Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing: A Calm Way to Enjoy the Dubai Desert
Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing: A Calm Way to Enjoy the Dubai Desert
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 plenty of people don't want to bounce around in a car for half an hour. Maybe you've got grandparents with you, a small baby or a sore back. Maybe you just don't like bumpy rides.
Here's the good news: you can still have a great time in the desert. A desert safari without dune bashing gives you the sunset, the camel ride, the dinner and the shows, without the rollercoaster part. At Emirate Desert Safaris, it's one of the trips we're asked about most.
What Is a Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing?
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 there's still a sunset stop. Then you head to the camp for the same evening as everyone else: dinner, shows, henna and a camel ride.
It's the calm desert safari Dubai visitors ask for when they want the experience without the stress. No one feels left out, and no one ends up feeling unwell.
Who Is This Trip For?
Families With Young Children
A family desert safari Dubai trip should be fun for everyone, including the youngest. Small children check here often don't enjoy steep dune drives, and babies shouldn't do them. With a calm trip, you can enjoy a desert safari with kids and relax.
Seniors and Older Travellers
Any desert safari for seniors has to put comfort first. A gentle drive, a proper seat at the camp and easy access to the facilities make a big difference. Lots of older guests say it ended up being their favourite part of the trip.
Guests Who Are Pregnant
Doctors don't recommend dune bashing for pregnant women. If you're thinking about a desert safari during pregnancy, the calm option lets you join the evening safely. Please check with your doctor first, and let us know when you book.
Anyone Who Gets Car Sick
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
Afternoon pickup
Our driver picks you up from your hotel or home in the afternoon. You travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned car, and there's no hurry at all.
Into the desert, gently
After the city, the driver takes a smooth route across the sand. The dunes rise up around you, and you may spot camels or birds on the way. The driver is happy to stop for photos whenever you like.
Sunset
As the sun drops, you stop at a quiet spot to watch it go down. The sand changes colour from gold to deep red. It's peaceful, and for many guests it's the best part of the evening.
Evening at camp
At the camp, you can try a short camel ride, get henna and relax with tea or a soft drink. The buffet dinner has lots of choice, and the shows begin after dinner. Drop-off is around 9 PM.
Why We Offer a Calm Safari
For years, we heard the same comment from guests. A family would book a safari, and someone always stayed behind because the ride was too rough. 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.
Heritage Desert Safari Dubai
For something a little different, try a heritage desert safari Dubai trip. You cross the desert in a classic vintage Land Rover, much like the ones used 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 gentle, scenic and full of charm, and it's a favourite with couples and older guests.
Marjan Desert Camp
Our evenings take place at Marjan Desert Camp. There are separate facilities for men and women on the evening tour, which many families find helpful. 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
If you'd like to see the desert at night and at sunrise, try our overnight Bedouin camp Dubai stay. You sleep in a Bedouin-style tent, look up at the stars and wake up for breakfast. 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. We also offer private 4x4s with flexible timing, VIP trips with a luxury transfer and VIP Hummer trips with a private camp and waiter service.
Before You Go
• Bring a light jacket or shawl in winter
• Choose comfy shoes you can slip off on the sand
• Pack any medicines you might need
• Let us know about any mobility needs in advance
• Use your phone light if you walk around the camp after dark
Quick Answers
Do we still get to see the big dunes?
Yes. The route goes through the dunes, and you stop to watch the sunset.
Is the camel ride safe for older guests?
The camel ride is short and gentle, and staff help you on and off. If you'd rather not ride, you can still take photos with the camels.
What time do we get back?
We collect you in the afternoon and drop you back at about 9 PM.
Can someone in a wheelchair join?
Please tell us about any mobility needs when you book, and we'll plan the car and seating around them.
Can part of our group do dune bashing?
Yes. Some can join a regular trip while the rest take the calm route, and you all meet at camp.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are available, and you can reach us 24/7.
Book a Calm Desert Trip
The desert really is for everyone, and a desert safari without dune bashing proves it. WhatsApp the Emirate Desert Safaris team on +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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