Experience an Unforgettable Desert Safari in Dubai

Experience an unforgettable desert safari in Dubai with a hot air balloon ride. The adventure begins before sunrise and offers an epic view of the sand dunes.

You’ll then enjoy a desert camp with traditional snacks, camel rides and sand boarding, henna tattoos, the chance to meet falcons and watch dance performances as night falls.

Dune Bashing

Thrill seekers love to rev their engines and test their skill as they race over sand dunes. Feel your heart beat quicken and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as you skim over crests and tumble down slopes with a safari driver at the wheel.

You’ll experience a thrilling ride up and over the soft Arabian sand dunes. Some tours take you to the Liwa desert, which has some of the largest and most challenging sand dunes. This is where dune bashing pros compete in challenges and festivals.

Most dune bashing trips end just before sunset, so you can capture the amazing color of the desert as it fades into night. After your trip, you’ll visit a Bedouin camp for dinner and other activities.

Camel Riding

Embark on a camel ride to immerse yourself in an authentic Arabian experience. Riding a camel is much like sailing through the red dunes at a relaxing pace. This is a great activity for kids, couples, and those who want to enjoy the view of the desert from a different perspective.

Many tour operators provide traditional Arabian attire, such as a Kandora and an Abaya, for you to wear during the camel ride. This helps you feel more connected to the culture and gives you a better idea of how the locals live.

Some tickets also include “Luqaimat,” which is a traditional Arabic sweet. This dessert consists of a thin layer of flour with a thick syrup or dates on top. You can enjoy a glass of camel milk as well.

Henna Tattoos

Henna, or mehndi, is an ancient body art that uses a safe dye to stain the skin. It’s commonly used at bridal shower parties, where relatives and friends adorn the bride with intricate designs that can last up to a week. It’s also customary to adorn your hands with Henna on Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan.

Hena is different from regular paints because it penetrates the skin’s cells and stains them from the inside out, rather than just sitting on top of it like a tattoo. It’s safe for most people, except those with a rare condition called G6PD deficiency, which makes them more prone to allergic reactions.

You can find Henna parlors at malls and souks around the city. Try Rachna Salon in Jumeirah Road for floral bridal styles or book an appointment with Heritage for Henna, which has ten hotel-based locations throughout the city.

BBQ Dinner

For foodies, a desert safari is not complete without savoring the authentic local cuisine. Enjoy a BBQ dinner with Arabic coffee, dates, and falafel. Experience the thrill of dune bashing, try sand boarding, ride a camel, get a Henna tattoo, smoke from a shisha pipe, and watch cultural shows like a sequinned belly dance and hypnotic tanoura show.

Whether you choose the evening or overnight option, your tour includes round-trip transportation and hotel pick-up. You’ll be greeted with an Arabic welcome at a Bedouin-style camp. There, you’ll enjoy the activities and a barbecue dinner under the stars. Enjoy a range of vegetarian and meat dishes, along with unlimited soft drinks. Guests with special diets can also request to be served a customized menu. You’ll be returned to your hotel after seven to eight hours of fun and adventure.

Cultural Immersion

A desert safari offers a chance to learn about the Bedouin culture. You can take a camel ride or watch the falconry show to witness these magnificent birds of prey in action. You can also shop for souvenirs that support local artisans.

Many tours include a sunset viewing to admire the mesmerising view of the vast sand dunes bathed in golden hues. You can also go stargazing after dinner and be amazed by the serene beauty of the night sky.

A desert safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to escape the city and explore the serenity of nature. Whether you want to try the thrill of dune bashing or relax with a camel ride, there is an activity for every type of traveler. You can even spend a night under the stars in a Bedouin-style camp with a scrumptious dinner and other cultural experiences included in the package.