Dubai is teeming with futuristic skyscrapers and ostentatious shopping malls, but within its walls lies true incompleteness without taking a trip to the golden sands beyond the urban landscape. A desert safari tour in Dubai is much more than just going out; this is the quintessential Arabian experience where adventure turns into adrenaline and exciting cultural immersion turns dull into an exotic life. Whether you are going dune bashing or going for a silent dinner under a star, a desert safari has something for every type of traveler.
But after visiting lots of possibilities, now comes the relentless task of choosing the right tour due to the sheer number of options available. This handy guide details all the different types of safaris, the core activities they come will like, and how to get the perfect safari package for you.
Understanding the Different Types of Desert Safaris
Tour operators in Dubai, which have designed a variety of safaris, do so in order to meet the various preferences and schedules of their clients. Just keep in mind, interested safari type is what you’re looking for.
- Evening Desert Safari: this is the best, widest and most commonly chosen option. It starts in the afternoon, which makes it possible to see the desert during the most magical hour: as the sun sets. The trip is a collage of adventure and cultural activities concluding with a traditional dinner and entertainment under the stars. The perfect all-in-one package.
- Morning Desert Safari: Best for people who do not have that much time or would like to avoid the crowds in the evening. This is a pure adventure experience in the cooler hours of the day, with all the dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding that one could want. A morning safari lasts usually about 3-4 hours and contains no dinner nor show.
- Overnight Desert Safari: It has everything an evening tour has, but it includes the unusual benefit of camping in the desert: what it really means to be a Bedouin, with scrumptious BBQ dinner, cultural shows, nights under the stars, and everybody loves waking up to the quiet and peaceful sunrise in desert.
- Luxury & Private Safaris: Many tour operators offer much more exclusive luxury desert safaris and private tours. Most of these safaris include the use of a few luxury vehicles like vintage Land Rovers or Hummer H2s, gourmet dining, and a much more secluded camping area away from residents. Companies such as Platinum Heritage are known for eco- tourism and very exclusive and conservation-driven tours.
Essential Activities: What to Expect on Your Safari
Whatever you choose from these types of safaris, of course, will include some treasurable core sets of activities that define this experience.
- Dune Bashing: It forms the heart of this adventure called desert safari. An expert driver takes you on a thrilling ride with roller-coaster-like rides over the sweeping sand dunes in a powerful 4×4 vehicle. You feel the adrenaline rush in a different way when that car climbs and plunges over the golden hills.
- Sandboarding: Kind of like snowboarding, except done on a huge slope of sand. Most tours give out sandboards to glide down the dunes for some enjoyment and exhilaration. Great fun for both kids and adults.
- Camel Riding: A camel ride is a gentle and calm alternative to the high-octane dune bashing. These magnificent animals, called ‘ships of the desert’, are a traditional way to traverse the landscape. While some tours only provide a partial ride for photo taking purposes, others offer a more extended camel trekking experience.
- Cultural Camp Experience: Since the evening safaris would culminate in a traditional way at a camp styled as Bedouin, here you’ll be welcomed with Arabic coffee along with dates, and this camp is also a hub for cultural activities–henna painting, dressing up in traditional Arabic costumes, and having a photo with a falcon.
- Live Entertainment & BBQ Dinner: As the sun sets and the cool wind blows through the desert air, suddenly the camp is alive with live performances. Expect exciting shows such as a belly dance and an awe-inspiring Tanoura dance, while thrill seekers won’t feel out of tune if there’s a fire show in the background. All of this is accompanied by a juicy BBQ dinner buffet, offering a wide selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Choosing the Right Tour Operator and Things to Consider
When all is said and done, there are so many options to choose from when it comes to companies offering desert safaris. Choose a reputable company. Good operators will have good reviews on TripAdvisor and Google. Page among others include Rayna Tours, Arabian Adventures, and Platinum Heritage.
Before you book, make sure you check what’s included in the package. A good tour will ensure:
- Pick-up and drop-off to your hotel in a shinny, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle.
- A certified and experienced driver.
- All the major activities you are interested in (dune bashing, sandboarding, and so forth).
- A tasty meal with a wide variety of options.
- Unrestricted water and soft drink supply.
Insider Tips for Your Desert Safari
- Dress Comfortably: Expand your body in loose, lightweight clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. An evening light jacket or scarf is perfect because it tends to get cooler.
- Footwear: Comfortable and covered foot wear or sandals with straps. Flip flops are not a good choice, as they tend to fill with sand instantaneously.
- Hydrate: Desert heat is often relentless. Plenty of water should be consumed before and during the safari.
- Protect Yourself: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect from the sun.
- Motion Sickness: For those who are prone to it, take a tablet before the dune-bashing and avoid eating heavy meals right before the ride.
A desert safari is an important part of any relatively complete Dubai itinerary. Choosing the right tour and preparing for the expedition will ensure memories for a lifetime in a truly breathtaking site, the Arabian desert.