Family-Friendly Fun: How to Enjoy a Morning Desert Safari With Kids

The first time we took the kids on a Morning Desert Safari, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d seen the photos—big dunes, people grinning next to camels—but I kept wondering if it would really be kid-friendly. Turns out it was one of the best mornings we’ve ever had in Dubai.

We were picked up just after sunrise. The city was still quiet, and the drive out toward the desert felt almost unreal. One minute you’re surrounded by skyscrapers; twenty minutes later, it’s nothing but sand, sky, and silence. The kids had their noses pressed to the window, pointing at every dune like it was a mountain.

The Ride That Gets Everyone Laughing

Once the tires hit the soft sand, the driver gave a small smile—he knew what was coming. The car climbed one dune, then slid down another, then twisted sideways just enough to make everyone shout and laugh at the same time. It’s not scary, just wild fun. Our youngest kept yelling, “Again! Again!”

If you’re worried about safety, don’t be. The drivers do this every day. They buckle everyone in, check the pressure in the tires, and keep a close eye on the kids. Still, it helps to have a light breakfast before going. Trust me on that one.

Sand, Boards, and Barefoot Racing

After the dune bashing, the guide stopped the car and handed out boards. Sandboarding looks tricky until you try it. The sand cushions every fall, and soon everyone’s taking turns sliding down. My oldest started racing me down the hill; I didn’t win once.

Take off your shoes. The sand is warm and fine, and walking barefoot makes it ten times better. Bring water, though—kids forget how quickly they get thirsty out there.

Meeting the Camels

Next came the part my daughter still talks about: the camels. They move slowly and look a little grumpy, but they’re gentle. A short ride across the flat dunes is enough for small kids. Our guide talked about how camels were once the only way people traveled between towns here. Hearing that while sitting on one somehow makes it sink in.

A Simple Breakfast in the Desert

By the time we got back to camp, everyone was hungry. They served Arabic coffee, sweet dates, and flatbread with honey. Nothing fancy, but somehow everything tastes better out there. The kids sipped juice and tried to keep the sand out of it—unsuccessfully.

That’s the nice thing about a Morning Desert Safari: it’s over before the heat sets in. You’re back at the hotel by noon, ready for the pool.

Thinking About the Evening Version

If your kids can stay up late, try an Evening Desert Safari Dubai another day. It’s completely different. The same dunes turn orange as the sun goes down, and the camps light up with barbecues, music, and belly-dancing shows. We did both, and each had its own charm—the morning for energy, the evening for atmosphere.

The Evening Desert Safari Dubai also includes dinner, so you can just sit under the stars while the kids chase each other around the campfire area. It’s loud, colorful, and somehow peaceful all at once.

A Few Honest Tips From One Parent to Another

• Bring wipes. You’ll need them.

• Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen—everybody says it, but really do it.

• Don’t overpack. You won’t use half of what you bring.

• Ask your driver to stop for photos; they’re happy to.

• Don’t expect your shoes to stay clean. Accept it early.

The desert teaches you to let go of neatness.

Why It’s Worth It

Kids remember experiences like this in tiny flashes—the giggle during the dune ride, the camel’s long eyelashes, the taste of sweet tea. When we got home, they drew pictures of dunes for a week.

That’s what a Morning Desert Safari gives you: a few hours of being outside your normal life, doing something that feels simple but special. It’s not about luxury or thrill seeking; it’s about laughing together in a place that’s completely different from home.

And if you ever try the Evening Desert Safari Dubai, you’ll see another side of it—the same sand, now glowing under a different light. Both are worth it.