Dubai’s dazzling city life sometimes makes you forget that Dubai is a desert city. Beyond the extravagance lies a muted, contrasted expanse of undulating golden dunes. Dubai’s gorgeous desert is a popular getaway for those who want to take a break from the bustling, chic life of the emirate. Locals and visitors both love taking an excursion to the Arabian desert popularly known as the Dubai desert safari. Even though it is popular, there always lingers a question - Does it suit everyone? This question applies to family holidaymakers especially when they are travelling with young and old members of the family. Here are a few points that can offer clarity to such Dubai visitors.
About Desert Safari Dubai
UAE has more than 80% of its landscape covered in desert dunes. The futuristic city of Dubai rose from the sandy shores along the western coast of the Persian Gulf. If you take a road trip to the east or south of Dubai, you can witness the city rapidly ebbing away after an hours’ drive and you will find yourself encircled by barren, sandy stretches of Dubai desert. This peaceful terrain stands contrast to Dubai’s dazzle and you get a surreal realization that this was Dubai's former state before modernism took over and changed it into the bustling metropolis it is today. Dubai desert is more than just a monotonous sandy landscape. Here, you can experience a plethora of exciting adventures and experiences, the most popular among them is the Dubai desert safari. On a Dubai desert safari, you can:
Leave behind the buzzing Dubai city and enjoy a serene, sublime ambience of the Arabian desert.
Gear up for some amazing desert sports such as dune bashing, quad biking, sand boarding and camel rides.
Enjoy Bedouin culture with evenings spent among Arabian folklore and activities such as shisha sessions, tanoura and belly dancing, and henna paintings.
You can also enjoy Arabic cuisine with a traditional BBQ dinner right amid the desert.
Plan an overnight stay for an extraordinary experience of quietude as you spend the night under the Arabian sky.
The Dubai desert safari is a popular experience among tourists and almost all holiday packages offer a basic Dubai desert safari to showcase the contrasting aspects of Dubai. A Dubai desert safari isn't your normal wildlife viewing experience as other destinations offer. It is a safari into the cultural realms of Dubai with a touch of adventure and modern conveniences. You also get a variety of options to tweak your desert safari experience depending on your budget and the time of the day you want to enjoy the experience. So when in Dubai, don’t limit yourself to the city views. Go beyond and explore the beauty of golden Arabian desert dunes as well.
Desert Safari Dubai Age Restrictions
Dubai desert safari is for everyone to enjoy – old and young. However, the activities included in a Dubai desert safari for the family decide if that particular safari tour is suited for different ages. Kids especially those under the age of 3 might not find the arid, hot setting of the desert comfortable. So if you have kids these young travelling with you, it is best not to go for a desert safari adventure on your trip. Kids older than 3 years can enjoy the desert safari but should be accompanied by an adult at all times. Then again, it depends from children to children as to whether they would like to go on a desert safari adventure. If a child does not have a strong stomach or has motion sickness, it is best to avoid activities like dune bashing and buggy rides. You can opt for serene experiences with mild adventures like camel rides, sand boarding etc. The same applies to senior citizens. You should choose desert activities that will suit them.
Best Family-Friendly Activities on a Dubai Desert Safari
Dune Bashing: If you and your family are geared up for a wild roller coaster ride in the desert, then dune bashing is a not-to-miss activity for you on your Dubai desert safari experience.
Quad Biking: Take full control of your drive-in-the-desert experience with quad biking. This activity is one of the best things to do on a Desert Safari for family with older kids.
An Arabian night with dinner: Opt for an evening desert safari where you can enjoy loads of desert adventure in less intensity of the sun and later wind up the day capturing memories with a gorgeous amber sunset scenery followed by a night filled with Arabian folklore, henna painting, belly dancing, tanoura shows and a sumptuous Arabian BBQ dinner.
Star Gazing: Spend a quiet time bonding with your family under millions of twinkling stars on an overnight desert safari that has a star gazing activity included.
Premium desert safaris: Upgrade your experience to add opulence and comfort on a Dubai desert safari. Dubai tour operators specializing in desert safaris can arrange a luxury desert safari with private transfers, air-conditioned tents, and other personalized services. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, and Bab Al Shams are two famous spots to explore the best desert safari Dubai for family vacationers seeking luxury and relaxation.
Top Things to Do on Desert Safaris With Kids
The following activities add thrilling inclusions to your Dubai desert safari if you are travelling with kids above the age of 3 years.
Camel Rides: Enjoy a short but thrilling desert expedition on a camel ride. Many tours have camel rides that allow children to enjoy the ride with their parents.
Sandboarding: Go sandboarding in the Dubai desert. It is exactly like snowboarding except you will be sliding down a sand dune instead of a snowy slope. Kids can sit or lie down on the board if they are not comfortable standing.
Falconry Safari: Steer from the quintessential safari tour and simply plan the Dubai Falconry Safari which includes a drive in 4x4 to Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and witness a thrilling falconry experience along with a visit to Dubai Falcon Souq, UAE’s Falconry Museum, and relax with hot Arabic coffee and dates.
Essential Tips for a Memorable Dubai Desert Safari with Kids and Family
Plan your desert activity that suits your family and kids. Make it engaging for kids with interesting activities that they can be part of.
Keep comfort as a priority in dressing. Dress in comfortable, airy cotton or linen clothes. Carry a light shrug or jacket if you are spending the night in the desert.
Make sure to wear closed footwear which is comfortable in the sun and easy to walk in the sand.
The packing list for a desert safari with kids should include sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, water bottles and snacks.
Keep wet wipes and hand sanitizer for quick clean-ups.
Include basic necessities like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications and carry them in a first aid kit.
Follow instructions of drivers, tour guides and instructors at all times. Always stay with your group during the desert safari and keep an eye on the kids at all times.
FAQS
Which desert safari is best in Dubai for family vacationers?
There are plenty to choose from! The main discussion here should be to choose a tour operator in Dubai that is renowned for its customer satisfaction and has a good reputation for offering efficient and memorable desert safari tours.
Is there a washroom in Desert Safari Dubai?
Yes. Most desert safari camps are equipped with clean washrooms and shower facilities.
Are kids allowed on desert safari?
Yes. Kids can join in desert safari tours, however the experience is not suitable for kids under the age of three years.
Can I do desert safari without dune bashing?
Yes, you can! Dune bashing is just one of the many experiences you can enjoy on the Dubai desert safari. If you are not comfortable with dune bashing, you can replace them with milder desert sports adventures.
Can old people go on a Dubai desert safari?
Yes, but it is important to book desert safari tours that suit their age and interest. Some activities such as dune bashing will not allow individuals with neck, back and immobility issues to partake in the experiences.