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.
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.
How Does a Calm Safari Work?
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. 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. 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
A desert safari for seniors needs to be comfortable. 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
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.
Anyone Who Gets Car Sick
If roller coasters aren't your thing, you're not alone. Skip the bumps and still enjoy a great evening.
A Calm Evening, Step by Step
Pickup in the afternoon
We collect you from your hotel or Vintage Land Rover Safari home in the afternoon. You travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned car, and there's no hurry at all.
A scenic drive into the desert
After the city, the driver takes a smooth route across the sand. You'll see the dunes rise around you, and you might spot camels or desert birds along the way. Just ask, and the driver will stop for photos.
Sunset
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 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. Drop-off is around 9 PM.
Why This Trip Exists
We kept hearing the same thing 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 new mums. We didn't think that was fair. So we created a version of the trip that everyone in the family can enjoy together.
A Step Back in Time
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 slow, scenic and full of character, and it's a favourite with couples and older guests.
Where You'll Spend the Evening
Your evening is spent 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 served buffet style, and VIP evenings include Tanoura and fire shows.
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. 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.
If Some of Your Group Want Speed
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
• 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we still see the 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 prefer not to ride, you can simply take photos.
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.
Do you pick up from hotels?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are available, and you can reach us 24/7.
Ready to Book?
A desert safari without dune bashing proves the desert is for everyone. WhatsApp the Emirate Desert Safaris team on +971 50 991 2456, or send an email to [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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