Best Self Drive Routes to Desert Safari from Sharjah & Dubai

Best Self Drive Routes to Desert Safari from Sharjah & Dubai

Going on a desert safari is one of the most popular outdoor adventures in the UAE. While many people prefer tour operators for pick-and-drop services, some travelers love the freedom of a self drive desert safari. If you're living in or visiting Sharjah or Dubai, you can easily access stunning desert areas like Al Faqa Desert and Al Khatim Desert in your own vehicle.

In this article, we'll guide you through the best self drive routes to different desert safari locations from Sharjah and Dubai. You'll also learn what to expect, how to prepare your vehicle, and what activities await you when you arrive.

Why Choose a Desert Safari Self Drive?

A desert safari self drive experience offers:

• Flexibility with timing and stops
• Cost savings on transport
• A personal adventure with your own pace
• The chance to explore less crowded areas

Unlike a fully arranged desert safari Dubai package, a self-drive trip puts you in control. It's especially popular among residents who enjoy weekend road trips.

Best Desert Safari Locations from Dubai and Sharjah

Here are some popular destinations for desert safari self drive lovers:

• Al Faqa Desert (on the Dubai-Al Ain Road)
• Al Khatim Desert (towards Abu Dhabi)
• Desert Safari Sharjah locations (Al Dhaid Road, Mleiha area)
• Desert safari Dubai areas near Lahbab and Al Awir

Each of these locations is reachable by car and offers different types of desert safari packages once you arrive.

Route 1: Dubai to Al Faqa Desert

Al Faqa Desert is one of the best self-drive options. It's peaceful, scenic, and has large open dunes that are ideal for driving and photography.

Directions from Dubai:

• Start from Dubai and take E66 (Dubai-Al Ain Road)
• Drive for around 75 km
• Look for
• GPS Coordinates: [Use offline maps or input “Al Faqa Desert”]

Why Choose Al Faqa?

• Close to Dubai (1-hour drive)
• Supports desert safari Dubai self drive
• Perfect for a morning desert safari
• Safe and beginner-friendly

When compared to the desert safari Dubai price, Al Faqa trips are often cheaper, especially when done by self-drive.

Route 2: Sharjah to Mleiha Desert Area

For a proper Desert Safari Sharjah experience, Mleiha is a top choice. It offers archaeology, dunes, and natural beauty.

Directions from Sharjah:

• Take E102 (Sharjah-Kalba Road)
• Follow signs to Mleiha
• Total distance: ~60 km
• Look for desert camps and 4x4 activity areas

Highlights:

• Rich in history and natural landscapes
• Available desert safari packages include off-road tours
• Easy access for those living in Sharjah
• Great spot for quad biking and camel rides

This is a great route for beginners trying a self drive desert safari for the first time.

Route 3: Dubai to Al Khatim Desert

Al Khatim Desert is a hidden gem for people who want to escape the usual Dubai desert safari crowd. It's more remote but great for a weekend trip.

Directions from Dubai:

• Take E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) towards Abu Dhabi
• Exit onto E22 (Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road)
• Drive ~80 km toward Al Khatim
• Look for signs or camp meeting points

Why Al Khatim?

• Popular for extreme dune bashing
• Suitable for experienced drivers
• Fewer tourists than desert safari Dubai
• Supports full self drive desert safari experiences

You can also find quad bike rental options here, perfect for thrill-seekers.

Route 4: Sharjah to Lahbab Desert

Lahbab Desert is one of the most visited areas for a desert safari Dubai and is also easily accessible from Sharjah.

Directions:

• Take E611 (Emirates Road)
• Exit toward Lahbab area
• Total drive time: Around 1 hour
• Use signboards for desert activity camps

Features:

• Tall red dunes for dune bashing
• Common site for Dubai desert safari camps
• Ideal for morning desert safari and evening BBQ events

Compared to other areas, the desert safari Dubai price per person here may be slightly higher, but it's worth the convenience.

Important Things to Know Before Driving to the Desert

Whether you're heading to al faqa desert, al khatim desert, or desert safari Sharjah areas, make sure you are well prepared.

Vehicle Requirements:

• 4x4 vehicle is mandatory for desert entry
• Full tank of petrol
• Tire pressure gauge (lower tire pressure before dune entry)
• Basic tools and spare tire

Safety Checklist:

• Inform someone of your plan
• Carry water, snacks, and first aid
• Avoid going alone
• Use offline maps in case of signal loss

What to Do After Reaching the Desert Camp

Once you reach the location, you can enjoy different activities included in many desert safari packages.

Activities:

• Dune bashing in a 4x4 with a guide
• Camel riding and falcon viewing
• Sandboarding on smooth dunes
• Quad biking across selected tracks
• Enjoy BBQ dinner and traditional shows

You can join a camp or simply explore on your own if you are experienced in off-roading.

What to Wear in Desert Safari Dubai & Self Drive Locations

Whether you're heading for a desert safari Dubai self drive, or visiting al faqa dubai, dressing properly is important.

Dress for Desert Safari:

• Light and breathable clothes
• Long sleeves to protect from the sun
• Closed shoes (sports shoes preferred)
• Sunglasses and a cap
• A scarf or shemagh for sand protection

These tips also help you decide what to wear in desert safari Dubai and other desert areas.

Budget Planning for Your Trip

The cost of a self-drive trip depends on your activities and route. Compared to a regular desert safari Dubai, you can save a lot with a self-drive option.

Budget Breakdown Example:

• Petrol: AED 50 – 100
• Entry to camp (if any): AED 50 – 80 per person
• Optional quad bike rental: AED 80 – 200
• Food and drinks: AED 30 – 50

So, total desert safari Dubai price per person for a self-drive adventure can be as low as AED 150.

Tips for First-Time Self Drive Safari Travelers

If it's your first time driving to the desert, keep these things in mind:

• Start early to avoid city traffic
• Choose well-known routes like Al Faqa Desert
• Don't enter deep dunes without experience
• Stick to marked paths when possible
• If unsure, stop at a desert camp and ask for help

This way, you can enjoy the desert safari safely while exploring new areas.

Final Thoughts

A self drive desert safari is one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the UAE. From the golden sands of Al Faqa Desert to the tall dunes of Al Khatim, there are many options within easy reach from Sharjah and Dubai.

While the classic desert safari Dubai experience is well-known, these self-drive adventures allow you to explore hidden spots at your own pace. With careful planning, proper dressing, and a little spirit of adventure, your next desert journey can be memorable and affordable.

So pack your gear, plan your route, and hit the road for a self-drive desert experience like no other.