Dubai Desert Safari Review: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & Dinner

So, you are considering a Dubai desert safari? That’s great! It is almost certainly one of those must-do experiences when you are visiting the United Arab Emirates. This review breaks down what you might expect, what to look for, and very probably how to make the most of it. Let’s get started!

Booking Your Desert Safari: Options to Consider

First off, very many tour operators propose desert safaris, yet it’s important to look into the differences a bit. Options tend to be available, varying in price and features. You could, arguably, book something online in advance, or you might want to wait and negotiate a bit after you get there. Your hotel could also offer selections, but these may be a bit more expensive. In a way, think of your budget and what things are most important to you when it comes to your experience. Do you, very probably, need a fancy, private tour, or is a group tour alright? This choice definitely makes a very significant difference in cost and the overall feel.

One thing I feel is that it is really important to read reviews before you commit. Things, like the quality of the food, the condition of the vehicles, and how good the entertainment is may, possibly, change pretty dramatically. What worked for one person could be a disaster for another, but common issues that pop up consistently might need some attention.

Very important considerations could be: What is specifically included? Is pickup and drop-off from your hotel provided? What about drinks and certain activities? Knowing this, more or less, ahead of time helps you avoid any really bad, annoying surprises. For example, certain tours only include water, so anything else you have to buy. Some also don’t make it too obvious that certain activities, like quad biking, will come at an added price.

The Thrill of Dune Bashing: Hold On Tight!

Alright, the heart of the desert safari is the dune bashing, without a doubt! You find yourself piled into an SUV, typically a Toyota Land Cruiser, then you go speeding off into the desert. You soon arrive to a place where there are others are doing exactly the same, after, the driver is arguably going to let a bit of air out of the tires to help give better grip on the sand. From there, well, let’s just say hold on! That is almost certainly when things will get interesting!

The driver then starts this pretty crazy drive up and down the dunes, that might feel like a roller coaster, in a way. Now, if you are the sort of person who likes thrills, you may, possibly, love this, yet if you get carsick pretty easily, then you might want to think about taking something beforehand. Usually, anyway, the ride lasts for approximately 20-30 minutes. It does not seem that much, but if you are being bounced all around, it might start to feel like a really long time!

The skill of the driver probably makes all the difference here, too it’s almost. The best ones will, literally, know just how far they could push the vehicle without getting stuck, and very possibly still manage to give everyone a thrilling adventure. Anyway, it’s that exciting feeling of sliding down a steep dune or just getting that feeling of weightlessness when you crest a dune that could provide pretty great fun.

Camel Ride: A Taste of Tradition

After you’ve done with the dune bashing, you could, just maybe, get the chance to experience a camel ride. Admittedly, the camel ride may be a bit on the shorter side; often it is really only a brief loop around a small area, more or less. Still, there is very probably something special regarding riding on one of these awesome animals. You might imagine what it might have felt like crossing the desert hundreds of years ago.

The swaying motion of the camel can be pretty soothing, and without a doubt, it gives you a very different view of the desert scenery. The workers usually assist you with climbing on and off, plus could give you a little insight regarding camels if you want to know, or simply have their picture taken with them, in some respects. Now, do not expect to go racing across the dunes; this, typically, is more of a gentle plod. This also means there’s quite a good opportunity to take some images and really just enjoy the peace of it all, mostly.

Desert Camp Experience: Food, Entertainment, and Atmosphere

Then comes the desert camp, very probably the place where the safari comes together. You are welcomed with Arabic coffee, dates, also, that Bedouin hospitality. Usually, you will get the chance to settle into your seating area—usually low tables with cushions—while awaiting the evening’s activities. Some may include things, like henna painting, trying on traditional Arabic clothing for photos, and watching the sunset over the dunes.

As dusk approaches, dinner could then be served. It is usually a buffet with an array of options including grilled meats, salads, hummus, and other regional specialties. You may be pleasantly surprised, but the quality does, actually, vary depending on the tour you select, alright. During dinner, there will very likely be entertainment, things like belly dancing, Tanoura dancing (a traditional folk dance with whirling dervishes), and very probably sometimes even fire shows. I feel it might all be a little touristy, yet it can, more or less, be pretty fun and it lets you get a bit of culture in a unique sort of way.

Anyway, that atmosphere in the camp may feel very magical. Under the stars, there is live music, the smells of the food fill the air, there are all the colorful lights. This definitely is an experience that could really stay with you for a while. I suspect that many operators allow you to smoke a shisha pipe, so, something to consider if you dislike smoke. It is usually an added cost if you want to partake.

Things to Consider Before You Go

There are, definitely, a couple of tips I might propose. First, what to wear? Casual, comfy clothing works fine. You might also want to bring something to cover up if it cools down during the evening. When it comes to shoes, things, like sandals or flip-flops could be great since you will be walking in the sand. Bringing sunglasses and sunscreen is certainly not something to forget. If you tend to get carsick, then taking medication prior to the dune bashing will save any embarrassment, that is, unless you would not mind feeding the sand!

One really interesting thing to do could be checking the weather forecast before your safari, mostly. Deserts could get surprisingly cold in the evening, particularly in the winter months, alright. You might just maybe need a jacket or a sweater. Don’t forget your camera so you could capture those unbelievable sunset shots or even those fun moments dune bashing!

If there is, arguably, any other advice it’s about remaining hydrated. It is really simple to get dehydrated in the desert heat, specifically if you’re not used to it. Try to consume lots of water throughout the evening and, arguably, skip on too much alcohol because, I feel, it will only make dehydration much worse.

Is a Desert Safari Right for You?

If you are the kind of person who loves a bit of adventure, cultural experiences, as well as, just really great food, then you probably might like a Dubai desert safari. A good thing regarding these tours is there is very probably something for all. Even those who tend to be a little less adventurous are probably going to find pleasure in the camp experience or the camel ride.

For families, very many tour operators can easily cater for kids, though it’s vital to confirm that beforehand. Things, like high chairs may very possibly not be provided at all camps. Keep in mind that the dune bashing might be a little intense for really small kids, too it’s almost, so just maybe inquire about more mild options or private tours in the first place.

Generally, anyway, that cost versus reward can be quite good. While a safari may seem pretty expensive, arguably for what you get in return (transport, activities, food, entertainment) could make it really great value, you know? This is definitely among those things where that experience very probably is more important than simply some material object, after all.

Alternative Desert Experiences

While a dune bashing, camel ride, and dinner package is perhaps what people are expecting, it might interest you to understand that there is very probably additional things available. Possibly you prefer a sunrise safari over a sunset one. Or maybe you want to invest extra and remain over night in a desert camp. Certain operators provide hot air balloon rides over the desert too! And you also could just rent a quad bike, or a dune buggy.

There are some luxury desert retreats outside of Dubai. Usually, anyway, these provide a very different kind of experience; with much less emphasis on that thrill-seeking adventure and rather more focus on rest and getting some pampering. You know, that is very possibly something worth bearing in mind in the event that you have done that ‘standard’ desert tour before, okay?

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Alright, I feel that if you’re traveling to Dubai, you really should look into a desert safari. You may, maybe, need to do some investigation to select the right operator, okay, plus, perhaps consider that timing, your likes and dislikes when it comes to adventure activities to just make certain it will be appropriate for everyone in your party, alright. Still, the overall adventure could very possibly be worth it.

You will probably gain memories that are, most likely, going to stay with you for a long time—dune bashing, watching a sunset across the desert, or maybe getting the tastes from that classic Arabic meal underneath the stars. Desert safaris do offer an awesome peek into Emirati culture and geography. In a way, that means that any journey to the UAE just simply wouldn’t be complete, if I’m being honest, without a trip into the desert, arguably. So go out there, after all, explore, and you very probably should enjoy your desert adventure!

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