Dubai, known for its luxury and iconic skyscrapers, is also home to the stunning Arabian Desert. While most visitors explore the city’s modern attractions, many miss out on the enchanting desert experience offered by Desert Safari Dubai packages. A desert safari is one of the most thrilling and unforgettable activities you can enjoy. Whether you’re a nature lover, adrenaline seeker, or someone looking to experience Emirati culture, these safari tours cater to all interests. In this blog, we’ll explore what you can expect when you start your Dubai desert safari.
1. Dune Bashing: An Adrenaline Rush
The adventure starts as soon as you set foot in the 4×4 vehicle. One of the primary attractions of any desert safari is the exhilarating dune bashing experience. After a brief safety briefing, you’ll be driven by an experienced driver across the vast, rolling sand dunes. These skilled drivers know exactly how to navigate the dunes, taking you on a thrilling ride that feels like a rollercoaster through the desert. The powerful 4×4 vehicles climb steep dunes, sway from side to side, and speed down valleys, all while you hold on tight and feel your heart race.
Dune bashing is not only an adrenaline-pumping experience but also a great way to see the incredible landscape of the Arabian Desert. As you conquer the undulating dunes, you’ll be treated to views of vast stretches of golden sand, offering a sense of both isolation and grandeur.
2. Camel Ride: A Step Back in Time
After the heart-racing excitement of dune bashing, you’ll likely get the chance to ride a camel—an iconic symbol of desert life. Known as the “ship of the desert,” camels have been used for centuries by Bedouin tribes to traverse the harsh desert terrain. A camel ride is a perfect way to experience the slower, tranquil side of the desert.
Riding a camel can be surprisingly comfortable, as these majestic creatures are well-suited to the arid environment. The gentle swaying of the camel as it walks across the sand offers a unique, almost meditative experience. Most desert safari packages will allow you to enjoy a short ride, during which you can take in the serene beauty of the desert at a relaxed pace.
3. Stunning Desert Landscape and Sunset Views
The Dubai desert offers a breathtaking landscape that is both rugged and serene. As you venture deeper into the desert, you’ll notice the golden sand stretching endlessly toward the horizon. The colours of the desert change throughout the day, but one of the most spectacular sights occurs just before sunset. The desert sunset is a mesmerizing sight—when the sun begins to dip behind the dunes, the sky lights up in shades of orange, red, and purple, casting a warm glow over the sands. This is the perfect time for photography, so be sure to capture the magical moment.
Many desert safari Dubai packages also provide the opportunity to stop and enjoy the sunset while sipping traditional Arabic tea or coffee. It’s a calm experience that nicely balances the excitement of dune bashing earlier in the day.
4. Traditional Arabic Entertainment and Dinner
Once the sun sets, the safari often continues with a visit to a desert camp, where you can experience traditional Emirati hospitality and entertainment. Most desert safari tours include a visit to an authentic Bedouin-style camp, where guests can enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars. The camp is typically set up with low seating, cushions, and lanterns to create an intimate, cozy atmosphere.
The dinner often includes a buffet of traditional Arabic dishes such as grilled kebabs, shawarma, hummus, tabbouleh, and Arabic bread, as well as a selection of sweet treats like baklava. In addition to the food, the desert camp offers live entertainment, such as belly dancing and the mesmerizing Tanoura dance, which features a performer spinning in colourful costumes. There may also be the opportunity to try your hand at henna painting or smoke a traditional shisha pipe.
5. Cultural Insights and Stargazing
In addition to the excitement and cultural experience at the camp, many desert safari tours provide an opportunity to learn about the traditional Bedouin lifestyle. You’ll hear stories about the nomadic tribes who once roamed the desert, their customs, and their reliance on camels for transportation and trade. Some tours may also include a demonstration of falconry, a traditional hunting method that has been practiced in the Arabian Peninsula for centuries.
As night sets in, the desert offers a perfect spot for stargazing. The clear desert skies offer a perfect view of the stars, far from the city lights of Dubai. Some tours include stargazing as part of the experience, where guides point out constellations and tell ancient stories about the night sky.
6. Types of Desert Safari Packages
To suit various preferences and budgets, Desert Safari Dubai packages offer various options. Some of the most popular options include:
- Morning Desert Safari: For early risers, a morning safari can be a more peaceful and quiet way to experience the desert before the heat of the day sets in. It often includes activities like dune bashing, camel rides, and sandboarding.
- Evening Desert Safari: The most common package, typically combining dune bashing, camel rides, and a visit to the desert camp for dinner and entertainment. This is a great option if you want to enjoy both the thrilling activities and the serene sunset views.
- Overnight Desert Safari: If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, an overnight desert safari allows you to spend the night under the stars, enjoying a traditional BBQ dinner, live entertainment, and even a morning sunrise experience.
- Luxury Desert Safari: For those seeking an upscale experience, luxury safaris offer private vehicles, gourmet dining, and exclusive camp setups with higher levels of service and comfort.
7. What to Bring on a Desert Safari
When preparing for your desert safari, it’s important to dress appropriately. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, as the desert can get quite hot during the day but chilly in the evening. Comfortable shoes are also a must, especially if you plan to engage in dune bashing or camel riding. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. And if you’re going on a night safari, be sure to pack a light jacket or sweater as temperatures can drop.
8. Barbecue Dinner: A Perfect Ending to Your Desert Adventure
After an exciting day of desert adventures, the barbecue dinner is a special treat that many people look forward to. As the sun sets, you’ll sit down at the desert camp to enjoy a delicious meal. The barbecue features a variety of grilled meats like tender kebabs, juicy lamb, chicken, and beef, as well as tasty vegetarian dishes such as grilled vegetables and falafel. The food is served with flavorful rice, fresh salads, and warm bread. The smell of the food cooking in the open air, combined with the peaceful desert surroundings, makes for a truly memorable dining experience under the stars.
Conclusion
A Dubai desert safari offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From the heart-pumping dune bashing and serene camel rides to the authentic cultural experiences at the desert camp, it’s an experience that will stay with you long after your trip. Whether you’re visiting Dubai for the first time or have been to the city before, a desert safari is one of the must-do activities that will give you a deeper connection to the stunning landscape and heritage of the Arabian Desert.
For an unforgettable desert adventure, book your desert safari Dubai packages with Best Deal Tourism and experience the thrill of the Arabian Desert like never before!
