Private Night Desert Safari Review: Stargazing & Camel Ride

If you’re checking out Dubai and seeking something different than the shimmering skyscrapers, a private night desert safari that has stargazing and a camel ride might be exactly what you need. So I’m going to run through my experience with one of these tours, giving you the lowdown on what to anticipate, plus, a few helpful suggestions to make the absolute most of your adventure. Basically, it’s your personal guide to figuring out if this distinct kind of desert experience fits what you’re looking for, especially after nightfall.

Booking and Preparation

So before you find yourself racing across the dunes, it’s very important to take a bit of time picking the best tour operator. Check for those with excellent reviews and transparent pricing. What’s really worth paying close attention to, are the inclusions: does the tour include transport to and from your accommodation? Just what kind of food will be served, and are there options if, like your pal, you’ve got particular dietary needs? Usually, a personal desert safari, it’s almost certain, that it provides for additional customizability, ensuring the whole shebang fits your needs perfectly. Don’t shy away from inquiring regarding the qualifications of the guides and their familiarity with astronomy; it actually does make a distinction to the quality of your stargazing.

Packing correctly, well that’s also a must. Lightweight, loose apparel is recommended, yet, that could be deceiving. It gets rather nippy in the desert evenings, especially during the cooler months, and packing a jacket or shawl is a seriously clever plan. Don’t forget your sunblock and hat for the earlier section of the tour, also that it might be after dusk. Comfy, closed-toe shoes, they’re a must for both the camel ride and strolling around the camp. And, really important, take your camera to capture the insane desert landscapes plus those stellar night skies. A small torch can definitely come in handy, but very think to adhere to any instructions about using artificial lights and possibly hindering your night vision. Most companies do advise it.

The Camel Ride: A Step Back in Time

Now, the camel ride, for lots of folk, is that defining part of a desert safari. Getting onto a camel is kinda precarious but fun. The swaying motion at times it’s almost hypnotic as you walk through the sand. Think about that; for centuries, people here rode these animals, they were really vital for getting around. Guides often know so much about the camels too it’s cool – like how different breeds are and the way they manage in the desert. It’s very, very cool, to me.

For the benefit of everyone, including the camels, tour operators make the rides are just for a certain length, plus that the animals, basically, are nicely treated. But that can be confusing, so check with them regarding their ethical approach, I mean things like, ensuring that the camels are nicely rested and cared for. A responsible tourist is one that, also, looks closely at animal welfare.

Dinner and Cultural Immersion

Following your camel trek, anticipate a proper feast at a conventional Bedouin-style camp. The food, usually, is a buffet offering a variety of local tastes, that do include grilled meats, salads, as well as sweet desserts. Many operators furthermore provide vegetarian and also vegan alternatives, that is really vital, especially if you’ve specified your needs at the moment of booking. That can catch folk out, too.

As you munch away, you will find there is traditional music and dance performances that add some charm. Tanoura dancing is especially fascinating to look at, and lots of camps even have henna painting, so you may as well try that. That is often included, yet double-check what is on offer with your particular tour package.

Stargazing: Gazing at Infinity

Now, when things quieten down, and the darkness seriously comes into its own, here comes what for many, myself included, is just the defining part – stargazing. Away from the glow, sometimes, of Dubai, the desert turns into an ideal spot for seeing stars. Guides will, naturally, explain various constellations, planets and quite possibly even point out various galaxies. It’s totally educational and very amazing.

Some higher-end tours will possibly offer telescopes, which are just cool, that let you observe celestial bodies better. The experience usually relies on weather conditions, therefore clear nights, surely, mean better viewing. Remember to listen to the guide’s tips on getting your eyes adjusted to the dark; it just seriously enhances what you see.

The Private Experience: Is it Worth it?

Choosing a personal safari actually brings a few distinct pluses. To start with, the flexibleness is awesome. You decide on the speed and schedule. Second, it gives you just a more intimate setting. So instead of being with many other people, it’s only yourself and whoever you’re with; it’s just seriously suited for couples, families, and, surely, those seeking a calmer experience.

The higher cost, often, is balanced through the increased care, customised activities, and also the possibility to dig better into the desert’s appeal without interruptions. In the event that you esteem solitude plus a tailor-made adventure, purchasing a private safari could be seriously worthwhile.

Photography Tips for the Desert Night

Capturing the splendor of the desert at nighttime needs a bit of planning and, really, that gear. For the ideal shots, so it goes, work with a DSLR or mirrorless camera that lets you physically alter the settings. So start using a lens with a broad aperture (something such as f/2.8 or bigger) to allow additional light in. Definitely bring a sturdy tripod. Since lengthy exposure times are just a must.

Try to dial down your ISO. Higher ISO levels, quite often, they result in grainier images, so try to have it down around 800 or lower if you can. So play with different exposure times. Begin with like, say, 20 seconds and alter it from there determined by just how much light there really is. Definitely, taking shots in RAW format provides you with extra freedom when editing, so you can pull loads of specifics from the shadows with less deterioration. Do experiment with composition too. That barren desert panorama in tandem with the night sky can produce seriously awesome photographs. You will likely be so glad you took this bit seriously. Don’t just leave it to chance.

What to Wear: Dressing for Comfort and Culture

Figuring out what to wear for a desert safari entails stabilizing comfort, value, and sensitivity for neighborhood customs. Lightweight, loose-fitting garments that enable you to relocate freely will be a solid option, but the type of product will matter so it really does help in hot weather. Fabrics like cotton and linen happen to be breathable and won’t cause you to overheat so they’re good bets. Really bear in mind that although the desert might be super warm during the day. The temperatures may dip fairly dramatically at nighttime so layering is also key. Get a light sweater, fleece jacket, or shawl, so you don’t freeze when darkness settles in. And always wear closed-toe shoes to safeguard the feet when strolling in the sand, and they’ll always work best for the camel ride.

You should also bring a hat, or possibly, headscarf to protect against the sun during day trips, which is an absolute should. And it’s polite and practical. A hat will supply extra cover for the face. Many travellers often take scarves with them because they may be draped loosely all over the head or face for more sun, sand and wind protection. Don’t forget to put on your shades. And definitely slather on the sunblock on the uncovered sections of skin if it’s earlier in the day.

Respecting the Environment and Local Culture

While enjoying your wilderness excursion, consider the significance of safeguarding the fragile wilderness environment plus neighborhood communities. Pick trip operators who practice eco-friendly practices, just like staying on specified tracks, efficiently handling trash, so that the desert remains pristine for several years. Regard regional traditions. That could, possibly, have an impact on how exactly you gown to relationships and images of residents; you should definitely have to be courteous of traditions and norms.

Attempt to reduce your ecological footprint using re-usable water bottles in order to minimize plastic waste. Support the neighborhood market by buying handicrafts from regional craftspeople directly that will, truly, lead into economic development. Be mindful that, whilst touring sensitive or historical and social sites to respect neighborhood heritage, do not trash ancient monuments. By supporting responsible tourism concepts, guests make certain they can enjoy fantastic activities when at the same time giving back in order that others might share these activities in the decades from now. You’ve had your adventure and this may sound schmaltzy, yet future travellers can say that you were a force for very, very good here.

• Planning: Do some investigating. That is worthwhile to determine what your trip has to provide before going, taking time to plan a good trip
• Camel Ride: Delight in a normal ride and immerse on your own into traditional means; it offers a remarkable view of this area
• Food & customs: Savor normal foods & respect shows so you have more insight within Bedouin traditions.
• Stargazing: Maximize darkened sky possibilities and turn off all additional illumination for optimum clearness if checking out night skies.
• Ethical Minded: Show respect towards animals as well as geographical destinations to be certain that these fantastic encounters carry on and on