Private vs. Shared Desert Safari in Dubai: What’s the Difference?
When booking a desert safari in Dubai, one of the first choices you’ll encounter is whether to go for a private tour (exclusive to your group) or a shared one (joining other guests).
At first glance, the difference seems simple. On a shared safari, you share a 4×4 vehicle with other guests, whereas on a private safari, the vehicle is reserved solely for your group.
However, there is more to consider when making your choice.
The type of vehicle affects the journey to the desert, the experience of dune bashing, and the level of privacy you enjoy during the safari. Furthermore, some private packages offer added benefits at the desert camp, such as superior seating and table service.
Which option is best for you?
It largely depends on your group, your budget, and how much you value privacy and comfort during the activity.
Private vs Shared Desert Safari at a Glance
| Shard Desert Safari | Private Desert Safari | |
|---|---|---|
| 4×4 vehicle | Shared with other guests | Private for your group |
| Maximum guests | Depends on vehicle allocation | Up to 6 guests |
| Dune bashing | Standard safari experience | Extended dune bashing |
| Camp | Standard desert camp | Premium desert camp |
| Seating | Standard camp seating | VIP seating |
| Dinner | BBQ buffet | Live BBQ with waiter served food |
| Privacy | Shared experience | Your group only in the safari vehicle |
| Price | Lower per person | AED 650 /vehicle + AED 95 /person |
| Best suited to | Travelers watching their budget | Families, couples and groups wanting a more private experience |
The important thing is that private does not simply mean paying more for the same vehicle. In our Private Desert Safari, you also get an upgraded camp experience and more comfortable VIP seating.
What is a Shared Desert Safari?
A shared desert safari is a common way to enjoy a Dubai desert safari at a lower cost per person.
You will ride in a shared 4×4 vehicle alongside other safari participants. The schedule includes picking up the participants, and the group follows a pre-planned itinerary together.
A standard evening safari typically includes key desert activities such as dune bashing, sunset viewing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, desert camp activities, a BBQ dinner, and live entertainment.
For many travelers, this is sufficient. If you are looking for the classic Evening Desert Safari Dubai experience without the expense of a private vehicle, a shared safari is an excellent choice.
There is nothing wrong with choosing a shared safari. In fact, for solo travelers or couples who simply want to experience the desert at a lower cost per person, it is a practical decision.
What is a Private Desert Safari?
A private desert safari differs from a shared safari from the very moment you board the vehicle.
Your group will have its own private 4×4 safari vehicle. No other guests will join you in the vehicle, ensuring that the transportation and dune bashing are exclusive to your group.
Our Private Desert Safari accommodates up to 6 people in one safari vehicle.
This private experience also includes:
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Extended dune bashing session
- Premium desert camp
- VIP seating
- Separate sofa and cushions
- Prime viewing spots for live shows
- Live BBQ
- Waiter service at your table
- Professional and experienced safari driver
This is not merely private transportation to a standard experience; the camp and dining experiences have also been enhanced and upgraded.
Private vs Shared Desert Safari: What Actually Changes?
1. The 4×4 Vehicle
This is the most distinct difference.
On a shared safari, you travel alongside other guests in the same 4×4.
On a private safari, the vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group for the entire duration of the safari. You do not have to share the vehicle with strangers.
This is a significant advantage for families, groups of friends, and couples who prefer to stay together while traveling and enjoying dune bashing.
2. Dune Bashing
The private safari includes an extended dune bashing session.
This gives your group more time on the dunes compared to the standard shared safari format.
The exact route and timing must still be adjusted based on desert conditions and the day’s sunset. Having a private vehicle does not mean the driver can disregard the evening schedule. Desert conditions vary depending on the season, so we need to ensure you reach the right locations at the right time, especially for the sunset.
3. Pickup Time
A private pickup offers your group greater flexibility compared to a shared pickup arrangement.
However, there is an important point often overlooked when people hear the term “flexible pickup.”
“Flexible” does not mean just any time of day.
An evening desert safari takes place at sunset. Since the time of sunset changes throughout the year, the departure time must be planned accordingly.
We can discuss a suitable pickup time for your group, but the safari still needs to depart early enough to follow the evening itinerary and arrive in the desert at the right time.
4. The Desert Camp
This is where another clear distinction of our Private Desert Safari becomes apparent.
With the private package, you are taken to a premium desert camp, rather than simply experiencing a change in the vehicle used.
You also get VIP seating, featuring separate sofas and cushions as well as a prime spot for viewing the live shows.
If you are spending the evening at the camp, this aspect may be more significant than many realize.
It is not just about sitting down for dinner; you will be there for various parts of the evening including the meal, the entertainment, and the time spent at the camp.
5. Dinner and Table Service
The dining experience has also been enhanced.
The private safari includes a live BBQ where a waiter serves the food directly to your table.
Instead of treating dinner as just another scheduled activity, your group will receive table service in a VIP seating area.
This is a key distinction to consider if food quality, comfort, and a more relaxed evening are important to you.
How much is the Private Desert Safari?
The price of our Private Desert Safari differs from that of a shared safari.
The current pricing is:
AED 650 per vehicle + AED 95 per person
A private vehicle can accommodate up to 6 people.
For example, if there are 4 people traveling together:
AED 650 for the vehicle + AED 380 for 4 people = AED 1,030 total cost
For 6 people:
AED 650 for the vehicle + AED 570 for 6 people = AED 1,220 total cost
Therefore, it is best to consider the total cost for the group rather than just comparing the price per person.
If you are traveling with family or friends, the cost of the private vehicle can be shared among your group.
If you are traveling alone or as a couple, a shared safari is usually more practical if saving money is your main priority.
Private or Shared Desert Safari for Families?
Families often have different priorities compared to solo travelers.
Having your own 4×4 means you won’t have to share the vehicle with strangers. You can enjoy the drive and dune bashing together as a family.
Premium camps and VIP seating are also great options if you prefer a more comfortable evening after the desert drive.
If your family is looking for the classic safari experience while keeping total costs down, a shared safari remains a practical choice.
Ultimately, it comes down to whether having a private vehicle and an upgraded camp experience is worth the extra cost for your group.
Private or Shared Desert Safari for Couples?
For couples, the decision usually depends on your preference for privacy and the kind of evening you wish to experience.
A shared safari offers the quintessential Dubai desert experience without the need to pay for a private vehicle.
A private safari, on the other hand, provides you with your own 4×4 and a more exclusive camp experience, including VIP seating and a waiter-served BBQ.
If the trip is for a birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion, the private option might be more suitable.
If you simply want to see the desert, enjoy dune bashing, watch the sunset, and have dinner, a shared safari is sufficient.
What about the Safari Driver?
This is one aspect of the desert safari that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The driver does more than just transport you from the hotel to the camp. They are responsible for the desert driving experience itself.
For our Private Desert Safari, we employ professional, skilled, and licensed drivers with up-to-date, valid licenses.
We also expect our drivers to be informative and courteous when interacting with guests.
This is important because a great safari depends on more than just the vehicle or the sand dunes. You will be spending several hours with the driver, so their conduct significantly impacts your overall experience.
Does a Private Safari mean every thing is private?
This is an important question to consider before booking any desert safari.
The definition of a “private safari” can vary depending on the tour operator.
In some packages, the term “private” refers only to the 4×4 vehicle. In others, it may include additional private or VIP services at the camp.
With our Private Desert Safari, the 4×4 vehicle and the dune-bashing experience are exclusive to your group. The package also includes a premium desert camp with VIP seating and a waiter-served BBQ.
This is a crucial distinction when comparing different packages.
Do not focus solely on the word “private.” Check exactly what is included.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
There isn’t one answer that suits everyone.
A shared desert safari may suit you if:
- You want the classic Dubai desert safari experience
- You want a lower price per person
- You are travelling alone or as a couple
- You don’t mind sharing the 4×4 with other guests
- You mainly want dune bashing, sunset, camp activities, dinner and entertainment
A private desert safari may suit you if:
- You want your own 4×4
- You are travelling with family or friends
- You want extended dune bashing
- You prefer a premium desert camp
- You want VIP seating
- You prefer waiter-served BBQ at your table
- You want a more private experience from pickup through the desert drive
Choosing the “better” safari doesn’t really come down to which one is superior in a general sense.
It depends on what you are willing to pay for.
If your priority is getting the essential desert experience at a lower cost per person, a shared safari is the practical choice.
However, if your group values privacy, a dedicated vehicle, extended dune bashing, and a more comfortable camp and dining experience, a private safari is better suited to provide these things.
What should you ask before booking?
Before paying for any desert safari, ask a few simple questions:
Is the 4×4 vehicle private or shared with others?
Do not simply assume that the term “desert safari” automatically answers this.
How many people can share the vehicle?
This is important if you are booking a shared safari.
Is dune bashing included?
Also, find out if it is the standard experience or an extended version.
What type of seating is included at the camp?
Standard seating, VIP seating, and private seating are not the same.
How is dinner served?
Find out if it is a buffet, table service, or another type of service.
What exactly is included in the private option?
Ask whether the private option applies only to the vehicle or if it also includes upgraded arrangements at the camp.
These questions will help you avoid comparing two packages that look identical on the booking page but are actually different.
Private vs. Shared Desert Safari in Dubai: The Simple Answer
A shared desert safari is a practical choice if you want the classic Dubai desert experience without paying for an exclusive vehicle.
A private desert safari is designed for those who prefer their own 4×4 vehicle, extended dune bashing, and an enhanced camp experience.
Our Private Desert Safari costs AED 650 per vehicle plus AED 95 per person, accommodating up to six people per vehicle. It includes a private 4×4, extended dune bashing, a premium desert camp, VIP seating, and a live BBQ with table service.
If you have already decided on a private experience, you can view the details of our Private Desert Safari Dubai package.
If you are still deciding which type of safari suits your trip, our guide on choosing the right Dubai desert safari discusses other options, including evening, morning, premium, and overnight safaris.
Frequently Asked questions
Ready for your own desert safari?
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