If you’re considering a trip to Dubai, or the UAE in general…or really, any desert-having country (Egypt and Jordan come to mind)…you’re probably considering a desert safari or excursion.
For those of us who don’t live close to a desert, they can be really quite amazing. Seeing vast, ever-changing sandy landscapes, getting to ride on a camel, or seeing the rising or setting sun…it’s not an experience you’ll soon forget.
Fortunately, (or unfortunately), many companies offer a variety of different options. Like any other major tourist offering, there is a massive array of choice.
Also, fortunately for you, I have some suggestions to think about before you book!
I went with the Platinum-Heritage Desert Safari company. While they may not be the absolute cheapest option, they are on-par with many excellent, reputable companies, they take great pains to ensure their activities do not interfere with the fragile desert landscape and ecosystem, and they often offer special deals or discounts. I received a drone video shot by their cameraman of our experience. Considering they were selling this at the camp for over 70$, this was definitely a perk I was happy with.
Before you book a desert safari, consider the time of year.
If you are visiting the desert in the winter/cooler months, you’ll have the option of doing an overnight safari. Most companies offer a range of accommodation options, from staying in a air-conditioned building or a former palace, to sleeping under the stars. Most companies offer some sort of bedding and tents to provide privacy and comfort.
If you’ve decided to visit during the summer months (I did this…for some reason, people thought I was crazy to visit Dubai in the summer where the average daily temperature was 51 degrees celsius…), unfortunately, you will miss out on the overnight experience. But fear not, you can still have a wonderful experience!
Did you know that dune-bashing is actually really harmful for the deserts?
I went dune-bashing in Qatar. It was a horrible experience, in the way that I spent the two-hour drive clenching the arm rests, feeling quite sick, and basically terrified that I wouldn’t survive. While I trusted the company I went with when I booked, the excursion looked a lot different from the top of a towering sand dune, and even more different when you’re hurtling down it at 80 miles an hour with the intent to fly off the edge of a massive sand dune.
It wasn’t until a few months after I did the excursion that I read about how terrible it is for the sand dunes that continuously shift, and how the vehicles drastically change and damage the fragile ecosystems (yikes!)
The company I eventually went with for my Dubai desert excursion carefully explained why they specifically did not offer dune bashing, and why they were happy to offer several other desert-friendly adventures. Do your research to make sure your company is trying to preserve the desert ecosystem for generations to come.
The experience I opted for was to spend an evening in a Bedouin Desert Camp, along with a Desert Safari.
The incredible desert camp.
Just your friendly neighborhood camel. Alice, maybe?
Cruising the desert in a vintage Land Rover – Desert Safari Experience
The specific excursion I did picked me up at my Dubai hotel, and drove us out to the desert. We could choose between camel-rides to our camp, or a ride in vintage Range Rovers. (Having done the whole ‘camel’ thing in Mongolia, I chose the Range Rover – definitely a trip highlight!)
Desert Safari
Our first included activity was a Desert Safari. With my chosen method of transportation (a vintage land rover), we spent about 45 minutes driving over roads made of sand, walking to the tops of sand dunes, and catching a spectacular desert sunset over a dune. We also caught glimpses of a variety of desert plant and animal life.
Camp Arrival
Upon arrival at the camp around sundown, we were graciously welcomed with about twenty other tourists. We started with tea and a date, and then had about an hour to enjoy a few activities. Henna, a falconry demonstration, camel-riding, hookah pipes, or observing the cooking were all options. The evening was relaxed as everyone gravitated towards plush pillows surrounding a fire.
The Bedouin Desert Safari Camp
Dinner included several courses, and more food than anyone could eat. It included a variety of traditional dishes, vegetarian options, and plenty of cheese and fruit for those picky eaters.
During dinner, we were treated to traditional dance performances, and as the evening concluded, another opportunity to explore the camp.
If you’re looking for an excellent experience, this is definitely one to consider
[…] If you have the time, a desert safari is a great way to get outside of the city and see some UAE history. Check out my post about the safari I did here. […]