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. That's great for some people. 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. Or maybe you simply hate 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, it's one of the trips we're asked about most.
What Happens on a Calm Safari?
Instead of racing up and down the dunes, your driver takes a gentle, scenic route into the desert. You still see the red dunes up close, 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 visitors ask for when they want the experience without the stress. Nobody feels left out, and nobody feels sick.
Who Should Choose This Trip?
Parents With Little Ones
A family desert safari Dubai trip should be fun for everyone, including the youngest. Small children 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. 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. Please check with your doctor first, and let us know when you book.
People Who Hate Bumpy Rides
Not a fan of roller coasters? Plenty of people aren't. Skip the bumps and still enjoy a great evening.
A Calm Evening, Step by Step
Pickup in the afternoon
Our driver picks you up 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
When the sun starts to set, you stop somewhere quiet to watch. The sand turns from gold to a deep red. It's peaceful, and for many guests it's the best part of the evening.
Dinner and shows
At the camp, you can try a short camel ride, get henna and relax with tea or a soft drink. Dinner is a buffet with plenty of choice, and the shows begin after dinner. 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.
Heritage Desert Safari Dubai
If you want something with a story, book 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.
The Camp
Our evenings take place at Marjan Desert Camp. The evening tour has separate facilities for men and women, which many families find helpful. There's comfortable seating, warm lighting and lots of space. Dinner is a buffet, and the shows include a Tanoura dancer and a fire show on our VIP trips.
Overnight Bedouin Camp Dubai
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 very peaceful, and there's no rush at all. Away from the city lights, the sky is full of stars, which kids find amazing. Mornings in the desert are cool and quiet, perfect for a slow walk before breakfast.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Desert
Travelling with a mixed group? That's very common. Some can book the calm trip while others take a quad bike desert safari or a regular evening trip. Everyone ends up 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
• Pack any medicines you might need
• Tell us about mobility needs when you book
• 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 here 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.
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?
Let us know about mobility needs when you book, and we'll plan the car and seating around them.
Can part of our group do dune bashing?
Yes. Part of the group can take a regular trip, the rest go the calm way, and everyone meets at camp.
Do you pick up from hotels?
Yes, we offer pickup and drop-off, and our team is available 24/7.
Book a Calm Desert Trip
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]. Tell us who's coming, and we'll suggest the best trip for your group. You can also see all our trips at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
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