Best desert safari companies in Sharjah
From exciting dune bashing trips to fun camel rides, quad biking and peaceful desert camps — a desert safari is one of the most exciting outdoor adventures that visitors to the UAE usually sign up for first. The activity is pretty popular in other emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both of which have an abundance of tour operators, deals and packages on offer. However, those who live in the emirate of Sharjah need not miss out, thanks to the reliable tour companies that offer desert safari in Sharjah.
The best desert safari in Sharjah
Here are some services that currently offer desert safari deals in Sharjah:
Orient Tours
Established in 1982 in Sharjah by His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Al Qassemi, Orient tours is the first company on our list. The tour operator is the go-to service for desert safari offers in Sharjah. Apart from the United Arab Emirates, the service specialises in bringing tour groups and individual tourists from Japan, Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australia. With several branch offices across the country and even the Sultanate of Oman, the service is considered as one of the most reliable travel companies in the UAE.
The well-known tour operator bases its tour packages on specific desert experiences. So if you fancy a peaceful dinner under the desert night sky without dune bashing, quad bikes or other staple activities, Orient Tours has you covered. Orient Tours also allows you to choose your pickup city, in this case, Sharjah.
Here are some examples of tours which offer pickups from Sharjah:
FLYING CARPET
Take a romantic dinner for two in the desert with the Flying Carpet package from Orient Tours. The tour starts with an exciting drive across the sands in a 4X4 with a few stops for photo ops along the way. The trip takes you past a camel farm where you can experience camel-back riding. Other highlights include a falcon show, private seating arrangements, butler services, shisha, tanoura dances, belly dances, henna application and more.
AN OCEAN OF DUNES
This safari takes you to the Liwa Oasis in Abu Dhabi which is also considered one of the best oases in the UAE. The area is famed for being the home of local tribes who settled here in the 18th century. Visitors opting for this package will be served a picnic lunch on-route with a stop at the Emirates National Auto Museum.
OTHER DETAILS
- Location: Al Rolla, Al Arouba Street – Sharjah
- Contact: +971-6-568-2323
- Email: auhoffice@orienttours.ae
Clifton Tours
The tour operator primarily offers safaris in Dubai but also has a base of operations in Sharjah — thereby making it the next best choice for booking a desert safari in Sharjah. Packages from Clifton Tours that offer pickups from Sharjah include:
EVENING DESERT SAFARI
The evening desert tour packages from Clifton Tours are divided into categories like Self Drive, Premium, Platinum Basic and Platinum Plus. Prices, which start from as low as AED 50, are based on the number of activities offered in each tour. For example, the Basic pack requires tourers to wait at either the Sharjah City Center, Mega Mall or other specific locations in the emirate for pickup. On the other hand, the Advance Pack offers to pick guests at their homes and drop them at a location of their choice.
Other perks included in the packages are:
- Dune bashing
- Camel rides
- Story-telling with tanoura dance
- Sheesha and cocktails
- Sandboarding and henna application
- Photography with falcon
MORNING DESERT SAFARI WITH QUAD BIKE
Looking for an early start to your desert safari in Sharjah? Starting from AED 700, Clifton Tours has three packages for morning safaris in the desert. The Basic Pack includes drinks, dune bashing for 15 minutes and photography opportunities. Those who want the best experience can opt for the Premium Pack, which along with the aforementioned activities, also comes with camel rides and access to a sandboarding facility.
OVERNIGHT DESERT SAFARI WITH VIP CAMPING
If you have ever wanted to sleep under the desert night sky, the Overnight Desert Safari is your best bet. The tour starts in a Bedouin-inspired camp where guests are welcomed with coffee and dates. Arabic carpets, cushions and low tables add to the exciting experience. Before the sun sets, guests can get in some dune bashing as well as a range of other fun activities like quad biking and camel rides ending with spectacular views of the sunset. After a three-course Arabic meal and dances, the team sets up a Bedouin tent and in the morning, guests wake up to a sumptuous breakfast.
HUMMER DESERT SAFARI
With pickups from your doorstep in Sharjah, the Hummer Desert Safari is another exciting option from Clifton Tours. Dune bashing in a Hummer makes the experience more exciting compared to the same on common 4×4 vehicles.
Other activities in the packages are camel rides and falcon shows. Guests are also given the opportunity to dress up in traditional Arab clothing. After exploring the desert, guests are taken to a campsite where they can drink Arabic coffee and tuck into a delicious dinner of perfectly cooked grilled meats.
DINNER IN THE DESERT
The Dinner in the Desert is a treat for gastronomes. Apart from the usual fare of dune riding, falcon photography and camel rides, the highlight of this safari is a splendid Arabic buffet dinner. From a variety of barbecued items to fresh salad and traditional Arabic sweets, it’s the perfect tour for foodies.
OTHER DETAILS
- Location: Shop # 3, Street 17, Barakah Bint Tha alabah
- Contact: +971-58-249-4771
Other desert safaris in Sharjah
Apart from the safaris organised by these Sharjah-based companies, there are also several offered on Viator. These include:
Desert safari from Alpha Tours
Perfect for those who are on a temporary visit to the emirate, this Dubai-based service offers to pick up guests from hotels in Sharjah. The six-hour dinner inclusive tour includes every safari staple – from a stay at a Bedouin-style camp to dune bashing on a 4×4, Arabic folk music and more.
Things to consider before a desert safari in Sharjah
It pays to be prepared, especially if you have never gone on a desert safari. Before you book your trip, make sure you pack some essentials that can protect you from the heat. Additionally:
- Keep some sunscreen with you
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Wear a hat and sunglasses under the sun
- Wear light clothing if your safari is during the summer months
Apart from these, avoid bringing along unnecessary electronics like a laptop. A camera and a selfie stick are all you need. Plus, make sure that your clothing is breathable and adjustable for the heat during the day and when the temperature drops at night. Additionally, comfortable footwear like flip flops or sandals can be the ideal choice for day safaris as you will be getting in and out of your vehicle frequently and onto the sand.
That’s all for our review of services where you can book a desert safari in Sharjah. After you are done with desert safaris, book a fun visit at the Sharjah Safari with your family. Looking for more options? Take a look at our guide for the best companies offering desert safari in Dubai. While you are searching, check out desert safari companies from Abu Dhabi too.
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