Have you ever heard about a desert safari? Dune bashing? It‘s a unique experience that you can only get in certain parts of the world, such as Dubai. A wild world will reveal itself before your eyes. You can hire a guide or drive through the safari yourself. Let us tell you everything you need to know.
Why do people love desert safari experiences?
There are many reasons why this activity is so popular. First of all, it’s unique. Most people live far from the deserts, crammed in the cities. And in the desert, you only see vastness ahead of you. The sight of such a barren wasteland even makes some people dizzy! But sand dunes and rock formations also look astounding.
Of course, there is also the thrill of driving through the desert. Whether you are at the wheel yourself or have hired a driver, the vehicle climbing up and down the dunes and tilting at impossible angles will be like nothing you experienced before!
Also, if you join an organized tour, there are many other attractions include in the packages. You usually drive to a camp in the desert. One more distinctive ambiance awaits you there! You will be able to try delicious Emirati dishes and different shisha flavors, get a henna tattoo if you want. There is also live entertainment, such as belly dancing and spinning dancing. The price for booking a safari tour is from $10 to $40, but of course, the cost can grow with more activities included.
Driving with a guide or by yourself
There are many deals offered in Dubai to try safari drives. For example, a guide can pick you up, drive you across the desert, take you to the camp to enjoy other activities. You can also choose to go to the desert connection point with your own car, which will be cheaper.
There are also many self-drive desert safari packages offered. At the desert meeting point, you can get a 4×4 vehicle, usually a Jeep Wrangler. You will also get instructions on how to drive safely. Then you will drive your jeep in a guided convoy. You can take up to three passengers and share driving with one other person.
Of course, if you seek even more freedom and thrill, you can try going out to the desert alone. Remember that you can’t drive a rental car onto the sand: it will breach the contract. And if something happens, insurance won’t cover you. If you want to drive by yourself, make sure to find insurance that will cover off-roading accidents. Also, do not go out alone. At least two vehicles with all the equipment needed should go so they can help each other. If you want to learn off-roading, Emirati Driving Institute offers such courses.
What to beware of in the desert
Just like with any rewarding experience, there are also some risks associated with desert safaris. We will tell you what to be careful about so your experience can be as enjoyable as possible.
First of all, it’s the sand. You are driving across a wild desert which is basically heaps of sand. Sand can get anywhere and damage the equipment. Try only taking the necessary devices to the trip. You will probably want to take a camera, though. In that case, only change the lens inside the car to minimize the possibility of the sand getting in.
Off-road driving is an adventurous activity and risky to a degree. Car troubles can happen. If you are traveling with an experienced guide or in a group, you will likely be able to deal with it quickly. Just be prepared that you might need to help dig the jeep out of the sand, change a tire, etc. Also, take some medicine for car sickness and maybe a sick bag. Off-road driving is very uneven, and many people get sick. The experience is still worthwhile, though!
To sum up, trying a desert safari drive is an experience you will hardly forget. You can book a tour with many activities quite cheaply. You can choose whether you want to be driven or drive yourself. It is also possible to go off into the desert alone but make sure you know how to off-road, there is another vehicle with you, and that insurance covers you!