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Dubai Desert Safari (dxbluey)
Dubai Desert Safari
Going on a desert safari in Dubai is a one-of-a-kind experience which should be included in your itinerary to Dubai. It will provide you a different memory of Dubai than the glam of the malls - and while it doesn't quite live up to how the Bedouin used to travel, you ge to see the beauty of the desert in its raw form. The memory of dunebashing will stay with you forever. While it is true that when people think of Dubai the first few images conjured up by the mind are those of shopping malls and contagious commercialization, there are certain off-beat options like going on a desert safari which take you away from the roller coaster lifestyle to sample the peace and calm of the desert.
Most of the major hotels in Dubai are pick up points for the tour operators that organise the desert safaris. The hotel you'll be staying at will certainly have all the inofrmation to organise a trip or you can use our favourite operator below. The tours normally begin pick up at the hotel mid morning and you usually travel as a party of six - or less if you want a private group. The safaris take place in a 4WD and will make their way to the center point of the desert, normally about a 30 min drive out of the Dubai city. The tyres tyres are let down before you go onto the sand and the the tour guide takes a peek round incase someone has a last minute panic attack.. From this point on, the real thrill and mood of being in an isolated and barren landscape sets in especially when the vehicles traverse through the sand dunes at all possible awkward angles. You really think that the car is going to topple over - and yes, they sometimes do get stuck. This phase of the desert safari is rough and exciting and lasts for around 90 minutes before finally coming to rest at a central camp.
Most of the major hotels in Dubai are pick up points for the tour operators that organise the desert safaris. The hotel you'll be staying at will certainly have all the inofrmation to organise a trip or you can use our favourite operator below. The tours normally begin pick up at the hotel mid morning and you usually travel as a party of six - or less if you want a private group. The safaris take place in a 4WD and will make their way to the center point of the desert, normally about a 30 min drive out of the Dubai city. The tyres tyres are let down before you go onto the sand and the the tour guide takes a peek round incase someone has a last minute panic attack.. From this point on, the real thrill and mood of being in an isolated and barren landscape sets in especially when the vehicles traverse through the sand dunes at all possible awkward angles. You really think that the car is going to topple over - and yes, they sometimes do get stuck. This phase of the desert safari is rough and exciting and lasts for around 90 minutes before finally coming to rest at a central camp.
The camps are lively and a congretion of all desert duners at the end of a thrilling ride. Colourful tents, rugs and cushions are used to create a real bedouin feel and duners can participate in a number of activities such as camel riding, dune bashing, henna painting and so on. Indeed, what better way to remember going on a desert safari than chilling on the Persian carpet floor within a traditional Bedouin tent, smoking a shisha, sipping Arabic coffee and muching on fresh dates?
By the early evening you get to watch the beauty and peace of a desert sunset and the barbecues kick in. Traditional belly dancers will keep you entertained and aid the digestion. We say traditional, but it really isn't a tradition in the UAE - and likely your belly dancer is probably from Eastern Europe or Turkey rather than from the region! Either way, it's fun. All good things have to come to an end and so does this trip when the vehicles head back towards the rendezvous point and leave you at your hotel. You also have the option of spending the night in the desert and if you like to be one with nature in the dark of night, without a light in site, this is for you. It's remarkable how dark darkness actually is. Weird comment to make, but you'll understand how dark it can get in the desert. You do get an amazing view of the stars.
Points of note –
- Because driving through the desert is not every one's cup of tea, you should decide whether this is for you. If you get travel sick, either don't go, or sit in the front of the car. This is definitely not one for expectant mums!
- An up-and-down drive through the dunes would be uncomfortable on a full stomach and therefore it is advisable to have a light meal prior to the trip and avoid drinking too much water.
- Light clothes and slippers/floaters are the best options to dress up in while going on a desert safari – if you are comfortable then venturing bare-foot into the sand is strongly recommended. But make sure you bring a shawl or a sweatshirt with you for when the sun goes down. It can get quite nippy in the open air.
- Take a camera with you - but be careful not to ruin it in the sand - it can be an expensive trip!
When - A desert safari is most popular in the late afternoon although there are packages for the early morning.
How long – The time spent varies according to the package chosen and the tour operator – for example an evening safari begins at 4 in the afternoon and you would be back in your hotel by 10 at night.
Location – Going on a desert safari is best left to the experienced drivers - they'll pick you up from your hotel.
Cost – Packages start at roughly 200Dhs . You have to book in advance
More info: There are loads of operators. We like Arabian Adventures. http://www.arabian-adventures.com/ , +971 4 303 4888
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