What comes to your mind when you think of Dubai? All things superlative and extravagant, right? The city has everything to attract people, from awe-inspiring architecture, imposing structures, and record-creaking landmarks to cutting-edge theme parks and magnificent shopping malls. However, Dubai also offers another contrasting landscape rich in cultural heritage and deep-rooted values. Its transformation from a small fishing and pearl diving region to a global metropolis is incredible and unmatched. It is primarily a desert city; among its several awe-inspiring attractions are the endless stretches of red Arabian sand that beckon visitors from far and beyond. These are reasons good enough to try the desert safari in Dubai. An expedition into the heart of the desert is a unique experience this city offers you. If you plan a vacation to this splendid city, you must experience a desert safari.

What is a desert safari?

A desert safari Dubai tour is brimming with amazing attractions and exciting activities. There are many types of desert safari tours available in Dubai. You can choose the tour package based on your interests, convenience, budget, and time. These packages come with complimentary pick-up and drop services in chauffeured vehicles.

Hot air balloon ride

A Hot Air Balloon ride is ideal for people who want to enjoy the desert landscape from above. Soar up to the skies at 4000 feet above sea level and enjoy a stunning sunrise. See the national bird of the region; the falcons fly around the balloon and keep an eye for wandering desert animals such as Arabian oryxes, camels, and gazelles. If you have opted for a breakfast-inclusive package, you can gorge on a delicious English breakfast spread before returning to your hotel.

Morning desert safari

A morning desert safari tour begins in the wee hours of the morning when most of the city is still asleep. The weather is delightful, and you can feel the chill in the air as you slowly make your way out of the city. You will also notice a 360-degree change in the landscape as you gradually approach the desert, leaving the city’s chaos behind. The glittering skyscrapers and glamorous highways are replaced with the rugged terrain of the desert. Once you reach the desert, soak up the warmth of the sun and the beautiful landscape before you enjoy some thrilling activities like quad biking, camel riding, sandboarding, and dune bashing. Usually, a morning Dubai desert safari is a half-day trip. It culminates with these activities, after which you head back to your hotel.

Evening desert safari

An evening desert safari in Dubai with a BBQ buffet dinner is one of the most sought-after tour packages. It starts around the afternoon and goes well into the night, comprising fun activities, spectacular cultural performances, and a mouthwatering dinner. A chauffeured vehicle will pick you up from your accommodation, and you embark on an exhilarating dune bashing session very similar to a roller coaster ride as you ascend and descend dunes of different sizes that get your adrenaline pumping. Quad biking enhances this activity with a complete off-roading experience on the sand. Next is sandboarding, where you balance yourself on a board and slide down from the top of the dune while trying your best to avoid falling into the sand. Hop on top of a camel and venture on a bumpy ride. The vast stretches of sand look so different from that vantage point.

Proceed to the Bedouin campsite for the ultimate Emirati experience and fantastic hospitality that the city is known for. A bevy of activities awaits you here. You can click pictures in traditional Arabian attire, smoke flavorful shisha pipes, get your hands and feet painted with beautiful henna patterns, and see the orange ball slowly dipping into the horizon. You can also treat yourself to steaming cups of Arabic coffee and munch on succulent dates. It is finally time to enjoy mesmerizing cultural performances, including Belly Dancing, a Tanura dance show, and a Fire show. Savor a delectable BBQ buffet dinner with an assortment of delicacies such as appetizers, soups, main course, and desserts before you conclude your evening.

Overnight desert safari

An overnight desert safari is an excellent option if you want to spend more time exploring the city’s sands. You get an unparalleled experience of spending the night in tents under the stars. This package pretty much includes all the entertainment and activities available in the evening safari. After dinner and live entertainment, you can settle down around a bonfire to get some warmth from the cold evening breeze. Enjoy the quiet and tranquility surrounding you and spend a peaceful night. Wake up to a captivating sunrise enjoy a scrumptious breakfast before heading back to the city.

A desert safari excursion is a perfect getaway suitable for all types of travelers. The duration can be between 2-3 hours for a morning safari, approximately 6-7 hours for an evening safari, and 12-16 hours for an overnight desert safari.

Things to remember

• Since you will be spending a lot of time in the sun and participating in a range of activities, please drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated.
• If you sign up for a day safari, then carry sunglasses, a hat or scarf, and sunscreen, to protect yourself from the sun.
• It is recommended to wear light and loose-fitting clothes that will be comfortable during the activities.
• You can carry a light jacket, cardigan, or shawl to protect yourself from the evening chill.
• It is better to wear casual shoes such as open sandals or flip-flops so that the sand does not get into your shoes.
• Refrain from wearing heavy jewelry or carrying a lot of valuables or money.

Conclusion

The picturesque deserts of Dubai offer the perfect oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Not just tourists, even locals prefer to take a break from their mundane lives and spend some moments of solitude in the Arabian deserts. A desert safari tour is no doubt one of the best things to do in Dubai. So, the next time you are in Dubai, sign up for a desert safari and enjoy a fabulous day outdoors.

Author Name: Savita Pillay
Author Bio: Savita Pillay is an educationist turned writer from Pune, India. She is an avid reader, who loves to travel and experiment with various cuisines while on the go.