Sand Sherpa returns to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) for its sixth season, offering immersive, eco-conscious desert experiences that invite guests to reconnect with nature. As the only company licensed to conduct self-drive camping and overnight stays in the wilderness area of the UAE’s first national park, Sand Sherpa continues to deliver unique desert adventures with a focus on sustainability and authenticity.

Sand Sherpa’s 2025/26 season introduces several engaging new elements to its Saturday camps, designed to enhance the guest experience while building on its signature offerings. Guests will enjoy nomad-style cooking workshops around a traditional three-stone fireplace, giving them a taste of Bedouin life in the desert as it once was. Junior campers can also take part in a movie night under the stars, complete with marshmallows and popcorn. The following morning, guests can choose between a hawk walk or a guided desert trek across the dunes.

These additions complement the signature activities that remain at the heart of the Sand Sherpa experience. With over 70 species of flora, 18 different mammals, 26 reptile species and more than 140 bird varieties in the DDCR, visitors can encounter fascinating wildlife during the scenic drive from the gate to camp. Guests can also enjoy evening scorpion walks and delicious bush dinners, including wholesome salads, grilled vegetables, fire-cooked burgers and freshly made pizza, followed by breakfast the next morning, all while surrounded by the beauty of the desert.

Alongside its weekend camps, Sand Sherpa continues to welcome school groups as part of its proprietary Nomad Ways programme, founded on the knowledge, values and skills of the nomads to ensure they are not lost to time. Through hands-on activities such as fire-making, desert navigation and nomad storytelling, the programme inspires students to develop a meaningful connection with nature and instils a lifelong love of the wilderness.

With education and conservation at the heart of the team’s efforts, the experience highlights the delicate environmental balance of the desert and reinforces the importance of protecting this unique landscape. Furthermore, Sand Sherpa makes a donation to the reserve for every participant on their special eco-adventures.

Bookings for Season 6 are now open, with early-season rates available until 31 October 2025.

LISTING DETAILS

All-Inclusive Sherpa Camp in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Itinerary:

Day 1

14.15 – 15.15: Pick up from hotel/residence (for guests booking transfers). The exact pick-up time will be confirmed on the day of the experience

15.30: Arrival at the entrance to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

15.45 – 16.30: Safari drive to the campsite under Sand Sherpa guidance

16.30 – 16.45: Familiarisation with the camp and trailers

16.45 onwards: At your leisure

17.30 – 18.00: Guides go around the camp and light individual campfires, while, on Saturdays, guests may join a nomad cooking workshop

19.00: Bush dinner in the main camp area

20.00: Guided scavenger hunt (daily) followed by movie night for kids (Saturday camps)

Day 2

07.00: Hawk walk with our trained birds of prey (daily) or the option to join a guided morning desert trek across the dunes (Saturday camps)

07.45: Breakfast in the main camp area

09.00: Departure from camp to DDCR Gate For bookings, email: sherpa@sandsherpa.com