Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
1,824 reviews
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Muthu K
Manama, Bahrain22 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Must do for any visitor in dubai. dune bashing on a land cruiser. in our package with Travos, sundowner was included. i held a falcon in my hand for a picture. great feeling enjoying the desert sunset especially with cool weather in february. unfortunately, could not see a single animal. maybe they stay away from all the four wheel drives. The tent is standard. the food was cold and average. entertainment much below average. can we get something different than Tanoora and belly dance. camel ride is fun. avoid shopping for souvenirs as you get them much cheaper in deira or bur dubai meena bazaar.
Written 7 March 2024
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.
Zafreen K
Toronto, Canada49 contributions
May 2017
When in Dubai you MUST do the desert safari. This is one of my must to do trips whenever I take any visitors to Dubai on a tour. Experience the Dubai culture and hospitality on this adventurous tour. Enjoy the drive on the dunes, feel the soft sand beneath your feet when the driver stops the car for pictures. I recommend the Sunset tour as this will be the most worthwhile tour you take in Dubai. I only use a specific company and driver as that makes a world of difference. I have used many different tour operators for this tour however, there’s only one particular company I use for my clients. Take the sundowner or sunset tour as that is the best one. Also try not to eat anything 3 hours prior to going on the tour as the dune ride can make you sick if you have a full belly.
Written 7 June 2017
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.
HamburgAlsterFan
Hamburg, Germany223 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
I read a lot of articles and books about the Rub Al Khali desert, the largest desert of Arabia. I was fascinated of this phenomenal desert!
I had the luck of my life to land a job just inmid of the Rub Al Khali desert, in a small town 170 km southwest of Abu Dhabi City.
I didn't buy a 4-wheels drive jeep, but a very beautiful Lexus convertible car. Yes, a convertible car! Driving with open roof is a fun in the sunny winter in the Arabian Emirates. I enjoyed my wonderful car and the excellent roads in the Emirates. I drove 135.000 (!!) km in 2 1/2 years.
The best time in the Emirates is from October to March; the summer is terrible hot and the climate in Abu Dhabi CIty and in Dubai city is terrible humid, because of the evaporization of the water in the Arabian Gulf.
Definitely a "MUST" in the Emirates is a 4-wheels drive trip into the desert! You will never forget this phtantastic experience of a drive into the desert.
I had the luck of my life to land a job just inmid of the Rub Al Khali desert, in a small town 170 km southwest of Abu Dhabi City.
I didn't buy a 4-wheels drive jeep, but a very beautiful Lexus convertible car. Yes, a convertible car! Driving with open roof is a fun in the sunny winter in the Arabian Emirates. I enjoyed my wonderful car and the excellent roads in the Emirates. I drove 135.000 (!!) km in 2 1/2 years.
The best time in the Emirates is from October to March; the summer is terrible hot and the climate in Abu Dhabi CIty and in Dubai city is terrible humid, because of the evaporization of the water in the Arabian Gulf.
Definitely a "MUST" in the Emirates is a 4-wheels drive trip into the desert! You will never forget this phtantastic experience of a drive into the desert.
Written 7 July 2016
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.
8800llee
Singapore107 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
Background
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is the UAE’s first national park. Carefully planned rehabilitation over the years has resulted in a protected environment for the last of the desert wildernesses. With the rapid development of Dubai as a major business centre in the Gulf, the Dubai Government has long recognised the need to preserve its unique and beautiful desert habitat, and the many threatened flora and fauna species within. This unique reserve was created for the protection of those endangered species and for the conservation of the natural desert habitat and heritage.
My review
I took my family on a private tour to Al Maha Resort and Spa. During the stay we got to have the opportunity to explore this conservation Desert. We get to see desert plants like Fire Bush with shallow roots spreading wide to capture thel slightest moisture in the air. the Ghaf Tree, a 3to 10 metre tall tree that has deep roots reaching up to 40 metres underground plying for the water table source. This helps early Bedouins survive in the desert , knowing where to search for sweet underground water.
Arabian Oryx, Gazelles, Red fox , Hedgehog, hares were common.
Efforts were made through the funding n support of the Shriek of Dubai to conserve the desert wilderness. A very noble person for the love of nature.
Stars gazing is possible when we are far out away from city lights. Temperature during DEC is the best. ( at night 15 degree - day high around 27 deg) rains sand storm only come during February-March and Summer heat from July - early Sep will be scorching.
We also did a camel ride to the dunes and watch the sun sets. You can arrange for dining in the midst of desert and watch the stars through the resort staffs.
Everything was just right with such close embrace with the nature. The morning sun over mountains skyline near Oman could be seen. and evening sun is just another moment of God's creation.
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is the UAE’s first national park. Carefully planned rehabilitation over the years has resulted in a protected environment for the last of the desert wildernesses. With the rapid development of Dubai as a major business centre in the Gulf, the Dubai Government has long recognised the need to preserve its unique and beautiful desert habitat, and the many threatened flora and fauna species within. This unique reserve was created for the protection of those endangered species and for the conservation of the natural desert habitat and heritage.
My review
I took my family on a private tour to Al Maha Resort and Spa. During the stay we got to have the opportunity to explore this conservation Desert. We get to see desert plants like Fire Bush with shallow roots spreading wide to capture thel slightest moisture in the air. the Ghaf Tree, a 3to 10 metre tall tree that has deep roots reaching up to 40 metres underground plying for the water table source. This helps early Bedouins survive in the desert , knowing where to search for sweet underground water.
Arabian Oryx, Gazelles, Red fox , Hedgehog, hares were common.
Efforts were made through the funding n support of the Shriek of Dubai to conserve the desert wilderness. A very noble person for the love of nature.
Stars gazing is possible when we are far out away from city lights. Temperature during DEC is the best. ( at night 15 degree - day high around 27 deg) rains sand storm only come during February-March and Summer heat from July - early Sep will be scorching.
We also did a camel ride to the dunes and watch the sun sets. You can arrange for dining in the midst of desert and watch the stars through the resort staffs.
Everything was just right with such close embrace with the nature. The morning sun over mountains skyline near Oman could be seen. and evening sun is just another moment of God's creation.
Written 15 December 2017
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 14 October 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.
donna b
Dhahran, Ash Sharqiyah, Saudi Arabia18 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
interesting experience, and enjoyed seeing the Arabian wildlife in such a remote place. Lots of "dubs" (big lizards) to be seen the day we went.
Written 11 April 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.
FlyfishMJT
Bergen, Norway34 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
Worth doing. Its a box to tick. There are several options, we did the desert safari with falcon display, desert drive and dinner. The driving is full throttle so be prepared. If you into that its fun. The dinner experience is OK, not one for the books but as I say worth doing.
Written 6 December 2017
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.
treelee31
Hong Kong, China63 contributions
Jan 2017
We were given a guide who drove to pick us up at a mall and take us to the desert conservation. He spent the entire day with us, pointing out buildings and telling us about the culture.
Once we arrived at the desert, we were given head coverings, which he helped us put on. We also got to pick our own vintage land rover, we picked a pretty turquoise colored one and went duning in it. Our guide parked somewhere in the desert to let us take pictures in the sand. Then took us to see the falcon show where an Australian lady taught us about falcons while we sipped on some sparkling date juice (which I thought tasted like sparkling apple cider) on a carpet they placed on the sand. We were allowed to take pictures afterwards.
After the show, we were driven to a "camp base" with camels tied outside. We were able to ride on the camels for one minute in a circle, I'd be super disappointed if I had ridden camels before. I wish we could've gone further with the camels but I think the purpose was just the experience and for taking photos. We had two girls per camel.
The best part of the night was the food, entertainment and shisha afterwards. There was a small crowd of about 40-50 people who attended the dinner. We were able to try camel meat and camel milk. The place was very clean and my friends and I enjoyed it very much. Our guide ended up driving us back to where we were staying. He did something to upset some of my friends, but I don't remember what. In general, I thought he was very accommodating.
Once we arrived at the desert, we were given head coverings, which he helped us put on. We also got to pick our own vintage land rover, we picked a pretty turquoise colored one and went duning in it. Our guide parked somewhere in the desert to let us take pictures in the sand. Then took us to see the falcon show where an Australian lady taught us about falcons while we sipped on some sparkling date juice (which I thought tasted like sparkling apple cider) on a carpet they placed on the sand. We were allowed to take pictures afterwards.
After the show, we were driven to a "camp base" with camels tied outside. We were able to ride on the camels for one minute in a circle, I'd be super disappointed if I had ridden camels before. I wish we could've gone further with the camels but I think the purpose was just the experience and for taking photos. We had two girls per camel.
The best part of the night was the food, entertainment and shisha afterwards. There was a small crowd of about 40-50 people who attended the dinner. We were able to try camel meat and camel milk. The place was very clean and my friends and I enjoyed it very much. Our guide ended up driving us back to where we were staying. He did something to upset some of my friends, but I don't remember what. In general, I thought he was very accommodating.
Written 5 September 2017
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.
sammarste
Zurich, Switzerland302 contributions
Nov 2014
We stayed there a couple of times: the organisation and the planification were amazing. Everything was well organized and there was water everywhere and a lot of food. nice pleasure
Written 6 July 2015
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.
73Tracy41
Dubai, United Arab Emirates26 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
Very professional. Collected us on time. Guide had a wealth of knowledge. Very relaxed fun filled morning. Highly recommend it.
Written 2 February 2015
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.
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 ?
Written 16 February 2020
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
Written 16 July 2019
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.
Written 22 April 2018
gabiimolnar
Budapest, Hungary
Hello there! Is it possible to go with a private driver during at early afternoon only for an hour visit just to take pictures?
Written 20 February 2018
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.
Written 16 April 2018
Is it possible to go with a private driver just to see the sunset ? I'm just interested on taking pictures.
Written 24 September 2017
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.
Written 25 September 2017
Buenos días, 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
Written 20 September 2017
Disculpame pero yo no organizo excursiones, solo escribo desde mi experiencia usando las excusiones que aca se ofrecen.
Written 20 September 2017
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.
Written 21 July 2017
Hi Miguel,
Due to my experience I can't recommend you to get it in summer. It's so hot!
Written 22 July 2017
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!
Written 19 July 2017
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...
Written 21 July 2017
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