The Beginning
Most desert safaris offer a pick up from your point of residence for convenience sake. If not, you will meet your guide at a pre-designated point and venture on the journey. The grand 4x4 vehicle that is used for your journey can be anything from a Jeep to a Land Cruiser based on the type of desert safari you have opted for. Make sure you ask the driver to give you the background on the history and culture of the Bedouin before you hit the sands. Once the vehicle reaches the outskirts of the desert, the driver will deflate the tires and prepare the car for its full potential in terms of power. From here, your adrenaline-filled journey begins!
The Drive to the Camp
Although the camp is equally scintillating, the drive is probably the best part of the desert safari. These expert drivers take your car through extreme heights, vertical slopes and through huge dunes of sand en-route the camp. Make sure you fasten your seatbelts and sit tight, as this will be more exciting than any roller coaster you have ever been on! The safari usually occurs with a convoy of vehicles that lead from the city to the camp. Sometimes as you climb downhill from a sand dune, you can see a rare view of a convoy of highly powerful four-wheel drives pushing through the sand and getting tilted at impossible angles.
The Sights: Desert Flora & Fauna
As you cruise through the sand dunes, you will see the endless, vast desert stretched to the horizon which is definite to leave you adrift. Look closely to see the scary but existing desert vegetation such as cacti. These plants are truly a sight to see. They grow in extreme water deficient conditions and some even flower despite the hot desert temperature. The deserts also have plenty of wildlife in the form of snakes, racoons, scorpions, and lizards. Although camels find a home in the desert, it is rare to spot them roaming wild in the desert.
If you have opted for the sunrise or sunset safari, the drive will stop at a good viewpoint to capture the best possible views of the sun setting into the desert horizon. The golden hour is simply dazzling in the desert with the rays making every grain of sand in the land glow bright. After you have taken enough photographs for your liking, the ride will continue to the camp.
Camel Riding
An animal that is probably an icon of the desert, camels are naturally capable of going without water for long periods and hence can survive easily in the deserts. As part of the desert safari, you will be able to mount a camel and enjoy the wobbly ride for a while and experience the feeling of living in the desert. A true photograph worthy moment, don’t forget to get plenty of pictures clicked!
The Camp
Finally, when you reach the camp, you will be received with a warm welcome of hot drinks and a traditional serving of dates. The camp will feel like a wild contrast to the journey as it is as exquisite as an oasis in the middle of the desert. With tents built huddled together and a large center carpeting that acts as a stage, the camp is tiny heaven in the middle of the desert. While you are here, you can also try getting a henna tattoo from local women who are extremely talented. A core part of the Arab culture, henna is symbolic for auspiciousness and wellness.
If you like shisha, smoking in the camp is truly a unique experience. While there are various flavors you can try, the ambiance is what really makes it truly special. As part of the Safari, you will also be served a delicious five-course Emirati meal in the desert. You can try the cuisine while you indulge in some live entertainment.
Live Entertainment
A major attraction of the safari is the live entertainment performed by experts. The camp is oriented towards the stage set in the center and the performer displays his/her talents here. You can witness a grand show of belly dancing to Arab music followed by the traditional dance Tanoura performed on stage. Combined with the music, the cold desert breeze, and ambiance, this is definitely a night not to miss!
Desert Activities
In addition to the desert ride, the camp, and entertainment, you can also venture for various activities in the middle of the desert which are adventurous and exciting such as sand boarding, sand skiing, quad biking and more. Another opportunity that’s not to miss is the chance to dress up in traditional Arab clothes and get your pictures clicked. Be it for the men or women, it will be pretty thrilling to see how you’d look had you been born in the Arab world years ago.
The national bird of UAE is a falcon. A bird that symbolizes power & poise, it can be highly dangerous too. At the camps, you can hold a falcon in your arms and click a brave photograph. Keep worries about safety aside as you will be equipped with protective gloves and experts watching closely.