Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing: A Calm Way to Enjoy the Dubai Desert
Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing: A Calm Way to Enjoy the Dubai Desert
Blog Article
Most desert safari adverts show a 4x4 flying over a dune at a crazy angle. That's great for some people. But not everyone wants to be thrown around in the back of a car. Maybe you're travelling with grandparents, a baby or a bad back. Maybe you just don't like 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?
Your driver takes a slow, scenic route across the sand instead of racing over the dunes. 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: dinner, shows, henna and a camel ride.
It's the calm desert safari Dubai families ask for when they want the fun without the jolts. No one feels left out, and no one ends up feeling unwell.
Is a Calm Safari Right for You?
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. A calm trip means you can enjoy a desert safari with kids without worrying.
Grandparents and Older Guests
Any desert safari for seniors has to put comfort first. 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. Always check with your own doctor first, and tell us when you book.
People Who Hate Bumpy Rides
Not a fan of roller coasters? Plenty of people aren't. You can skip the bumps and still have a great night out.
A Calm Evening, Step by Step
Afternoon pickup
We collect you from your hotel or home in the afternoon. The car is comfortable and air-conditioned, 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. 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 camp, there's a short camel ride, henna and time to sit back with a drink. Dinner is a buffet with plenty of choice, and the shows begin after dinner. Drop-off is around 9 PM.
The Idea Behind It
For years, we heard the same comment 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.
Heritage Desert Safari Dubai
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 website gentle, scenic and full of charm, and couples and older guests love it.
Marjan Desert Camp
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. You'll find low seating, soft lighting and plenty of space to relax. Dinner is a buffet, and the shows include a Tanoura dancer and a fire show on our VIP trips.
Sleeping in the Desert
If you'd like to see the desert at night and at sunrise, try our overnight Bedouin camp Dubai stay. You stay in a Bedouin-style tent, enjoy the stars and have breakfast in the morning. 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.
Mixing Calm and Adventure
Is half your group after adventure while the other half wants calm? That happens a lot. Some can book the calm trip while others take a quad bike desert safari or a regular evening trip. Everyone meets 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.
Simple Tips
• Bring a light jacket or shawl in winter
• 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
Quick Answers
Do we still get to see the big 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 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.
Is the trip suitable for limited mobility?
Let us know about mobility needs when you book, and we'll arrange the car and seating to suit.
Can part of our group do dune bashing?
Yes. Part of the group can take a regular trip, the rest go the calm way, and everyone meets at camp.
Do you pick up from hotels?
Yes, we offer pickup and drop-off, and our team is available 24/7.
Book a Calm Desert Trip
The desert really is for everyone, and a desert safari without dune bashing proves it. 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. All our trips are listed at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
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