bike on the day?
Yes. A 30-minute quad bike costs AED 120 per bike, but it's best to tell us when you book so we can keep one ready.
Who Will Enjoy It Most?
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. Photographers love the colour of the sand, especially in the late afternoon.
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.
