My Unforgettable Desert Safari in Dubai

Last December, during my trip to the UAE, I experienced something I will never forget — a desert safari in Dubai. I had heard a lot about it before, but living the moment was something else. This was not just a ride in the sand; it was a day full of emotions, beauty, and discovery.

I had booked the safari through a tour company recommended by a friend. The driver picked us up from our hotel around 3 PM in a 4x4 Land Cruiser. His name was Khalid, a friendly man with a warm smile and great driving skills. As we left the tall buildings of Dubai behind, the city slowly disappeared into the golden horizon.

After about 45 minutes of driving, we reached the edge of the desert. The landscape changed from roads to endless sand dunes. The moment we entered the desert, everything felt different. The air was pure, the silence was peaceful, and the view was breathtaking.

If you're planning your own adventure, I highly recommend booking through Dubai Adventure Plus — they made the whole experience smooth, safe, and truly enjoyable. Before starting the dune bashing, Khalid stopped the car and deflated the tires for better grip. Then the real fun began.

The Thrill of Dune Bashing

The ride was like a roller coaster, but in the middle of the desert. Khalid was skilled — he drove up and down the tall dunes with great control. At times, the car tilted so much that I thought we would flip over, but we never did. I laughed, screamed, and held on tight. My heart was racing, but I loved every second. Everyone in the car was shouting with excitement. Even though we were strangers at the start, we became like friends by the end of the ride. That’s the magic of shared adventures.

We stopped at a high dune to take photos. The sun was starting to set, painting the sky with orange, pink, and gold. I stood on the sand, barefoot, feeling the warmth of the ground and the cold of the breeze. It was so quiet that I could hear my own heartbeat. I took a deep breath and felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time — peace.

The Desert Camp Experience

After the sunset, Khalid drove us to the desert camp. It looked like a small village in the middle of nowhere, built with tents and carpets. As we entered, we were welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates. The camp was decorated with colorful lights, and the smell of grilled food filled the air.

There were many activities to enjoy. I tried camel riding first. It felt a bit strange at first, but the view from the top of the camel was amazing. I also tried sandboarding, which was like snowboarding but on sand. I fell a few times, but it was all part of the fun.

There were henna artists, a shisha corner, and souvenir shops. I sat down on a carpet with a cup of tea, watching families, couples, and solo travelers — all enjoying the same desert magic.

Dinner and Desert Nights

The dinner was a buffet with delicious Middle Eastern food — kebabs, rice, salads, and sweets. I filled my plate twice. As we ate, the entertainment began.

A belly dancer took the stage, followed by a Tanoura dancer who spun non-stop in a colorful costume. The fire show at the end left everyone speechless. The performers were brave and talented. The crowd clapped, cheered, and took videos. But my favorite moment was lying on the sand after dinner, looking at the stars. There were no city lights, so the sky was full of stars like I had never seen before. I forgot about my phone, my job, my worries. In that moment, I felt small but also full of life.

The Ride Back

At around 9 PM, we headed back to the city. I was tired but happy. My clothes were a little sandy, and my cheeks were sore from smiling. As I looked back at the desert through the car window, I knew I had experienced something special. The desert is not just sand. It is a place of peace, beauty, and adventure. It made me feel alive.

Final Thoughts

If you ever visit Dubai, don’t miss the desert safari. It’s more than just a tourist activity. It’s a journey — one that touches your heart and stays with you forever. I came back with photos, yes, but also with memories, emotions, and a deep respect for the beauty of nature.