metrodubai
November 8, 2016
When I first heard about desert safari in Dubai, I honestly thought it was just one of those touristy things people normally add to their checklist. You know the type. Something you do once, take a few photos and then move on. I even remember telling myself “It’s probably just a drive in the sand and a camel ride or two.”
I was wrong. So, so wrong. What I thought would be just a casual trip turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences of my trip. I laughed a lot, screamed a lot and also felt surprisingly relaxed. A desert safari in Dubai isn’t just a fun ride. It’s an adventure that makes you feel alive, gets your heart racing and leaves you staring in wonder at the endless desert around you.
Let me take you through exactly what happens during a desert safari in Dubai and why it’s 100% worth it, step by step.
The adventure starts when your driver picks you up in a massive 4×4. From the moment you climb in it feels kind of like you’re in an action movie already. Windows down, warm desert air brushing your face and that little thrill building inside you.
The scenery started to change dramatically as we left the city behind. The skyscrapers faded, roads became less busy and slowly, the concrete turned into golden sand. Dunes stretched in every direction, rising and falling like waves frozen in time. At some point I realized we had completely left the city behind. We weren’t just driving. We were entering a whole new world.
There’s a certain magic in that transition. You go from honking cars and traffic lights to silence, save for the faint whoosh of wind over sand. Even the air smells different. Dry, warm and somehow pure. It’s in these moments that you start feeling the real essence of a desert safari in Dubai.
Then came dune bashing, which I’ll admit, I had absolutely no idea what it would feel like. Our driver didn’t hold back at all. He flew over dunes, turned sharply, slid down steep slopes and I swear there were moments where my stomach lifted entirely off my seat. It was like being on a roller coaster but with sand, sky and nothing else around.
I couldn’t stop laughing and my friend was screaming non-stop. And somehow amidst all the chaos it was hilarious. There’s this strange joy in the unpredictability. One second you’re climbing a huge dune and the next you’re sliding down at full speed.
And for anyone worried. It’s way safer than it feels. The drivers know the desert like the back of their hand. Every turn, slide and bounce is calculated so you get the thrill without the real danger. By the end of it I was dizzy, grinning from ear to ear and already excited for the next part of the safari.
After all the dune madness it’s time to slow things down a bit. A few camels are usually waiting nearby, looking calm and patient as if they’ve seen it all before. Climbing onto one is a little awkward at first. I won’t lie. But once you settle in it’s a surprisingly peaceful experience.
Riding a camel slowly across the sand is almost meditative. There’s no noise, no phone signals, no rush. Just the sway of the camel, the crunch of sand underfoot and the gentle desert breeze. In that moment the desert doesn’t feel harsh or empty. It feels grounding, calm and almost therapeutic after the high energy dune bashing.
Honestly there’s something about a camel ride that makes you feel connected to the land. You look around and realize the desert has been here for thousands of years, unchanged, vast and beautiful. And all of a sudden your small city problems feel… tiny.
In Dubai, when I first heard about desert safari tours, I honestly thought it was just one of those touristy things people normally add to their checklist. You know the type. Something you do once, take a few photos and then move on. I even remember telling myself “It’s probably just a drive in the sand and a camel ride or two.”
I was wrong. So, so wrong. What I thought would be just a casual trip turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences of my trip. I laughed a lot, screamed a lot and also felt surprisingly relaxed. A desert safari in Dubai isn’t just a fun ride. It’s an adventure that makes you feel alive, gets your heart racing and leaves you staring in wonder at the endless desert around you.
Let me take you through exactly what happens during a desert safari in Dubai and why it’s 100% worth it, step by step.
Hands down the desert sunset is something else entirely. You know those cliché travel posts where someone’s standing dramatically in front of the sunset? Well, I became that person and I didn’t even care.
As the sun sank behind the dunes, the sky transformed in a way that felt unreal. Gold turned to orange, then pink and finally a soft, dreamy purple. The sand glowed and for a few minutes everyone around went quiet. We didn’t take photos. We just stared.
Sunsets during a desert safari in Dubai aren’t just pretty. They’re almost spiritual. It’s one of those rare moments where time seems to pause, and you realize why people keep coming back to the desert. I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I was to witness it firsthand.
Once the sun disappeared behind the dunes, we moved to a desert camp and let me tell you – it’s like stepping into a movie scene. Cozy cushions, warm lanterns, soft music and the smell of grilled meat in the air. It’s inviting, comforting and a little magical all at once.
At the camp, we got henna tattoos and tried on traditional Emirati outfits. Dinner was a massive buffet. Grilled kebabs, rice, hummus and desserts I couldn’t pronounce but definitely enjoyed. There’s something special about sharing food in the desert under the stars—it feels communal yet intimate.
After dinner the entertainment began. A belly dancer swirled around, a guy performed a fire show that had everyone gasping and the hypnotic Tanura dance made you want to spin along. It’s hard to explain but you feel like you’re part of a story. A story that only a desert safari in Dubai can tell.
Here are some tips I wish I knew before my first desert safari in Dubai:
I’d call this section “Tips to Enjoy Your Desert Safari in Dubai Like a Pro” because following these makes a huge difference in your experience.
A desert safari in Dubai isn’t just another touristy thing to tick off your list. It’s a proper adventure. From the thrill of dune bashing to the calm of camel rides, from watching jaw-dropping sunsets to enjoying camp entertainment, every moment is designed to create memories.
Even if you’ve lived in Dubai for years or it’s your first visit, a desert safari in Dubai is something that stays with you. It’s laughter, adrenaline, calm, culture and food all rolled into one evening. And the best part? You can relive it through photos, stories and that feeling in your chest when you remember standing in the middle of endless golden sand, staring at a sunset that looks almost unreal.
So if you haven’t experienced a desert safari in Dubai yet then stop waiting. Book a desert safari in Dubai and go and make memories you’ll never forget.
Metro Travels is a leading travel agency in Dubai details with visa, ticketing, inbound & outbound tour packages.
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