Wildlife sightings
Nature drives through the reserve have included Arabian Oryx, gazelles and other desert wildlife in their natural setting.
57 Safari - Luxury Desert Safari Entrance Gate
Al Maha
57 Safari is a desert safari operator in Al Maha, with experiences inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Reviews highlight its vintage Land Rover drives, wildlife sightings, camel rides and camp evenings built around traditional food and live shows.
Reputation Score
4.9
★★★★★
462 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Vintage Land Rover
The 1950s Land Rover adds a distinctive heritage element to the desert drive and is repeatedly praised as a memorable part of the day.
Falconry experience
The falcon presentation can be hands-on: one review says guests learned about handling the birds and were allowed to hold them.
Dinner quality
Guests describe generous multi-course meals with traditional Emirati and Arabic flavours, including options enjoyed by vegan diners.
Family friendly
Families report that young children enjoyed the activities, while one large group received chicken nuggets and fries for children who preferred familiar food.
Photo opportunities
Guides have stopped at scenic spots and taken polished photos, with one visitor choosing to buy the complete photo package.
Clean camp
A family group specifically noted clean restrooms, and another described the camp as clean, spacious and well equipped.
Tips for a Better Visit
Confirm pickup. Reconfirm your driver and pickup shortly before the trip, especially for private bookings, given recent reports of no-shows and unanswered messages.
Budget accordingly. Compare the premium price with standard safaris before booking; reviewers describe this experience as considerably more expensive.
Ask accessibility. If anyone uses a wheelchair, discuss the camp plan before booking: one review notes that wheelchairs cannot be used on sand.
Choose cooler hours. For comfort in the heat, consider an evening or early-morning safari rather than a midday trip.
Request photos. Ask about the professional photo option if you want polished desert images; one visitor bought the full package after seeing the results.
Mention dietary needs. Tell the team about dietary requirements ahead of time; vegan diners reported enjoying the four-course meal, and children were offered familiar alternatives.
Plan the visit
Practical details
XMG6+P8R
Al Maha, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sun | 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Camel ride
Camel rides are a recurring part of the itinerary, with visitors describing them as a calm way to see the desert and a hit with children.
Falcon show
The falcon show combines viewing the birds in action with explanations about training, handling and local falconry.
Fire show
The evening fire show is repeatedly described as a standout part of the camp entertainment.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding is available as an adventure add-on alongside the dune drive and camel ride.
Common Concerns
Booking failures
Two recent customers reported that paid private safaris did not happen, with no driver arriving and little or no communication.
Refund delays
Recent reviewers said promised refunds remained unpaid despite repeated calls, messages and emails.
Higher pricing
Several customers said the safari costs more than standard desert tours, even when they felt the added service justified it.
Bumpy activities
Dune bashing may feel intense, and camel riding can be uncomfortable if you are not used to riding animals.
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The Bottom Line
57 Safari is a heritage-style desert safari in Al Maha, set within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. A typical day can combine dune bashing, a camel ride, a vintage 1950s Land Rover drive and wildlife viewing, followed by a camp dinner and live entertainment. The reserve setting is a real draw: visitors have spotted Arabian Oryx and gazelles, not just photographed sand dunes.
The evening programme is substantial rather than a quick photo stop. Reviews mention falcon presentations, sandboarding, henna, traditional dances and a fire show, while dinners range from generous Arabic or Emirati spreads to four-course meals. Families have found the experience workable for young children, and one group noted clean restrooms; vegan guests also reported being well catered for.
The safari can suit photography enthusiasts, with guides stopping at scenic points and professional photos available. There are two important caveats. This is priced above standard desert tours, and dune bashing is bumpy enough that it may not suit everyone.
More seriously, two recent 2026 reviews describe paid private bookings where no driver arrived, communication failed and refunds remained outstanding. Reconfirm pickup and refund terms in writing before paying, particularly for a private transfer.