Safeway Tourism LLC Packages
A desert safari camp blends tourism with genuine cultural presentation — a little awareness goes a long way toward making it feel respectful rather than purely transactional.
Do dress reasonably modestly. There’s no strict enforced dress code at most camps, but clothing that covers shoulders and knees fits the setting better than beach attire, particularly during the cultural entertainment segments (Tanoura and belly dance performances, henna application).
Do ask before photographing performers or staff closely. Photos of the general camp, dunes, and your own group are completely normal and encouraged — but a quick nod or ask before a close-up photo of a performer or staff member is simply good manners, the same as it would be anywhere.
Do tip, even if it’s not required. Tipping isn’t usually built into the package price. Drivers, camp staff, and entertainers are commonly tipped a modest amount for good service — it’s appreciated, not expected at a fixed rate, but genuinely part of the norm.
Don’t expect alcohol at every camp. Many standard desert safari camps don’t serve alcohol; some VIP or private packages do. If this matters to you, ask specifically when booking rather than assuming either way.
Don’t skip the safety briefing for quad biking or dune buggies. It’s brief, but it exists because these are genuinely different from a standard car — impatience here is where avoidable accidents happen, not from the activity itself.
Do try the food, even outside your comfort zone. Camp buffets typically mix Arabic dishes (shawarma, hummus, grilled meats) with more familiar international options — the Arabic dishes are usually the highlight, and part of the actual point of the trip.
Don’t feed or approach camels without guidance. Camel handlers are there for a reason — follow their direction for photos and riding rather than approaching independently.
Do be upfront about dietary needs or mobility concerns when booking, not on arrival. Vegetarian and halal options are standard at most camps, but advance notice makes a real difference to how well they’re accommodated, and the same goes for requesting soft dune bashing for mobility or comfort reasons.
See our Evening Desert Safari page for what’s included, or the Luxury Desert Safari page if alcohol service or a more private setting matters to your booking.
