Dubai, known for its luxurious lifestyle, towering skyscrapers, and endless deserts, offers tourists and residents a chance to experience the beauty and serenity of the Arabian Dubai Private Desert Safari. One of the most exclusive and intimate ways to explore the desert is through a private desert safari. A private safari allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of the desert, away from crowds, in a personalized and tailored experience. This article will guide you through everything you need about Dubai’s private desert safaris, from activities to expectations.
What Is a Private Desert Safari?
A private desert safari is a customized experience where you have the luxury of privacy and personal attention during your desert adventure. Unlike group safaris, where several tourists share the same vehicle, a private safari provides a dedicated car, driver, and guide exclusively for you and your group. This allows for a more relaxed and flexible tour, catering to your preferences and pace.
Benefits of a Private Desert Safari
- Personalized Experience: Your itinerary can be tailored to include the activities you enjoy the most.
- Comfort and Privacy: A private vehicle ensures you and your companions can enjoy the safari more relaxedly.
- Exclusive Access: Private safaris often include access to VIP camps and exclusive areas of the desert.
- Flexible Timing: You can adjust the timing of your safari to suit your schedule, whether it’s an early morning or a serene evening.
Types of Private Desert Safaris
Dubai offers various private desert safari packages designed to suit different preferences. Here are some of the popular options:
Morning Private Desert Safari
A morning private desert safari is an excellent choice for those who prefer the early hours. Enjoy the cool morning breeze and witness the desert’s beauty as the sun rises over the dunes.
Activities:
- Dune bashing in the soft morning light
- Camel rides
- Sandboarding on the Golden Dunes
- Hot air balloon rides (optional)
The morning safari is perfect for those who want to experience the desert without the afternoon’s heat.
Evening Private Desert Safari
The evening private desert safari is the most popular choice, offering a mix of adventure, cultural experiences, and relaxation. The desert transforms into a magical landscape as the sun sets, making it a perfect backdrop for photos and leisurely activities.
Activities:
- Dune bashing in the golden hour
- Camel riding through the desert
- Traditional Bedouin-style camp experience
- Henna painting
- Falconry
- Live cultural performances (belly dancing, tanoura dance)
- A lavish BBQ dinner under the stars
The evening safari is ideal for those who want to combine adventure with a cultural and culinary experience.
Overnight Private Desert Safari
For the ultimate desert experience, an overnight private desert safari allows you to spend the night in the heart of the desert. After a day of activities, you can relax by a campfire and sleep in a luxury Bedouin-style tent.
Activities:
- All activities included in the evening safari
- Stargazing in the clear desert sky
- Waking up to a stunning sunrise over the dunes
- Breakfast in the desert
- Optional wildlife spotting
This safari is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the desert’s peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Luxury Private Desert Safari
A luxury private desert safari is the epitome of exclusivity. These high-end packages provide access to premium services such as gourmet dining, luxury transportation (such as a Range Rover), and private, secluded camps.
Activities:
- Private falconry demonstrations
- Gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs
- Customized entertainment options
- High-end vehicles for dune bashing
A luxury safari is ideal for those seeking a more abundant and personalized experience.
The Thrill of Dune Bashing
Dune bashing is one of the most exhilarating parts of a desert safari. In a 4×4 vehicle, your skilled driver will navigate the rolling dunes, providing a thrilling roller-coaster-like ride across the desert. Private dune bashing sessions allow for a more tailored experience, adjusting the intensity based on your comfort level.
Tips for Dune Bashing:
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
- Keep your seatbelt fastened at all times
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions in advance
- Cultural Experiences in a Private Desert Safari
A private desert safari is not only about adventure; it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the UAE. Many safari packages include visits to Bedouin-style camps where you can experience traditional Arabian hospitality.
Highlights of Cultural Experiences:
- Henna Tattooing: Get intricate henna designs applied to your hands or feet.
- Falconry: Witness a live falconry demonstration, an ancient sport deeply rooted in Emirati culture.
- Camel Riding: Experience traditional desert transportation by riding camels across the dunes.
- Traditional Performances: Enjoy live performances such as belly and tanoura dancing, showcasing the region’s vibrant culture.
Private Desert Safari Photography
The Dubai desert is a photographer’s paradise. The ever-changing colours of the sand, the play of light and shadows, and the vast emptiness make it an ideal location for stunning photography. If you’re a photography enthusiast, booking a private desert safari ensures that you can take your time capturing the perfect shots without feeling rushed by group schedules.
Best Times for Photography:
- Golden Hour: Just before sunset, the light is soft and warm, perfect for dramatic shots of the dunes.
- Night Sky: The desert’s lack of light pollution provides an incredible opportunity for astrophotography and stargazing.
Wildlife Spotting
Though the desert may seem barren initially, it is home to various wildlife. On a private desert safari, you may have the opportunity to spot animals such as Arabian oryx, gazelles, and desert foxes. The early morning and late evening hours are the best times for wildlife viewing, as animals are more active during the cooler parts of the day.
Commonly Spotted Wildlife:
- Arabian Oryx: A symbol of conservation success in the UAE, the Arabian oryx can often be spotted in desert reserves.
- Desert Gazelle: These graceful creatures are a common sight in the desert.
- Desert Fox: If lucky, you may spot this elusive animal darting across the dunes.
Booking a Private Desert Safari
When booking a private desert safari in Dubai, several factors must be considered to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Choosing the Right Tour Operator:
- Reputation: Look for operators with excellent reviews and a track record of providing high-quality services.
- Customization Options: Ensure the operator offers the flexibility to tailor the safari to your preferences.
- Inclusions: Check what’s included in the package, such as meals, activities, and transportation.
- Safety Standards: Ensure that the vehicles used for dune bashing are well-maintained and that drivers are experienced and trained in desert driving.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time for a desert safari is during the cooler months, from October to April. During this period, temperatures are more manageable, making the experience more comfortable.
What to Bring:
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The desert sun can be intense, even in the evening.
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothes and bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.
- Camera: Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning desert landscapes.
Conclusion
A Dubai private desert safari offers an intimate and luxurious way to explore the desert. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, a private safari can be tailored to meet your desires. From dune bashing to camel riding and luxury dinners under the stars, a private desert safari provides a unique and unforgettable experience that will stay long after you leave the desert behind.
