Why Dubai Desert Safari Is a ‘Must Do’

“Stars are brighter in the desert sky, No need to wonder or justify” – Amanda Marshall

Desert Safari is one of the most sought after experiences in Dubai or UAE in general. It was the most exhilarating and ultimate experience for us. We always thought of the desert as enchanting and world away from the real world. It’s exotic, picturesque and the sound of wind and whistling sand will leave you in awe of the desert. So how could we not book this premier attraction of the Arabian city. 

Booking Evening Desert Safari 

After so much googling, we booked our evening desert safari and dune bashing experience with Arabian Nights just a week before we were supposed to fly to Dubai. On the day of excursion we postponed our booking as it got quite overcast and visibility was so poor. They postponed our booking the next day without any hassle. We were so impressed with their service. 

So the next day our driver was right on time in our hotel to pick us up. We are so miffed that we can’t remember his name but he was very nice and helpful. Our car was a Toyota Land Cruiser. As we were just three in number, we had to share the car with another family. The driver had to pick them up on the way. The other family of four also turned out to be from UK. The parents and the kids were nice and easygoing. 

The journey was around 45 minutes to one hour with one pit stop at a small market. There were many other tourists there all busy in getting their arabic head wraps done by the sellers. I think we went to Al Awir desert. We drove on paved concrete roads for about 45 minutes and then came to the rugged part where we went a little deep into the desert. 

Our second stop was at a place where proper sand dunes were beginning to form. It was our first photo break. People were simply going up and down the dunes, getting their pictures done and simply having fun. The sun was still a little high in the sky and it was another  40 minutes for dusk to fall. The sand was so fine and granulated that it was slipping through our fingers. We had so much fun here. From the top of the dune you can watch the sun cast its orange luminosity over the vast span of splendid desert. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Adventure Thrills 

During the second leg of the journey our driver deflated the wheels of our car to handle the rough and bumpy terrain of the dunes. The real action started from this part. I was a little bit apprehensive of the dune bashing episode but it was not that scary or nauseating. But people who’s motion sickness gets easily triggered should surely keep poly or doggy bags with them. We simply loved this adrenaline rush inducing experience. 

Our driver was seriously very efficient at navigating this rough terrain. But yes, hold on to tight. You can never tell what’s coming next. The loud arabic music in the car was perfectly in tune with the crazy activity. The steep curves and the feeling that the car might turn over  any moment was unnerving. The lurching of the car was making our stomachs churn. Though all the kids in the car were finding it funny.

After dune bashing, we were taken for a few more photo ops. It was surreal. Our first sunset in the desert. Suddenly the light turned crimson and our shadows disappeared. The breeze turned a little brisk and everything fell into silence. We are sure that sunsets do that to some of us, simply leave us speechless. This was one memorable moment. You can get your pictures done with eagles here. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Cultural Evening & Taste of Dubai 

After that we were taken to our Bedouin Camp which was not that far. It was Arabian Night’s private camp so there were no outsiders and no sharing with people from other companies. The camp was like an authentic village fair. It was open and spacious with the main activity stage in the middle and seating around. The buffet was spread at one end and the rest of the area was lined with shops and stalls. 

Various activities at the camp

• BBQ dinner buffet with both veg and non veg options
• Pictures with Arabian Eagles (10 AED)
• Henna Designing (for kids and ladies)
• Sheesha or Hublee Bublee smoking 
• Arabian Tanoura dance
• Fire Show
• Belly Dance 
• Pictures in Traditional Arabic Costumes
• Unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee

• 

• 

The Performances were really outstanding. The food was delicious as well. We loved the falafel and fries shawarma served in a wrap. The food and entertainment combined really made the evening special. The performers knew how to engage and involve the guests so the evening turned out to be a big party. There were camel rides and quad bikes outside the camp as well. Soon after that the evening was over and our driver on our request dropped us at Burj Khalifa. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

All in all, we were very happy and satisfied with our desert safari experience. A special thanks to Arabian Nights and our driver. Desert safari is a great way to see the landscape of old dubai. Those calm moments, silence of the dunes, stunning sunset and twinkling starry skies are sure to bring you one with nature and a little closer to your Yugen Vibes. 

Some Useful Tips

• Don’t forget to bring your jacket and a scarf. It does get a little chilly in the desert in the evenings. 
• Don’t forget to keep Toilet paper or wet wipes with you. The toilet queues at the camp are usually long but toilets are not that hygienically equipped. During our visit many people were stuck due to absence of toilet paper, soap or disinfectant. We were lucky we had all and were happy to share.
• Some first aid stuff might get handy sometimes. Though every car driver has one in their car but just in case.
• Bring your Camera to take those stunning sunset shots.
• Keep some cash handy as well for some small transactions. 
• Don’t have a heavy meal before dune bashing. It might trigger nausea. 
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are must.