Top tips for desert camping

Planning an Overnight Adventure This Winter? Here Are Our Top Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Desert Camp in the UAE

As we head into the cooler months, the desert becomes one of the most inviting destinations in the UAE. With cooler temperatures, clear skies, and golden dunes stretching into the horizon, it’s the perfect time to experience the magic of desert camping. While the adventure is deeply rewarding, any desert camping trip requires thoughtful preparation to make the most of your time. These essential tips will help ensure your experience is comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable for all the right reasons.

Know Before You Go

Before you set out on your desert camping adventure, there are a few key things to know to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

• Hydration: The desert air is dry, and spending time in the sun can leave you thirsty faster than expected. Bring plenty of water in reusable bottles to stay refreshed throughout the day. A good reference point is about five litres per person per day in the cool season (around 20°C) and up to 10 litres per day in the hot season (30-40°C).

  
  

• Sun Protection: Sunblock is essential for protecting exposed skin from harmful UV rays. Cover as much of the body as possible and apply sunblock to all exposed areas, even the upper parts of your feet if wearing sandals. Hats and sunglasses provide further protection while keeping you comfortable in the sun.

  
  

• Clothing: Before winter fully sets in, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes help keep you comfortable during the day. However, desert temperatures can be slightly cooler than in the city—sometimes by up to 5°C—so it’s always wise to bring an additional layer. Long sleeves and trousers work best, providing protection from the sun during the day while also keeping you warmer during cooler nights. Don’t underestimate how cold the desert can get in the heart of winter; nights can become surprisingly chilly, making adequate layering essential. Sleeping bags rated for 10°C are ideal during the peak of winter.

  
  

• Footwear: Durable shoes or boots make walking across sand and small rocks easier and protect against scorpions and other small desert creatures at night, allowing you to explore the dunes with confidence. Desert boots with an integrated tongue (keeping sand out of your shoes) is an optional luxury if you are a frequent camper.

  
  

• Shelter and Shade: A sturdy tent is vital, and a portable shade canopy provides a comfortable spot to rest during the warmest part of the day.

  
  

During Your Trip

Once you arrive, the desert invites you to slow down and connect with nature. A few simple practices will help you make the most of your time.

• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Even in familiar areas, take note of landmarks and your campsite location. The open desert can feel endless, but staying aware makes exploring easier and more enjoyable. If you’re in a group, check in with fellow campers to ensure everyone stays on track.

  
  

• Timing Matters: Plan activities for the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. The midday sun can be intense, so use this time to rest in the shade, enjoy a snack, or simply take in the landscape.

  
  

• Fire Safety and Considerations: Use portable stoves or designated fire pits while cooking outdoors, and never light fires directly on the ground (this is actually illegal in the UAE). Keep smoke and flames controlled to avoid disturbing wildlife and other campers. Never leave a fire unattended, and it’s good practice to douse the fire with sand when you are done with it.

  
  

• Food: Store all food securely to avoid attracting animals, especially at night. Pack out any waste and leftover items so your campsite stays as pristine as you found it.

  
  

• Respect the Environment: Keeping noise and light to a minimum helps you fully reconnect with nature while avoiding disturbance to wildlife and other campers. Small gestures can make a meaningful difference to the desert ecosystem.

  
  

After Your Trip

How you leave your campsite matters just as much as how you prepared for it. Thoughtful practices ensure the desert remains pristine for future visitors and its wildlife continues to thrive.

• Pack It All Up: Make sure you take all rubbish, leftover food, and personal items with you. Even biodegradable materials can disrupt wildlife and vegetation if left behind. Scorpions and insects like to make homes under tents and may find their way into shoes left outside tents, so please be aware of this when packing up, and ideally keep shoes stowed in your tent.

  
  

• Check Your Site: Do a final sweep of your campsite to ensure nothing has been left behind.

  
  

• Support Conservation: If, like Sand Sherpa, your provider contributes to local conservation efforts, consider learning more or supporting these initiatives. Your visit can be part of a larger effort to protect Dubai’s unique desert environment.

  
  

By leaving the desert as you found it, you not only protect its delicate ecosystem but also carry forward the lessons of respect, patience, and connection that make desert camping such a special experience.

Camping Checklist: What to Pack for Your Camping Trip?

Water & Hydration

• Reusable water bottles (several litres per person)

• Electrolyte powders or tablets (optional, for longer trips)

  
  

Clothing & Sun Protection

• Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes for daytime

• Layers for cooler evenings and winter nights

• Long sleeves and trousers for sun and insect protection

• Hat and sunglasses

• High-SPF sunscreen

• Durable shoes or boots

  
  

Shelter & Sleeping Gear

• Sturdy tent with good ventilation

• Portable shade canopy

• Sleeping bag or blanket (suitable for desert nights)

• Pillows

  
  

Food & Cooking

• Food of choice for meals

• Non-perishable, high-energy snacks (nuts, dried fruit, energy bars)

• Portable stove or fire pit

• Wood or charcoal for warmth and cooking

• Cooking utensils, plates, cups, bowls, etc.

• Food storage containers

• Trash bags (those with a drawstring close are particularly useful)

  
  

Navigation & Safety

• Map, compass, or GPS device (don’t just rely on Google Maps as you may be out of signal)

• First aid kit (including items for heat exhaustion, burns, and insect bites)

  
  

Lighting & Extras

• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries. Always choose a headlamp with white and red light (the latter preserves your night vision while providing sufficient illumination, plus it doesn’t blind fellow campers!)

• Solar-powered or rechargeable lights

• Multi-tool or small knife

  
  

Optional Items

• Lightweight camping chairs, tables or mat

• Binoculars for wildlife spotting

• Journal or camera for documenting your adventure

  
  

By following these tips and packing smart, your desert camping experience can be both enjoyable and eco-friendly. Embrace the adventure, and let the desert work its magic on you!