Things to Know Before Going to Desert Safari in Dubai

Most of us cannot look beyond the glamour and luxury of Dubai. After all, the glitz that the city is known for cannot be ignored. Towering skyscrapers, gigantic shopping malls, opulent hotels, larger-than-life theme parks, and one-of-a-kind attractions are what Dubai is made of. But if we go in search of the city’s roots, we will come face-to-face with the vast deserts that even now hold great importance in the life of the Arabs. Although rare, there are tribes that still live in the desert, and the place plays a great importance in bringing balance to the ecosystem. Desert safari in Dubai is an attempt to show tourists what the desert has to offer. Apart from spending time on the beautiful desert dunes, the desert safari is also about entertainment and fun. Here is everything you need to know before you go on a desert safari in Dubai.

What is the Best Time to Go on a Desert Safari?

Winters are perfect for desert safaris. The months between November and March are cooler, making spending time outdoors during the day a pleasant experience. You have three options regarding the best time to go on a desert safari during the day.

Morning Desert Safari: Morning desert safaris are for those who want to enjoy the desert without too much crowd and many activities. Morning desert safaris give you the chance to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise and some adventure activities like dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, sand skiing, and quad biking. Some morning desert safaris also offer exclusive activities like hot air balloon rides, desert wildlife tours, and breakfast in the desert.

Evening Desert Safari: Evening desert safaris are the most popular version of desert safaris.

They usually begin late in the afternoon and go on till nighttime. Evening desert safaris are filled with adventure and entertainment. Desert adventures like dune bashing and camel riding are followed by entertainment programs like Tanura and belly dancing performances. These safaris also involve scrumptious BBQ dinner where you get to try a variety of local and international dishes.

Overnight Desert Safari: The overnight desert safari is an extension of the evening desert safari. Instead of leaving for your hotel/residence after dinner, you retire to your cozy tents in the desert. Alternatively, you can also lie on the sand and enjoy the view of a starlit sky and the peace and quietude of the desert. This desert safari gives you the best of both the morning and evening desert safaris.

What to Expect in a Desert Safari?

Here is everything you can expect on a desert safari:

Adventure: Most desert safaris, especially the evening ones, begin with adventurous activities. First is dune bashing, which is similar to a rollercoaster ride and happens in a 4x4 vehicle. After bashing the dunes for 30-40 minutes, you will reach the desert camp, where more activities await you. You will get to go on a bumpy camel ride and even try skiing and sandboarding on the tall sand dunes of the desert. You can also try to ride the ATV (all-terrain vehicle) or quad bike on the desert dunes.

Entertainment: When you reach the desert camp, you will find it brimming with activities. Here, you will find stalls where you can get your hands painted with henna, take photos wearing traditional Arabic clothes, and even hold a falcon on your wrist. As the day turns into night, you will enjoy some amazing performances by a belly dancer and a Tanura dancer. Some desert safaris also offer fire shows to the guests.

Sunrise/Sunset: Depending on the time of the day, you will get to see a gorgeous sunrise or a marvelous sunset in the desert. Both these times offer you the chance to get some great pictures. If you are on an overnight safari, you will get to see both sunrise and sunset.

Breakfast/Dinner: On a morning desert safari, you will be treated with an authentic Emirati breakfast with some aromatic Arabic coffee. Dinner in the desert is more elaborate. It is also why the desert camp is one of the most popular dinner spots in Dubai. It includes a variety of barbecue dishes. Most desert safaris offer a 3-course dinner, which starts with BBQ, followed by the main course and the dessert.

You will experience more or less activities depending on your chosen desert safari package.

What to Wear in Desert Safari Dubai?

It is important to know what you should wear for your desert safari experience to remain comfortable throughout.

• It is best to opt for light, cotton clothes. A pair of loose pants, a top for women, and a T-shirt and cargo pants for men would be a great option.

• You must avoid tight jeans to prevent chaffing, which could happen when you wear tight clothes in the heat.

• Shorts should also be avoided to prevent overexposure of your legs to the sun.

• Carry a light jacket or stole as the desert's temperature drops after sunset.

• Wear closed shoes as it will help you to avoid burns on your feet from touching the hot sand.

Important Tips to Know Before Going on a Desert Safari Dubai

• Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh heat of the desert.

• Carry a backpack with all the important things.

• Drink water to keep yourself hydrated.

• Do not forget to bring your sunglasses and hat.

• Pregnant women, young children, and people with heart diseases should avoid dune bashing.

• Avoid wearing sharp accessories as you may hurt yourself and others with those while doing adventurous activities.

• As dune bashing is the first activity, you must make sure that you only have a light lunch before heading to the desert.

Desert safaris are packed with a lot of fun. It is the best way to spend an evening (or even a morning) with your family and friends and is a great way of making some amazing memories of your Dubai holiday.