Solo Desert Safari 15 Powerful Tips For The Ultimate Adventure
Traveling alone is one of the most liberating experiences in the world. You are the master of your own schedule.
You can eat what you want. You can go where you want. You do not have to wait for anyone.
Dubai is a fantastic city for solo travelers. It is safe, modern, and accessible.
But many solo travelers hesitate when it comes to the Solo Desert Safari.
They wonder if it is safe. They wonder if it will be awkward being alone in a group.
They worry about the cost. Is it more expensive for one person?
This guide is here to put those fears to rest. The desert is just as magical for one as it is for many.
In fact, going solo can be even better. You can immerse yourself deeper in the silence of the dunes.
You can meet interesting people from all over the world.
We will cover everything you need to know. From booking the right tour to staying safe.
We will discuss how to save money and how to make friends.
We recommend checking https://royaldesertadventures.ae/ for their solo-friendly packages.
Let us dive into the ultimate guide for the lone wolf in the sand.
Why Go Solo in the Desert?
The Solo Desert Safari offers a unique perspective.
When you are with friends, you are distracted. You are talking and laughing.
When you are alone, you are observant. You notice the color of the sand.
You feel the wind on your face. You hear the silence of the vast emptiness.
It is a spiritual experience for many. It is a chance to disconnect from the noise of life.
It is also a great confidence builder. Navigating a foreign landscape alone is empowering.
You realize you are capable. You realize you can handle adventure.
Plus, you have total flexibility.
Do you want to skip the dune bashing? You can.
Do you want to spend an hour just taking photos of a camel? You can.
There is no one to rush you. No one to complain they are tired.
It is your trip, your way.
Safety for the Solo Traveler
Safety is the biggest concern for anyone traveling alone. especially in a desert.
Dubai is one of the safest cities globally. This extends to its tourism industry.
The tour operators are strictly regulated. The drivers are licensed professionals.
However, being solo means you have to be a bit more alert.
Always book with a reputable company. Do not go with random drivers on the street.
Check reviews on https://dubaidesertsafarie.com/ to see what other solo travelers say.
Keep your phone charged. Bring a power bank.
Share your live location with a friend or family member back home.
Stay with the group. Do not wander off behind the dunes alone.
It is easy to get disoriented in the sand. Every dune looks the same.
If you are a solo female traveler, dress modestly. It avoids unwanted attention.
Sit in the front seat of the 4×4 if possible. It is safer and you get a better view.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, speak up.
Choosing the Right Tour Type
As a solo traveler, you have choices. The type of tour you pick defines your experience.
Shared Tour:
This is the most popular option. You book a single seat in a Land Cruiser.
You will be placed with 5 other people.
This is great for meeting people. You instantly have a small group.
It is also the most budget-friendly. You share the cost of the car.
Private Tour:
You can book the entire car for yourself.
This is expensive. But it offers total privacy.
If you want to be alone with your thoughts, this is it.
You can customize the itinerary completely.
Group Bus Tour:
Some cheaper tours use a bus to get to the desert.
Then you switch to 4x4s or just go to the camp.
This is less intimate but very cheap.
It feels more like a big class field trip.
For most solo travelers, the shared 4×4 is the sweet spot.
It balances cost and social interaction.
Check https://royaldesertadventures.ae/ to see their shared vehicle options.
Making Friends on the Safari
One of the best parts of a Solo Desert Safari is the social aspect.
You are never truly alone unless you want to be.
In a shared car, you are stuck with strangers for 45 minutes.
Break the ice. Ask where they are from.
You will meet people from Europe, Asia, America. Everyone has a story.
The adrenaline of dune bashing brings people together.
You will be screaming and laughing together. It creates an instant bond.
At the camp, sit at a shared table. Do not isolate yourself.
Ask someone to take your photo. This is a classic conversation starter.
Offer to take their photo in return.
You might find dinner companions. You might even find travel buddies for the rest of your trip.
The desert attracts adventurous spirits. You are likely to meet like-minded people.
The Cost Factor: Is it More Expensive?
The “single supplement” is a dreaded term in travel.
Hotels often charge extra for one person.
The good news is that most desert safaris do not.
If you book a shared tour, you pay per person.
The price is the same whether you are alone or with ten people.
This makes the Solo Desert Safari very affordable.
However, if you want a private car, you pay for the whole car.
That means you pay for 6 seats just for yourself. That is pricey.
Also, be careful with “minimum booking” rules.
Some websites require a minimum of 2 people to book online.
If you see this, call the operator.
They can usually slot you into an existing group.
Royal Desert Adventures is very good at accommodating single bookings.
Just contact them directly if the online form blocks you.
The Morning Safari for Solitude
If your goal is peace and quiet, consider the morning.
The morning safari is generally less crowded.
It focuses on the nature aspect. Dune bashing, sandboarding, camels.
There is no loud music. There is no big party crowd.
It is just you and the sand.
The morning light is beautiful for photography.
It is cooler in the winter months.
It is a shorter trip, usually 3 to 4 hours.
This leaves your afternoon free for other solo explorations in the city.
It is a pure adrenaline shot without the fluff.
The Evening Safari for Atmosphere
The evening safari is the classic experience.
It is busier, louder, and longer.
If you want to feel the energy of the desert, go in the evening.
The sunset is a communal moment. Everyone gathers on the high dunes.
It is a beautiful sight to witness.
The camp at night is magical. The lights, the fire, the stars.
Even if you are alone, you feel part of something.
The entertainment provides a focal point. You are watching the show, not feeling awkward.
The buffet dinner is easy for solo diners. You serve yourself.
You can eat at your own pace.
If you want to be social, the evening is better.
There are more people to meet. More opportunities to interact.
Photography Tips for the Solo Traveler
Taking photos when you are alone is a skill.
You do not want just selfies. You want to be in the landscape.
Tripod:
Bring a lightweight tripod. The sand is stable.
Set up your shot and use the timer.
You can get amazing wide shots of yourself on a dune.
The Guide:
Your driver is your best photographer.
They do this every day. They know the angles.
Ask them to take photos of you. Do not be shy.
They are usually happy to help.
Selfie Stick:
It might look cheesy, but it works.
It helps you get a wider angle than your arm allows.
Great for action shots on the camel.
Strangers:
Ask other tourists.
Look for someone with a nice camera. They usually know how to frame a shot.
Offer to take theirs first.
Capturing your Solo Desert Safari is important. These memories are yours alone.
For more photography location tips, look at https://htdesertsafari.com/.
What to Pack for One
Packing for yourself is easy. You only have to worry about your needs.
Power Bank:
This is critical. Your phone is your lifeline.
It is your camera, your map, and your safety device.
Do not let it die.
Book or Kindle:
There is downtime. Driving to the desert takes an hour.
Waiting for the sunset takes time.
A good book is a solo traveler’s best friend.
Headphones:
Sometimes you just want to zone out.
Listen to a podcast during the drive.
Listen to epic music while watching the dunes.
Water:
Bring your own bottle. Stay hydrated.
No one else will remind you to drink.
Jacket:
It gets cold at night. You do not have a partner to borrow a jacket from.
Be self-sufficient.
Dealing with Awkwardness
Let us address the elephant in the room. Eating alone.
Some people feel self-conscious eating alone at a camp full of families.
First, realize that no one cares. Everyone is focused on their own food.
Second, bring entertainment. Read your book while you eat.
Edit your photos on your phone.
Third, sit near the stage. Watch the show.
The dancers are there to entertain you.
Fourth, embrace it. People watching is fun.
You are a mysterious traveler on an adventure. Own that persona.
Confidence makes awkwardness disappear.
Female Solo Travelers in Dubai
Dubai is very safe for women.
Harassment is rare and strictly punished.
However, cultural respect is important.
Dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees.
This is not a law, but it is a sign of respect.
It also prevents staring.
If you do not want to talk to men, wear sunglasses. It creates a barrier.
Sit next to other women in the shared car.
Most drivers are very respectful and protective of female guests.
If you feel uncomfortable, tell the camp manager.
There are usually female staff members at the henna station or bathrooms.
You can ask them for help.
Many women travel solo to Dubai and have a fantastic time.
Quad Biking: The Ultimate Solo Thrill
If you want to feel powerful, rent a quad bike.
You are in control. It is just you and the machine.
You do not need a passenger.
You can drive as fast (safely) as you want.
It is a great way to blow off steam.
It adds an extra layer of adventure to your Solo Desert Safari.
You can rent them at the camp or book a package that includes them.
Check https://royaldesertadventures.ae/ for combo deals.
Wear the helmet. Be safe. Enjoy the freedom.
Avoiding the “Single Tax”
We mentioned that shared tours are price-friendly.
But watch out for “add-ons”.
Souvenir sellers might target solo travelers.
They might think you have money to burn.
Haggle if you want to buy something. Do not accept the first price.
The photo with the falcon usually costs money. Ask the price first.
The VIP seating costs extra. Do you need it?
As a solo traveler, standard seating is often better for meeting people.
VIP seating isolates you at a private table.
Save your money for experiences, not upgrades you do not need.
The Overnight Option for the Brave
Sleeping alone in the desert sounds scary to some.
But an overnight Solo Desert Safari is incredible.
The camp is secure. There are guards.
You get a tent and sleeping bag.
When the evening crowd leaves, silence falls.
You can sit by the fire with the few other overnight guests.
It is a very intimate, chill vibe.
You exchange stories under the stars.
Sleeping in the tent is peaceful.
Waking up to the sunrise is worth any initial fear.
It is a bucket list item. Do not let fear stop you.
Booking Process for Solos
Booking is simple.
Go to https://royaldesertadventures.ae/.
Select the shared tour option.
Select “1 Adult”.
If the system gives an error about minimums, use WhatsApp.
Their support team is usually very responsive.
Say “I am one person, can I join a group?”
They will almost always say yes.
They will give you a pickup time.
Be ready in your hotel lobby.
The driver will call you.
It is hassle-free.
Meeting Point vs. Hotel Pickup
To save money, some tours offer a “meeting point” pickup.
You have to get yourself to a bus station or a mall.
As a solo traveler, hotel pickup is safer and easier.
You do not have to navigate public transport alone.
You do not have to wait at a random roadside.
Pay the extra few Dirhams for the doorstep service.
It adds a layer of security and comfort.
You are picked up and dropped off at your safe haven.
Trusting Your Driver
Your driver is your guide.
Build a rapport with them.
Chat with them during the drive.
If they like you, they will look out for you.
They will show you the best photo spots.
They will make sure you get a good seat at dinner.
They will ensure you get back to the right car.
A small tip at the end goes a long way.
It is good karma for the solo traveler.
Comparing Solo-Friendly Operators
Not all companies are good for solos.
Some are focused on big tour groups. You get lost in the shuffle.
You want a company that values individual guests.
Check https://dubaidesertsafarie.com/ for “best solo safari” lists.
Read the comments. Look for “I traveled alone and…” reviews.
Royal Desert Adventures frequently gets high marks for this.
They ensure single travelers are integrated into groups.
They do not leave you standing alone in the desert.
Conclusion
The Solo Desert Safari is not something to fear. It is something to embrace.
It is an adventure that belongs only to you.
You will come back with stories. You will come back with photos.
But mostly, you will come back with a sense of accomplishment.
You conquered the dunes alone.
You navigated a new culture alone.
You enjoyed your own company.
That is a powerful feeling.
So do not wait for friends. Do not wait for a partner.
Book your ticket. Pack your bag.
The desert is calling you.
Answer the call.
FAQs: Solo Desert Safari
Here are 20 detailed questions and answers specifically for the solo adventurer.
1. Is it weird to go on a desert safari alone?
Not at all. Thousands of people travel solo to Dubai every year. The tour operators are very used to single bookings. You will likely find other solo travelers in your group or at the camp. Even if you are the only one, the shared nature of the car and the communal seating at the camp makes it easy to blend in. You will never feel like an outcast; you will feel like an explorer.
2. Is it safe for a solo female traveler?
Yes, Dubai is one of the safest destinations in the world for women. The desert safari is a regulated tourism activity. The drivers are vetted professionals. However, standard safety precautions apply. Dress modestly to respect local culture, sit in the front seat if possible, and keep your phone charged. If you ever feel uncomfortable, approach a family or the camp management. Most solo women report having a wonderful and safe time.
3. Will I have to pay for the whole car?
No, not if you book a “shared” tour. In a shared Solo Desert Safari, you pay for one seat. The operator fills the other seats with other tourists. This makes it very affordable. You only pay for the whole car if you specifically request a “private” tour. Make sure you select the shared option on the booking website to avoid the high cost.
4. How do I take photos of myself?
Your driver is your best resource. They are used to taking photos for guests and know the best angles and lighting. Don’t be shy to ask them. Also, ask other tourists in your car. Most people are happy to swap photo favors. Bringing a selfie stick or a small tripod can also help you get great wide-angle shots of yourself against the vast dunes.
5. Can I book online for just one person?
Yes, most websites allow single bookings. However, some systems have a “minimum 2 persons” default setting. If you encounter this, do not give up. Contact the operator via WhatsApp or email. They almost always have existing groups they can add you to. https://royaldesertadventures.ae/ is very responsive to single traveler inquiries.
6. Who will I sit with in the car?
In a shared car, you will be seated with other tourists. It could be a couple, a family of three, or other solo travelers. The car seats 6 to 7 people. Seating is usually first-come, first-served, or assigned by the driver. If you suffer from motion sickness or want a better view, ask politely for the front passenger seat. Being solo makes it easier to snag single seats that groups can’t use.
7. What if I get lonely at the camp?
The camp is a busy, sensory-rich environment. Between the camel riding, henna painting, dinner buffet, and live shows, there is little time to feel lonely. Bring a book or your phone for the quiet moments. Sitting at a communal table often leads to conversations with neighbors. Remember, everyone is there to have fun and is generally open to chatting.
8. Is the dune bashing safe for one person?
Yes, the safety of the vehicle does not depend on how many people you know in it. You will be strapped in securely. In fact, being alone means you don’t have to worry about a terrified partner or a crying child. You can just enjoy the ride. If you feel sick, you can speak to the driver directly without worrying about ruining a friend’s trip.
9. Can I leave early if I want to?
In a shared tour, no. You are bound by the schedule of the group. You have to wait until the program finishes (usually around 9 PM) to be driven back. If flexibility is your top priority, you would need to book a private car, which is much more expensive. For most solo travelers, the shared schedule is fine, but bring patience and entertainment for the downtime.
10. What should I do with my bag while riding a camel?
If you have a small backpack, you can wear it. If you have a larger bag, you can usually leave it in the car if the driver stays with it, or carry it with you. Do not leave valuables unattended at the camp tables. It is best to travel light. Carry only a small bag with essentials like your phone, wallet, and water bottle that you can keep on your person at all times.
11. Is the overnight safari good for solos?
Yes, it can be a profound experience. Once the evening crowds leave, the camp becomes very quiet and peaceful. It is a great time for introspection. You will sleep in a private tent (check this with the operator). It is less social than the evening part, but if you enjoy solitude and stargazing, it is perfect. Just bring warm clothes and a power bank.
12. How do I handle the buffet dinner alone?
The buffet is self-service. Grab a plate and fill it up. You can sit anywhere. There are usually long low tables with cushions. You might end up sitting next to a friendly family. If you prefer privacy, you can often find a quieter corner. Eating alone is normal in travel; do not overthink it. Enjoy the food and the show.
13. Do I need to tip the driver?
Tipping is discretionary but appreciated. As a solo traveler, you might have engaged more with the driver for photos or conversation. A tip of 20-50 AED is a nice gesture if they provided good service. You can hand it to them at the end of the night when they drop you off. It is not mandatory, but it is a kind way to say thank you.
14. Are there lockers at the camp?
Most standard camps do not have secure lockers for guests. This is why it is crucial to minimize what you bring. Do not bring your laptop or passport (a copy is fine). Keep your wallet and phone in a zipped pocket or a cross-body bag that never leaves your body. If you buy souvenirs, keep the bag with you or at your feet during the show.
15. Can I meet people to go with beforehand?
Yes, you can try to find travel buddies online. Websites like Couchsurfing, travel forums on TripAdvisor, or Facebook groups for “Dubai Travelers” are great places to post. “I am going on a safari on Tuesday, anyone want to share a car?” You might find others looking to split a private car or just wanting a familiar face in the group.
16. What if I have a medical emergency?
If you feel unwell, tell your driver or the camp staff immediately. Do not suffer in silence. They are trained to help and have access to first aid. Being solo means you have to advocate for yourself. Ensure you have travel insurance and keep the emergency numbers saved on your phone. The tour operators have protocols for emergencies and will assist you.
17. Is it cheaper to book at the hotel?
Usually, no. Hotels often add a commission fee to the tour price. It is cheaper to book directly with the tour operator online. Websites like https://royaldesertadventures.ae/ offer transparent pricing. Booking online also gives you a digital trail of your reservation, which is safer for a solo traveler than a cash transaction at a desk.
18. What do I do during the “downtime”?
There is often a gap between arriving at the camp and the start of the shows. Use this time to explore. Go up the dunes for photos. Visit the souvenir shops. Get a henna tattoo. Smoke shisha. Or simply sit and watch the sunset colors change. Having a book or a fully charged phone with games or podcasts is a good backup if you get bored.
19. Can I drink alcohol alone at the camp?
Yes, most camps have a bar where you can buy beer or wine. It is perfectly acceptable to have a drink by yourself. However, do not get drunk. Being intoxicated and alone in a foreign environment is a safety risk. Enjoy a drink to relax, but stay sharp and aware of your surroundings. Remember, you have to navigate your way back to the hotel drop-off.
20. Why is Royal Desert Adventures good for solos?
https://royaldesertadventures.ae/ is recommended because they do not discriminate against single bookings. Their customer service is helpful in slotting singles into fun groups. Their drivers are known to be friendly and inclusive, ensuring you don’t feel left out. They offer a safe, reliable, and standardized experience that takes the worry out of solo adventure planning.
Table: Solo Travel Checklist
| Item | Why Bring It? |
| Power Bank | Your phone is your safety line. |
| Selfie Stick | Capture yourself in the vastness. |
| Book/Kindle | Entertainment for wait times. |
| Emergency Cash | For tips or small buys. |
| Jacket | No one to borrow one from! |
Table: Tour Type Pros & Cons for Solos
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Shared | Cheap, Social, Safe | Less Privacy, Fixed Time |
| Private | Total Freedom, Privacy | Very Expensive |
| Morning | Quiet, Quick, Nature | No Dinner/Shows |
| Evening | Full Experience, Fun | Crowded, Long |
This guide empowers you.
You are ready for the Solo Desert Safari.
Be brave. Be smart. Have a blast.
