Introduction
A major attraction that brings travellers to Jaisalmer during their Rajasthan tour is the opportunity to go on a
desert safari. As you leave the city and head to the desert, the landscape changes, and you’ll see long open
stretches of road with small villages and sand dunes.
However, a key element in planning a Jaisalmer desert safari is choosing between a camel safari or a jeep safari. A
camel safari gives you a more relaxed experience and more time to take in your surroundings, while a jeep safari is
more of an adventure and focuses on driving up and down the dunes.
The Sam Sand Dunes are the more popular of the two deserts near Jaisalmer for tourists to visit, but the Khuri Sand
Dunes offer a quieter and less crowded experience.
We will compare jeep safaris and camel safaris, cover Sam and Khuri, look into the best time to visit, the costs you
can expect and some practical tips before you take off on your desert safari.
What is a Jaisalmer Desert Safari?
A Jaisalmer desert safari is a trip from the city to the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Here, tourists spend some
time exploring the desert and doing activities.
The two main types of safaris are camel and jeep safaris. Camel rides are available in popular desert areas such as
Sam and Khuri. On the other hand, jeep safaris cover dune tracks. These tracks are more suited for tourists who
prefer a faster and more exciting experience.
Many travelers plan their safari in the afternoon, giving them some time to enjoy the desert and stay until sunset.
You may also get a desert camp, traditional music and dance, food and an overnight stay, depending on the package
you choose.
You don’t always have to book these activities together. A shorter experience, for example, a camel or jeep safari,
may be booked if you don’t want to stay in the desert overnight..
Jeep Safari in Jaisalmer
A jeep safari is a completely different experience from a camel safari. Instead of moving slowly through the desert
on a ship of the desert, you travel across the sand dunes in a 4×4 jeep, making it a better option for those of you
who want some adventure during your trip to Jaisalmer.
Jeep safaris are available around the desert areas of Sam and Khuri, and dune bashing is available at the Lakhmna
Sand Dunes. The ride usually includes driving over slopes and desert tracks.
One of the advantages of a jeep safari is that you can cover more distance in a short time. It can also be a
practical choice if you don’t want to spend a long time on the back of a camel.
The experience depends a lot on the route and the operator. Ask how long the actual jeep ride will be and if dune
bashing is included or if the jeep will only be the transport to the desert.
Sam Sand Dunes vs Khuri Sand Dunes
When organizing a Jaisalmer desert safari, you will probably see the options of Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri Sand Dunes.
Both have camel safaris and other desert activities. However, the overall vibe can be different.
Sam Sand Dunes
Among the desert areas near Jaisalmer, Sam is the most popular region, especially for first-time visitors. Sam has a
large number of desert camps, so combining a camel safari, jeep safari, sunset and cultural program can be
convenient.
The main benefit of Sam is convenience and a wider choice of activities. However, it can feel very busy, especially
during the peak tourist season and at sunset.
Go with Sam if you're interested in having a busy desert experience with a variety of activities to choose
from.
Khuri Sand Dunes
Khuri is another of the dunes near Jaisalmer that offers similar activities to Sam Sand Dunes. Camel and jeep
safaris can easily be arranged here. Compared to Sam, Khuri may be a better option if you are looking to appreciate
the desert more and not feel rushed to do as many activities in an evening.
Before choosing Khuri, double check what your safari package includes and also what transport arrangement have been
made for you from Jaisalmer.
Which One Should You Choose?
For a first time visitor to Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is more convenient if you want to do a Camel and jeep safari
and enjoy a sunset as well as cultural program all in the same day and evening.
If you don't mind taking some extra time to arrange your trip yourself, then Khuri is worth a look.
Wherever you decide to go, make sure you know exactly what you are booking before hand, as different operators may
use different dune areas and routes.
Best Time For A Jaisalmer Desert Safari
Most tourists recommend that you plan your Jaisalmer desert safari from October to March. This is when the weather
is much more pleasant.
If you’re going during the months of December or January, the nights can get quite chilly, and after the sunsets, it
can get quite chilly. So if you’re planning a night safari or staying at a desert camp, you should take along a warm
jacket.
The summers (April to September) are much more difficult for tourists to endure and take part in desert activities,
because the day time temperatures in Rajasthan can get to 45 degrees Celsius. The best time to plan a safari would
be to start in the early morning, or mid-afternoon, avoiding the hottest time of the day.
What is the Best Time of Day for a Desert Safari?
Most tourists recommend that you plan your safari in the late afternoons. This way you can enjoy the dunes when the
temperatures are cooler and get to watch the sunset from the dunes.
If your tour packages include both a camel and jeep safari, you can plan to leave a little earlier to save time to
transfer between tours.
The best time for sunsets change throughout the year, so instead of asking your tour operator to pick you up at a
specific time, ask them what time you should leave Jaisalmer to make it to the dunes in time.
Once the sun sets and the temperatures drop, you may want to take along an extra layer of clothes to keep yourself
warm, especially if you are camping during the winter months.
Jaisalmer Desert Safari Cost
The amount you’ll pay for a Jaisalmer desert safari varies for a number of reasons. These include the type of
safari, its duration and season, the number of travelers, and whether you book a single safari activity or a
complete desert camp package.
Estimating the cost of a camel safari is between ₹500 to ₹1,500 depending on the duration and type of camel ride.
Jeep safaris generally cost more. Rates for a private jeep safari are between ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. Again, these rates
are estimates and actual rates may differ.
A complete desert package that includes transport from Jaisalmer, camel and jeep safaris, cultural program, dinner,
and an overnight stay will cost more.
What to Compare Before Paying
While price is an important factor to consider when choosing a safari package, the activities and duration included
in the package differ between operators, and so will the prices.
Prior to booking, find out:
- How long the actual camel or jeep safaris are.
- The cost per person, per camel, or per jeep.
- Whether the rates include pick-up and drop to Jaisalmer.
- Whether watching the sunset is included in the safari.
- Whether the price includes dinner and the cultural show.
- Whether the package includes an overnight stay.
- Whether any activities at the dunes will cost additional.
Prices increase during the peak travel times, including during Christmas and New Year.
Which Safari Should You Choose?
The Jaisalmer desert safari has many different options to choose from. Here are a few considerations to keep in
mind.
Camel Safaris
- Camel safaris are typically 2-3 hour rides.
- A traditional desert experience.
- If you want to enjoy the scenery and take your time.
- Best way to catch the sunset over the dunes.
- If you’re not used to riding camels, the duration of the ride may be a factor.
Jeep Safaris
- A faster way to cover more distance and experience more adventures (dune bashing, off-roading, etc)
- If you wish to forgo the ride and travel by jeep instead.
Do both?
Yes, if your schedule and budget allows it. The main difference between the camel and jeep safaris are the
activities that are coupled with them, for example, a sunset safari.
If you only have one evening, consider the duration of each activity before making a reservation to make sure you
have enough time to enjoy the desert.
If you want assistance with planning the rest of your trip, you should read our
Jaisalmer Travel Guide, since it includes information on the main attractions
and a three-day itinerary.
Practical Booking Tips for Jaisalmer Desert Safari
A bit of planning ahead of making your booking will enable you to compare different packages and prevent any
unexpected charges on your trip.
-
Find out precisely where the safari is taking place: ask if it is at the Sam Sand Dunes, the Khuri Sand Dunes,
or some other desert area. -
Check the duration: Find out exactly how long the camel ride or jeep safari will take. The overall duration of
the package might also cover the time spent on transfers and waiting. -
Find out the total price: check if the rate quoted is on a per-person, per-camel, or per-jeep basis and also
find out if any taxes or extra charges apply. -
Find out what is included: transport, sunset viewing, meals, cultural performances and overnight accommodation
may all be offered separately. -
Consider more than just one operator: when making your choice, check the recent reviews, the package details,
and the safety measures instead of opting solely on the lowest price. -
To confirm the pickup and drop-off: if you are staying in Jaisalmer city, find out whether transport to and from
the dunes is included. -
Wear appropriate clothing: make sure to wear comfortable clothes and footwear, take sun protection with you
during the day, and bring a warm item for winter evenings. -
Make sure all the details are agreed upon before making the payment: get the final price, the length of the
activity and the inclusions confirmed in writing.
If you intend to go between October and March, it is a good idea to check whether accommodation is available in
advance, especially around the holiday weekends. Rajasthan Tourism also regards October to March as the best time
for desert camping.
Once the location, time and included activities have been confirmed, you can select a desert safari that matches
your schedule without paying for any activities that you do not need.