An evening desert safari in Dubai is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the desert as the sun sets. Here's what you can typically expect and how to plan your trip:
What to Expect
- Pick-Up: Most tours include pick-up from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Dubai. Pick-up times are usually in the late afternoon, around 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Dune Bashing: After arriving at the desert, you’ll experience exhilarating dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle. This is a thrilling ride over the sand dunes led by a skilled driver.
- Sandboarding: Try your hand at sandboarding down the dunes. It's a fun and unique way to enjoy the desert terrain.
- Camel Ride: Enjoy a traditional camel ride and take in the serene desert landscape from a different perspective.
- Sunset Viewing: You'll have the chance to watch the sunset over the dunes, which provides stunning photo opportunities.
- Camp Activities: After the sun sets, you'll head to a desert camp where you can:
- Dinner: Enjoy a buffet dinner with a variety of local and international dishes.
- Entertainment: Traditional performances such as belly dancing, Tanoura dance (a spinning dance), and sometimes fire shows.
- Henna Painting: Get temporary henna designs on your hands or feet.
- Shisha: Experience traditional Arabic shisha (hookah) in a relaxed setting.
- Photos with Traditional Attire: Take photos in traditional Arabic attire.
- Return: Tours typically end around 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM with drop-off at your hotel or meeting point.
How to Book
- Online Travel Agencies: Websites like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Tripadvisor offer a range of evening desert safari options with detailed descriptions and user reviews.
- Local Tour Operators: Check out companies like Arabian Adventures, Desert Safari Dubai, or Platinum Heritage for booking directly.
- Hotel Concierge: Many hotels in Dubai can arrange desert safari bookings for you.
- Travel Apps: Apps like Klook or Civitatis also provide easy booking options and sometimes offer discounts.
What to Bring
- Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes are best. Bring a light jacket if you think you might get cold in the evening.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun during the day.
- Camera: The desert landscape, sunset, and evening activities offer great photo opportunities.
- Cash: For optional purchases like souvenirs, additional snacks, or tips.
Tips
- Book in Advance: Evening desert safaris are popular, so it's a good idea to book ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Check Inclusions: Ensure that the tour includes all the activities you’re interested in and confirm the pick-up and drop-off details.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially before your safari.
