Blog Post

One of the most exciting things to do in all of the UAE is going on a desert safari in Dubai. A day filled with adventure amidst golden sand dunes, the Dubai Desert Safari is more than just a trip to the desert, it’s an unforgettable experience. If, however, you go unprepared, all your fun can be ruined in discomfort.

10 Smart Tips for a Memorable Dubai Desert Safari  

You can enjoy every moment of your adventure in the desert with some effective tips. Here’s how you can enjoy your Desert Safari Dubai to the hilt.

1. Choose the Right Time to Go  

It’s scorching in the Dubai Desert and more so during the summers between the months of June and September. With temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius, the conditions are far too harsh to enjoy any activities. It’s best to go on a desert safari in Dubai in the winter months from November to March. The weather is much cooler and pleasant during these months.

If you are in Dubai during the summer, it’s best that you book your safari early in the morning when the temperatures are lower and you can enjoy watching a beautiful sunrise. Alternatively, you may book your safari experience late in the afternoon so you can admire the sunset in lower temperatures.

2. Wear Comfortable and Light Clothing   

What you wear can make a big difference to your desert adventure. Your clothes should be loose and breathable with the preferred fabrics being cotton and linen. Not only do such clothes protect you from the sun, they also help your skin breathe.

To protect yourself from the sun and dust, you can wear a wide-brim hat or a cap. You must also wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from the strong sun rays. Before you set out, don’t forget to apply sunscreen with a high SPF content.

3. Pick the Right Safari Package   

You have several desert safaris to choose from. If you want to experience dune bashing and camel rides without spending the whole day, the morning safaris will work best for you. Again, evening safaris come with more activities like sandboarding, traditional shows, henna painting and a delicious BBQ dinner. If you choose an overnight safari, you can go to sleep beneath the stars and wake up to a lovely sunrise.

There’s something special in each package. Choose one that goes well with your preferences. If you want to avoid the heat, choose going to the safari either in the morning or the evening. They offer more enjoyment in less harsh conditions. The morning safari is ideal for those who have time constraints.

4. Eat Light Before the Trip  

Most of the desert safaris kick off with the thrill of dune bashing. This is when you go zooming up and down the sand dunes in a powerful 4×4 SUV. The thrill you feel is no less than a rollercoaster. Make sure that you don’t have a heavy meal before the session as you may feel sick or nauseous.

Have something light to eat a few hours before the safari. Stay away from greasy, heavy or dairy-based food. Don’t forget to take your medicine if you suffer from motion sickness. You could pop some peppermint or ginger as that helps settle the stomach.

5. Stay Hydrated   

The desert is a very dry place even when it’s not extremely hot. You may not realise it, but you’ll be sweating a lot with the dry wind making you feel thirsty. You must therefore drink plenty of water before the trip and also during and after it. While the tour companies do provide water bottles, carry your own water as well.

Don’t take too much sugar or caffeinated drinks since they may cause faster dehydration. Take frequent water breaks if you’re doing activities like walking around the dunes or sandboarding.

6. Protect Your Electronics and Belongings  

There’s sand all around you in the desert. It may damage your phone, camera or other electronic items. Keep your devices in zip-lock bags or dust-proof cases before you head out. That way, you’ll be able to keep the sand out of the buttons and ports.

Avoid opening battery compartments or changing camera lenses out in the open. Your gear could be ruined with sand getting into it. To wipe off the sand, keep a brush or small cloth handy.

It’s a good idea to keep a fully charged power bank with you so you’re prepared when the battery in your phone gets low. You spend long hours in the desert on an evening desert safari. You would do well to carry a power bank.

7. Wear the Right Footwear  

Walking in the sand needs some preparation. While flip-flops may appear to be a good choice, you won’t get the needed support from them. Light sneakers and sandals with back straps work the best. You may want to go barefoot in the sand for a while, but do be careful since the desert can get scorching hot.

There are carpets at some of the camps where you can relax barefoot. Since sand is sure to get into them, make sure you use footwear that’s easy to remove and clean.

8. Respect the Culture and Traditions   

Dubai still follows local customs and traditions even though it’s a modern city. You’ll see traditional Tanoura and belly dance performances at the desert camps. Henna painting, shisha and Arabic coffee too are a part of some camp experiences. Show your respect and admiration for all of these at the camp.

If you’re visiting during Ramadan, or you’re in a traditional locality, make sure that you dress modestly. Always ask for permission if you’re taking pictures of any local people, especially women. Avoid any public display of affection. Showing respect to local sensibilities helps you enjoy your stay in Dubai and your visit to the desert.

9. Always Follow Safety Guidelines   

Your guide knows the desert like the back of his hand. They know how to handle crises since they’re trained for it. Make sure that you listen to their instructions when you go dune bashing, camel riding or sandboarding.

Avoid wandering off into the desert or exploring alone. You may get lost in the desert since all the sand dunes look similar. Avoid climbing the tall dunes unless your guide says that it’s safe to do so and don’t go away too far from your group. While snakes and scorpions are very rare, you should still stick with your guide and watch your step, especially during the night.

10. Expect the Unexpected   

There are many surprises on a desert safari. While you’re dune bashing one moment, the forthcoming moment, you’re sipping on Arabian coffee. Due to the weather, road conditions or other reasons, the plans may change sometimes. While sandstorms are rare, they do occur.

Go with the flow and stay flexible. Since the temperatures can drop suddenly after sundown, carry a light jacket. You’ll stay comfortable if you carry a bag containing some basic items like tissues, balm and hand sanitisers.

Conclusion   

A blend of thrill and culture, the Dubai Desert Safari is a magical adventure. You’ll have an unforgettable time with the right preparation, the right clothes and an open mind. You can consult a reliable travel agency in Dubai for more advice. The tips above help you stay safe and comfortable in the desert. The Dubai desert safari beckons you to an unforgettable journey where you create memories that stay forever.