Dubai Self-Drive 4WD Desert and Dune Bash Safari
5
Dubai Self-Drive 4WD Desert and Dune Bash Safari
By OffRoad-Zone
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About
Most Dubai desert tours include dune bashing with a professional driver at the helm. This tour breaks with convention, letting you take the wheel of your own 4WD vehicle in a guided convoy. Race over low dunes before conquering steeper slopes and enjoy various driving challenges before admiring the sunset from Fossil Rock. Upgrade to share the driving between two of you, if you wish.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 21-99, max of 16 per group
Duration: 5h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Drive your own 4WD on a desert tour from Dubai with up to three passengers
- Conquer dunes and climb Fossil Rock at the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler
- Suits all driver levels, with instructions, walkie-talkie, and guided convoy
- Price per 4WD vehicle, with a driver and passengers, or upgrade for two drivers
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Use of air-conditioned 4x4 Jeep Wrangler
- Fuel
- Use of walkie-talkie and safety equipment
- Bottled water
What's not included- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Book your desired option, depart your central Dubai hotel with your guide, and board your climate-controlled Jeep Wrangler with you or your other nominated driver (depending on option selected) at the wheel. Then, receive instructions and a walkie-talkie before leaving Dubai in a guide-led convoy. After the journey along blacktop roads, arrive at a desert base and deflate your tires to the right pressures for driving on sand. Hit the desert and follow your guide vehicle first over low dunes. Then, pick up speed and enjoy climbing and dropping down ever steeper and higher slopes. Stop for photos and watch for wildlife, and if you’ve upgraded to the 2-driver option, take turns at the wheel. Lastly, ascend the high dune at Fossil Rock to view the sunset and tackle a final driving challenge before driving your Jeep back to Dubai, where your experience ends at your hotel.
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- Our hotel pickup time is 12:10 sharp at any and all Dubai Area hotels
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 17490YOUDRIVE- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- The main driver must be at least 25 or over. 21-24 can drive once in the desert
- Important information:
- Copy of your passport, drivers licence will need to be emailed to the supplier upon completion of the booking. Additional documentation will also be required and will be confirmed by your local service provider.
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- List of Approved Driving License as per Road and Transportation Authority: Albania Finland Japan Poland Spain Australia France Kuwait Portugal Sweden Austria Germany Latvia Qatar Switzerland Bahrain Greece Lithuania Romania Turkey Belgium Holland Luxembourg Saudi Arabia United Kingdom Bulgaria Hong Kong Malta Serbia USA Canada Hungary Montenegro Singapore 'People's Republic of China'' Iceland New Zealand Slovakia Cyprus Ireland Norway South Africa Denmark Italy Oman South Korea
- If the driving license is not on the list please kindly provide an international driving permit
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 17490YOUDRIVE
From
$520.10
per group (up to 4)
Select date and travelers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- JanStillerLenk0 contributionsVery nice experienceWonderful experience, lots of Self driving Very helpful. Also, the dinner and breakfast was well organized very rich . I’ll be coming back!Written March 15, 2024
- Trip614488945160 contributionsHighly recommendable, a must do for passionate driversIt has been a fantastic experience. As a passionate driver, this was a totally new experience, surfing the desert dunes of Dubai. Highly recommendable. The cars from Offroad Zone Dubai are in sound condition, well serviced and well equippedWritten January 13, 2024
- Paradise072898285370 contributionsHighly recommended for people who want to drive themselves.It was a great event overall. David picked us up from the hotel and we drove through the desert with Kevin for almost two hours. We were the only vehicle, so Kevin was able to concentrate fully on us. The desert is challenging in places, but we didn't take any risks and Kevin always drove according to the capabilities of the jeep. It was a lot of fun, but next time it should be a little more challenging. All people involved are very friendly and relaxed, makes it even more a nice event.Written November 11, 2023
- edoardor4520 contributionsAmazing dune bashing trip!Had a great 2-day adventure with Off-road Zone together with a friend and our two teenagers. David, our guide, was both professional as well as laid back and accommodating. Our sons immediately jumped on his car saying that he drives better! ;) but we also made quick progress and learned to handle our Wrangler over more and more challenging rides across the dunes. After sunset at Pink Rock, we quickly set up camp where we had a luxurious bbq dinner prepared by David next to our camp fire. Overall a fun and exhilarating adventure that I truly recommend!Written January 13, 2021
- 269marfak0 contributionsDesert Camping Adventure near DubaiI and my husband took a one-night trip to the desert in December 2020. It was one of the most fantastic experiences in our life! The look of the desert is just breath-taking, fascinating. We watched a beautiful sunset, and in the following morning I woke up very early to capture just amazing sunrize! It's impossible to explain how great it is out there, very calm, very nice. We had a very kind and nice guide Otieno (David), who was constantly helping us to get the best possible experience. Otieno is a very friendly, accommodating, and encouraging guide. In the evening we cooked our dinner all together with Otieno, which we picked up on the way to the desert. The food was just great and it was even too much food for us ;-) In the morning we ate breakfast in our camp again and continued driving. Even for an urban person, as I am, this trip was just AMAZING. All people in OffRoad Zone are very friendly and nice, Claris was supporting us through the whole journey as well. It was very nice of her. I totally recommend it to everyone, this fusion with nature totally worth it. And I really hope that we will have a chance to do it again. Thanks to OffRoad Zone, and especially to Otieno and to Claris for making our experience unforgettable. Best, Maria and GergelyWritten January 10, 2021
- laurentn8520 contributionsYou Drive 1-night experienceI took up the 1-night out You Drive experience with a friend and both our sons. This was awesome with great dune/desert driving in their perfect Jeep Wrangler under excellent guidance from our guide/leader David. Truly enjoyed the night camp out on our own next to beautiful Pink rock and then our drive to Fossil rock the next morning. I feel the 1-night option to be the best duration to really appreciate the desert and have plenty of time to learn and enjoy driving in it in the best car for it. Highly recommend it. The OffRoad-Zone crew has been very good to us, and especially our leader David.Written December 29, 2020
- otomarm0 contributionsLearning and driving in desertPerfect adventure. We have spent very nice afternoon learning and driving Jeep in desert with our excellent instructor. Thank you very muchWritten March 8, 2020
- Ptee0 contributionsDidn't stop smiling during this 'must-do' activityWhat a fantastic experience! We were lucky enough to end up having our guide David to ourselves and he is a great instructor. Patient, encouraging and very professional. I have lived in Dubai for five years and wish I'd done this long ago! It's certainly given me a lot more confidence driving in the desert.Written February 29, 2020
- Fushif0 contributionsFantastic Trip with DavidWe have had great experience. It was unforgatable. Our Guide was wonderfull, explained and trained us very well. It took just 20 Minutes and we know how to drive in the desert. We can highly recommend the Tour. We will come back and do another Tour but this Time 2 days. Thank you for having such Great experience.Written February 28, 2020
- F_Zurich0 contributionsGreat Fun, Unique AdventureJust spent a fantastic afternoon learning how to drive up, down, and along banked walls of dunes in a Jeep Wrangler that felt perfect for the job. Our competent guide David showed us the ropes, slowly increasing the difficulty level, so that the father and son drivers sharing the wheel soon had a good grasp of how to attack steeper and higher dunes from all angles. It was fun and a real adrenaline kick, we were amazed at the degree of difficulty we got to drive, but always felt in good hands and safe. Despite being the only party participating today, we enjoyed a full half day trip into the amazing scenery of the desert. Definitely would recommend it to everyone, especially to those with petrol in their blood and a love for real adventure.Written February 11, 2020
- hurly_sean0 contributionsA New Found RespectYou will appreciate the skill of the Dakar Rally drivers after doing this. You also appreciate the dangers involved. Personally I found driving in the traffic after the event more stressful. Highly recommended.Written January 23, 2020
- 849charas0 contributionsDessert off-road self driveIt was amazing! The tour was an experience for me. Very professional and Kevin was very very helpful! Thank you Kevin for the time!Written January 19, 2020
- martinsL6547DZ0 contributionsGreat fun for family and visitorsThe tour and guide Kevin was great. We were lucky and were the only customers on that day and had a lot of driving. The route was nice and a perfect fit for the participants. I did expect to learn a bit more in terms of driving technique though - but that did not reduce the overall fun. The only thing to optimise I guess: When arriving in the office we felt a bit misplaced at first and would have appreciated a warmer welcome before heading to the card machine.Written January 6, 2020
- oliverf5300 contributionsIf you’re into cars, don’t miss this experienceIf you always wondered what it’s like to surf sand dunes in a Jeep, this is your chance to find out. Perfectly organized, proper cars, great guide. No dance shows or buffet but pure driving fun and great views. I had never driven off-road before but felt quite comfortable after the first 30 mins where I learnt that getting stuck isn’t the end...Written December 28, 2019
- LeszekB50 contributionsIncredible desert rideI was looking for self drive safari in Dubai and i found offroad zone. I also like Jeep very much and that’s why I choose them :) Our guide Kevin took us for a wonderful ride through the desert mountains. It was a great day and will stay in our memories for a long time. Absolutely must do in Dubai.Written November 11, 2019
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members 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.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
127 reviews
Excellent
119
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Tamás H
1 contribution
Jan 2020
I had a half-day self-drive Jeep safari, which I enjoyed a lot. Kevin, my guide, is a super nice guy, he was very helpful and showed me some interesting tactics how not to stuck in the sand. Jeeps are new, very well kept and the trip is very safe. I can strongly recommend this also to families with small kids. I understand they also do multiple days safaries where you spend a few nights in the desert, completely isolated from the outside world (no phone, no internet, etc.). I would like to try that next time together with some friends.
Written January 31, 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.
We appreciate your excellent review and rating. Our guides are well trained and experienced to ensure complete guest satisfaction. Our 2 days and 1 night package will be the perfect product to give you that extraordinary desert experience to be enjoyed by both family and friends.
Written February 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Franco C
20 contributions
On this particular day we were the only family on tour. This in turn meant that we had all the attention of the tour guide and we’re able to get a good amount of time out in the desert. The guide David was a great teacher for someone who has not done any kind of off roading before. He was always calm and his instructions were clear and precise. By the end of the experience I became more and more confident and knew how to handle the car and what it’s capabilities were. Getting stuck in the sand a few times (which you will end up doing) was also a good experience and learning part of the day. I was also told that I wasn’t stuck because they didn’t have to tow me out, so bear that in mind (always a plus).
Written October 24, 2023
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.
Holger A
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
I booked the trip as I wanted to drive by my own in the sand dunes. As no other drivers have booked for that day, we got a private tour with instructor David. After driving to the desert we made a stop at a shop with a restroom and David gave me first instructions. Driving on the highway was not difficult at all. Then we entered the sand, released air pressure and directly drove into the dunes. I followed David which was not much difficult, although I had not been tough enough to drive at some positions without guidance. We came to a higher dune and David teached me how to drift along the dune. That was amazing and I had not expected to be allowed to drive such challenging moves. We had about 2 hours in the dunes which was the right distance. David made great photos of me and my wife in the unbelievable beautiful landscape. The car was an almost new Jeep with extensive modifications. Overall it was the best experience I had during my 10 day Dubai trip. I can recommend it to anyone.
Written June 10, 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.
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic time driving through the sand dunes with David as your instructor.
He is indeed exceptional at what he does, and we're glad his instructions and guidance made your desert adventure both thrilling and memorable. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the challenge of driving along the dunes and even learned how to drift – what an adrenaline rush!
We're also delighted that you appreciated the stunning landscape and that David captured some great photos for you to cherish. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in the future.
Safe travels, and warm regards from all of us here.
Written July 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vivek V
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK5 contributions
Awesome self drive experience with OffRoad Zone. The instructor was very helpful and knew his way around the desert. He guided me to gain confidence in the sand and I was able to master the techniques quickly. We drove on proper sand dunes for more than 3 hours; the experience was just exhilarating.
The car was in great condition and well maintained. They had all necessary safety equipment including winch, though we didn’t need it during the drive.
The car was in great condition and well maintained. They had all necessary safety equipment including winch, though we didn’t need it during the drive.
Written January 14, 2023
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.
Your excellent rating and kind words are well received. We are geared to bring you the best
desert experience ever with your safety being on top of our list. Thank you and we hope you can join us again in the future.
Written March 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Oleg K
1 contribution
Nov 2021
One of the best family friendly adventures which you can enjoy in Dubai. We rode in the desert with 9 and 5 years old kids and it was a lot of fun! It was thrilling but not scary. Kevin was our guide and he knows his job very well.
Written November 21, 2021
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.
John T
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We had an absolutely brilliant time with Kevin our instructor. He was an excellent teacher and very patient! The desert was beautiful and the scenery was magnificent. The jeep was very well setup and perfect for the terrain. Both of us learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Thanks again to Kevin for making the trip so fantastic! John and Lynda
Written February 18, 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.
We are so happy you had such a fantastic trip and finding time to make You Drive a big part of it. Your words are received very warmly and with humility. We thank you for your excellent rating and hope to see you again one day.
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aurelian
Satu Mare, Romania8 contributions
În 02.01, we had a perfect dune bashing driving lesson. Our guide, David, it was a very friendly "teacher", in our first 4x4 desert expedition.
The car it was în good condition , verry clean and powerfull.
Verry important, they provide us enough water,for all my family.
It was an exiting experience, but safe. It is another kind of driving.
Good job, David!
From "Smurf blue" team.
The car it was în good condition , verry clean and powerfull.
Verry important, they provide us enough water,for all my family.
It was an exiting experience, but safe. It is another kind of driving.
Good job, David!
From "Smurf blue" team.
Written January 2, 2023
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.
karen y
Auckland, New Zealand18 contributions
Lucky for us we were the only car and my husband a four wheel drive enthusiast was driving so Kevin our guide took us over some great dunes. We had a fabulous time for nearly two hours. The only gripe would be the driving back in peak hour and following Kevin he didn’t give us any warning when changing more than one lane and when we had no idea where we were going it was a bit stressful.
Written October 8, 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.
Thank you for your great review and happy to hear you had such a great time. We have discussed with Kevin his need for better communication on the drive back. Thank you for your input as we are always striving to improve.
Written November 11, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jan_p
Ljubljana, Slovenia7 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
The "You drive" experience was great! Clarisse was super friendly and accommodating and although we called ultra-last-minute, she managed to immediately organize everything for us so we could go on the tour. Kevin, our guide, was a really cool guy and we were blasting through the dunes like pros in no time. It is great fun and an exhilarating ride.
Written May 2, 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.
Thank you for your excellent rating and comments. We work really hard to make sure everyone has a chance to experience the You Drive even at the last moment :)
Written May 4, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David and Karen
Dubai, United Arab Emirates29 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
A brilliant experience driving ourselves in convoy with David in the lead across the desert for at least 2.5hrs, learning new skills, drifting across dunes and ending up at the top of Fossil Rock. Can't get more fun than this.
Written April 17, 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.
We are pleased to hear you had such a fun experience and thank you for your excellent rating and comments. Fossil Rock is amazing!
Written April 18, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonsoir
Nous envisageons votre safari 4x4. Notre fils de 19 ans a son permis depuis plus d’un an peut il être conducteur ? D’autre part nous sommes une famille de 4 personnes, notre fille a 16 ans peut elle être consideree comme passager ?
Bien cdt
MPC
Written October 14, 2021
I am planning to take a self-driving car. What are the requirements to have a self-drive car? Please let me know?
Written July 29, 2021
Kaustubh A
Varanasi, India
We will be traveling to Dubai in November. We will be having two kids with us . I want to know the kids are allowed to sit in the vehicle or not ?
Written August 4, 2018
Kaustubh A
Varanasi, India
We will be traveling to Dubai in November. We will be having two kids with us . I want to know the kids are allowed to sit in the vehicle or not ?
Written August 4, 2018
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