If you are traveling to Dubai in a rented car, it becomes incredibly easy to travel around the city and explore its vibrant streets and landmarks at your leisure. However, if you truly wish to try something real, you must venture into the Arabian Desert. A desert safari is a once-in-a-lifetime activity, which guarantees a combination of exciting activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, and camping under the open sky.
Why Choose a Desert Safari?
A desert safari is not merely a tour, but an adventure and cultural experience. Here are some reasons why you would want to give it a shot:
- Unique Adventure: Pump up the adrenaline with dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding down dunes, and camel riding through the desert.
- Cultural Immersion: Enjoy traditional Arabic cuisine, get henna painting, and be entertained with live shows such as belly dancing and tanoura performances.
- Nature and Wildlife: Witness breathtaking sunsets and see local wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Luxury and Comfort: Some tours offer luxurious camps with comfortable amenities for an unforgettable stay.
Types of Desert Safaris
Desert safaris are offered in various formats to suit various tastes and timings:
- Morning Desert Safari:
- Ideal for individuals who would like to avoid the evening crowds.
- Offers dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding.
- Perfect for capturing excellent desert landscape photographs at sunrise.
- Evening Desert Safari:
- Offers a breathtaking view of the sunset.
- Comprises a delectable Arabic-style dinner and live entertainment.
- Presents a magical ambiance under the stars.
- Deluxe Overnight Safari:
- Camp in the desert overnight with luxurious facilities.
- Enjoy stargazing and a traditional breakfast the next morning.
- A great option for those who prefer a more intense desert experience.
Activities and Experiences
A desert safari usually includes a variety of activities that try to engage all the senses:
- Dune Bashing: An exhilarating ride over sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.
- Camel Riding: Cruise the desert in a camel, the traditional mode of transport.
- Sandboarding: Ride the dunes on a board, a sport similar to snowboarding.
- Cultural Experiences: Henna decoration, photo opportunity in traditional attire, and Shisha (hookah).
- Entertainment: Belly dance, tanoura dance, and fire dance.
- Dining: Buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Safety and Precautions
While desert safaris are secure, there are a few precautions to be taken:
- Health Issues: Pregnant women and individuals with neck and back issues should not go dune bashing and other such activities.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sand-friendly closed-toe footwear.
- Sun Protection: Carry sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Identification: Carry a valid ID for identification purposes.
Booking Your Desert Safari
For a trouble-free and pleasant experience, book your desert safari in advance. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in most tour packages offered by operators, which is ideal for visitors. Choose a reputed operator that adheres to environmentally friendly practices and gives back to local conservation.
In short, a desert safari is a must-experience for all visitors to Dubai, offering the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and culture. Whether you go on a morning, evening, or overnight safari, you cannot help but depart the Arabian Desert with memories for a lifetime.
