G-Class Private Safari vs Shared VIP Safari: Which Is Worth It?

A "private" desert safari and a "VIP" desert safari sound like they should mean the same level of exclusivity — they don't. Our G-Class Private Desert Safari is private from the moment you're picked up: your own Mercedes-Benz G-Class, your own driver, nobody else in the vehicle or at your camp table. Our VIP Platinum Safari, on the other hand, lets you choose a private or shared 4×4 for the ride out, but your table and lounge at the camp are always private — the "VIP" refers to the camp experience, not necessarily the journey there.

That one distinction is where most of the confusion happens, and it's also where the real price difference comes from. Here's exactly what each one includes, and — more usefully — which one actually costs less for your specific group size.

Quick clarification: "Private" on the G-Class safari means your vehicle, driver, and camp table are exclusively yours from pick-up to drop-off. "VIP" on the Platinum safari means your camp seating is a private, air-conditioned room — but the 4×4 ride there can be private or shared, depending on what you select at booking.

What's Actually the Same

Both safaris cover the same core adventure: dune bashing with professional drivers, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, Arabic costume photography, and the same six live shows — Belly Dance, Tanoura, Fire Show, Saeedi Dance, Dabka Dance, and Sofi Dance. Neither one gives you a "better" version of the actual desert activities. The difference is entirely in privacy, service, and price structure.

G-Class: Private From Door to Dune

The G-Class Private Desert Safari starts from 2,500 AED per group (not per person), for up to around four guests in one vehicle. That price covers a private Mercedes-Benz G-Class with your own driver for the entire journey, a dedicated VIP lounge and table at the camp with your own hookah, and the full BBQ buffet — all without sharing your vehicle or seating area with anyone outside your group.

Quad bikes and buggies aren't included but can be added for an extra fee, and alcoholic drinks are also available at an additional cost. Everything else — dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna, the six live shows, and dinner — is part of the base price.

VIP Platinum: A Choice on the Ride, Private at the Table

VIP Platinum is priced at 300 AED per person, and at booking you choose whether your 4×4 pickup is private or shared. Whichever you pick, your seating at the camp is always a private, air-conditioned room — this is the part that's genuinely "VIP" regardless of how you got there.

Platinum also includes a few extras the G-Class package doesn't: a longer camel ride, a mini tabletop grill so you can cook your own BBQ at the table, an exclusive photo with a falcon, and 20% off quad bike and buggy rides at the camp.

The Real Cost Comparison, By Group Size

Because G-Class is priced per group and Platinum is priced per person, which one is actually cheaper depends entirely on how many people are in your party:

• 2 guests — Platinum: 600 AED total | G-Class: 2,500 AED total. Platinum is far cheaper.
• 3 guests — Platinum: 900 AED total | G-Class: 2,500 AED total. Platinum is still cheaper.
• 4 guests — Platinum: 1,200 AED total | G-Class: 2,500 AED total. Platinum is still lower, but the gap is closing.

In every case here, Platinum works out cheaper on paper — the G-Class price only starts to make more sense once you factor in what you're actually paying for: a fully private vehicle for the entire journey, not just a private table once you arrive. For two couples who specifically don't want to share a vehicle with strangers on the way to the desert, that's often worth the difference regardless of the per-person math.

Which One Should You Book?

Once you know your group size and what matters most to you, the choice usually comes down to one of these:

• Want privacy for the entire journey, not just the camp → G-Class Private Safari
• A couple or small group watching the budget → VIP Platinum, with a shared vehicle option
• Want a private vehicle but don't want to pay G-Class rates → VIP Platinum with the private pickup option selected at booking
• Want to cook your own BBQ and get a falcon photo → VIP Platinum (these extras aren't part of G-Class)
• Celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary and want total exclusivity → G-Class, for privacy from pick-up to drop-off

Still comparing packages? Our complete Dubai Desert Safari Guide covers every option side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VIP Platinum actually private?

Your seating at the camp is always a private, air-conditioned room on VIP Platinum. The 4×4 ride to the desert can be private or shared — you choose this at booking. If you want privacy for the entire journey, not just the camp, the G-Class safari is the fully private option.

Is G-Class cheaper for a group?

It depends on group size. G-Class is priced per group, from 2,500 AED for up to around four guests. VIP Platinum is priced per person at 300 AED. For groups of two to four, Platinum usually works out cheaper in total — G-Class becomes worthwhile mainly when full journey privacy matters more than the per-person cost.

Do G-Class and VIP Platinum include the same activities?

Yes — dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, and the same six live shows are included in both. VIP Platinum adds a longer camel ride, a tabletop grill for self-cooked BBQ, a falcon photo, and a discount on quad bikes and buggies, which aren't part of the G-Class package.

Can I add quad bikes to either safari?

Yes. Quad bikes and buggies are available as a paid add-on on both the G-Class and VIP Platinum safaris — Platinum guests also get 20% off this add-on.

Not sure which one fits your group? Browse all desert safari packages or message us on WhatsApp with your group size and we'll tell you which one works out better.