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've got grandparents with you, a small baby or a sore back. Maybe you just don't like bumpy rides.
The good news is that you can still enjoy 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 see the red dunes up close, and there's still a sunset stop. 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. No one feels left out, and no one ends up feeling unwell.
Is a Calm Safari Right for You?
Parents With Little Ones
On a family desert safari Dubai trip, the smallest guests matter too. Small children often don't enjoy steep dune drives, and babies shouldn't do them. 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 gentle drive, a proper seat at the camp and easy access to the facilities make a big difference. Lots of older guests say it ended up being their favourite part of the trip.
Guests Who Are Pregnant
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. Please check with your doctor first, and let us know when you book.
Anyone Who Gets Car Sick
If roller coasters aren't your thing, you're not alone. Skip the bumps and still enjoy a great evening.
What Your Evening Looks Like
Pickup in the afternoon
We collect you from your hotel or home in the afternoon. The car is comfortable and air-conditioned, and there's no hurry at all.
Into the desert, gently
After the city, the driver takes a smooth route across the sand. The dunes rise up around you, and you may spot camels or birds on the way. Just ask, and the driver will stop for photos.
Sunset
When the sun starts to set, you stop somewhere quiet to watch. The sand turns from gold to a deep red. It's peaceful, and for many guests it's the best part of the evening.
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 start once everyone has eaten. You're dropped back at your hotel by around 9 PM.
The Idea Behind It
For years, we heard the same comment 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. That didn't feel right. So we built a trip the whole family can enjoy, side by side.
The Heritage Option
If you want something with a story, book 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
Our evenings take place at Marjan Desert Camp. The evening tour has separate facilities for men and women, which many families find helpful. 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.
Sleeping in the Desert
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 very peaceful, and there's no rush at all. With no city lights around, you can see so many stars, and children are usually amazed. Mornings in the desert are cool and quiet, perfect for a slow walk before breakfast.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Desert
Travelling with a mixed group? That's very common. Some of you can take the calm trip while others go for the quad bikes or a regular evening safari. Everyone meets at the same camp for dinner. You can also book a private 4x4 with flexible timing, a VIP trip with a luxury transfer, or a VIP Hummer trip with a private camp and waiter service.
Tips for a Comfortable Trip
• Bring a light jacket or shawl in winter
• Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip off
• Bring any medicines you need for the evening
• Tell us about mobility needs when you book
• Use your phone light if you walk around the camp after dark
Common Questions
Do we still get to see the big dunes?
Yes. You drive through the dunes on a calm route and stop for sunset photos.
Can older guests ride a camel?
It's a short, gentle ride, and our team helps you get 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.
Is the trip suitable for limited mobility?
Let us know about mobility needs when you book, and we'll plan the car and seating around click here 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.
Ready to Book?
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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