Dubai Desert Safari Review: Camel Ride, BBQ, & Sandboarding

Alright, so you’re thinking about checking out the Dubai Premium Desert Safari? You know, the one with the camel ride, BBQ, and sandboarding? It sounds pretty awesome, doesn’t it? Well, very let’s get into the heart of it and see if it lives up to the hype, you know?

The Pickup and the Drive: Setting the Stage

Basically, the whole thing begins with a pickup from your hotel. That is, if everything runs smoothly, they are usually on time, though traffic in Dubai, you know, it could be quite unpredictable. Very the drive out to the desert can take around 45 minutes to an hour, so, relax and soak up the views. Actually, seeing the cityscape fade away and turn into a sandy expanse, well it sets the tone for something pretty epic, very don’t you think?

Camel Ride: A Taste of Tradition

Alright, let’s be honest, a camel ride in the desert – sounds extremely cliché, but you it’s it is an authentic part of the experience, or in some respects it seems. Honestly, the ride isn’t super lengthy, maybe 30-45 minutes, yet it gives you this feel for old-style travel, right? It’s just a little bumpy and you know, you are way up there. As I was saying, you can feel the sway of the camel as it walks. Remember to snap some photos, okay? Because they will really make you remember the experience you had!

Sandboarding: Slide into Fun

Sandboarding – a bit like snowboarding, though, on sand, as a matter of fact! Now, if you’re a total pro snowboarder, like your boy, this might be super easy for you. Still, if you’re brand new, expect some tumbles. You’re going to want to wax the board between uses so it rides down the dunes like butter. Anyway, the dunes themselves provide this pretty awesome backdrop, that being said the soft sand also cushions the landings.

BBQ Dinner and Entertainment: A Feast Under the Stars

Here’s the part that everyone anticipates the most – the BBQ dinner. Imagine this, you are seated in a tent-like setup or outdoors, under a night sky twinkling. Like your birthday, there’s a buffet of local eats: grilled meats, salads, hummus, all that fun things! Alright so while you eat, there’s usually entertainment like belly dancing or Tanoura dancing (that spinning dervish thing), right? The food, entertainment, and overall setting; just wow!

Other Activities: Henna, Falcons, and Souvenirs

Many of these safaris include extra activities to help add a bit of spice. You can find women that can decorate your hands with henna tattoos in fancy swirling shapes and for the fellas, the guides will teach them about falconry, since it is a pastime deeply rooted in the culture. Do you like to shop? Naturally, you’ll want to visit some little tent shops to find interesting trinkets.

What to Bring: Gear Up for the Desert

Packing smart can make a big difference when it comes to your overall enjoyment on the safari. Here’s a little list to help you be the most comfy. The number one consideration: Sunscreen. That Arabian sun is brutal! Remember shades, especially for those sweeping vistas. Cover those arms and shoulders! Finally, wear comfortable shoes so you don’t have sand chaffing in your socks all day! This should set you up for a blast, seriously.

Photo Tips: Getting the Perfect Shots

Want to make your friends back home extra jealous? Here’s a secret—they never went! Haha. Now, seriously, it is possible to take amazing, amazing photos, though it does require just a smidge of prep and knowledge. The Golden Hour of the late afternoon sun can really bring out all those incredible shapes and light patterns in the dunes. If your camera isn’t the best or you prefer using a phone, play with the various filters or HDR to capture the whole dynamic range. Get lots of pics with people. Everyone likes seeing their buddies.

Booking: Picking the Right Package

Very all safari companies offer basically the same package, it is finding the deal that matters. Start hunting discounts at travel companies on line. There’s lots! So, it is almost worth booking online versus in person once you arrive. Try booking one week or more in advance to reserve your date.