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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If you look at most safari ads, you'll see a 4x4 tipping over a giant dune. That's great for some people. But not everyone wants to be thrown around in the back of a car. Maybe you've got grandparents with you, a small baby or a sore 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 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.
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 get close to the red dunes, and there's still a sunset stop. Then you head to the camp for the same evening as everyone else: 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 Is This Trip For?
Parents With Little Ones
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. With a calm trip, you can enjoy a desert safari with kids and relax.
Grandparents and Older Guests
Any desert safari for seniors has to put comfort first. 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.
Guests Who Are Pregnant
Dune bashing is not recommended during pregnancy. 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
Not a fan of roller coasters? Plenty of people aren't. Skip the bumps and still enjoy a great evening.
A Calm Evening, Step by Step
Afternoon pickup
We collect you from your hotel or home in the afternoon. The car is comfortable and air-conditioned, and there's no rush to get anywhere.
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.
Dinner and shows
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. You're dropped back at your hotel by around 9 PM.
Why We Offer a Calm Safari
For years, we heard the same comment 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 new mums. We didn't think that was fair. So we built a trip the whole family can enjoy, side by side.
A Step Back in Time
If you want something with a story, book 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. There's 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 it's a favourite with couples and older guests.
Where You'll Spend the Evening
Our evenings take place at Marjan Desert Camp. There are separate facilities for men and women on the evening tour, which many families appreciate. 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 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. 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 of you can take the calm trip Family Desert Safari Dubai 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.
Simple Tips
• In winter, pack a shawl or light jacket
• Choose comfy shoes you can slip off on the sand
• Pack any medicines you might need
• Let us know about any mobility needs in advance
• Use your phone light if you walk around the camp after dark
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.
Can older guests ride a camel?
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.
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 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, 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. WhatsApp the Emirate Desert Safaris team on +971 50 991 2456, or email [email protected]. Tell us who's coming, and we'll suggest the best trip for your group. All our trips are listed at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
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