If you look at most safari ads, you'll see a 4x4 tipping over a giant dune. For some guests, that's the best part. But plenty of people don't want to bounce around in a car for half an hour. Maybe you're travelling with grandparents, a here baby or a bad back. Maybe you just don't like bumpy rides.
Here's the good news: you can still have a great time in the desert. A desert safari without dune bashing keeps the sunset, the camels, the dinner and the shows, and skips the rollercoaster. At Emirate Desert Safaris, it's one of the trips we're asked about most.
What Is a Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing?
Your driver takes a slow, scenic route across the sand instead of racing over the dunes. You still see the red dunes up close, and there's still a sunset stop. After that, you go to the camp and enjoy the same evening as every other guest: dinner, shows, henna and a camel ride.
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 Should Choose This Trip?
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
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
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.
People Who Hate Bumpy Rides
Not a fan of roller coasters? Plenty of people aren't. You can skip the bumps and still have a great night out.
What Your Evening Looks Like
Pickup in the afternoon
Our driver picks you up from your hotel or home in the afternoon. The car is comfortable and air-conditioned, and there's no hurry at all.
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. Just ask, and the driver will stop for photos.
Sunset
When the sun starts to set, you stop somewhere quiet to watch. The sand turns from gold to a deep red. It's peaceful, and for many guests it's the best part of the evening.
Dinner and shows
At the camp, you can try a short camel ride, get henna and relax with tea or a soft drink. The buffet dinner has lots of choice, and the shows start once everyone has eaten. Drop-off is around 9 PM.
The Idea Behind It
We kept hearing the same thing 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 created a version of the trip that everyone in the family can enjoy together.
Heritage Desert Safari Dubai
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.
Marjan Desert Camp
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.
Stay the Night
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. With no city lights around, you can see so many stars, and children are usually amazed. In the morning, the desert is cool and still, and it's a lovely time for a short walk before breakfast.
If Some of Your Group Want Speed
Travelling with a mixed group? That's very common. Some of you can take the calm trip 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.
Before You Go
• 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we still get to see the big dunes?
Yes. The route goes through the dunes, and you stop to watch the sunset.
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 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?
Please tell us about any mobility needs when you book, and we'll arrange the car and seating to suit.
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, pickup and drop-off are available, and you can reach us 24/7.
Book a Calm Desert Trip
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. You can also see all our trips at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
