Dubai is a city of contrasts, with towering skyscrapers and modern amenities juxtaposed with ancient desert dunes. If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you off the beaten path and immerse you in the unique culture of the UAE, then a desert safari is a must-do.
Here are 5 reasons why you need to go on a desert safari in Dubai
Experience the beauty of the desert.
The Dubai desert is a vast expanse of sand dunes that stretch for miles in every direction. The dunes are constantly shifting, creating a ever-changing landscape that is both awe-inspiring and mesmerizing.
Get your adrenaline pumping.
There are a variety of activities you can enjoy on a desert safari, including dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and stargazing. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, then dune bashing is the perfect activity for you. You’ll be driven in a 4×4 vehicle across the sand dunes, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph.
Learn about Bedouin culture.
The Bedouins are the nomadic people who have traditionally inhabited the desert. They have a rich culture and history that is fascinating to learn about. On a desert safari, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a Bedouin camp and learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life.
Enjoy a traditional Arabic dinner.
After a day of exploring the desert, you’ll enjoy a traditional Arabic dinner at a Bedouin camp. The dinner will typically consist of grilled meats, fresh salads, and Arabic bread. You’ll also be able to try traditional Arabic drinks, such as arak and mint tea.
See the desert at sunset and sunrise.
The desert is a magical place at sunset and sunrise. The colors of the sky are simply stunning, and the silence is almost deafening. If you’re lucky, you may even see some wildlife, such as gazelles or foxes.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Dubai, then a desert safari is the perfect way to experience the city’s unique culture and landscape.
Here are some additional tips for planning your desert safari
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- Choose a reputable tour operator like Mahakal Desert Adventure Tourism. There are many different desert safari tour operators in Dubai, so it’s important to choose one that has a good reputation.
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- Book your safari in advance. Desert safaris are popular, especially during peak season, so it’s important to book your safari in advance.
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- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
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- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. The desert sun can be very strong, so make sure you bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
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- Bring a camera. The desert is a beautiful place, so you’ll want to bring a camera to capture the memories.
Mahakal Desert Adventure Tourism is a reputable tour operator with a long history of providing excellent service to their customers. We offer a variety of desert safari packages to choose from, so you can find one that fits your interests and budget. We also have a team of experienced guides who will make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
What to Bring
The desert is hot and dry, so it’s important to bring the right gear. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher), a hat, and water bottles. Gloves are recommended, as the desert can get chilly at night. A good pair of sturdy shoes will protect your feet from the hot sand and help you navigate rocky terrain. For desert tours that include sandboarding, bring a pair of long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. If you are planning to go on a nighttime desert safari, bring a flashlight or glow sticks. If you’re going on a day trip, you don’t need special clothing or gear. Just make sure to wear clothes that cover your legs and arms.
Types of Desert Safari Tours
Day Desert Safari – This is an excellent option for first-time visitors to the desert. It offers a sampling of the best experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer, including sand dune surfing, a sunset drive, and a chance to ride a camel. While day tours are less expensive than overnight desert safaris, they are a little rushed and don’t give you time to fully appreciate the desert. But if you’re short on time and want to experience a taste of the desert, a day desert safari is a great option. Overnight Desert Safari – An overnight desert safari gives you more time to fully immerse yourself in the desert. Overnight desert safaris are a popular choice for travellers who want more time to enjoy the desert experience. Many overnight desert safari packages include meals, tents or shisha huts to relax in, and a knowledgeable guide to help you learn about the desert. Overnight desert safaris are great for couples, families, and large groups. If you like the idea of an overnight desert safari but you don’t want to rough it, there are a few upscale desert resorts that offer fully-outfitted desert experiences.
Best Hotels and Resorts for Desert Safari
Al Badia Desert Resort – This luxurious desert resort is a great choice for first-time desert visitors. Al Badia is located about 30 minutes southeast of Abu Dhabi city. Desert tours depart from the Al Badia grounds, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. This all-inclusive desert resort offers a variety of desert safari packages, including a full-day desert safari and an overnight desert safari. Al Raha Beach Hotel – This beachfront hotel is located on the east coast of Abu Dhabi, about a 45-minute drive from the city centre. A popular package for the beachfront hotel is the “Outdoor Adventure” tour, which takes guests on an exploratory journey through the desert. This tour includes sand boarding, dune driving, a camel ride, and a chance to go sand dune surfing.
Popular Activities for Desert Safari
Sand Dune Surfing – This is one of the most popular activities in the desert. You’ll climb to the top of a large sand dune, get in a position, and then slide down the other side. While the sandboarding experience is exciting, it’s important to wear the right protective gear. This includes gloves, a helmet, and knee and elbow pads. Dune Driving – This is an experience unlike any other. Squeeze yourself into the car, and let your driver take you on a wild ride through the dunes. You’ll feel like you’re in a video game, only you’re in the desert! This is a great activity for families and groups. Camel Ride – This is one of the most traditional desert experiences. It’s a must for kids and families. The tour guides will help you groom your camel and put it on the saddle. Desert Wildlife – The desert is home to a variety of wildlife, including gazelles, ostriches, and reptiles. Your guide will help you identify different animals, as well as teach you about their habitats. Star Gazing – The desert is an excellent place to stargaze, and your guide will help you spot stars and constellations you’ve never seen before. A nighttime desert safari is a perfect way to end the day, and it’s an excellent activity for kids.
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Safety Tips
If you’re not used to the desert, be sure to drink lots of water. Travelling during the hotter months of July and August is best done during the cooler morning hours. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring a light shawl or wrap to cover your arms and legs. Wear sturdy shoes, as the desert ground can be rocky and uneven. Bring a flashlight or glow sticks if you plan to go on a nighttime desert safari. It’s important to respect the desert and follow these rules to stay safe. When hiking, stay on paths and don’t touch plants or pick up rocks or sticks. It’s also important to stay away from wildlife. The desert is the wildlife’s home, so you don’t want to disrupt their natural habitat.
Recommended Tour Companies
If you’re interested in booking an overnight desert safari, make sure to book as far in advance as possible. This is especially true during high season since there are limited desert-accessible hotel rooms. If you’re short on time, you can book a day desert safari instead. All desert tour companies are available online, and some even have an app. You can browse tour companies and read reviews to find the one that best suits your needs.DESERT SAFARI
How to Get There
Most desert tours pick you up from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. If you’re interested in booking an overnight desert safari, you’ll want to check what hotels are nearby. If you want to visit the Liwa Desert, which is about 2 hours outside Abu Dhabi, you’ll have to rent a car or use an app-based ride-sharing service. DESERT SAFARI
Where to Eat
After a long day in the desert, you’ll probably be ready for a good meal. The best places to eat in Abu Dhabi are in the city centre. You can find everything from Indian and Pakistani to Italian, Brazilian, and Japanese food. Some great places to eat near hotels and resorts are Al Manhal Restaurant – This is an excellent option for a multi-cuisine experience. They have everything from Chinese food to pizza. Burger & Lobster – This is a popular place for burgers, fries, and beer. Lemongrass – This is a popular Asian restaurant that serves a lot of vegetarian options. DESERT SAFARI
🐪 There is no experience as quintessentially Dubai as a desert safari. It is a crowd pleaser – fun for couples, families and solo travellers alike. Without a doubt, it should definitely be on your to-do list. Do you want to go dune bashing in a 4×4, try dune boarding, ride a camel, try shisha (hookah pipe), have your hand painted with henna and eat Arabic bbq? Then trust me when I say, you don’t want to miss a Dubai Desert Safari.
The options of desert safari tours in Dubai is endless and the market is kind of saturated with operators to be honest! Trying to pick the right one is a challenge as they all offer more or less the same thing.DESERT SAFARI