Question 1

Which is better: a morning or evening desert safari?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your preference! A Morning Desert Safari is perfect for adrenaline junkies who want to focus on dune bashing, sandboarding, and seeing the desert in the daylight without the evening crowds. An Evening Desert Safari is the classic desert tour experience, offering a full cultural program with a BBQ dinner, belly dancing, and sunset views.

Question 2

What happens on an Evening Desert Safari?

Accepted Answer

The Evening Desert Safari is Dubai's most popular tour. It typically starts with thrilling 4x4 dune bashing in a private car, followed by a stop for sunset photos. You then head to a traditional Bedouin-style camp for camel riding, henna painting, shisha, live entertainment (like Tanoura and belly dancing), and a delicious buffet dinner under the stars.

Question 3

Is the Overnight Camping Safari worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for a truly immersive experience, the Overnight Desert Safari is unbeatable. After the standard evening activities and dinner, you stay in the desert overnight in a comfortable tent. You'll sleep under the stars and wake up to a stunning desert sunrise and a freshly prepared breakfast before heading back to the city.

Question 4

What is included in a Morning Private Safari?

Accepted Answer

A Morning Private Safari offers a more exclusive and flexible experience. You get a private 4x4 vehicle for just your group, allowing you to customize the intensity of the dune bashing. It usually includes sandboarding, camel rides, and refreshments, all wrapped up before the midday heat sets in.

Question 5

What should I wear for a desert safari in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, as it can get sandy and you may want to ride a camel. Light, breathable fabrics are best for desert heat. For evening and overnight safaris in the winter months (November-March), bring a light jacket as the desert gets surprisingly cold at night.

Question 6

Is dune bashing safe for children or seniors?

Accepted Answer

Dune bashing is a high-intensity, bumpy ride. It is generally not recommended for infants, pregnant women, or anyone with back or neck problems. However, many desert tours offer a "soft drive" option or allow you to skip the dune bashing and go straight to the camp if you prefer a more relaxed experience.

Question 7

Do I need to book my desert safari in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, booking your desert safari online with Gentoo is highly recommended. Desert safaris involve logistical planning for vehicles and camp capacity. Booking in advance secures your seat, guarantees a pick-up time from your hotel, and ensures you get the best price for your adventure.

Question 8

Which Mleiha tour is best: The Landscapes Tour or the Full Desert Safari?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how much time you have. The Mleiha Landscapes Tour in Sharjah is a quick, 1-hour adrenaline fix focused purely on 4x4 dune bashing and photo stops at Camel Rock and Fossil Rock. The Mleiha Desert Safari with Dinner is the complete experience: it includes the dune drive but adds a visit to the Archaeological Centre, a BBQ dinner in a traditional Majlis, and a guided stargazing session.

Question 9

Is the Mleiha Overnight Camping experience different from a standard safari?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The Mleiha Overnight Desert Safari in Sharjah offers a much more exclusive and serene experience than typical commercial camps. After the evening activities (dinner, stargazing), you camp directly under the stars near the archaeological sites. The highlight is waking up to a spectacular desert sunrise and enjoying a freshly prepared breakfast before a morning dune drive.

Question 10

What is the ArchaeoMog tour and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

The ArchaeoMog Tour in Sharjah is a unique adventure exclusive to Mleiha. Instead of a standard SUV, you board a heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz Unimog truck. This tour is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers, as it focuses on visiting the Valley of the Caves, ancient burial sites, and gazelle enclosures, offering a deep dive into the region's history and wildlife with a slightly different style of off-road driving.

Question 11

What can I expect from the Mleiha Stargazing experience?

Accepted Answer

Mleiha in Sharjah is one of the best places in the UAE for astronomy because it is far away from city light pollution. During the Stargazing Experience, expert astronomers guide you through the night sky using powerful HD telescopes. Depending on visibility, you can see craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, Jupiter, and deep-sky objects, all while enjoying hot beverages in the quiet desert.

Question 12

Does the tour include transportation from Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Most Mleiha experiences are designed as self-drive adventures, allowing you the flexibility to arrive at your own pace. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre is an easy and scenic drive from Dubai (approx. 45-60 mins). While transfers can sometimes be arranged upon request, availability is very limited, so we highly recommend driving yourself or booking a taxi to the location.

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