No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the thrill of a desert safari. While the city dazzles with its futuristic skyline and luxury experiences, the surrounding Arabian Desert offers a captivating contrast and a chance to connect with the region's natural landscape and cultural heritage. During my recent visit to Dubai, I embarked on a desert safari adventure that proved to be one of the highlights of my entire trip.

Types of Desert Safaris

Dubai offers several types of desert safari experiences to suit different preferences and schedules:

• Morning Desert Safari: Ideal for early risers and summer visitors who want to avoid the heat. These typically include dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel rides, but without the dinner and entertainment.
• Evening/Sunset Desert Safari: The most popular option, combining dune bashing with a desert camp experience featuring dinner and cultural entertainment. This is what I chose, and I highly recommend it for first-time visitors.
• Overnight Desert Safari: For those who want the full desert experience, including sleeping under the stars in traditional Bedouin-style tents.
• Private Desert Safari: Customized experiences for couples, families, or groups who prefer more privacy and personalized service.

After researching various options, I opted for a premium evening desert safari with a reputable company that emphasized both adventure and authentic cultural experiences.

The Dune Bashing Experience

My adventure began around 3:30 PM when a modern 4x4 Land Cruiser picked me up from my hotel. After collecting a few other guests, our friendly guide Mahmoud drove us about 45 minutes outside the city to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Before entering the desert, we stopped briefly at a service station where the drivers deflated the tires to prepare for sand driving. Then came the main attraction: dune bashing! For about 30-40 exhilarating minutes, our skilled driver navigated the massive dunes, alternating between gradual climbs and heart-stopping descents. The vehicle tilted at seemingly impossible angles as we surfed the golden waves of sand.

For photography enthusiasts, the driver made several stops at picturesque dunes, allowing us to capture the mesmerizing patterns of the desert and practice sandboarding down the slopes. The absolute highlight was stopping to watch the sunset over the dunes—a breathtaking display of colors that transformed the landscape into a golden wonderland.

The Desert Camp Experience

As twilight settled over the desert, we arrived at a traditional Bedouin-style camp nestled between the dunes. The camp was beautifully arranged with colorful carpets, low tables, cushioned seating areas, and atmospheric lanterns.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with Arabic coffee (gahwa) and fresh dates—a traditional gesture of hospitality. The camp offered numerous activities to enjoy before dinner:

• Camel Rides: A short but fun experience on the "ships of the desert"
• Henna Painting: Traditional temporary hand decorations applied by a skilled artist
• Shisha (Hookah): Traditional water pipes with flavored tobacco
• Traditional Attire: Opportunity to try on and photograph yourself in traditional Emirati clothing
• Falcon Experience: Learning about the UAE's national bird and traditional hunting methods

Cultural Performances and Dinner

As darkness fell, the cultural performances began. First, a mesmerizing Tanoura dancer spun continuously in his colorful skirt, creating a hypnotic display of light and movement. This was followed by a captivating fire show and an enchanting belly dance performance.

The dinner buffet featured a delicious array of Arabic and international cuisine, including:

• Grilled meats (lamb, chicken, beef)
• Arabic rice dishes
• Hummus, baba ganoush, and other mezze
• Fresh salads
• Arabic bread
• Vegetarian options
• Traditional Arabic sweets and fresh fruits for dessert

Beverages included water, soft drinks, Arabic coffee, and tea. Some packages offer alcoholic beverages for an additional fee, though mine included a limited selection as part of the premium package.

Stargazing in the Desert

One of the unexpected highlights of the evening was the opportunity to stargaze in the desert. After the entertainment, the camp lights were dimmed for a few minutes, allowing us to appreciate the stunning canopy of stars visible from the desert—a sight rarely experienced by city dwellers.

Our guide pointed out various constellations and planets, explaining how desert dwellers historically used the stars for navigation. This peaceful moment provided a perfect contrast to the exciting activities earlier in the day.

Choosing the Right Desert Safari

With dozens of companies offering desert safaris in Dubai, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Based on my experience, here are some factors to consider:

• Reputation and Reviews: Check online reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and other platforms. I chose a company with consistently high ratings and detailed positive reviews.
• Group Size: Some companies pack many people into each vehicle or operate large camps with hundreds of guests. For a more intimate experience, look for companies that limit group sizes.
• Inclusions: Compare what's included in different packages. Basic options might omit some activities or offer limited food choices.
• Conservation Practices: Some safari companies operate in protected conservation areas and follow sustainable practices. These often provide more authentic and responsible experiences.
• Price: While it's tempting to choose the cheapest option, remember that you often get what you pay for. Mid-range to premium options typically offer better service, food quality, and overall experience.

What to Wear and Bring

For maximum comfort during your desert safari, I recommend:

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (I wore lightweight pants and a t-shirt)
• A light jacket or sweater (desert evenings can get cool, especially in winter)
• Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps (avoid flip-flops as sand gets hot)
• Sunglasses and a hat for daytime safaris
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Camera or smartphone with plenty of storage space
• Small backpack for personal items
• Motion sickness medication if you're prone to it

Practical Information

Price Range (as of 2023):

• Standard Evening Safari: AED 150-250 (approximately $40-70 USD) per person
• Premium Evening Safari: AED 300-450 (approximately $80-120 USD) per person
• Private Safaris: Starting from AED 1200 (approximately $325 USD)

Duration:

• Morning Safaris: Typically 3-4 hours
• Evening Safaris: Typically 5-7 hours
• Overnight Safaris: Approximately 16-18 hours

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! The desert safari offers a perfect balance of adventure, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. It provides a welcome contrast to Dubai's urban attractions and gives you a deeper appreciation of the region's heritage and landscape.

If you're trying to decide whether to include a desert safari in your Dubai itinerary, I would consider it a must-do experience that showcases a different but equally captivating side of the UAE.

Have you been on a desert safari in Dubai? What was your experience like? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!