Desert Safari Dubai with Kids: Ages, Safety and Family Tips
A desert safari is one of the easiest big days out in Dubai to do with children. There's a car ride over the dunes, camels to meet, sand to slide down, and a camp full of music and food. But a few things work differently for kids: some activities have age limits, the timing matters more, and the desert gets hot fast. Here's what parents ask us most, answered plainly.
Key Takeaways
- Children of most ages can join a desert safari. Only the riding activities have age limits.
- Quad bikes start at 12 years old, with no exceptions. Self-drive dune buggies start at 14 with a valid ID.
- The morning safari is usually the best fit for young children: cooler air, smaller crowds and back at your hotel by about 10:30 AM.
- The evening safari suits older kids who can handle a late night. You're back around 9:30 to 10:00 PM.
- Tell us your children's ages when you book so we can suggest the right package.
Is a Desert Safari Suitable for Kids?
Yes. Most of what happens on a safari is gentle and hands-on: riding a camel, sandboarding down a dune, watching the sunset, getting a henna design and eating dinner at the camp. Children who are too young for the quad bikes can still join everything else.
What makes or breaks the day for a family is usually the timing, not the activities. Young children tire quickly in the heat and late at night, so picking the right time of day is the most important decision you'll make. We cover that below.
Age Limits for Each Activity
Here's a quick guide to who can do what on our tours:
| Activity | Minimum age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4x4 dune bashing | Ask us | Bumpy ride, see the section below |
| Camel ride | Usually fine for children | Short, slow ride led by a handler |
| Sandboarding | Usually fine for children | Little ones can sit on the board |
| ATV quad bike | 12 years | No exceptions. Helmet provided and required |
| Self-drive dune buggy | 14 years | Valid ID required |
| Private buggy tour (driver) | 16 years | Priced per buggy, not per person |
If your children are under 12, they can still come along on a quad bike package. They just won't ride, and they'll enjoy the rest of the safari with you. If the riding is the main reason for your trip and your kids are too young, a regular Morning Desert Safari or Evening Desert Safari is better value.
Morning or Evening Safari for Families?
Morning safari: best for young children. Pickup is between 5:30 and 6:00 AM, you reach the dunes around sunrise, and you're back at your hotel by about 10:30 AM. The air is cooler, the camp is quieter, and breakfast is included. Kids who wake early anyway often do best on this tour, and you still have the whole afternoon free for a nap or the pool.
Evening safari: best for older kids and teens. Pickup is between 2:30 and 3:00 PM and you get back around 9:30 to 10:00 PM. It's the bigger experience: sunset over the dunes, BBQ dinner, and live shows including a fire show and Tanoura dance. Children who can stay up late usually love it. For toddlers, it can be a long day.
Not sure which suits your family? Our morning vs evening desert safari guide compares the two in detail.
Dune Bashing with Children
Dune bashing is a 4x4 ride up and down the dunes at steep angles. Our drivers are experienced and the cars are built for it, but it is bumpy, and it's the one part of the safari parents should think about.
- Babies and toddlers: we don't recommend dune bashing for very young children. Tell us when you book and we'll advise you on the best option.
- Motion sickness: give children a light meal beforehand, not a big one, and sit them where they can see out of the front window.
- Speak up: if your child is scared or feels unwell, tell the driver. They can slow down or stop.
- Pregnancy and back problems: dune bashing isn't suitable for pregnant travellers or anyone with back or neck problems. You can still enjoy the camp.
What Kids Love at the Desert Camp
The camp is where children usually have the most fun:
- Camel rides: a short, slow ride with a handler leading the camel. Tell us your children's ages and we'll confirm who can ride.
- Sandboarding: sliding down a dune on a board. Smaller children can sit down on it.
- Henna: a small henna design on the hand, included on evening safaris.
- Shows: the fire show and the spinning Tanoura dancer are big favourites on the evening safari.
- Food: the evening BBQ buffet has vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, salads and desserts. The morning safari includes an Arabic breakfast. Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book.
What to Pack for Kids
- Closed-toe shoes such as trainers. Sand gets very hot in the day and cold at night.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially for the morning tour.
- A light jacket or hoodie for evenings, especially from November to March when the desert gets cool after dark.
- Wet wipes and a change of clothes. Sand gets everywhere, and kids will roll in it.
- Snacks and favourite drinks for the drive.
- A small toy or tablet for the drive to the desert, which takes around 45 to 60 minutes.
For more on clothing, read what to wear on a desert safari in Dubai.
Best Packages for Families
- Morning Desert Safari (AED 110): the easiest choice with young children. Short, cool, and back before lunch.
- Morning Safari + Camel Ride (AED 140): the morning tour with a longer camel trek of 30+ minutes, great for animal-loving kids.
- Evening Desert Safari (AED 89): the full experience with dinner and shows, best for older kids.
- VIP Private Safari (AED 299): your own vehicle and guide with flexible timing, so you set the pace. Great for families with small children or grandparents.
- Evening Safari + Quad Bike (AED 199): for families with teenagers aged 12 and up who want to ride.
All of these include free pickup and drop-off from hotels and homes across Dubai and Sharjah. Plans change with kids, so it helps to know that cancellation is free up to 24 hours before your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 5-year-old go on a desert safari?
Yes. Children of this age can join the camel ride, sandboarding and the camp activities. They can't ride quad bikes, which start at 12. The morning safari is usually the most comfortable choice for this age.
What is the minimum age for quad biking in Dubai?
On our tours the minimum age for quad bikes is 12 years, with no exceptions. Self-drive dune buggies start at 14 years with a valid ID, and private buggy tours need drivers aged 16 or over.
Is the desert safari safe for toddlers?
Toddlers can enjoy the camp, but we don't recommend dune bashing for very young children. Tell us your child's age when you book and we'll suggest the best option, such as a private safari where you control the pace.
Do kids need car seats on the safari?
If you need a child seat, mention it when you book so our team can confirm what is available for your tour. With your own car, the self-drive meeting point package lets you use your own seats.
Is there food for children at the desert camp?
Yes. The evening BBQ buffet includes grilled meats, vegetarian dishes, salads, rice, bread and desserts, which most children are happy with. Let us know about allergies when you book.
