What to wear on a desert safari
Is your trip to Dubai booked? Yes? Box number one, ticked! Are you heading away from the city for a desert adventure? Yes? Box number two, ticked!
Have you packed yet? No? Box number three, assistance needed. That’s fine, we’re safari veterans.
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.
Get the basics right
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.
Our number one recommendation about how to dress for a desert safari is: opt for lightweight and breathable clothing. 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 they’re comfortable while not being restrictive.
When considering what to avoid wearing on a desert safari, be cautious of overly revealing clothing. While clothing that’s too short may come across as offensive in the United Arab Emirates, you also won’t give your skin adequate protection from the sun. Clothing that’s too tight is often less effective at regulating your temperature, which will make you less comfortable.
Also, the desert can get pretty cold in winter. By cold, we’re talking temperatures regularly falling into the single figures - which will catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. To dress for the desert season wise, you should be packing something warm like a thermal fleece or hoodie if you’ve booked a winter desert safari.
Dressing for 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 the following:
-
Wildlife Dune Drive: Your clothing should be flowy and breathable, although try to strike the balance between flowy and loose. For the sake of you and your fellow adventurers, don’t wear any sharp or pointy accessories that could injure anyone, as the dune drives can get a bit bumpy.
-
Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: There’s a good chance you’ll be strolling across the sand on a Camel Ride on your desert safari in Dubai. The dinner and entertainment portion of your adventure will also have you sitting down on the ground, so the dress code leaves no room for a short skirt, dress or shorts. Go for stretchy pieces that’ll keep you covered and comfortable throughout the day.
-
Dune Buggy Experience: If you’ve decided to treat your thrill-seeking side to an exhilarating dune buggy experience, opting for sporty and not too loose-fitting clothing is the best idea when thinking about how to dress for a desert safari. Ladies, tie your hair up to keep things comfortable.
And remember, make sure you bring warm clothes!
Shoes & Accessories
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, 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.
If you were wondering what to avoid wearing on a desert safari in Dubai, it probably goes without saying that high-heeled shoes aren’t part of the recommended dress code. They’re best reserved for a downtown dinner.
There are quite a few things to carry on a desert safari to elevate your experience. You may have your 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 that’ll cover both the head and face and shield you from the sand.
Make sure you bring a pair of sunglasses, procure some high-SPF sunscreen, and smack on a generous layer of lip balm. If you want to look like a true desert pro, stock up on some wet wipes to freshen up as needed.
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?