The main choice when you book a desert safari in Dubai is whether to join a shared tour or book your own car. A shared evening safari is the lowest-cost way to see the desert with hotel pickup. A private desert safari costs more overall, but the car is yours, and the price can look very different once you divide it by your group size.
Private vs shared safari at a glance
| Evening Desert Safari (shared) | Private Desert Safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | AED 89 per person | AED 650 per car, up to 6 guests |
| Vehicle | 4×4 shared with other guests | Your own private Toyota Land Cruiser |
| Pickup | 3:00 – 3:30 PM | 3:00 – 3:30 PM |
| Drop-off | 9:30 – 9:45 PM | 9:30 – 9:45 PM |
| Dinner | BBQ buffet dinner | Live BBQ dinner, continental buffet, welcome starters, Arabic sweets and fresh fruit |
| Best for | Solo travellers, couples and budget trips | Families and groups who want privacy |
What is the real cost difference?
Here is what the two options cost for different group sizes:
| Group size | Shared (AED 89 each) | Private (AED 650 per car) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 guests | AED 178 | AED 650 |
| 4 guests | AED 356 | AED 650 |
| 6 guests | AED 534 | AED 650 |
For a group of 6, the private car costs just AED 116 more in total, which is under AED 20 per person. For a couple, the shared tour is much cheaper, so private is more of a comfort and romance choice.
When a shared safari makes sense
- You are travelling alone or as a couple and want the lowest price
- You do not mind sharing the 4×4 with other guests
- You want the full experience: dune bashing, sandboarding, sunset, camel ride, live shows and dinner
See the Evening Desert Safari from AED 89.
When a private safari is worth it
- You are a group of 4 to 6 and the price per person is close to the shared tour
- You are travelling with children or older relatives and want your own car
- You want privacy for a special occasion
- You prefer not to share your vehicle with other guests
See the Private Desert Safari, or the Private Morning Desert Safari if you prefer the cooler hours.
Still comparing tour times? Read morning vs evening desert safari.
Still deciding? See our full list of desert safari tours or ask us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a private desert safari in Dubai?
Our Private Desert Safari is AED 650 per car, for up to 6 guests, with your own Toyota Land Cruiser.
How many people fit on a private desert safari?
Up to 6 guests per private Toyota Land Cruiser.
Is a private desert safari worth it?
It is often worth it for groups of 4 to 6. For 6 guests the private car costs AED 650, compared with AED 534 for six places on the shared evening safari. For couples, the shared tour is much cheaper.
Does a private safari include the camp and dinner?
Yes. It includes the desert camp, camel ride, sandboarding, live shows and a live BBQ dinner.