Dubai is a destination that tops the bucket list of many travelers around the world. This glamorous city is known for its futuristic skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and lively nightlife. But there is more to Dubai than its modern amenities. The desert that surrounds the city provides an opportunity to experience a quintessentially Arabian adventure – a desert safari.
Why Go on a Desert Safari?
A desert safari allows you to discover the majestic expanses of sand dunes that form a picturesque backdrop to Dubai’s sleek urban landscape. Some key reasons to go on a desert safari include:
Adventure and Thrills
Dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle as it surges up and down the sandy slopes is an adrenaline-pumping activity. As the skilled drivers maneuver the vehicle over the dunes, you’ll be hanging on tight to experience the thrill of the bumpy ride.
Cultural Insight
A desert safari provides the chance to experience Arabic culture. You can try on traditional attire, get a henna tattoo, and enjoy authentic cuisine and shisha in a Bedouin-style camp. Watching a tanoura dance performance is a visual treat.
Desert Scenery
The desert scenery with undulating dunes, the setting sun casting a orange-reddish glow, and a clear night sky studded with stars make for an unforgettable sight. You can click some amazing photographs amidst the panoramic views.
Memorable Experience
From dune bashing, camel rides, sand boarding, and quad biking to Arabic dresses, music, and food – a desert safari packs all this and more. It’s a memorable experience you’ll cherish for a long time.
Top Desert Safari Deals in Dubai
Several tour operators offer desert safari deals in Dubai suitable for all budgets. Here are some of the best desert safari offers:
Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner
This 5-6 hour evening desert safari includes dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding, henna/shisha, and a barbeque dinner with a tanoura performance. Prices start from AED 150 per person.
Overnight Desert Safari
Enjoy dune bashing, barbecue dinner, stargazing, live entertainment, breakfast, and more on this safari with an overnight stay at a desert camp. Prices start from AED 250 per person.
Desert Safari and Quad Biking
This adventurous safari includes dune bashing, camel ride, sand boarding and 25-30 minutes of quad biking in the desert. Prices start from AED 200 per person.
Private Desert Safari
Explore the desert in a private vehicle on a customizable 4-6 hour safari for you and your travel companions. Prices start from AED 600 for 2 persons.
Desert Safari with Limousine Pickup
Travel to the desert for dune bashing, dinner, entertainment, etc. in luxurious comfort with limousine pickup and drop-off. Prices start from AED 180 per person.
Top Desert Safari Activities
The desert safari offers a wide range of unique activities:
Dune Bashing
Hold on tight in the 4×4 vehicle as it surges over the endless ripples of sand. Dune bashing is exhilarating and gets your adrenaline pumping.
Camel Riding
Take a ride on the “ship of the desert” for a quintessential Arabian experience. Camel rides are available at the desert camps.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding down the sloping dunes is an exciting activity. Lie on the board to slide down the sandy hills for a unique thrill.
Quad Biking
Drive your own quad bike on a fun ride over the challenging desert dunes for amazing views. An experienced guide accompanies you.
Cultural Performances
Watch tanoura dancing, with colorful swirling skirts, and enjoy Arabic music at the desert camps. Some even have fire shows.
Star Gazing
The clear night skies over the desert provide awesome views of the stars. You can star gaze and click great photographs.
Delicious Arabic Meals
The barbecue dinner, including meats, rice, salads, breads and sweets, at the camp is a feast to relish. Some serve breakfast too.
How to Pick the Right Desert Safari Tour
With plenty of safari tour options, pick the right one with these tips:
Select an evening or overnight safari based on your time availability.
Check the activities – dune bashing, camel rides etc. – included to pick one that matches your interests.
Look for a tour that provides hotel pickup/drop-off for convenience.
Read reviews, safety information, and tour itinerary before booking.
Compare prices of different tours to get the best value.
Choose a reliable tour operator for a quality, safe experience.
Essential Tips for Desert Safari Tourists
To make the most of your desert safari adventure, keep these tips in mind:
Wear comfortable clothes and avoid jewellery or accessories that may fall off during dune bashing.
Keep sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a scarf to protect from dust when riding outdoors.
Carry medication if required and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Follow safety guidelines provided by the tour operator at all times.
Respect Arabic culture traditions at the camp.
Feel free to tip crew members if you enjoyed their service during the tour.
Check visa regulations and permit requirements before booking the safari.
Charge camera batteries fully to capture the desert’s gorgeous views.
Why Choose Dubai for Desert Safari
With endless golden dunes, clear blue skies, and thrilling safari tours, Dubai is the perfect destination for a desert safari getaway. Here’s why it tops the list:
Huge expanse of desert right next to the city.
Well-organized tours for adventure, convenience.
Variety of dune bashing, quad biking, camps, etc.
Amazing views of sandy vistas and clear night skies.
Authentic Arabian cultural experiences.
Luxurious amenities, hotels, malls when back from safari.
Easy visa procedures for many nationalities.
Connectivity by air to major global destinations.
So if you seek an adventurous vacation blended with luxury, culture and convenience, Dubai is the ideal setting for a desert safari. Offering a memorable Arabian experience, a thrilling dune escapade should be on every Dubai tourist’s must-do list!