Sherpa Camp: Exclusive overnight camp in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Our signature Sherpa Camp is based in a unique location within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), with adventurers staying in our purpose-built camping trailers based on ex-Army Penman trailers from the UK Ministry of Defence. It is the only camping experience in the UAE that allows participants to enter the DDCR in their own car, under our expert guidance. For those who do not wish to drive themselves, a pick-up from your hotel/residence can also be arranged to transfer you to the reserve.

Offered for the first time in the region, the experience is available for general bookings on weekends with bespoke bookings for clients during the week.

For those not driving themselves, the experience begins with collection from your hotel/residence in one of our specially prepared Toyota Hilux Adventure overlanding vehicles and arrival at the conservation reserve at 15.30 and ends with drop-off late morning the following day. Those who wish to drive their own vehicles will be welcomed at the DDCR Margham Gate, where our lead guides will brief you on reserve driving etiquette as we venture into the 225-square-kilometre protected area.

During a scenic drive on our specially prepared track to camp, participants are encouraged to spot and identify desert life. Forget glamping: this is authentic desert camping, but complete with showers and toilets. Camels are excluded from the area and native flora and fauna are abundant. The lush vegetation attracts birds and various desert animals including Arabian oryx, two species of gazelle, foxes, lizards and birds. The area is also a haven for migrating birds from November through to April.

At the campsite, each vehicle is assigned its own fully-equipped camping trailer with a Sand Sherpa Rooftop Tent, fridge/freezer, a grill with charcoal, utensils, tables, chairs, lights and drinking water. Participants not bringing their own food and beverages have the option to book our standard dinner and breakfast packages in advance, which will be included in their camping fridge on arrival, or are free to bring their own food. Alternatively, participants can also customise their own menu (click to download the form) based on our campfire favourites. Pillows and bedding can also be provided upon request, at an additional charge, if participants are not carrying their own.

As the evening progresses, stay with your trailer or mingle with other campers around the main campfire.

The next morning, the camp leader takes participants on a hawk walk through an ancient ghaf tree forest to identify animal tracks that have appeared overnight.

What's Included:
- Professional briefing at the entry to the desert
- Guided beginner-level desert driving with instruction (for those driving their own vehicles)
- Scenic drive to the campsite, where participants will be able to spot native flora and fauna
- Assignment of camping trailer with Roof Top Tent and/or additional sleeping accommodation as booked
- Own camping fridge/freezer with your trailer
- Water
- Table/chairs
- Main campfire
- Hawk walk
- Bathroom facilities on site
- Showers (integrated in the trailer with an additional unit on-site)
- 8kg firewood (additional quantities available on request for an extra fee)
- Full camping accessories (utensils, pots, pans and more)
- Surprise treats

Optional add ons (as booked):
- Transfers from guest's hotel/residence to camp in a Toyota Hilux Overlanding vehicle
- Duvets and pillows
- Dinner + Breakfast package (dining preferences to be selected at checkout or click here to build your own menu)

Required:
- 4x4 vehicle for guests driving their own vehicles (with high and low ratio gearbox)
- Closed-toe shoes to be worn at all times by all participants after sunset