Safari from Jodhpur
Desert and village safari from Jodhpur
The desert starts an hour or so from Jodhpur. Choose a village visit, a camel ride near Osian, a long day that combines both, or a night in a desert camp near Jaisalmer.
Choices
Four ways to do a desert or village safari
Lengths are typical. We confirm timings and what is included in your quote.
- 01
Bishnoi village safari
Half day
A drive through villages of the Bishnoi community, who are known for protecting trees and wildlife. Typical stops are villages such as Khejarli and Guda Bishnoiyan, where blackbuck and chinkara are often seen, and village homes and crafts.
- 02
Osian desert safari
Half day to full day
Osian is about 65 km north of Jodhpur. It has temples more than a thousand years old, including the Sachiya Mata temple, and dunes just outside town where camel rides are offered, usually in the late afternoon.
- 03
Village and desert in one day
Full day
The two are often combined: villages in the morning, Osian in the afternoon and a camel ride near sunset, then back to Jodhpur. Expect a long day of eight hours or more including driving.
- 04
Overnight desert camp
1 night, from Jaisalmer
For a night in the dunes you travel on to Jaisalmer and stay in a camp near Sam Sand Dunes. Our Desert Safari Tour is built this way.
Before you go
Timing, clothing and village etiquette
Season and timing
October to March is the most comfortable period. Camel rides are usually timed for late afternoon, when the heat eases and the light is better. Our guide to the best time to visit Rajasthan covers the seasons in more detail.
Village etiquette
- Ask before photographing people or their homes.
- Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and do not feed animals.
- Dress modestly, in light, covering clothes that also protect against sun.
- Buy crafts directly if you wish, and agree prices before you take anything.
Still deciding between day trip and overnight camp? Read Osian or Sam Dunes: which desert safari is right for your trip.
How we plan it
Arranging a safari from Jodhpur
Tell us the date, the number of people and whether you want villages, Osian or both. We arrange the vehicle and a local guide and confirm the timings, what is included and the price in writing. You can add it to a day of Jodhpur sightseeing, book just the car and driver, or build it into a longer trip with our Jodhpur tour packages.
For a night in the desert
The Desert Safari Tour
Questions
Desert and village safari: common questions
A short drive-and-walk visit to villages near Jodhpur home to the Bishnoi community, who are known for protecting trees and wildlife. Visits usually include seeing local crafts and, with luck, blackbuck or chinkara in the fields.
Yes, and it is a common plan: villages in the morning, then Osian with a camel ride near sunset. It is a long day, so we suggest starting early and telling us if you want a slower version.
Osian is the practical choice from Jodhpur. Sam Dunes, near Jaisalmer, is the choice if you want to sleep in a desert camp. Our comparison article explains the difference in more detail.
The cooler months, from October to March, are the most comfortable. Summer afternoons in the desert are very hot, so sunset timings and shaded stops matter more then.
More from our Jodhpur office
Plan the rest of your Jodhpur trip
- Travel agency in JodhpurWho we are and how we plan trips from Jodhpur.Read more
- Jodhpur tour packagesTours that include Jodhpur, and Rajasthan routes that start from it.Read more
- Jodhpur sightseeingA one-day plan for the fort, palace and old city.Read more
- Taxi and car with driverTransfers, local sightseeing and outstation routes.Read more
Enquire
Plan a safari from Jodhpur
Tell us the date, group size and what you want to see. We reply with timings and a price in writing.