Dubai, home to luxurious living and towering futuristic designs, offers much more than city experiences. It also provides an exhilarating escape into the endless, breathtaking sandy deserts. The desert safari Dubai, in particular, is one of the most thrilling adventures Dubai has to offer. From dune bashing to countless other exciting activities, every adventurer will find goosebumps of excitement in the vast desert. If you’re planning to visit this beautiful city, don’t miss out on these extraordinary experiences. Here’s a comprehensive list of tips to maximize your desert adventure.
1. Go Dune Bashing With Friends and Family in a 4×4
Every safari is unique, but the Pearl of the Desert stands out with its jaw-dropping dune bashing experience. Riding in a luxury jeep across the tall dunes is a must for every adventure seeker. With experienced drivers taking you across the dunes, paired with tunes from top DJs, this is like a wedding party on wheels—definitely the best way to blow off steam while enjoying the stunning golden desert landscape.
2. Bring a Scarf or Bandana: Protect Your Face from Wind and Sand
Dune bashing is fun, but it can stir up quite a bit of sand. To protect your face from the harsh elements, bringing a scarf or bandana is highly recommended. Not only will it shield you from the wind and sand, but it will also help keep you cool during the intense heat. Plus, it’ll add to your style for those memorable photos!
3. Add a Quad Bike Adventure for Extra Thrills
For an even more exciting experience, consider adding a quad bike adventure to your safari. Whether you’re an expert rider or a beginner, quad biking across the dunes allows you to control your level of adventure while enjoying the warm desert breeze and stunning views.
4. Bring a Portable Charger: Stay Powered Up
Check if the desert camps have charging stations, but it’s safest to bring your own portable charger. With the incredible views, dune bashing, and breathtaking sunsets, you won’t want to miss capturing those moments on your phone or camera.
5. Enjoy Henna Painting: A Souvenir from the Desert
A highlight of many desert safari tours is the chance to get a traditional henna tattoo. Artists will paint intricate designs on your hands, arms, or even feet, providing you with a beautiful souvenir to remember your desert adventure by.
6. Opt for a Private Luxury Desert Experience
For a more exclusive experience, consider a private desert safari. You’ll enjoy a luxurious car, personal guides, and unique experiences like private dinners under the stars, surrounded by the peaceful dunes and the soft glow of camp lights.
7. Prepare for a Night in the Desert: Sleep Beneath the Stars
Some safari packages include overnight camping in the desert. Experience the tranquility of the desert at night, with a barbecue dinner and the chance to sleep under the stars in traditional Bedouin-style tents. It’s an unforgettable experience and a must-do at least once in your lifetime.
8. Appreciate the Customs of the Bedouin People
The desert is home to the Bedouin people, who have lived in these arid regions for centuries. Many safari tours offer an insight into their culture, practices, and survival methods in one of the harshest environments on earth. Learning about their way of life enriches your desert experience.
9. Participate in a Sunset Photography Tour
Desert sunsets are a sight to behold. Many safari tours include a special stop for photography during the sunset, offering stunning opportunities to capture the golden hues of the sky as the sun sinks below the dunes.
10. Avoid Overpacking: Keep It Practical and Simple
When packing for your desert safari, only bring essentials: sunglasses, a camera, water, and sunscreen. The desert’s dry conditions make hydration key, and a camera is essential for capturing the beautiful landscape and thrilling activities.
11. Take Pleasure in the Traditional Desert Relaxation of Arabic Shisha
Relax and unwind with a traditional Arabic shisha (hookah) at the desert camp. After a day filled with adventure, it’s the perfect way to relax while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Read More: Abu Dhabi City Tour
12. Journey Through a Desert Wildlife Conservation Area
For nature enthusiasts, some safaris include a visit to a desert wildlife conservation area, where you can spot Arabian oryx, gazelles, and other desert wildlife. It’s a great way to appreciate the natural beauty and learn about conservation efforts in the region.
13. Think About Adding a Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a truly unique view of the desert, consider adding a hot air balloon ride to your safari experience. The panoramic views of the endless dunes, especially at sunrise, are simply stunning and provide a serene way to explore the desert from above.
14. Make the Most Out of the Designated Photo Areas
Your guide will likely take you to the most picturesque spots for photo opportunities. Be sure to slow down and take your time at these photo stops to capture the breathtaking beauty of the desert landscape.
15. Wear Light but Protective Footwear
The sand in the Dubai Desert Safari can get incredibly hot, so make sure to wear light, comfortable footwear that offers protection from the heat, such as closed shoes or strappy sandals. Avoid flip-flops, as they can collect sand and make walking difficult.
16. Use Desert-Specific Skin Care
The dry desert air can be harsh on your skin. Bring along a good moisturizer, lip balm, and sunscreen with a high SPF to protect and hydrate your skin throughout the day. Desert-specific skincare products can help keep your skin fresh and shielded from the elements.
17. Consider the Seasonal Variations
The best time to visit the desert is during the winter months (November to March), when the temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor activities. The summer months (April to October) can be extremely hot, making safaris less enjoyable, so plan your trip accordingly.
18. Spend Cash to Buy a Souvenir from the Locals
At desert markets, you can find traditional souvenirs such as spices, jewelry, textiles, and pottery. Carry some cash so you can purchase memorable items from local artisans to preserve the magic of your desert experience.
19. Join One of the Many Falconry Display Shows
Many desert safari tours offer falconry displays, where you can watch skilled falconers demonstrate their craft. Some tours even allow you to hold a falcon for a unique photo opportunity.
20. Check With the Company About Their Safety Protocols
Before your trip, ask the safari company about their safety protocols. This includes seat belts on the quad bike and 4×4 vehicles, helmets, and the experience level of the dune bashing drivers. Safety should always be a top priority.
21. Absorb the Soothing Solitude of the Desert
Finally, take a moment to appreciate the solitude and peace of the desert. The vast expanse of golden dunes, combined with the serene silence, offers a unique sense of tranquility that you won’t find anywhere else. Let the calmness of the desert rejuvenate your senses.
Experiencing the desert safari in Dubai goes beyond just the safari. It’s a journey deep into the heart of the desert, offering adventure, cultural experiences, and quiet moments of reflection. Whether you seek thrills, cultural immersion, or solitude, Dubai’s magical sand dunes have something to offer everyone. Follow these tips for an unforgettable adventure filled with beauty, excitement, and lasting memories.
