Most desert safari adverts show a 4x4 flying over a dune at a crazy angle. That's great for some people. 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. Or maybe you simply hate bumpy rides.
Here's the good news: you can still have a great time in 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, it's one of the trips we're asked about most.
How Does a Calm Safari Work?
Instead of racing up and down the dunes, your driver takes a gentle, scenic route into the desert. You still see the red dunes up close, and you still stop to watch the sunset. 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. No one feels left out, and no one ends up feeling unwell.
Who Should Choose This Trip?
Parents With Little Ones
A family desert safari Dubai trip should be fun for everyone, including the youngest. Toddlers often don't like steep dune drives, and they aren't suitable for babies. A calm trip means you can enjoy a desert safari with kids without worrying.
Seniors and Older Travellers
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
Doctors don't recommend dune bashing for pregnant women. 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
Not a fan of roller coasters? Plenty of people aren't. Skip the bumps and still enjoy a great evening.
A Calm Evening, Step by Step
Afternoon pickup
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.
A scenic drive into the desert
Once you leave the city, the driver follows an easy route through the sand. The dunes rise up around you, and you may spot camels or birds on the way. The driver is happy to stop for photos whenever you like.
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.
Evening at camp
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 begin after dinner. You're dropped back at your hotel by around 9 PM.
The Idea Behind It
For years, we heard the same comment from guests. A family would book a safari, and someone always stayed behind because the ride was too rough. Grandparents missed out, and so did new mums. That didn't feel right. So we created a version of the trip that everyone in the family can enjoy together.
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. 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.
Where You'll Spend the Evening
Our evenings take place at Marjan Desert Camp. There are separate facilities for men and women on the evening tour, which many families find helpful. There's click here comfortable seating, warm lighting and lots of space. Dinner is a buffet, and the shows include a Tanoura dancer and a fire show on our VIP trips.
Stay the Night
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. 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.
Mixing Calm and Adventure
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 ends up at the same camp for dinner. We also offer private 4x4s with flexible timing, VIP trips with a luxury transfer and VIP Hummer trips with a private camp and waiter service.
Before You Go
• 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
• Use your phone light if you walk around the camp after dark
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we still see the dunes?
Yes. You drive through the dunes on a calm route and stop for sunset photos.
Can older guests ride a camel?
The camel ride is short and gentle, and staff help you on and off. If you'd rather not ride, you can still take photos with the camels.
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 plan the car and seating around them.
Can part of our group do dune bashing?
Yes. Part of the group can take a regular trip, the rest go the calm way, and everyone meets at camp.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, we offer pickup and drop-off, and our team is available 24/7.
Plan Your Trip With Us
The desert really is for everyone, and a desert safari without dune bashing proves it. WhatsApp the Emirate Desert Safaris team on +971 50 991 2456, or send an email to [email protected]. Let us know who's in your group, and we'll recommend the right trip. All our trips are listed at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
