Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, offers more than just urban attractions. One of its most captivating experiences is the desert safari — a must-do activity for anyone visiting the UAE. The safari takes you into the heart of the Arabian Desert, where you can witness the untouched beauty of the dunes and enjoy a range of thrilling activities.
Types of Desert Safari Experiences
There are several types of desert safaris, each offering a unique adventure. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from:
- Morning Desert Safari: Ideal for early risers, the morning safari includes exciting activities like dune bashing, quad biking, and sandboarding. The fresh morning air and golden sunlight make the dunes glow, providing a perfect backdrop for photos.
- Evening Desert Safari: The most popular option, the evening desert safari begins in the late afternoon and takes you on a journey through the sand dunes, culminating in a spectacular sunset. The safari typically includes a BBQ dinner, traditional Arabic entertainment like belly dancing, Tanoura shows, and a chance to ride camels.
- Overnight Desert Safari: For a truly immersive experience, the overnight safari allows you to camp in the desert under the stars. After an evening of activities, you’ll get to sleep in traditional Bedouin-style tents and wake up to the peaceful desert dawn.
What to Expect on a Desert Safari
A typical desert safari starts with a pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point. You’ll be driven in a 4×4 vehicle into the desert, where the adventure begins.
- Dune Bashing: The highlight of any desert safari, dune bashing involves driving over sand dunes at varying speeds in a 4×4 vehicle. This thrilling ride offers adrenaline-pumping excitement as the vehicle navigates steep dunes, offering incredible views of the desert landscape.
- Camel Riding: No desert experience is complete without a ride on a camel, the traditional mode of transport for Bedouins. Short camel rides are typically included in most safari packages, allowing visitors to experience a part of desert life.
- Sandboarding: For adventure enthusiasts, sandboarding is a fun activity that involves sliding down sand dunes on a board, similar to snowboarding. It’s a great way to enjoy the endless dunes and test your balance.
- Quad Biking: Many desert safari tours offer the option of quad biking, which allows you to explore the dunes at your own pace. These powerful bikes offer a thrilling way to experience the desert’s rugged terrain.
- Desert Camp Experience: After the action-packed adventures, most desert safaris take you to a traditional desert camp. Here, you can relax in Bedouin-style tents, try traditional Arabic dishes, and enjoy live entertainment such as belly dancing, fire shows, and Tanoura performances. Henna painting and shisha smoking are also popular activities at the camp.
- BBQ Dinner: For evening and overnight safaris, a BBQ dinner is served at the camp. You can enjoy a delicious buffet of Middle Eastern cuisine, including grilled meats, salads, and traditional desserts.
Best Time to Go
The best time to experience a desert safari in Dubai is during the cooler months, from November to March. The weather during this period is more comfortable for outdoor activities, and the desert temperatures are pleasant.
Important Tips
- Wear comfortable clothing: Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the desert, it’s best to wear loose, light clothes and comfortable shoes. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are also highly recommended.
- Stay hydrated: The desert heat can be intense, especially during the summer. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your trip.
- Book with a reputable company: Ensure your desert safari is booked through a licensed and well-reviewed tour company to ensure safety and quality service.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss a Dubai Desert Safari
A desert safari offers a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, all in one unforgettable experience. Whether you’re visiting Dubai for a short trip or a longer stay, this excursion gives you a unique glimpse into the Emirati way of life, while offering the thrill of exploring one of the world’s most iconic deserts.
For those seeking excitement, tranquility, or a taste of Arabian hospitality, the Dubai desert safari is an adventure not to be missed. Whether you’re racing through the dunes, riding camels, or enjoying a traditional meal under the stars, the memories from this experience will last a lifetime.
Special Customized packages available l for halal tourism as per customer requirement