A Evening desert safari is the most favorite activity for exploring the Arabian dunes without having to spend a full day out of town. You drive on sand dunes, watch the sunset, and have your dinner under the stars. This guide will help you combine dunes with the best in Dubai cuisine and Burj Khalifa sightseeing in one amazing day.
What Is an Evening Desert Safari in Dubai?
Night Desert Safari is a half-day safari that occurs in the evening and ends after dinner hours. This safari begins with the pick-up by an operator from the hotel or residence of the customers, and then transports them to the safe desert area. It is an adventurous and cultural safari that gives the feel of being a great explorer of the past era.
This safari is a combination of adventure and culture and consists of off road safari, camel riding, photo stops, live entertainment, and barbecue dinner. Henna tattooing, Arabic coffee drinking with dates, and wearing traditional clothes are some of the things many people do in such a safari. Since it has been scheduled beforehand, it suits couples, families, and friends groups.
Why the Evening Is the Best Time to Go
Time plays a crucial part in the whole experience. The temperature in the desert in Dubai could be very high during the day, mostly between May and September. During the evening, however, the sun becomes milder, the sand becomes cooler, and everything is illuminated with golden light, making the trip more pleasant and taking amazing pictures possible.
Evening trips also have their own storyline. The adventure, the serene sunset, and dinner with live music make for the perfect combination of events with no need to rush anywhere.
Cooler Temperatures and Golden-Hour Light
October to April is the period when evenings are comfortable, even breezy, and therefore it is regarded as peak season. An evening session is much more comfortable even during summertime compared to a midday tour.
What Happens During the Tour, Step by Step
Being familiar with the timeline will allow you to appreciate all aspects of the activity. Despite there being differences in the way each one operates, the timeline will be consistent for the entire trip. Collection takes place within the time frame of 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and after that, your vehicle makes its way to the desert within 45 minutes.
The driver proceeds to release air from the tires as the vehicle makes its way into the desert sands in preparation for the dune bashing. 20 minutes down the line, the tour ends at a viewpoint whereby everyone disembarks and watches as the sun sets and takes photos of the spectacular scenery.
Later, you make your way to the camp where you get a chance to ride on a camel, try out sand boarding, learn how to paint with henna, lounge on cushions and whatever other activities that you wish. The evening continues with dinner and entertainment shows until night time when you go back to your hotel by 9:00 or 9:30 p.m.
What to Pack and Wear
A correct preparation process would help a lot with the evening being more pleasant. Desert climate changes very quickly, and therefore it is important to wear proper clothes. You need to get prepared with the help of the following list before leaving the hotel.
• Relaxed clothes of light colour made of cotton for a hot afternoon
• Light jacket or scarf because of the fall of the temperature after the sunset
• Sandals or shoes with straps for the desert
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat in the beginning of the travel
• Small backpack with a mobile phone, camera, and power bank
• Your personal medicine, especially against motion sickness
• Money in order to buy something extra like pictures, quad bikes, souvenirs, etc.
Do not take anything valuable with you because everything will be covered with sand. All electronic devices must be kept in a zip pouch.
Dune Bashing, Camel Rides, and Sand boarding
The most prominent activity at the campsite is called Dune Bashing. Expert drivers drive large 4x4s up and down hills and sideslip through the loose sand. It’s almost like riding a roller coaster without tracks. Some people enjoy it to the fullest extent, while others would be better off with less intensity.
Riding on camels is the next thing on our list. It is a leisurely ride perfect for those who would like something more mellow, especially kids. Sand boarding is an activity that can be mentioned too. You either sit or stand on a board and ride down a dune and walk back up.
Is Dune Bashing Safe?
Yes, in case you make your arrangements through a reputable company. The companies use good quality vehicles that are properly maintained by trained drivers and equipped with seat belts. You should always wear your seat belt, keep your hands inside the vehicle and follow your guide's directions.
Desert Camp Food and Entertainment
At first, the night becomes leisure time. The comfortable chairs, lamps, and carpeting will help to organize a Bedouin environment. The dinner will include roasted meat such as chicken and lamb, as well as dinner with kebabs, salads, hummus, rice, and dessert. The vegetarian menu may also be provided, but the order should be placed in advance. Soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee are traditionally free of charge. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine such as spiced rice, lentil soup, and dates.
Secondly, after dinner, it is necessary to rest. At first, Tanoura dance will be organized, and a dancer will be spinning in the skirt costume during several minutes. At second place, there will be a belly dance and fire show. It is possible to take a photo with a falcon and listen to the live music in all camps.
Visiting the Burj Khalifa Before Your Safari
Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure in the world. It is perfectly planned in the morning part of the day. Booking an elevator up to the top will take less time and it will be more convenient to see the view without clouds on the horizon. The At the Top tour takes about 90 minutes, so it is possible to get back to the hotel to have a rest before pickup.
After that, walk around the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains area. The fountains work only in the evening, but it is possible to spend some time in the area in daylight. Stay easy in the schedule since the desert pickup takes place between 3:00 and 3:30 PM, so there is no need to hurry.
In case of visiting Burj Khalifa at night, it is necessary to swap the plan. Go for the safari in the evening and climb up to the observation deck at sunset on another day. In any case, it is necessary to book both tours in advance.
How to Book the Right Desert Safari Dubai Package
The perfect deal eliminates stress. When choosing to go for a desert safari Dubai tour with a reputable local company, you have assured pricing, reliable transportation and back-up in case your plans have changed. Before you make your payment, find out whether your tour operator has licensed cars, English speaking guides, inclusion and accurate reviews.
Get information on the inclusion offered by the various deals available. Inquire if hotel pickup, beverages, vegetarian food, and discounts for children are included in your package. Reputable operators respond promptly and in written form. Lastly, establish your total price after all taxes and extras to be included.
Where to Eat Around Downtown Dubai
The second half of the enjoyment here is food. In the vicinity of the Burj Khalifa, you may have everything ranging from food court dining to fancy places which have views of the fountain. You can try some dishes such as a mezze plate consisting of hummus and falafel for lunch or even some shawarma at an inexpensive restaurant.
Also try the Emirate dishes. Mach-boos, which is a rice dish with chicken or lamb served with spices and luqaimat, which are fried dough balls with dates syrup.
Safety, Health, and Etiquette Tips
Safety can easily be ensured when a few guidelines are kept in mind. The person should make sure that he/she drinks a lot of water throughout the day no matter how fine he/she feels. One should always wear the seat belt. One should dress suitably in accordance with the culture of the location. One should always take permission from the other people before clicking pictures of them. Littering is not allowed because the desert is an extremely sensitive ecosystem.
Who Should Skip the Dune Drive?
Pregnant women, individuals suffering from back or neck injuries, and heart patients should not indulge in dune bashing. Babies are also advised against participating in this activity. Most providers provide a facility for people to join the camp only to make sure that everybody gets involved. Consult your doctor if you have doubts and inform the provider regarding your health condition.
Final Tips for an Unforgettable Evening
Book ahead during the peak season months especially on holidays and weekends. Always find out whether there will be any chances of having windy weather or any dust storms that may result in poor visibility and hence may require some modification in the route. Get information about the refund policies prior to paying for the activity. Look at the recent reviews rather than the older ones. Above all, always have an open mind.
The experience in the dunes is not limited to the ride only. It is a combination of thrill, culture, food, and silence. With proper preparation, you will end up with beautiful photos, unique experiences, and the understanding of the reasons why this is one of the most sought-after activities in Dubai.
