Dressing right for a desert safari is essential for comfort and protection. The desert climate can be extreme hot during the day, chilly at night, and often windy with blowing sand. Wearing the right clothes will make your adventure more enjoyable, whether you’re dune bashing, riding a quad bike, or enjoying a camel ride.
In this guide, you’ll find what to wear, what to avoid, outfit recommendations for men and women, and the best clothing for different desert activities.
What to Wear on a Desert Safari
The best outfit for a desert safari should be light, breathable, and protective. Wearing loose-fitting clothes helps keep you cool, while covering up prevents sunburn and irritation from the sand.
Recommended Clothing
- Tops: Loose, long-sleeved cotton or linen shirts for sun protection.
- Bottoms: Lightweight pants or knee-length shorts for comfort.
- Shoes: Closed-toe sneakers or lightweight boots for sand protection.
- Headwear: A wide-brimmed hat or scarf to shield from the sun.
- Sunglasses: UV-protected lenses to protect your eyes from the sun and sand.
- Extras: A light jacket or shawl for cool evenings.
What to Avoid
- Tight jeans: Restrict movement and become uncomfortable in the heat.
- Sandals or flip-flops: Sand gets in easily, and they offer no protection.
- Heavy fabrics: Thick clothing traps heat and makes you sweat.
- Jewelry and accessories: Sand and dust can damage them.
- Dark colors: Absorb heat, making you feel hotter.
Desert Safari Outfits for Men & Women
Your outfit should be comfortable and practical. Here’s what works best for men and women:
Best Outfit Choices for Men and Women
| Item | Men’s Outfit | Women’s Outfit |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Cotton T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt | Loose, breathable blouse or T-shirt |
| Bottoms | Cargo pants or lightweight trousers | Flowy pants or leggings |
| Shoes | Sneakers or hiking shoes | Sneakers or comfortable sandals |
| Headwear | Cap or scarf for sun protection | Wide-brimmed hat or scarf |
| Accessories | Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket | Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a shawl |
For women, avoid short skirts or dresses as they aren’t practical for desert activities. Opt for light, modest, and breathable clothing for ease and comfort.
What to Wear for Different Activities
1. Quad Biking & Dune Buggy Ride 🏎️
Quad biking and dune buggy rides involve speed, flying sand, and safety gear. Wearing the right outfit ensures both comfort and protection.
Best Outfit:
- Long sleeved shirt and lightweight pants to protect from sand.
- Closed toe shoes or hiking boots for grip and safety.
- Gloves for extra grip (optional but useful).
- Sunglasses and a scarf to shield your face from sand.
- A helmet (provided by the tour operator).
Avoid:
- Flip-flops or open shoes your feet will get covered in sand.
- Loose scarves they can get caught in the vehicle.
2. Camel Ride 🐪
Camel rides require an outfit that allows easy movement and comfort while sitting on the saddle.
Best Outfit:
- Loose, breathable clothing to stay cool.
- Full-length pants to avoid irritation from the saddle.
- Comfortable closed shoes or sturdy sandals.
- A hat or scarf for sun protection.
Avoid:
- Tight jeans or short skirts they make it uncomfortable to sit on a camel.
- High heels or slippery shoes they make getting on and off the camel difficult.
3. KTM Dirt Bike Ride 🏍️
Riding a KTM dirt bike in the desert requires protective gear for safety and comfort.
Best Outfit:
- Protective riding jacket or long-sleeved shirt.
- Padded riding pants or thick jeans for safety.
- Gloves for better grip and protection.
- Riding boots or tough sneakers for durability.
- Helmet and goggles (provided by tour operators).
Avoid:
- Regular sneakers they don’t provide enough ankle support.
- Shorts or loose clothing—they can cause burns from the bike’s heat.
What to Wear Based on Time of Day
The time of your desert safari also affects your outfit choice.
| Safari Type | Best Outfit |
|---|---|
| Morning Desert Safari (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) | Light clothes, sunglasses, cap, sneakers |
| Afternoon & Evening Sunset Safari (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM) | Long-sleeved shirt, breathable pants, hat, sunscreen |
| Evening & Night Safari (7:00 PM – 12:00 AM) | Light jacket or hoodie, comfortable pants, closed shoes |
| Overnight Safari | Warm jacket, cozy pants, scarf, extra socks |
Tip: Evening safaris can get chilly, so always bring an extra layer!
Essential Accessories for a Desert Safari
In addition to clothing, a few essential items will make your trip more comfortable.
- Sunglasses: Protects against the sun and flying sand.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Prevents sunburn in the desert heat.
- Scarf or Shemagh: Shields your face from wind and dust.
- Backpack: Useful for carrying water, snacks, and a camera.
- Lip Balm & Moisturizer: Keeps skin hydrated in dry air.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial in the desert heat.
What NOT to Bring
❌ Heavy bags – You won’t need much, so travel light.
❌ Expensive jewelry – Sand and dust can ruin it.
❌ Strong perfumes – Can attract insects.
Final Tips for Dressing Right on a Desert Safari
- Dress in layers: The desert gets hot during the day and cold at night.
- Choose neutral colors: Light colors reflect heat and keep you cool.
- Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves and pants help prevent sunburn.
- Opt for comfort over fashion: Practical clothing makes a difference.
- Check the weather: The desert climate varies depending on the season.
Conclusion: What’s the Best Outfit for a Desert Safari?
The best outfit for a desert safari is one that is comfortable, breathable, and protective. Whether you’re riding a quad bike, exploring the dunes on a camel, or camping overnight, dressing appropriately ensures you stay cool, safe, and comfortable.
Ready for Your Desert Safari?
Now that you know exactly what to wear for every desert activity, you can focus on enjoying the adventure. Whether it’s dune bashing, quad biking, or a sunset camel ride, the right outfit will keep you comfortable and protected.
🚀 Book your desert safari today and experience the thrill with confidence!