Anyone who has ever been to Dubai would tell you that the desert safari is on top of the must-do things in this emirate. The Dubai desert safari takes you on a journey inside the vast deserts of Dubai, where you get to enjoy its raw beauty and at the same time have immense fun. But as a first timer you may have many questions about the desert safari. Moreover, the internet is filled with comments, reviews, and opinions of people as per their own experience. This has led to numerous myths about Dubai desert safari. Here we have attempted to debunk some of these myths and give you a clear picture about the famous desert safari in Dubai.
Myth 1: All desert safaris offer the same things
A simple search on the internet would give you access to hundreds of desert safaris. Most people think that it is all the same. But it is not. Desert safaris differ from company to company. You will find minor and even major differences in the activities and inclusions of most desert safaris. The desert safaris are divided into budget-friendly desert safaris, medium safaris, and luxury safaris depending on the cost of the tour package.
Myth 2: Desert safaris are only available in the evening
It is true that desert safaris are quite popular as an evening activity, which begins before sundown and continues well into the night. However, it is not the only type of desert safari in Dubai. Morning desert safaris that begin early in the morning are also available here. Apart from this, there is also the overnight desert safari, which gives you the chance to stay in the desert for a night in Bedouin style tents.
Myth 3: Desert safaris are only for adventure lovers
Adventure is the main flavor of almost all desert safaris. They are packed with dune bashing, camel riding, quad biking, sandboarding, and more such activities. But it does not mean that you can equate desert safari with adventure. Even if you are not inclined towards these activities, you can enjoy the desert safari, which also includes its entertainment programs, cultural and leisure activities, and delicious food.
Myth 4: Desert safaris are dangerous
This statement is absolutely untrue. Most reliable desert safari tour companies use the best equipment, hire the best professionals, and follow all the safety protocols to ensure that you have a fun time in a safe environment. As a guest, it is also your responsibility to listen and follow the instructions of the desert safari staff. Moreover, always go for licensed desert safari tour operators or professionals for your desert safari experience.
Myth 5: Desert safaris are too warm to enjoy to the fullest
Deserts are extremely hot during the day. But you do not have to deal with the harsh desert sun during the desert safari. This is because the desert safari happens either early in the morning, before the sun becomes too hot or in the evening, right before the sun is about to set. Either way, you will not have to endure too much heat. In fact, the temperature becomes slightly chilled in the desert after sunset.
Myth 6: Hotels offer the best desert safari deals
It may seem that the hotel you are staying at would provide you with the best desert safari deal. But this is not true. Most hotels are tied up with one vendor and would offer the services and packages of the same. It may be convenient, but you are probably compromising on the quality. The best way of choosing a desert safari in Dubai is by doing your own research and selecting an operator that suits your needs and budget.
Myth 7: Desert safaris do not offer vegetarian food
One of the specialties of Dubai desert safari is its BBQ dinner, where you get to enjoy traditional Emirati dishes. Hence, it is easy to assume that the dinner buffet in desert safaris is loaded with only meat and poultry dishes. But this is far from the truth. Almost all the desert safaris include an equal quantity of vegetarian dishes for the vegetarian crowd. It is important to tell your preferences at the time of booking.
Myth 8: Desert safaris are crowded
Desert safaris can be crowded, especially during the peak tourist season, as it is quite a popular activity in Dubai. But this can be remedied if you choose the best desert safari for yourself. Most budget-friendly desert safari tours try to accommodate as many people as possible. If you want to avoid this, do your research and book a desert safari tour through a company that gives importance to quality over quantity.
Myth 9: The camel ride on a desert safari is very short
Most desert safaris offer camel riding in the desert just for a short while. The main reason is to complete the activity before sunset, as camels do not see well in the dark, increasing the chances of accidents. To ensure that all the guests get to ride the camel, the ride is kept short. If you want to enjoy a longer camel ride, it is best to book a desert safari with camel riding, where you will get to go on a camel ride for a longer time.
Myth 10: Vehicles can get easily stuck in the sand, ruining your experience
This is a possibility, as the ever-shifting sands are quite unpredictable. But it does not mean that your desert safari experience will be ruined. The tour guides driving the 4×4 vehicle are trained for such possibilities and are equipped to get the car out of the sand as soon as possible. You may have to step out of the vehicle, but this does not mean that your whole experience will be ruined. Rather, it will only add to your adventure.
Myth 11: Belly dancing and Tanoura dancing are local folk dances
One cannot think of desert safari without belly dancing and Tanoura dancing, two important cultural performances that happen at the safari. However, unlike popular belief, they are not a part of the Emirati culture or local folk art. While belly dancing is believed to have originated in Egypt, Tanoura dance has its roots in Sufism. They are a part of the desert safari in Dubai for the sake of pure entertainment.
Myth 12: Desert safaris are heavy on the pocket
Desert safari need not be expensive if you do not want it to be. The best part about desert safaris in Dubai is that they are available for different price ranges. The inclusions, duration, and amenities of the desert safari would decide its price. If budget is not a constraint, you can go for a luxury desert safari where you get the best of the amenities and services. But if you are planning to miss the experience because of money, you can easily find a good low-priced desert safari tour package.
Myth 13: Desert safaris is not for families with kids
Tourists on a family holiday with kids do not have to stay away from desert safari. You may have to skip dune bashing if your kids are too young, but you can enjoy almost all the other activities. All the desert safari activities are supervised by experienced staff who ensure that all the safety measures are followed. Besides, there are plenty of activities in the desert safari to keep the little ones occupied.
Myth 14: The desert safari locations are far from the city
You do not have to travel for hours to reach the desert safari camp that is located somewhere in the middle of the desert. A drive to the desert camp does not take more than 45 hours from the city center. Moreover, all desert safari companies offer pick up and drop off services. In short, you get to travel to the city in comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles.
Myth 15: Wait for the last minute for the best desert safari deals
Booking your desert safari tour package at the last minute is a good idea only if you are ready to compromise on quality. If you wait to reach Dubai for selecting the best evening and morning desert safari Dubai, you may have to go for low quality tours, as the best tours get booked quite early, especially during the peak tourist season. To ensure that you get the best desert safari experience, you must book your tour well in advance, even before you reach Dubai.
Myth 16: Desert safaris are very noisy
As the desert safari is packed with so many thrilling activities, it can get moderately noisy. However, it does not stay the same throughout. Once the adventures and cultural programs are done, you will get to enjoy the peace and quietude of the desert. If you want to enjoy the depth of the silence in the desert, you can also opt for the overnight desert safari in Dubai.
Myth 17: Desert safari is mainly for tourists
This is one of the biggest Dubai desert safari myths. For many of the locals and residents, desert safaris are a good break from their routine life. It is both an adventurous and cultural experience for those who want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Moreover, many of them head to the desert to celebrate special occasions with family and friends. You will easily find Emirati locals at the desert safari.
Myth 18: Only fit people can enjoy desert safari in Dubai
Some of the desert safari activities may demand the participants to have certain kind of fitness level like dune bashing, sandboarding, and quad biking. However, this does not mean that people with compromised fitness levels and health issues will not be able to enjoy the desert safari. You will find plenty of activities that people with different fitness levels can do, particularly at the Dubai desert safari.
Myth 19: Desert safaris are not available during Ramadan
Life in Dubai changes during Ramadan, the holiest month for the Muslims. But this does not mean that desert safaris are cancelled during this month. However, you may not get to enjoy certain activities of the desert safari. For instance, entertainment programs like Tanoura dancing and belly dancing are not included in the itinerary. Moreover, you may not be able to order alcoholic drinks during this month.
Myth 20: One gets to see a lot of desert animals during the safari
Deserts are filled with different types of fauna. But it is not easy to spot them, especially during a desert safari. Sighting wildlife in the desert depends entirely on your luck. If you are keen on checking out the desert animals during your tour, you must go for a wildlife desert safari. Only a few desert safari companies have a license for wildlife safari, so choose one accordingly.
Myth 21: The desert is barren and lifeless
The desert may look like endless expanse of sand, but it is not barren and lifeless. The desert landscape has its own flora and fauna that adds to its beauty. Although the flora here is sparse, it is one-of-a-kind, as they survive in difficult conditions. Moreover, different types of insects, animals, and birds reside in the desert. While the desert may look harsh during the day, there is magic to the place, especially during sunset, which is a great opportunity to take beautiful pictures.
Myth 22: Desert safari is harmful for the environment
Many avoid desert safaris believing that it is harmful for the environment. But there are several companies that understand the concern of the guests and indulge in sustainable and eco-friendly practices. These companies have taken the necessary efforts to ensure minimum impact of the desert safari on the ecosystem.
Myth 23: Desert safari is not ideal for solo travelers
Safety is the biggest concern for solo travelers who want to try the desert safari experience. But there is no need to worry if you choose the right operator for your journey. Reliable and popular desert safari operators will ensure complete safety for people traveling on their own. You can check out reviews and ask fellow solo travelers for their reviews and opinions before booking your tour package.
Myth 24: You must skip desert safari if you do not want to go for dune bashing
While dune bashing is an integral part of desert safari, it is not necessary to go for it if you do not want to. In fact, dune bashing is not recommended to people with heart issues, chronic back and neck pain, and pregnant women. If you do not want to go for dune bashing, you will be directly driven to the desert camp, where a host of other activities await you.
Myth 25: Desert safari tours cannot be customized
While several desert safari operators offer fixed tour packages, there are many who will let you customize your own desert safari tour. For instance, you can skip dune bashing entirely or you can add a few extra adventurous activities to suit your requirements. The customized desert safari tour packages may be a bit expensive, but it will ensure that you have the best time of your life without any compromises.
FAQs About Desert Safari Dubai
1. What is the duration of desert safari Dubai?
The duration of desert safari in Dubai is around 6 hours. Typically, the evening desert safari begins around 4 in the evening and ends at 10 at night.
2. What are the typical inclusions of desert safari Dubai?
A regular desert safari in Dubai includes transportation services, dune bashing, adventurous activities, entertainment programs, cultural experiences, and BBQ dinner. There may be slight variations in the inclusions as per the tour operators.
3. Is Wi-Fi available at desert safari camps?
Wi-Fi may or may not be available in desert safari camps. You will have to check with the desert safari operator regarding the same.
4. Is star gazing a part of desert safari tours?
Star gazing is not a part of regular desert safaris. You need to enquire about it with the tour operator at the time of booking. Some tour companies may offer this at an extra rate.
5. Can I choose the type of car for my desert safari?
4×4 vehicles are used for desert safari. If you want a specific brand of 4×4 vehicle, you can ask your tour operator about the same at the time of booking.
Conclusion
The myths about desert safari have emerged because of different experiences of different people, as not all desert safaris are the same. So, do not let these myths come between you and the desert safari experience in Dubai. Research well and choose a desert safari tour that matches your expectations.
