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
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Most desert safari adverts show a 4x4 flying over a dune at a crazy angle. That's great for some people. But plenty of people don't want to bounce around in a car for half an hour. Maybe you're travelling with grandparents, a baby or a bad back. Or maybe you simply hate bumpy rides.
The good news is that you can still enjoy the desert. A desert safari without dune bashing keeps the sunset, the camels, the dinner and the shows, and skips the rollercoaster. At Emirate Desert Safaris, guests ask us about it all the time.
What Happens on a Calm Safari?
Instead of racing up and down the dunes, your driver takes a gentle, scenic route into the desert. You still see the red dunes up close, and there's still a sunset stop. Then you head to the camp for the same evening as everyone else: a camel ride, henna, dinner and live shows.
It's the calm desert safari Dubai visitors ask for when they want the experience without the stress. Nobody feels left out, and nobody feels sick.
Who Should Choose This Trip?
Families With Young Children
A family desert safari Dubai trip should be fun for everyone, including the youngest. 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.
Seniors and Older Travellers
A desert safari for seniors needs to be comfortable. A smooth drive, good seating and easy access more info to the facilities make all the difference. Many of our older guests tell us it was the highlight of their holiday.
Expecting Mothers
Doctors don't recommend dune bashing for pregnant women. If you're thinking about a desert safari during pregnancy, the calm option lets you join the evening safely. Please check with your doctor first, and let us know when you book.
People Who Hate Bumpy Rides
If roller coasters aren't your thing, you're not alone. You can skip the bumps and still have a great night out.
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
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.
Sunset
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.
Why This Trip Exists
We kept hearing the same thing from guests. Families would book a safari, and then one person would stay at the hotel because they couldn't handle the bumps. Grandparents missed out, and so did parents with babies. That didn't feel right. So we built a trip the whole family can enjoy, side by side.
The Heritage Option
For something a little different, try 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. It involves no dune bashing at all. Instead, you get a falcon show and a traditional dinner. A vintage Land Rover safari is slow, scenic and full of character, and it's a favourite with couples and older guests.
Where You'll Spend the Evening
Your evening is spent 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.
Stay the Night
For a slower pace, our overnight Bedouin camp Dubai stay is ideal. You stay in a Bedouin-style tent, enjoy the stars and have breakfast in the morning. 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.
Mixing Calm and Adventure
Travelling with a mixed group? That's very common. Some can book the calm trip while others take a quad bike desert safari or a regular evening trip. Everyone ends up 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
• Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip off
• Pack any medicines you might need
• Let us know about any mobility needs in advance
• Carry a small torch or use your phone light at night
Quick Answers
Will we still see the 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 rather not ride, you can still take photos with the camels.
What time do we get back?
We collect you in the afternoon and drop you back at about 9 PM.
Can someone in a wheelchair join?
Please tell us about any mobility needs when you book, and we'll arrange the car and seating to suit.
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.
Is hotel pickup included?
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]. 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.
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