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
If you look at most safari ads, you'll see a 4x4 tipping over a giant dune. 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're travelling with grandparents, a baby or a bad 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, guests ask us about it all the time.
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 there's still a sunset stop. After that, you go to the camp and enjoy the same evening as every other guest: 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 Is This Trip For?
Families With Young Children
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 smooth drive, good seating and easy access to the facilities make all the difference. Lots of older guests say it ended up being their favourite part of the trip.
Expecting Mothers
Doctors don't recommend dune bashing for pregnant women. 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
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
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. You'll see the dunes rise around you, and you might spot camels or desert birds along the way. The driver is happy to stop for photos whenever you like.
The sunset stop
When the sun starts to set, you stop somewhere quiet to watch. The sand changes colour from gold to 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.
Why We Offer a Calm Safari
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 new mums. We didn't think that was fair. So we built a trip the whole family can enjoy, side by side.
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. There's no dune bashing at all. Instead, there's a falcon show and a traditional dinner. A vintage Land Rover safari is gentle, scenic and full of charm, and couples and older guests love it.
Where read more You'll Spend the Evening
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. There's comfortable seating, warm lighting and lots of space. Dinner is served buffet style, and VIP evenings include Tanoura and fire shows.
Sleeping in the Desert
For a slower pace, our overnight Bedouin camp Dubai stay is ideal. You sleep in a Bedouin-style tent, look up at the stars and wake up for breakfast. It's very peaceful, and there's no rush at all. 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
• 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
Common Questions
Will we still see the dunes?
Yes. You drive through the dunes on a calm route and stop for sunset photos.
Can older guests ride a camel?
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.
How long is the evening trip?
Pickup is in the 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.
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.
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]. Tell us who's coming, and we'll suggest the best trip for your group. All our trips are listed at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
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