Guest post by Neha Singh, a travel blogger by profession. You can read her posts on dubaiwikia.com.
“My itchy feet and passion to see the world brought me in this profession. I am an avid reader and love to travel.”
Dubai has incredible attractions such as extravagant shopping malls, ultramodern theme parks, spotless beaches, jaw-dropping architecture, and impressive mosques. For years Dubai has been perfectly balancing traditional values and western influences while giving us some exciting things to do. The city is also well-known for its vast stretches of rich red Arabian sands that beckon every visitor. Your Dubai vacation is incomplete without a desert safari experience. It is one of the top activities in every traveler’s itinerary to this stunning destination. If you are planning a holiday to this beautiful Emirate soon, let’s find out what a desert safari has in store for you.
What is a desert safari?
A desert safari takes you on a memorable journey through the exotic dunes of the desert. You are surrounded by unlimited stretches of loose sands and gravel that shimmer in the rays of the sun. You can experience the ultimate Emirati traditions and culture and also get an insight into the Arabian way of life. Your itinerary is packed with fun desert activities, an array of cultural performances and mouthwatering food.
What are the different types of desert safaris?
There are several kinds of desert safari tours available in Dubai. You can select the tour package based on your interests, budget, and time. Most tour packages include complimentary pick-up and drop services in chauffeured vehicles. The following are some of the Dubai desert safari tours available:
Hot Air Balloon Desert Safari
This is perfect for people who want to enjoy an aerial view of the beautiful sands. Sign up for a Hot Air Balloon ride which takes you 4000 feet above sea level. Enjoy the charm and captivating beauty of the desert from above. You can feast your eyes on the breathtaking sun rising on the horizon. You will find several falcons fly around the balloon while the cool morning breeze hits your face. Be on the lookout for wandering animals such as camels, Arabian oryxes, and gazelles in the desert below. Pamper your tastebuds with a delectable gourmet English breakfast once you complete your ride.
Morning Desert Safari
The Morning desert safari tour package is ideal for people who are early risers and also have a short time on their hands. The weather is usually pleasant in the mornings making it one of the most wonderful experiences. Embark on a fantastic journey to the deserts at the break of dawn. You are welcomed with a spectacular sunrise as soon as you reach there. You are tongue-tied as slowly the glow from the orange sun changes the entire desert landscape into a magical land. Enjoy a wide range of desert activities such as dune bashing, quad biking, camel riding, and sandboarding (Please note that the activities depend on the package that you book). The early morning adventure will surely make you tired and hungry. Sit down to savor a delicious breakfast before returning to your hotel.
Evening Desert Safari with BBQ dinner
This is one of the most popular and highly recommended desert safari Dubai experiences. Venture on an exhilarating dune bashing session on the rich dunes of the desert. Watch in fascination as your driver expertly navigates the 4×4 SUV through the sands. Feel the thrill and excitement as you ascend and descend dunes of various sizes and shapes. There are loads of fun activities such as quad biking, camel riding, sandboarding, and falconry that you can opt for.
Retire to the Bedouin campsite where the quintessential Emirati experience awaits you. You can get your hands and feet painted with intricate henna designs, click photos in traditional Arabian costumes, smoke flavorful shisha pipes, and watch a marvelous sunset. There is plenty of delicious Arabic coffee and dates available to munch on during the evening. Soak in the earthy feel of the fascinating desert life Before long, it is time for some extraordinary live entertainment such as Belly Dancing, a Tanura dance show, and a Fire show. Relish a scrumptious BBQ buffet dinner with many vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies before leaving for the hotel.
Overnight Desert Safari
An overnight desert safari in Dubai is a dream come true for many travelers as it gives you a sense of peace and tranquility. Camp in the heart of the desert with a campfire to protect you from the evening cold. All the desert activities and live entertainment from the evening safari are included in this package too. Enjoy a lavish buffet dinner consisting of an assortment of soups, starters, main course, and desserts. Post dinner, you can sit by the bonfire and watch the brilliant night sky dazzle with twinkling stars. Wake up to a fabulous sunrise after spending a serene night under the stars. Your Arabian adventure concludes with a yummy breakfast before you are dropped back at the hotel.
Important things to remember
It is better to plan in advance for the safari in advance and keep the following things in mind:
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, or scarf, to protect yourself from the sun
- Carry a light cardigan or jacket as the climate may become cold in the evenings and nights
- Drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated
- Avoid wearing heavy jewelry or carrying a lot of cash or valuables so that you can enjoy all the desert activities without having to worry about keeping them safe
- Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes preferably cotton as it will be convenient during the activities
- Wear casual footwear such as flipflops or open sandals to avoid the sand from getting into your shoes
- If anyone from your group suffers from health issues such as motion sickness or heart-related ailments, it is better to avoid such rigorous activities and inform the tour operator beforehand
Conclusion
A desert safari provides you a once in a lifetime experience to explore the greatness of nature. It also allows you to indulge in fun, adventure, and entertainment while experiencing top-notch hospitality and luxury. You will be mesmerized by the entire experience and will surely leave with a bag full of amazing memories.
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