Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing: Who It's For and What You Get
Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing: Who It's For and What You Get
Blog Article
Most desert safari adverts show a 4x4 flying over a dune at a crazy angle. For some guests, that's the best part. But not everyone wants to be thrown around in the back of a car. Maybe you've got grandparents with you, a small baby or a sore back. Maybe you just don't like bumpy rides.
The good news is that you can still enjoy the desert. A desert safari without dune bashing keeps the sunset, the camels, the dinner and the shows, and skips the rollercoaster. At Emirate Desert Safaris, guests ask us about it all the time.
How Does a Calm Safari Work?
Your driver takes a slow, scenic route across the sand instead of racing over the dunes. You still get close to the red dunes, and you still stop to watch the sunset. Then you head to the camp for the same evening as everyone else: a camel ride, henna, dinner and live shows.
It's the calm desert safari Dubai families ask for when they want the fun without the jolts. No one feels left out, and no one ends up feeling unwell.
Who Should Choose This Trip?
Parents With Little Ones
A family desert safari Dubai trip should be fun for everyone, including the youngest. Toddlers often don't like steep dune drives, and they aren't suitable for babies. A calm trip means you can enjoy a desert safari with kids without worrying.
Grandparents and Older Guests
A desert safari for seniors needs to be comfortable. A smooth drive, good seating and easy access to the facilities make all the difference. Many of our older guests tell us it was the highlight of their holiday.
Expecting Mothers
Dune bashing is not recommended during pregnancy. If you're planning a desert safari during pregnancy, the calm version lets you enjoy the evening with peace of mind. Always check with your own doctor first, and tell us when you book.
People Who Hate Bumpy Rides
Not a fan of roller coasters? Plenty of people aren't. You can skip the bumps and still have a great night out.
How the Evening Goes
Pickup in the afternoon
We collect you from your hotel or home in the afternoon. The car is comfortable and air-conditioned, and there's no rush to get anywhere.
A scenic drive into the desert
Once you leave the city, the driver follows an easy route through the sand. The dunes rise up around you, and you may spot camels or birds on the way. Just ask, and the driver will stop for photos.
The sunset stop
As the sun drops, you stop at a quiet spot to watch it go down. The sand turns from gold to a deep red. It's peaceful, and for many guests it's the best part of the evening.
Evening at camp
At camp, there's a short camel ride, henna and time to sit back with a drink. Dinner is a buffet with plenty of choice, and the shows start once everyone has eaten. You're dropped back at your hotel by around 9 PM.
The Idea Behind It
For years, we heard the same comment from guests. Families would book a safari, and then one person would stay at the hotel because they couldn't handle the bumps. Grandparents missed out, and so did parents with babies. We didn't think that was fair. So we created a version of the trip that everyone in the family can enjoy together.
The Heritage Option
If you want something with a story, book a heritage desert safari Dubai trip. You ride across the desert in a classic vintage Land Rover, the kind used by desert families decades ago. It involves no dune bashing at all. Instead, you get a falcon show and a traditional dinner. A vintage Land Rover safari is slow, scenic and full of character, and couples and older guests love it.
Marjan Desert Camp
Our evenings take place at Marjan Desert Camp. The evening tour has separate facilities for men and women, which many families appreciate. You'll find low seating, soft lighting and plenty of space to relax. Dinner is a buffet, and the shows include a Tanoura dancer and a fire show on our VIP trips.
Stay the Night
For a slower pace, our overnight Bedouin camp Dubai stay is ideal. You stay in a Bedouin-style tent, enjoy the stars and have breakfast in the morning. It's quiet, relaxing and completely unhurried. With no city lights around, you can see so many stars, and children are usually amazed. In the morning, the desert is cool and still, and it's a lovely time for a short walk before breakfast.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Desert
Is half your group after adventure while the other half wants calm? That happens a lot. Some of you can take the calm trip while others go for the quad bikes or a regular evening safari. Everyone meets at the same camp for dinner. You can also book a private 4x4 with flexible timing, a VIP trip with a luxury transfer, or a VIP Hummer trip with a private camp and waiter service.
Before You Go
• In winter, pack a shawl or light jacket
• Choose comfy shoes you can slip off on the sand
• Bring any medicines you need for the evening
• Tell us about mobility needs when you book
• Use your phone light if you walk around the camp after dark
Quick Answers
Will we still see the dunes?
Yes. You drive through the dunes on a calm route and stop for sunset photos.
Is the camel ride safe for older guests?
It's a short, gentle ride, and our team helps you get on and off. If you'd rather not ride, you can still take photos with the camels.
How long is the evening trip?
Pickup is in the more info afternoon, and drop-off is around 9 PM.
Is the trip suitable for limited mobility?
Please tell us about any mobility needs when you book, and we'll plan the car and seating around them.
What if some of us want the bumpy ride?
Yes. Some can join a regular trip while the rest take the calm route, and you all meet at camp.
Do you pick up from hotels?
Yes, we offer pickup and drop-off, and our team is available 24/7.
Plan Your Trip With Us
A desert safari without dune bashing proves the desert is for everyone. Message Emirate Desert Safaris on WhatsApp at +971 50 991 2456, or email [email protected]. Let us know who's in your group, and we'll recommend the right trip. You can also see all our trips at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
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