What to wear on a desert safari
An action-packed desert safari will be one of the biggest highlights of your time in Dubai. But, not getting the basics right with your choice of clothing can be a make-or-break moment.
If a desert safari is part of your Dubai itinerary, read on. We’re here to help you pack smartly, avoiding the unnecessary overpacking that we’re all guilty of.
Keep your outfit light and bright
Our number one recommendation for a desert safari outfit is to opt for lightweight and breathable clothing. It’s hot and sunny in the desert all year round, so you’ll need to pick a suitable outfit to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entirety of your excursion and various activities.
Your best bet is to go for natural materials like cotton and linen, and steer clear of synthetics. This is particularly the case if you’re planning on dune bashing, sandboarding or heading on a camel ride, as these materials are comfortable while not being restrictive.
Trousers or shorts and a long-sleeved top
To keep things simple, we recommend packing a long-sleeved top and trousers or shorts.
Most desert activities require strolling the sands in direct sunlight, so it’s important to keep yourself covered and avoid over-exposure or burns. If you’re wearing shorts and a t-shirt, make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen. Go for loose-fitting options, as more fitted clothes will make it harder for you to stay cool.
For women, a long-sleeved top and trousers would also be the best option, but shorts and a t-shirt would be fine too.
If you want a more local look, you could even go for a kandura (for men) or abaya (for women) as your Dubai desert safari outfit. These traditional garments are long-sleeved and ankle length, keeping you cool and protected from the sun.
Bring a jumper too in the winter
The desert can get a little bit cold at night in the winter months, so it’s important to bring a jumper – particularly if you’re going on a overnight desert safari. There’s
nothing worse than having your sumptuous barbeque dinner ruined by shivering in the sand.
The coldest month is January, when temperatures can dip to around 15°C at night - which will catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. It usually doesn’t get any colder than that though, so you’re unlikely to need a jacket or coat. It’s generally a few degrees warmer in December and February, but another layer still might be worth packing on some days.
You won’t go wrong with bringing a comfortable hoodie, sweater, poncho or big shawl with you. It will keep you warm on both an early morning safari as well as during our legendary evening safari in the winter months.
In the hottest months from June to August, it can be upwards of 30°C even at night, so you’ll certainly be warm enough in light clothing when the sun goes down.
Bear in mind though that regardless of the season, you’ll be spending quite a bit of your time in an air-conditioned 4x4 – so a thin layer to wear while you’re travelling might come in handy.
Comfortable, robust shoes
Choosing the right footwear for your desert safari can be the difference between having a good time and an amazing time.
We tend to prefer sneakers or light boots ourselves (in true desert safari style!), although if you’ve just bought a fresh pair of Crocs, sandals or flip-flops, we won’t turn you away. If sand in your sandals isn’t your thing though, we’d recommend something closed toe.
Just remember, strolling through the sand can be quite a balancing act at times, so sturdy footwear will be your best friend. Pick a pair that you’ve worn before and are comfortable in. You don’t want to find out that your new shoes give you blisters in the middle of the desert!
Hat, scarf and sunglasses
There are a few other items you could wear to maximise your desert safari adventure in Dubai.
You may have the perfect headgear picked out for your visit to the horse race, but don’t forget to pack a hat for the day in the desert. A suitable hat will offer you much-needed protection from the sun and the winds that can sometimes pick up at a moment’s notice.
You can also opt for a scarf or bandana, which can cover your head and face and shield you from the sand and wind.
Make sure you bring a pair of sunglasses too, as these can also help keep the sand – and sun - out your eyes.
Bring sunscreen, lip balm and wet wipes
As well as picking suitable clothes, you can also bring a few things with you on a desert safari to elevate your experience.
Bring some high-SPF sunscreen because the sun is unforgivingly powerful in the desert, and you’ll be spending a lot of time out in the open.
Smack on a generous layer of lip balm, as your lips can quickly dry out in the hot, breezy conditions. Choose one with a high SPF to protect your lips from the sun too.
A waist bag or backpack might come in handy to store your phone, camera and other valuable items away from the sand.
And if you want to look like a true desert pro, stock up on some wet wipes and deodorant to freshen up as needed. This can be a welcomed treat if you’re combining desert dune buggies and an evening safari, as you’ll have had an action-packed day before your incredible BBQ dinner.
Dressing for different desert safari activities
Your desert safari in Dubai will include several action-packed activities. Depending on your itinerary, we’d suggest you take a minute to consider your clothing choices for the following experiences.
Wildlife Dune Drive and Dune Buggy Experience
To keep things simple, we recommend packing a long-sleeved top and trousers or shorts.
Most desert activities require strolling the sands in direct sunlight, so it’s important to keep yourself covered and avoid over-exposure or burns. If you’re wearing shorts and a t-shirt, make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen. Go for loose-fitting options, as more fitted clothes will make it harder for you to stay cool.
For women, a long-sleeved top and trousers would also be the best option, but shorts and a t-shirt would be fine too.
If you want a more local look, you could even go for a kandura (for men) or abaya (for women) as your Dubai desert safari outfit. These traditional garments are long-sleeved and ankle length, keeping you cool and protected from the sun.
Camel Ride
There’s a good chance you’ll be strolling across the sand on a camel ride on your desert safari in Dubai.
You’ll want to avoid a short skirt, dress or shorts. Go for loose-fitting trousers that you can comfortably sit in.
If you do choose to wear shorts, you’ll be exposed to the sun and sand when you’re in the saddle, so it’s especially important to remember your sunglasses, scarf, hat and sunscreen.
Sandboarding
Some of our Dubai desert safari experiences, like the Desert Dune Buggies & Exclusive Desert Experience Combo, also include the thrill of a short sandboarding lesson.
Again, long-sleeved, breathable tops and trousers are ideal as you’ll be out in the full sun. Make sure that your trousers don’t restrict you in any way and you’re able to move freely. You’ll definitely need some sturdy, closed-toe footwear too so you can grip the board properly.
If you’ve got long hair, you should tie it back to keep it out of your face. You don’t want any distractions when you’re sliding down a sand dune.
BBQ Dinner
The dinner and entertainment portion of your adventure will have you sitting down on the ground, so our recommendation would be to avoid a short skirts, dresses or shorts.
Go for stretchy pieces that’ll keep you covered and comfortable throughout the day, and be practical when it comes to sitting down to eat in a traditional Bedouin setting.
What to avoid wearing on a desert safari
If you’re considering what to avoid wearing on a desert safari, be cautious of overly revealing clothing that may come across as offensive in the United Arab Emirates.
Short or overly revealing clothing also won’t give your skin adequate protection from the sun either. If it’s too tight, it’s often less effective at regulating your temperature as well, which will make you less comfortable.
It probably goes without saying that high-heeled shoes aren’t part of the recommended dress code for a desert safari either. They’re best reserved for a downtown dinner.
Desert safari checklist
Here’s your handy desert safari checklist of everything you should try to bring with you on your next exciting adventure:
· Lightweight, breathable clothing
· Jumper (in the winter months)
· Sturdy, comfortable footwear (ideally closed toe)
· Hat
· Sunglasses
· High SPF sunscreen
· High SPF lip balm
· Hair tie if required
· Deodorant and wet wipes
· Waist bag or backpack
· Water
You’re now ready for your desert safari
You’ve now got all the information you need to pack for your desert safari in Dubai.
With these outfit choices, you’ll be sure to have an incredible time as you ride the dunes, camp under the stars and discover the beauty of the desert. Check out all our desert adventures and put your outfit to further use with another unforgettable excursion into the Dubai desert.
FAQs
What color should you wear during a desert safari?
We’d suggest keeping things on the bright side for your desert safari. If you’re looking for Insta-worthy shots you’ll be sharing with your friends, go for vibrant colours or classic whites. To avoid attracting any additional sunrays, it’s best to leave the darker tones behind.
Can I wear shorts in desert safari?
You can, of course, show up in a pair of shorts, but bear in mind that you’ll be spending quite a bit of your time in an air-conditioned 4x4 and as soon as the sun drops in the desert, so will the temperature. You weren’t expecting that answer, were you?
Can I wear sandals for desert safari?
You can wear sandals on your desert safari, although we’d recommend you opt for a closed-toe shoe for maximum comfort. We do understand that you may have a stylish new pair of sandals just for your holiday however, and we respect that.
Why do people wear baggy clothes in the desert?
Without going too far into the science, baggy clothes actually allow for better temperature regulation. They let heat escape when it’s hot outside, whilst also protecting against dehydration. Pretty clever, eh?
Why do people wear bandanas in the desert?
As well as having the potential to be a stylish fashion accessory, bandanas are great for protecting your face and neck from intense sunlight, reducing the risk of sunburn.
Desert winds can also get quite strong, whipping sand into your face and neck. This can sting a little, so wearing a bandana is a great way to guard against it.
What is the best fabric for desert heat?
Natural materials like cotton and linen are excellent choices in the desert, as they’re particularly breathable, which is crucial for staying cool in hot conditions.
Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, as these will trap the heat and make you feel hot and bothered.