Doha Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & Inland Sea Tour Review
Looking for some thrills when visiting Qatar? You, see, should consider the Doha Safari that often mixes camel riding, sandboarding, and a visit to the Inland Sea. I am going to break the whole thing into smaller chunks and give some recommendations, as it is very much needed!
Setting Off into the Desert
The safari typically starts early afternoon. Now, understand that this can involve being picked up from your accommodation in Doha. That first vehicle is normally an air-conditioned 4×4. Then you’re driven to the edge of the desert. You get the initial hit of warm, dry air that is different, yet it is quite stimulating in contrast to the climate-controlled city.
It, almost, always begins with the driver deflating the tires of the 4×4. It does so that you obtain a grip on the sand, which is key. The guide or driver is, like, very important here. Local expertise will, too, assist with safety and also getting the most out of this.
First Stop: Camel Ride
The first part of the desert adventure that I took part in included a camel ride. The Bedouin experience that I found so intriguing only lasted approximately 20 minutes. That gave just enough time to, very, slightly appreciate the rocking gait of these animals. And of course, there were also plenty of photo opportunities here. Getting up onto the camel and getting down are part of the thrill, arguably. Camels will kneel, then you mount, yet be prepared for a lurch forward and then backward, when that creature actually unfolds its legs. Remember that this portion isn’t usually long; consider that, this, you see, can just be a glimpse into old-fashioned travel methods.
My experience with that camel, which was really named ‘Sultan,’ added just a bit of cultural significance to the journey. A great deal, really, can depend on the operator. Some are super committed to sustainable practices. Yet they often ensure that those animals are treated well and those rides actually pose no harm.
Adrenaline Rush: Sandboarding
The sandboarding experience usually follows after the camel ride, as it did with me. After a drive to higher dunes you are given some boards. The key, though, is to wax the board for less resistance. Then the adventure actually starts, and those experiences can vary, admittedly. A few might actually find balancing quite tricky, still with practice one usually slides down. And of course, that generates laughter plus photos for sure.
I attempted many runs on a single dune face. The learning was fun yet those tumbles too were very memorable moments indeed. What helps to make it much more enjoyable? Getting tips or watching some of the pros that I saw really showed that I was having the wrong technique.
Dune Bashing and Inland Sea
Dune bashing is possibly the centerpiece attraction for many, which it certainly was for me! Those drivers reduce tire pressures and then use that power from a 4×4 to overcome steep dunes. Now, bear in mind that the experience can actually become like a rollercoaster ride, with rapid ascents and quick descents. Those landscapes will, sometimes, appear dizzying while you travel across that sandy terrain.
Our chauffeur showed some prowess, like, drifting plus swerving with apparent ease, as I soon learned that those experienced drivers are very good with all sorts of conditions and keep this adventure thrill-filled, plus safe! Be warned too though that this ride can be bumpy; those prone to motion sickness have to take safeguards.
Visiting the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), really, is that next important bit. Recognized as UNESCO site; the body of water that is beautiful adjoins those desert environments next to Saudi Arabia’s borders! We had a few quiet moments and could observe the charm, since the dunes met that sea! Birdlife, in some cases, will be apparent as migratory types usually visit the site.
Additional Tips and Considerations
These, seemingly, easy ideas add more pleasure and comfort when taking the safari!
- Wear Suitable Clothing: You might choose comfortable clothing, though protect skin against sun, with loose-fitting garments and long sleeves that often work best.
- Apply Sunscreen: That desert sunshine will be intense; broad spectrum sunscreen, often with a high SPF rating has to be applied a number of times.
- Stay Hydrated: It might be wise to take lots of water. The desert heat soon dehydrates.
- Protect Your Eyes: Sunlight plus blowing sands will be challenging without shades and thus can easily impact your visit!.
- Listen to Your Driver: These professional experts understand desert terrains; and adhering to that instruction makes this a lot less dangerous plus thrilling!.
- Motion Sickness: It could be helpful to think of anti-nausea medications ahead of time should you tend toward this during extreme riding activities.
- Camera Ready: That scenery offers exceptional photograph options. Be certain that camera will be all juiced with memory, and even better, use camera protection, from that airborne dust.
Tour Operators and Packages
Lots of firms within Doha offer those safari versions, and thus knowing them has become essential for matching needs against expectations!
There seem to be tour package differences regarding duration, inclusions plus extras. A full package deal may well incorporate extras with regard to food/refreshments during these adventures; and those premium service versions usually offer bespoke service alternatives too. I came across tour groups which emphasized eco-tourism which had guidelines that ensured sustainable wildlife-friendly sightseeing visits for those wanting responsible options!
Final Thoughts
The Doha Safari has that unique method which is used when seeing Qatar, past just city experiences. What does really await when choosing a trip like this? You should plan the following things. Riding camels brings on board part and parcel for those old travel means. Attempting that dune surfing turns out to be something that can add spice and make everyone giggle with friends/family throughout; driving over them dunes actually does get folks pulse rates surging. Taking those quiet moments whilst watching Khor Al Adaid displays beautiful reminders, naturally, of how geographical spots exist and generate awe across everywhere!
In preparation and with some knowledge, the adventures will make you love Qatar that little bit more. What seems a country blessed by architecture plus steeped culturally. Qatar will probably now hold adventurous memories besides those cityscape scenes!. It looks, very, good as is!
Happy travels!
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