Dubai is a city in the Middle East that is most popular for its state-of-the-art architecture, gorgeous skyline, glamorous neighborhoods, luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and enormous shopping malls. But the roots of the city lie in its desert. Just a few decades ago, the locals of Dubai were desert dwellers. While it is no longer the case, the Emiratis have preserved their desert history in the form of desert safari.
The Dubai desert safari gives you a glimpse of Emirati culture and past lifestyle while giving you the chance to have a fun time in the desert. The activities to do during a desert safari range from adventure to entertainment. Here you will find all about some of the best things to do in the Dubai desert safari.
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Dune Bashing
Dune bashing is one of the ultimate activities to do in desert safari Dubai tour. Most desert safaris begin with the dune bashing session, which usually happens in a 4×4 vehicle. The tires of the vehicle are deflated to get more traction on the sand dunes. A professional driver with years of experience maneuvers the vehicle on the high and low dunes of the desert. The speedy motion of the dune-bashing ride is akin to a rollercoaster ride. Dune bashing is available in both morning as well as evening desert safari Dubai.
Sunrise or Sunset
Depending upon the type of desert safari Dubai you have chosen, you will get to experience either sunrise or sunset in the desert. With the morning desert safari, you will get to see the sun rising and flooding the sand dunes with a glorious golden hue.
On the other hand, you will get to witness a beautiful sunset during the evening desert safari. Both sunrise and sunset in the desert are stunning and give you the opportunity to take some amazing photographs.
Hot Air Balloon Riding
One of the most unique as well as exciting activities to do in the desert is hot air balloon ride. Hot air balloon rides are part of morning desert safaris and begin early in the morning, giving you the chance to enjoy watching a beautiful sunrise in the desert. Moreover, you also get to see a bird’s eye view of the desert. Apart from the vast desert land, you may also get the chance to see the flora and fauna of the desert during the hot balloon ride.
Quad Biking
If you loved dune bashing in the desert then you would definitely enjoy quad biking. Quad bikes are all-terrain vehicles or ATVs that can be driven on the high and low sand dunes of the desert. The fact that you have to drive the ATVs yourself makes it even more exciting. Anyone, including a novice driver, can try to maneuver the ATV on the sand dunes. With some practice, you will be able to expertly drive the vehicle on the sand dunes. Always wear safety gear, and do not forget to follow the instructions given by the guides to the letter. This will ensure that you have a joyful and safe ride in the desert.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding can be called snowboarding in the desert. Here, you try to slide down a sand dune while trying to balance on a board that is similar to the one used for snowboarding. The sand dunes that are 200-300 meters high are ideal for sandboarding. If you have never tried snowboarding or sandboarding, you may require a few tries before you can actually go down the slope. Moreover, the instructors at the desert camp will also give you the right guidance and help you try sandboarding.
Fat Bike Riding
If you would like to explore the desert in a unique and adventurous way, the desert safari with fat bike riding will be a good option. Fat bikes are bicycles with fat tires that are specially made for riding in the desert. Participants of this desert safari accompany a guide who takes them on a joy ride around the desert. Spanning 5 hours, the desert safari with fat bike riding will give you the chance to see the flora and fauna of the desert. Although fun, biking in the desert can be a strenuous activity, and hence go for it only you are physically fit.
Camel Riding
Camels are synonymous to desert, and a desert safari cannot be complete without a camel riding activity. Most desert safari packages include camel riding but these do not last more than a few minutes. If you want to enjoy the authentic experience of how the Arabs traveled in the past, it is best to go for a desert safari with camel riding, which gives you the chance to explore the desert while riding on a camel.
Shisha Smoking
Shisha smoking is an integral part of the Arab culture. It was one of the ways the Arabs relaxed in social company in the olden days. Today, you can enjoy shisha smoking at various shisha cafes and restaurants. But if you want to have the authentic experience, you must try shisha smoking during the desert safari. If you have never tried a shisha, listen to the instructions before trying. Different flavors of shisha are available, including apple, grape, mint, vanilla, banana, etc.
Henna Painting
Applying henna is a traditional art followed in several Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Going on a desert safari will give you the chance to get a beautiful Arabic henna design on your palms, arms, or feet. A henna designer is usually available at the desert camp. You can choose one of the designs from the design sheet and the expert designer will apply it on your hand within a few minutes. Let the henna dry before you flaunt the design.
Entertaining Performances
The desert safari is not just about adventurous activities. On the other hand, you also get to enjoy entertaining performances. Most desert safaris include a graceful dance performance by a belly dancer. Then there is also the mesmerizing performance by the Tanoura dancer. Some desert safari tours also include fire dancing and falconry in their itinerary.
Buffet Dinner
Most evening desert safaris conclude with a buffet dinner. The dinner in the desert is usually a 3-course meal that includes starters, main course, and dessert. The dinner includes a combination of traditional Emirati dishes and popular international dishes. Barbecued vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are usually a part of the buffet dinner in the desert.
Sleepover in the Desert
If you want to spend more time in the desert, an overnight desert safari will be a good choice. During the overnight desert safari, you get to spend the entire night in the desert either sleeping in the cozy tents or sitting around a bonfire under a star-lit sky. If you prefer staying awake at night to enjoy the beauty and silence of the desert, you will be treated to unlimited supply of Arabic tea and coffee. Moreover, you will also get to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise in the desert.
The desert safari in Dubai is a tour that involves an array of fun and exciting activities. The best part is that you can customize your desert safari tour by including activities that interest you and excluding those that you would not enjoy. As different types of desert safaris are available, do include one in your itinerary as per your convenience.
