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
Most desert safari adverts show a 4x4 flying over a dune at a crazy angle. That's great for some people. 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.
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, guests ask us about it all the time.
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. 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 Is This Trip For?
Families With Young Children
A family desert safari Dubai trip should be fun for everyone, including the youngest. Small children often don't enjoy steep dune drives, and babies shouldn't do them. With a calm trip, you can enjoy a desert safari with kids and relax.
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 thinking about a desert safari during pregnancy, the calm option lets you join the evening safely. Always check with your own doctor first, and tell us when you book.
Anyone Who Gets Car Sick
Not a fan of roller coasters? Plenty of people aren't. You can skip the bumps and still have a great night out.
How the Evening Goes
Afternoon pickup
We collect you from your hotel or home in the afternoon. You travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned car, and there's no hurry at all.
Into the desert, gently
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. Just ask, and the driver will stop for photos.
The sunset stop
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.
Evening at camp
At camp, there's a short camel ride, henna and time to sit back with a drink. The buffet dinner has lots of choice, and the shows begin after dinner. Drop-off is 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.
A Step Back in Time
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 couples and older guests love it.
The Camp
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. There's comfortable seating, warm lighting and lots of space. Dinner is served buffet style, and VIP evenings include Tanoura and fire shows.
Sleeping in the Desert
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 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.
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. You can also book a private 4x4 with flexible timing, a VIP trip with a luxury transfer, or website a VIP Hummer trip 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
Do we still get to see the big dunes?
Yes. You drive through the dunes on a calm route and stop for sunset photos.
Is the camel ride safe for older guests?
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.
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. Some can join a regular trip while the rest take the calm route, and you all meet at camp.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, we offer pickup and drop-off, and our team is available 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]. Let us know who's in your group, and we'll recommend the right trip. All our trips are listed at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
Report this page