If you are a new explorer who is ticking off your things-to-do list, then a Dubai desert safari is a perfect adventure that you shouldn’t miss.

Even though Dubai is known for its world-class luxury and sky-touching buildings, there are several unforgettable traditional experiences you will get from a Dubai desert safari.

From thrilling dune bashing to spending your night at Bedouin camps under starry skies just like the olden times is a must-try if you are a first-timer in Dubai. 

In this article we are taking you through all the details you should know as a beginner in desert adventures and what things you should expect in this journey.

Activities on a Desert Safari

Dune Bashing:

Dune bashing is an adrenaline-rush adventure that involves speeding up and down over sand dunes with little sliding and drifting at various speeds. This is the first activity you will do once you reach the desert area in your 4×4 pickup vehicle.

 An experienced guide will drive you through the dunes, starting from baby dunes and then conquering the steeper ones, which gives you the thrill of riding. By this you will get to enjoy the desert from a different angle.

Duration: 30 Minutes

Age limit: No age limit

Restricted to:

  • Pregnant women
  • Infants
  • People who have back or neck concerns, or any heart conditions
  • People who have severe motion sickness

Sandboarding:

Sandboarding is sliding down the sand dunes over a board. If you love snowboarding, then the sand version will also excite you. 

Even though there is no age limit, sandboarding is loved by mainly kids and teenagers. 

Sliding through dunes at your pace is something really fun to do. This activity is perfect for both beginners and experienced ones. 

Make sure to wear safety gear if you are not sure about the balancing. Start with the baby dunes and crack the knack, then go for steep ones.

Duration: 10 minutes (you can request up to 30 minutes if you really want to continue).

Age limit: No specific age limit

Restricted to:

  • Pregnant women
  • Infants
  • Those who have any balance issue
  • Those who have any recent injuries

Camel Riding:

Camel riding is the riding of the majestic creature across the sand dunes, a traditional way to experience the serene beauty of a vast desert in a very calm and peaceful way. Being up above the majestic creature will let you experience the Arabian culture and ancient transport system. Don’t forget to take photos when you are up here. 

Duration: 5-10 Minutes

Age limit: No specific age limit

Restricted to:

  • Pregnant women and infants
  • Those who have neck and back issue
  • Those who are acrophobic (Fear of heights)

Quad Biking:

Quad biking will let you navigate through dunes at your own pace and with freedom. You will be given proper instruction about the riding techniques, and you should follow the instructions from your guide. 

You will be riding in a fenced desert area, and you will get to ride in open desert if you really want to and once you get the hang of biking. 

Even though it is a very thrilling experience, make sure that you ride safely. 

Only one person is allowed in one quad.

Kids will have separate cute mini quad bikes (50-60 CC), which they can ride on separate stable tracks specially designed for their safety.

Duration: 30-60 minutes (depending upon package)

Age : 

  • Kids of 5-15 are allowed on, stable tracks
  • Above 15 can ride in fenced desert area or in open desert 

Restricted to:

  • People who have neck and back issues
  • Infants

Buggy Rides:

A dune buggy ride is a thrilling off-road adventure where you navigate through dunes at your freedom and pace. 

The engine buggies are specially designed to conquer steeper dunes, which gives you more stability than quad bikes. 

There are two types of dune buggies: one is a two-seater, and the other one is a four-seater. The major difference between the two-seater and four-seater is the passenger capacity itself. In a two-seater, you can only accommodate a driver and a passenger, but in a four-seater, you can accommodate a driver and three passengers. 

Unlike quad bikes, buggies are explored in open desert, so make sure to follow all the instructions and stay in the line when you are riding, even though overtaking and speeding will give you a thrill; you must put safety first.

Only people above 17 are allowed to ride the buggies. Kids under 17 can be in the passenger seats and enjoy the ride.

Duration: 30 – 60 minutes (depending on the packages)

Age: Above 17

Restricted to:

  • Infants and pregnant women
  • People with neck and back issues

Photography:

Whether you choose a morning or evening desert safari, the desert offers a picture-perfect backdrop for all the photography lovers. 

An early morning desert safari treats you to a stunning sunrise, painting the red dunes in golden hues. 

On the other hand, an evening desert safari lets you capture the breathtaking sunset as the sky turns warm, which gives you a red-painted canvas. These golden hours let you capture one of the most beautiful clicks of yours. 

Types of Desert safaris

1.Early Morning Safari:

If you are an early riser and want to explore the desert before the day heats up, then an early morning desert safari is perfect for you.

Perks:

  • Less crowded
  • Cooler temperatures
  • Stunning sunrise
  • Shorter duration (5 Hrs)

Things to consider:

  • No adventurous activities included
  • No cultural activities

2. Morning safari:

Ideal for those who want to enjoy the later starts but still want to make the most out of the day by finishing up early.

Perks:

  • Ideal weather (in winter)
  • Includes adventure activities from dune bashing to camel rides.
  • Great families with elderly and kids

Things to consider:

  • No cultural activities included
  • Can get hot quickie in summer months
  • Limited food options
  • Will get tired quickly from all the outdoor activities.

3. Evening safari:

The most popular desert safari option offering both adventures and entertainment activities.

Perks:

  • Stunning sunset view
  • Adventure activities
  • Cultural Activities and live entertainment
  • BBQ dinner
  • Longer duration (5-7 Hrs)

Things to consider:

  • Can be slightly crowded.
  • Long wait for all the activities due to rush.

4. Overnight safari:

Best for those who want to spend their night under the starry sky by experiencing traditional Bedouin camps.

Perks: 

  • Adventure activities and cultural events included
  • Stargazing and overnight camp stay
  • Delicious arabian cuisine dinner
  • Wake up to a beautiful sunrise

Things to consider:

  • May not suit for kids and elderly
  • Night can get extreme cold in winter
  • Longer duration 

Safety Tips for Beginners

  1. Hydration: Always stay hydrated and keep a bottle of water with you, especially when doing outdoor activities
  2. Outfits: Always choose to wear comfortable and breathable outfits made of either cotton or linen, which will help you to get comfortable in Dubai’s climate. Keep a cardigan or jacket with you in wintertime; early morning and evening can be pretty cold. 
  3. Sun Protection: Dubai’s climate is very warm and vulnerable; make sure to apply sunscreen and keep sunglasses and a scarf or hat to protect you from direct sunlight and sand dust particles.
  4. Follow the guide’s instructions: Since so many adventure activities are included, make sure that you follow all the instructions and make sure to wear the safety gear before all the activities. Communicate with your guide if you feel any discomfort or experience any medical emergency. Do not try to solve it yourself. Always stay in the allotted area.
  5. Stay as a team: Do not wander off alone in the desert; always be with your group of people and stay away from strangers during the trip.

Tips for planning your desert safari

  • Choose a reputable tour operator: Your entire journey will be dependent upon the tour operators, so research well and make sure that you read the reviews before booking the tour. 
  • Book in Advance: During peak season you may find it hard to book a slot and may have to opt for packages that you do not prefer due to the unavailability of slots. Plan everything in advance and opt for a package that works best for you.
  • Prepare for the adventure: Dubai desert safaris include so many adventure activities, so make sure that you are well prepared and aware of the climate of Dubai. Pack all the necessary items like sunscreen, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and emergency medications and accessories like sunglasses and a hat.

With the right planning and safety tips, your desert trip can be both exciting and comfortable at the same time. At Trawey Tours, we are here to guide and help new travelers like you, step by step, with proper guidance, so that you can enjoy the desert the way it is supposed to, i.e., fun, safe, and unforgettable.

Come and join us for an adventurous desert safari.