Can You Do a Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing? Yes, Here's How
Can You Do a Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing? Yes, Here's How
Blog Article
If you look at most safari ads, you'll see a 4x4 tipping over a giant dune. For some guests, that's the best part. 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 get close to the red dunes, and you still stop to watch the sunset. 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. Nobody feels left out, and nobody feels sick.
Who Should Choose This Trip?
Families With Young Children
On a family desert safari Dubai trip, the smallest guests matter too. Toddlers often don't like steep dune drives, and they aren't suitable for babies. A calm trip means you can enjoy a desert safari with kids without worrying.
Grandparents and Older Guests
A desert safari for seniors needs to be comfortable. A smooth drive, good seating and easy access to the facilities make all the difference. Lots of older guests say it ended up being their favourite part of the trip.
Expecting Mothers
Doctors don't recommend dune bashing for pregnant women. 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.
Anyone Who Gets Car Sick
If roller coasters aren't Family Desert Safari Dubai your thing, you're not alone. Skip the bumps and still enjoy a great evening.
A Calm Evening, Step by Step
Afternoon pickup
Our driver picks you up from your hotel or home in the afternoon. You travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned car, and there's no hurry at all.
A scenic drive into the desert
Once you leave the city, the driver follows an easy route through 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
As the sun drops, you stop at a quiet spot to watch it go down. The sand changes colour from gold to deep red. It's calm and beautiful, and many guests say it's their favourite moment.
Evening at camp
At the camp, you can try a short camel ride, get henna and relax with tea or a soft drink. The buffet dinner has lots of choice, and the shows begin after dinner. Drop-off is around 9 PM.
The Idea Behind It
We kept hearing the same thing 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 built a trip the whole family can enjoy, side by side.
Heritage Desert Safari Dubai
For something a little different, try a heritage desert safari Dubai trip. You cross the desert in a classic vintage Land Rover, much like the ones used decades ago. It involves no dune bashing at all. Instead, there's a falcon show and a traditional dinner. A vintage Land Rover safari is gentle, scenic and full of charm, and couples and older guests love it.
Where You'll Spend the Evening
Your evening is spent at Marjan Desert Camp. The evening tour has separate facilities for men and women, which many families appreciate. You'll find low seating, soft lighting and plenty of space to relax. Dinner is served buffet style, and VIP evenings include Tanoura and fire shows.
Stay the Night
If you'd like to see the desert at night and at sunrise, try our overnight Bedouin camp Dubai stay. You sleep in a Bedouin-style tent, look up at the stars and wake up for breakfast. It's quiet, relaxing and completely unhurried. Away from the city lights, the sky is full of stars, which kids find amazing. Mornings in the desert are cool and quiet, perfect for a slow walk before breakfast.
If Some of Your Group Want Speed
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. We also offer private 4x4s with flexible timing, VIP trips with a luxury transfer and VIP Hummer trips with a private camp and waiter service.
Before You Go
• 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
• Let us know about any mobility needs in advance
• Carry a small torch or use your phone light at night
Common Questions
Do we still get to see the big dunes?
Yes. The route goes through the dunes, and you stop to watch the sunset.
Is the camel ride safe for older guests?
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.
How long is the evening trip?
We collect you in the afternoon and drop you back at about 9 PM.
Can someone in a wheelchair join?
Let us know about mobility needs when you book, and we'll plan the car and seating around them.
What if some of us want the bumpy ride?
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, pickup and drop-off are available, and you can reach us 24/7.
Plan Your Trip With Us
A desert safari without dune bashing proves the desert is for everyone. Message Emirate Desert Safaris on WhatsApp at +971 50 991 2456, or email [email protected]. Tell us who's coming, and we'll suggest the best trip for your group. You can also see all our trips at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
Report this page