Dubai, known for its stunning skyline and luxurious lifestyle, offers a unique experience beyond the city’s skyscrapers – the Morning Desert Safari. This adventure is perfect for early risers who want to experience the serene beauty of the Arabian desert at sunrise. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this exhilarating excursion.
Table of Contents
- What is a Morning Desert Safari?
- Why Choose a Morning Desert Safari in Dubai?
- Highlights of the Morning Desert Safari
- Types of Desert Safari Packages
- Activities Included in the Morning Desert Safari
- Dune Bashing
- Sandboarding
- Camel Riding
- Quad Biking
- Best Time for a Morning Desert Safari
- How to Prepare for the Safari
- Morning Desert Safari with Breakfast
- Safety Considerations for a Desert Safari
- What to Wear for a Desert Safari
- Benefits of a Morning Safari Over an Evening Safari
- Cost of a Morning Desert Safari in Dubai
- What to Expect: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for Capturing Stunning Desert Photos
- Booking Your Morning Desert Safari: What to Look For
1. What is a Morning Desert Safari?
A Morning Desert Safari is an outdoor adventure that takes you to the heart of Dubai’s deserts during the early hours of the day. As the sun rises over the golden dunes, you can experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and more. It’s a refreshing alternative to the evening safaris, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a quieter, cooler experience.
2. Why Choose a Morning Desert Safari in Dubai?
The morning desert safari offers a cooler and calmer experience, ideal for those who want to escape the midday heat. You also get to enjoy:
- Stunning sunrise views over the desert.
- Smaller crowds, allowing for a more personal experience.
- A chance to enjoy desert activities at their best in the soft morning light.
3. Highlights of the Morning Desert Safari
- Dune Bashing: Ride across the dunes in a 4×4 vehicle for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
- Camel Ride: Get a taste of traditional Bedouin culture by riding a camel across the desert.
- Sandboarding: Surf the dunes on a sandboard, a unique desert activity.
- Quad Biking: Enjoy the thrill of riding a quad bike over the sandy landscape.
4. Types of Desert Safari Packages
Most tour operators offer different morning safari packages to suit various preferences. These can range from basic tours that include dune bashing and camel rides to premium packages with quad biking, sandboarding, and a traditional breakfast in the desert.
5. Activities Included in the Morning Desert Safari
Dune Bashing
The most exciting part of any desert safari, dune bashing involves driving a 4×4 vehicle across the dunes at high speeds, creating a roller-coaster-like experience. It’s both thrilling and scenic, offering panoramic views of the desert.
Sandboarding
If you love adventure sports, you’ll enjoy sandboarding down the steep dunes. It’s similar to snowboarding but on sand and offers a great opportunity for fun and excitement.
Camel Riding
For a more relaxed activity, hop onto a camel and take a camel ride through the desert. This gives you a glimpse into the traditional means of transportation used by the Bedouins.
Quad Biking
Some packages also include quad biking, allowing you to drive a four-wheeled bike through the desert. It’s a thrilling way to explore the dunes at your own pace.
6. Best Time for a Morning Desert Safari
The ideal time for a morning desert safari is between 6 AM and 9 AM when the temperature is cool, and the desert is quiet. The early hours also offer breathtaking views of the sunrise, creating the perfect backdrop for your adventure.
7. How to Prepare for the Safari
To make the most of your morning desert safari, here are a few tips:
- Stay hydrated: Bring water with you to stay refreshed during the tour.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Even in the morning, the sun can be intense. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Light clothing: Opt for loose, comfortable clothing to stay cool.
8. Morning Desert Safari with Breakfast
Many premium safari packages include a traditional Arabic breakfast after your activities. You can enjoy fresh dates, Arabic coffee, and a variety of local delicacies in a Bedouin-style camp, enhancing the overall experience.
9. Safety Considerations for a Desert Safari
The morning desert safari is safe for all ages, but it’s important to follow safety guidelines:
- Dune bashing may not be suitable for pregnant women or individuals with heart conditions.
- Always wear your seatbelt during dune bashing.
- Listen to your guide’s instructions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
10. What to Wear for a Desert Safari
When dressing for the morning safari, opt for:
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from the hot sand.
- Sunglasses and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.
11. Benefits of a Morning Safari Over an Evening Safari
While evening safaris offer camp experiences and belly dancing shows, the morning desert safari is perfect for:
- Smaller crowds, leading to a more peaceful experience.
- Cooler temperatures, especially during the summer months.
- Better opportunities for sunrise photography.
12. Cost of a Morning Desert Safari in Dubai
The cost of a morning desert safari varies based on the package you choose. Basic packages start at around AED 150 per person, while premium options that include quad biking and breakfast can cost up to AED 400.
13. What to Expect: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Pick-up from your hotel early in the morning.
- Dune bashing session in a 4×4 vehicle.
- Optional activities such as sandboarding, camel riding, or quad biking.
- Drop-off at your hotel after the tour, typically by 10 AM.
14. Tips for Capturing Stunning Desert Photos
- Early morning light is perfect for photography, offering soft lighting and fewer harsh shadows.
- Use the golden hour to capture stunning landscape shots of the dunes.
- Experiment with wide-angle lenses to emphasize the vastness of the desert.
15. Booking Your Morning Desert Safari: What to Look For
When booking your morning desert safari, consider the following:
- Reputation of the tour operator.
- Inclusions in the package (dune bashing, camel riding, etc.).
- Duration of the tour and whether hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
Conclusion
A Morning Desert Safari in Dubai is an extraordinary way to explore the beauty of the Arabian desert. Whether you’re seeking adventure with dune bashing and quad biking or prefer the tranquility of a camel ride at sunrise, this experience offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to capture the magic of the desert in the early morning hours and create memories that will last a lifetime.