Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing: Who It's For and What You Get
Most desert safari adverts show a 4x4 flying over a dune at a crazy angle. 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've got grandparents with you, a small baby or a sore back. Maybe you just don't like bumpy rides.
The good news is that you can still enjoy the desert. A desert safari without dune bashing gives you the sunset, the camel ride, the dinner and the shows, without the rollercoaster part. At Emirate Desert Safaris, guests ask us about it all the time.
What Is a Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing?
Instead of racing up and down the click here dunes, your driver takes a gentle, scenic route into the desert. You still get close to the red dunes, 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 families ask for when they want the fun without the jolts. No one feels left out, and no one ends up feeling unwell.
Is a Calm Safari Right for You?
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. A calm trip means you can enjoy a desert safari with kids without worrying.
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. Many of our older guests tell us it was the highlight of their holiday.
Expecting Mothers
Dune bashing is not recommended during pregnancy. If you're planning a desert safari during pregnancy, the calm version lets you enjoy the evening with peace of mind. Please check with your doctor first, and let us know when you book.
Anyone Who Gets Car Sick
If roller coasters aren't your thing, you're not alone. You can skip the bumps and still have a great night out.
How the Evening Goes
Pickup in the afternoon
We collect you from your hotel or home in the afternoon. You travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned car, and there's no rush to get anywhere.
Into the desert, gently
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
As the sun drops, you stop at a quiet spot to watch it go down. 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 camp, there's a short camel ride, henna and time to sit back with a drink. The buffet dinner has lots of choice, and the shows start once everyone has eaten. Drop-off is around 9 PM.
Why We Offer a Calm Safari
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. That didn't feel right. So we built a trip the whole family can enjoy, side by side.
The Heritage Option
If you want something with a story, book 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. There's no dune bashing at all. Instead, there's a falcon show and a traditional dinner. A vintage Land Rover safari is slow, scenic and full of character, and it's a favourite with couples and older guests.
The Camp
Our evenings take place at Marjan Desert Camp. The evening tour has separate facilities for men and women, which many families appreciate. You'll find low seating, soft lighting and plenty of space to relax. Dinner is a buffet, and the shows include a Tanoura dancer and a fire show on our VIP trips.
Sleeping in the Desert
If you'd like to see the desert at night and at sunrise, try our overnight Bedouin camp Dubai stay. You sleep in a Bedouin-style tent, look up at the stars and wake up for breakfast. It's quiet, relaxing and completely unhurried. Away from the city lights, the sky is full of stars, which kids find amazing. In the morning, the desert is cool and still, and it's a lovely time for a short walk before breakfast.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Desert
Is half your group after adventure while the other half wants calm? That happens a lot. Some can book the calm trip while others take a quad bike desert safari or a regular evening trip. 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.
Simple Tips
• In winter, pack a shawl or light jacket
• Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip off
• Bring any medicines you need for the evening
• Let us know about any mobility needs in advance
• Carry a small torch or use your phone light at night
Common Questions
Will we still see the dunes?
Yes. You drive through the dunes on a calm route and stop for sunset photos.
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 rather not ride, you can still take photos with the camels.
How long is the evening trip?
Pickup is in the afternoon, and drop-off is around 9 PM.
Is the trip suitable for limited mobility?
Let us know about 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, we offer pickup and drop-off, and our team is available 24/7.
Ready to Book?
A desert safari without dune bashing proves the desert is for everyone. Message Emirate Desert Safaris on WhatsApp at +971 50 991 2456, or send an email to [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.
