Dubai desert safari is a tourist activity that needs no introduction. It is one of the top things to do in Dubai. The popularity of desert safari relies on the fact that it combines everything from adventure to entertainment. Different types of desert safaris are available, including morning desert safari, evening desert safari, and overnight desert safari. Many tour operators offer different versions like private safari, luxury safari, wildlife safari, camel riding safari, and more. In short, there is something for everyone. However, a question many have is whether desert safari in Dubai is suitable for children? Here you will find everything you need to know about planning a Dubai desert safari with kids.
Is Dubai Desert Safari Kid-Friendly?
Dubai is a family-friendly destination with plenty of things to do and places to visit for kids. But many are unsure whether they can take kids for desert safari in Dubai. The main reason is because desert safari has some wild adventurous activities like dune bashing, quad biking, and sandboarding, most of them not suitable for young kids. But in reality, the desert safari in Dubai is suitable for kids.
What is the Age Limit for Dubai Desert Safari?
Although there is no age limit for Dubai desert safari, most tour operators usually recommend that kids should be at least 3 years to be part of this attraction. Even in this case, children between the ages of 3 and 5 years are not allowed on dune bashing rides and even ATV rides. Kids between the ages of 5 and 12 years can enjoy most of the attractions and activities under the supervision of their parents or guardians. If you have children under the age of 3, it would be best to book a private desert safari, where you can make arrangements as per your kids’ requirements.
How to Choose the Right Tour Operator?
When you are planning a Dubai desert safari with kids, it becomes extremely important to choose the right tour operator. While there are plenty of good desert safari tour operators in Dubai, not everyone may cater to kids. It is crucial to select a provider that offers desert safari packages for kids and are ready to provide special facilities and amenities to ensure that kids are safe and engaged.
- Always choose tour operators that are reputed and licensed. Make sure they have a valid Dubai Tourism license. Check out their reviews to ensure that they use well-maintained vehicles and their staff is well-trained.
- A good tour operator would provide kid-friendly amenities like car seats, dedicated shade areas at the desert camp, well-maintained camp facilities, clean washrooms, etc.
- The desert safari activities would be tweaked to accommodate the needs of little children. For instance, it would be best to skip Dubai desert safari with dune bashing for kids under the age of 5 years. Many desert safaris also have a separate menu for children.
- It is important to have a conversation with the tour operator before you book a desert safari. Choose the one who is more open to accommodate your specific requirements for children during the desert safari.
What to Expect on a Desert Safari with Kids?
It is important that a desert safari with kids is well-planned, so that it is comfortable as well as exciting for everyone involved. Here is what you can expect during your Dubai desert safari with kids.
Pick Up and Transfer
Like any desert safari, this desert safari also begins with pick up from the hotel/residence in Dubai. The pickup is usually done in a 4×4 vehicle. Assuming that you have already mentioned the presence of kids in your tour, the tour operator would provide car seats for your them. The journey from the city to the desert would take around 40 minutes.
Dune Bashing
In usual cases, desert safari begins with dune bashing. If you have smaller children with you, you can either skip this activity or opt for a softer version. The soft dune bashing involves a ride that is softer, smoother, and safer. The duration of this dune bashing session is also shorter. Extra arrangements would be made in the car for the safety of the children.
Camel Riding
One of the desert adventures open to kids is camel riding. Kids are fascinated with animals and would love the idea of riding on one. Older kids can ride on a camel on their own with the supervision of trained handlers. Younger kids can ride along with their parents or other older adults. If you are on a morning desert safari, you and your kids may get a glance of desert animals and birds.
Sand Play
One of the best things that kids of all ages can enjoy at the desert safari is playing in sand. Parents and kids can spend time making sandcastles, rolling in the sand, and having a sand fight as well. There are plenty of photography opportunities too with the setting sun in the background. Kids would love running up and down the sand dunes. It is extremely important that parents and guardians supervise the kids at all times when they are playing in the sand.
Sandboarding and Quad Biking
Sandboarding is another activity that almost all kids can enjoy during Dubai desert safari. Smaller sandboards are available for the little ones. It would be best to choose a smaller slope where little kids can slide down easily while standing or sitting on the sandboard. Quad biking is usually available for kids above the age of 12 years. Some desert camps may have short quad biking areas for kids above the age of 6 years. You need to confirm this at the time of booking.
Entertainment Programs
Almost all the entertainment programs at the desert safari can be enjoyed by kids. Children can get their hands painted with kid-friendly henna designs. They can also get their photos clicked holding the mighty falcon. Some desert safari camps also have a play area for the little ones. Apart from this, children would love watching fire dancing, Tanoura dancing, and belly dancing performances.
Dinner
The dinner in desert safari usually involves a BBQ buffet meal. The dinner begins with starters in the form of BBQ, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Then there are main courses, followed by desserts. Many desert safaris offer a few special dishes for children like pasta, noodles, bread, etc. If you have any special requests for your kids, you can list them at the time of booking.
Star Gazing
If you have booked overnight desert safari, your kids will have time to lie down on the sand and look up at the starlit sky, something that is rarely seen in the cities. Some desert safaris also offer star gazing tours, where a professional will help you locate special stars, planets, and constellations.
What to Pack for Kids’ Desert Safari in Dubai?
- Make sure your kids wear lightweight, cotton or linen clothes for the desert safari.
- The desert gets cold after sunset, so do not forget to pack warm clothes for your children, including jackets, beanies, socks, etc.
- Hat, child-friendly sunscreen, wet wipes, sanitizers, diapers, etc., are some of the essentials you need to carry with you.
- A lightweight stroller may be useful at the desert camp (confirm this with the tour provider).
- Carry your kids’ emergency medicines, motion-sickness bands, etc., to the desert camp.
- While food and drinks are available at the desert camp, it would be best to carry some snacks and water while traveling with children.
Conclusion
Desert safari is one of the best things to do in Dubai with kids. With the right planning and the right tour operator, you can make the desert safari experience happy and memorable for your little ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
