Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is a designated protected area for the conservation the natural inland desert ecosystem of Dubai. It spans 4.7% of the total land area of Dubai Emirate and encompasses 225km2 of sand dunes desert ecosystem interspersed with gravel plains. The DDCR is a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has gained international recognition from the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). The DDCR is home to 57 Plant species, over 120 birds and 43 mammals and reptiles including the iconic Arabian Oryx. The DDCR can be visited by either staying at the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa or for day visits with one of the four concession holders; Arabian Adventures, Lama Tours, Travco and Alpha Tours.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,821 reviews
Excellent
1,269
Very good
437
Average
93
Poor
12
Terrible
10
matla
Saint Louis, MO6 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Couples
My husband and I selected the platinum heritage morning Dubai desert conservation tour and it was truly a highlight. Hussam was our wonderful tour guide. He was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Bedouin life and the desert. He went more than out of the way to provide an excellent experience. Thank you Hussam!!
Written December 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CdnGoldy
Kitchener, Canada936 contributions
Mar. 2020 • Couples
This centre occupies over 4% of all Dubai land, and is made up of over 225 square kilometers of desert habitat, animals, birds, and other flora and fauna. We had the great good fortune of seeing many Onyx, and a small gathering of gazelles (much smaller in stature than I assumed).
To drive through this sanctuary you need a guide with a specially equipped vehicle. On the way into the park they deflate their tires to only approx. half their normal pressure. Then switch to 4 wheel drive for the sand. We experienced "Dune Bashing" where they drive off road through the dunes, and a number of people became motion sick.
We were taken to a spot with nothing but desert dunes surrounding us, to watch a dessert sunset. I was amazed at how fast the sun sets over the low horizon of the desert. It disappears within moments.
We.were taken to a beautiful gathering spot and spent a few evening hours in the desert trying local cuisine, riding on camels, dune boarding (much like tobogganing in snow), and experiencing Arabian entertainment. This was all arranged through Arabiab adventures
It was the best experience we had in Dubai so far.
To drive through this sanctuary you need a guide with a specially equipped vehicle. On the way into the park they deflate their tires to only approx. half their normal pressure. Then switch to 4 wheel drive for the sand. We experienced "Dune Bashing" where they drive off road through the dunes, and a number of people became motion sick.
We were taken to a spot with nothing but desert dunes surrounding us, to watch a dessert sunset. I was amazed at how fast the sun sets over the low horizon of the desert. It disappears within moments.
We.were taken to a beautiful gathering spot and spent a few evening hours in the desert trying local cuisine, riding on camels, dune boarding (much like tobogganing in snow), and experiencing Arabian entertainment. This was all arranged through Arabiab adventures
It was the best experience we had in Dubai so far.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorien R
3 contributions
Dec. 2019 • Family
This review should demonstrate the lovely time we have had during the safari of Travco in the Dubai Desert. The trip was well-organized: we got picked up at the hotel where the journey to the desert begun, the surroundings were beautiful and everything was well-arranged at the camp with food and activities. The driver and our guide for the day was Mohammed Ali, he really made our time exceptional! He had remarkable knowledge about his craft and he had an amazing sense of humor. He took his time with us and the other passengers of the car by making photos of us in the desert and having great conversations with us during the ride. Additionally, great music in the car which made it even more fun. Overall, an amazing experience and a shout-out to Mohammed Ali!
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maher K
Dubai, United Arab Emirates33 contributions
Oct. 2019
this was our best safari trip we ever had in Dubai, all family members were happy and they have spent a wonderful time through this adventure. Shall try it one more time. It is better to go there evening time.
Written October 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelissaPeery
Arlington, VA571 contributions
Sep. 2019
There are many types of tours, cultural, dune bashing etc that will take you into the Murquab Conservation Reserve. Just do it.
Written October 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PrathaDenmark
Denmark, Australia94 contributions
Jun. 2019 • Couples
My wife and I booked to go on he Desert Dunes and dinner safari with Arabian Adventures. It was exhilarating. The drive over the dunes was mind blowing and while terrifying we felt very safe as our driver was obviously an expert at driving over the dunes. Being a wildlife fanatic I was more than excited to see a desert lizard, Arabian oryx, desert gazelles and sand gazelle very close and in quite large numbers for such rare animals. I then rode a camel to a Bedouin tent, set up in the middle of nowhere for a typical Arabian dinner. It was set up very romantically with just my wife and I there with our guide and the chef, who produced a fabulous meal. (I am flattered enough to think that they may have thought us to be a young couple on a romantic journey and not an old married couple). I heartily recommend this tour with Arabian Adventures, it is a bit pricey but I felt it was worth every Dhiram.
Written June 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cicigirl
Toronto, Canada221 contributions
Nov. 2018
This was the highlight of our trip when we visited Dubai. It is a must do and I highly recommend it. Loved the surreal feeling when we were in the desert with the dunes and animals around us. I've neve we felt more at peace as I sis in this desert. There are a number of amazing things that you can do. We wend dune bugging and the camel ride was fantastic. We did that just in time to get the sunset.
Written February 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fiamma11
Vienna, VA4,906 contributions
May 2018
We visited the Desert Conservation Reserve with Platinum Heritage which I heartily recommend. We saw a number of wildlife, had wonderful photo opportunities and really enjoyed the desert with its flora and fauna. Highly recommended!
Written September 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
uchiaramburu4384
Los Angeles, CA6 contributions
Jul. 2018 • Couples
Camping, camels, campfire in the desert, bbq, and some traditional rituals in the dunes. Could not be happier with the decision to do this. What we missed was the jeepride as it was a bit stormy that day and we had to cancel it. But overall very good service and location. Highlight here, the bbq in the evening when while we saw the sunset with two other couples.
Written August 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amandawZ3570HC
United States5 contributions
Aug. 2017
I would go back in a heart beat. A very unique reserve, but with eyes open there is much to see and enjoy. I didn't stay in the reserve, but did enjoy a most delicious breakfast.
Written July 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
r c
13 contributions
We are passing by can we just turn up in our rental car and look around ? Main interest seeing the desert wildlife gazelle, oryx etc ! Presume the tours enter the gates so we could join a safari wildlife drive maybe ?
Akanksha R
32 contributions
I am planning a trip to dubai with my parents in july last week. My father is a heart patient and has got pacemaker , do u suggest desert safari
If we do the morning tour does it include camel riding?
8800llee
Singapore72 contributions
i did not come across a morning camel ride program. evening ride is the usually the itinerary where the sun is not hot and you can end up with a Arabic dinner and dance program or a sun set viewing chill off.
gabiimolnar
Budapest, Hungary1 contribution
Hello there! Is it possible to go with a private driver during at early afternoon only for an hour visit just to take pictures?
Ana-geo
Dubai, United Arab Emirates42 contributions
Hello, i think that is possible, but you'll need to call a tour guide to do so.
Sorry for the delay in my response, i hope is still usefull.
ChrisRocha
Rio de Janeiro, RJ249 contributions
Is it possible to go with a private driver just to see the sunset ? I'm just interested on taking pictures.
AgentAC
Wolfurt, Austria188 contributions
Hi, you can get a private car from the company that does the tours but will follow more or less the whole convoy of cars and more or less stick to the schedule. Sunset is part of the tour though in any case.
Carolina O
Malgrat de Mar, Spain46 contributions
Buenos dÃas, hacéis excursiones de un dia Fujeirah? Visitas + esnorkel. No privadas que son muy caras. Si puede ser compartidas. Viajo sola y estaré en Dubai la última semana de diciembre. Gracias
Ana-geo
Dubai, United Arab Emirates42 contributions
Disculpame pero yo no organizo excursiones, solo escribo desde mi experiencia usando las excusiones que aca se ofrecen.
MiguelDuarte
2 contributions
Is this a only-winter kind of activity? Does it make sense to go on desert safari during summer months? Can anyone with local knowledge comment, please. Thanks.
Konstantin S
District Western (ZAO), Russia237 contributions
Hi Miguel,
Due to my experience I can't recommend you to get it in summer. It's so hot!
cllarri
Neuquen, Argentina23 contributions
Buen dia!! quisiera saber si hay excursion al desierto en castellano ya que entiendo poco ingles y mi familia nada. Y cuanto sale la excursion y si es recommendable contratarla desde argentina o el precio no cambia. Muchas gracias desde ya!
gustav0ylaura
Viedma, Argentina7 contributions
Todas las excursiones en Dubai y Abu Dhabi las contraté con la Agencia de turismo en Viedma, la excursión al desierto también, te llevan en una 4x4 por los medanos, haciendo derrapes subidas y bajadas, manejan muy bien en la arena, y termina con una cena y con show incluido, El guia que nos llevó no hablaba español, solo inglés, era filipino. El precio de la excursión es el mismo que si lo contratas desde el hotel en que te alojas. Buen viaje y disfruta de Dubai...
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Claim your listingDUBAI DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve:
- Desert Conservation Wildlife Drive with Breakfast at Al Maha Desert Resort (From C$263.63)
- Dubai Heritage Land Rover Desert Safari with Traditional Dinner & Entertainment (From C$263.63)
- Camel Desert Safari with Traditional Dinner & Heritage Activities from Dubai (From C$263.63)
- Best Dubai Desert Safari with Buffet Dinner,Sand Boarding & Shows (From C$76.10)
- Morning Falconry & Nature Desert Safari with transfers from Dubai (From C$225.69)
- Hotels near Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve:
- (2.22 km) Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
- (4.88 km) 4 bed room penthouse
- (4.89 km) Penrose Place Fabulous Bed Bedroom
- (4.89 km) Chic Villa with Pvt Backyard, All Amenities and Community Pool. 4 Beds & Baths
- (4.89 km) Supreme Residence| Fully Furnished | Desirable Location
- Restaurants near Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve:
- (10.60 km) Sonara Camp
- (4.89 km) The Bombay Talkies Restaurant
- (9.40 km) Deja Vu Cafe
- (9.40 km) Starbucks
- (9.40 km) Baits