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We lived in Qatar for three months, and one of the absolute highlights of our time there was the Desert Safari Qatar experience. This thrilling adventure offers breathtaking landscapes, an exciting ride through the dunes, and a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
If you’re visiting Qatar, a desert safari tour is a must-do activity! Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping dune bashing, a scenic sunset view over the sand dunes, or a peaceful moment by the Inland Sea, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking the best tour. But before reading this post about Desert Safari in Qatar, we recommend reading our Qatar Itinerary to see the best things to do in Doha.
Why you should do a Desert Safari in Qatar
Qatar is often recognized for its luxury and modernity, but before its rapid development, the nation was a vast desert inhabited by nomadic Bedouins and pearl divers. Exploring the desert gives you a glimpse into Qatar’s heritage and natural beauty, making it a truly authentic experience.
The guided 4×4 desert safari tour takes you deep into the golden dunes, where you’ll experience the thrill of dune bashing, enjoy camel rides, and even witness the stunning Inland Sea, one of the few places in the world where the desert meets the ocean.
Key Highlights of the Qatar Desert Safari:
- Thrilling dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle
- Stunning views of the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid)
- Optional sandboarding and camel rides
- Opportunity to experience Bedouin culture
- Choose between morning, afternoon, or overnight tours
Best time to visit for a Desert Safari in Qatar?
The best time to go on a desert safari in Qatar is between October and April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable.
🚫 Avoid the summer months (May–September) as temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F), making outdoor activities unbearable.
Morning vs. Afternoon Desert Safari – Which One to Choose?
- Morning Safari: Best for those who want a quiet and scenic experience with fewer tourists. You also get to see the desert at sunrise, which is stunning.
- Afternoon Safari: The most popular option, perfect for dune bashing, sunset views, and camel rides.
- Overnight Safari: Experience a night in the desert with traditional Qatari hospitality, BBQ dinner, and stargazing.
💡 Tip: The afternoon safari is the most recommended as you can witness the stunning sunset over the dunes.
Qatar Desert Safari vs. Dubai Desert Safari – Which is Better?
Many travelers compare the Qatar desert safari to Dubai’s desert safari. While both offer a similar experience, there are some key differences:
| Feature | Qatar Desert Safari | Dubai Desert Safari |
| Dune Bashing | ✅ Exciting & intense | ✅ Thrilling & adventurous |
| Inland Sea | ✅ Yes, a stunning sea-meets-desert landscape | ❌ No, just desert |
| Cultural Activities | ❌ Limited | ✅ More extensive (belly dancing, fire shows, BBQ dinner) |
| Tourism Development | ⭐ Emerging | ⭐⭐ Well-established |
🚀 Verdict: If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, Qatar’s desert safari is a fantastic choice!
What to Expect from a Desert Safari in Qatar
Pickup & First Stop – Camel Ride & Falcon Photos
Your desert safari adventure begins when your driver picks you up in a 4×4 from your hotel. The first stop is a tourist camp, where you can:
🐪 Take a short camel ride in the desert
🦅 Hold a falcon for a photo (extra fee)
☕ Enjoy complimentary Qatari tea or coffee
💡 Tip: If you’re concerned about animal welfare, you can skip the camel ride and just enjoy the desert scenery.
Dune Bashing – The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush
After the camp, it’s time for the real adventure—dune bashing! This involves speeding, drifting, and maneuvering over sand dunes in a 4×4.
🎵 Music blasting, sand flying, and pure adrenaline!
🚙 Tip: Avoid sitting in the very back of the car if you’re prone to motion sickness.
The Inland Sea – Where the Desert Meets the Ocean
The highlight of the Qatar desert safari is the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), a stunning body of water that borders Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
🌅 Here, you can:
✔️ Take stunning sunset photos
✔️ Relax by the sea and enjoy the tranquility
✔️ Try sandboarding down the dunes
📸 Tip: The best time for pictures is just before sunset! Check out this tour!
How Much Does a Qatar Desert Safari Cost?
The price of a desert safari in Qatar varies depending on the type of tour:
| Tour Type | Price (USD per person) | Duration |
| Group Tour | $55 – $80 | 4-5 hours |
| Private Tour | $150 – $250 | 4-6 hours |
| Overnight Safari | $200 – $300 | 12-15 hours |
✅ Book your tour in advance to secure the best prices!
Recommended Tour Operator: OceanAir Travels
Where to Stay in Doha for a Desert Safari
Most tours pick you up directly from your hotel, so it’s good to choose a well-located stay.
Although the city is expensive, public transportation and Uber are cheap. So, if you don’t want to spend too much on accommodation, one option is to stay in a less central area and use either uber or public transport to get around. You can also read where to stay in Doha per each district and find the best place for your trip.
But find here the best options:
🏨 Luxury Stay: Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel by Tivoli ($$$): super charming boutique hotel located in Souq Waqif, the oldest bazaar in the city and one of the most central and touristy spots in Doha. From there, you can easily get to other parts of Doha by metro, bus, and cab.
🏨 Mid-Range: The Wyndham ($$): A great hotel with a more classic design, located in Westbay, one of the most modern and sophisticated areas of Doha. This is where many of the city’s bars, shopping malls, and international restaurants are located. Westbay is on the coast and also has a subway.
🏨 Budget-Friendly – Premier Inn Doha Airport ($): Basic classic hotel, close to the airport and the metro. This is a great option for those who have only one night in Doha, for example.
See other options of accommodation in Doha here.
Travel Tips for a Qatar Desert Safari
✔️ Wear comfortable, breathable clothing – Loose pants and a t-shirt are ideal.
✔️ Bring sunglasses & a hat – The sun can be intense.
✔️ Use sunscreen – Protect your skin from UV rays.
✔️ Wear sandals or go barefoot – Walking on the dunes is easier without sneakers.
✔️ Stay hydrated – Bring water (though most tours provide it).
Travel Insurance for Qatar – Do You Need It?
Yes! Medical care in Qatar is very expensive, so it’s highly recommended to get travel insurance before your trip.
🛡️ Recommended: Here on the blog, we have our official partner, which is SafetyWings. They are an insurance company made by nomads to nomads. Find out more, including the costs, right in this link.
Is the Desert Safari in Qatar Worth It?
✅ Absolutely! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking to enjoy Qatar’s natural beauty, a desert safari in Qatar is one of the best things to do.
✅ Absolutely! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking to enjoy Qatar’s natural beauty, a desert safari in Qatar is one of the best things to do.
🌅 From exhilarating dune bashing to the stunning Inland Sea, this experience will be a highlight of your trip!
Book Your Desert Safari Now!
🔗 Find the Best Desert Safari Deals
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Traveling with children and/or seniors
If you are doing this trip as a family, I recommend choosing a car just for your family. That way you will have much more control over the level of maneuvering.
Although we did not feel in danger at any point, some of the drives down the dunes were quite steep. One of our friends, for example, had already been in a car accident and was a bit apprehensive at times because of the trauma.
Therefore, if you are travelling with small children and/or the elderly, it might be worthwhile to reserve an entire car just for your family so that you can decide the level of the adventure. With other unknown people in the car, it is more difficult to dictate the pace of the tour.
How to dress and what to bring for the desert safari in Qatar
- Comfortable clothing for walking through the dunes (baggy pants and t-shirt/sweatshirt)
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sneakers (but since the sand was not hot, we took them off every time we walked on the dunes)
- Sunscreen
- Some snacks, if you think you will get hungry during the tour.
- Water is offered during the tour.
Other deserts to visit in Qatar
Another desert tour in Qatar, more alternative, and that we loved doing, was to the art installations by the Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. The work, called “Shadows Travelling on the Sea of the Day“. It is located in a desert portion of northern Qatar, 1.5 hours from Doha.
The artwork is on the side of the road. It is possible to rent a car in Doha and visit by your own, without the need for a guide or a 4×4. Just put “Shadows traveling on the sea of the day” in your GPS. Take the opportunity to visit the Al Zubara Fort on the way. For those not driving in Qatar, it is possible to hire a tour to visit the place.
