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The Ultimate Guide to a Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi: What to Expect

Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi

By Shane DeboisPublished about a year ago 4 min read

Abu Dhabi’s surrounding desert is a vast, sprawling golden beauty replete with the perfect dose of adventure and rich culture, and a great place to start with a desert safari. The desert surrounding Abu Dhabi is not only a place that can be viewed through the eyes of heritage and beauty but also with the prospect of thrill and excitement. A complete guide is provided below to help you understand further how you should plan your desert safari.

Starting the Desert Safari

Abu Dhabi is home to several hotels that make it easier to navigate if a desert safari in Abu Dhabi is at the top of the bucket list. Depending on the specifications provided, there are a variety of tour operators on offer, and each one uses air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles for better off-road driving. Leaving the city behind as a vast desert compliments the eye and gives a sense of inner peace and beauty. The drive towards the desert is an amazing compliment, allowing you to view the contrast between the city and the desert sand.

Dune Bashing: An Out-of-this-World Adventure

Dune bashing is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can enjoy during your desert safari. Qualified drivers will take you for a spin over the hills while demonstrating their incredible dexterity on the sand. After this, roller coasters will feel very boring. Expect sharp left and right turns, rapid descents and being suspended in the air. Dune bashing is for nut cases only, but I can assure you those who are insane will love it.

To partake in this thrilling experience, you will use a specially built vehicle with safety measures that can perform well on sand. You have to ensure that all parties involved are quite safe, thus making it ideal to keep your seatbelt on and quickly strap in to relish the exhilarating rush of this one-of-a-kind desert adventure.

Appreciating the Unrushed Warmth of the Camel Rides

Among several thrilling outdoor activities to try during a desert safari, it goes without mentioning the wholesome experience of riding a camel as part of the session, considering these intriguing animals are considered the ships of the desert and have served the inhabitants of this area for a considerable period, once on a top of one, it feels as though you are intimately in touch with the desert and everything it entails. It is a soothing shift from the excitement of dune bashing, which is always the case, as the camels walk steadily and rhythmically at a harmonious pace.

Usually, a guide will join you on your desert safari and complain about the significance of these camels in the desert lifestyle; during the ride, people of all ages usually appreciate the activity greatly, so it is quite suitable for a desert safari.

The Striking Colour Combinations of The Desert

And just like that, the day comes to an end just as the sun is about to set; when dusk begins to set, the desert exhibits one of its best features, which is quite simply one of the remarkable sights of the desert, which is watching a sunset, the amalgamation of vitiated colours such as orange red pink and purple resulting into conjuring creating on the sky painting. The memory of standing on a dune while the sun sinks behind the horizon lasts.

Many safaris coordinate their schedules so that this experience can be easier for the tourists, so as many opportunities as there are for plenty of stunning photographs to be taken, there is even more room for simply making amazing memories instead.

Dinner at the Shimmering Night Sky

Entertainment and food options become available when night falls to improve the safari experience. In a bedouin camp setting, a buffet with local and international foods including grilled meats and fresh salads alongside traditional desserts, such as baklava, would be served; there is always something appetizing on the menu for men and women alike.

Dinner service is seldom without entertainment, with belly dancing and Tanoura shows most often being performed alongside meals. The Tanoura dance is a fascinating mix of skirt twirling and dancing, executed by an extremely skilled dancer. If you would like to have a more peaceful time, shisha lounges will allow you to spend your evening relaxing under the desert night sky while smoking flavored tobacco.

Gazing at Stargazing: One With the Universe

Venturing away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the desert is a great location for stargazing, which is usually impossible in more populated areas. An unobstructed view of the night sky displaying many stars will be a beautiful end to any safari experience. Some tours have even gone to the extent of providing telescopes or booking guided tours to view the stars, making the experience much more enjoyable. The peaceful environment and the dark sky create a breathtaking moment during the evening.

Tips to Consider Before Going for a Desert Safari

For a desert safari, make sure you prepare accordingly. You should always wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and also closed shoes for the sandals. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are also a must to protect yourself from the Sun. Most tours provide water, but carrying a smaller bottle of your own is always safer.

If you get motion sickness quite often, particularly during dune bashing, make it a point to take precautionary measures earlier on. Also, ask your tour operator if the package includes particular activities you want to indulge in.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari is more of an excursion; it’s an experience of the likes of which few habitats have, venturing into the far reaches of the Arabian desert and its aesthetic charm. From heart-pumping activities to quiet moments under the blanket of twinkling stars, everything about the safari is designed to provide the best views of unparalleled scenery.

Whether you are a daredevil, a lover of culture or just want to take a break from the buzz of city life, the experience stays with you even after the ample amount of sand has settled down.

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