When you are in Dubai with all the glistening skyscrapers and surrounded by luxury it’s easy to forget how close you are to the desert. But it is something Mr B and I wanted to tick off our list when we were visiting so we booked a desert safari which included dune bashing and an evening in the desert with a barbecue and traditional entertainment.
We were picked up from our hotel in a beautifully air conditioned 4×4 (thankfully, as it reached over 43 degrees when we were in the desert) and during the drive we could see the skyscrapers getting smaller and the land in the distance becoming yellower!
Before the dune bashing and while our guide was letting air out of the tyres to allow for the change in terrain we were allowed some free time to explore. The first thing Mr B and I noticed was how quiet and peaceful it was and after leaving the hustle and bustle of the city you could really tell the difference.
The landscape was simply stunning and it was nice to have time to take it all in and enjoy our surroundings.
We were then back in our 4×4 for the dune bashing and I didn’t quite realise what a roller-coaster journey this would be! It was really fun and exhilarating. It wasn’t the speed as we didn’t go too fast, but going up the huge sand dunes and coming down them at some very precarious angles. It certainly made you hold on tight! It really is something you have to experience for yourself.
We then had another rest stop which I needed to get my heart rate back to normal! This stop was perfect timing as it was just when the sun was setting . . . such a magical experience for us both.
Back in our 4×4’s we made our way to our home for the evening, where we were greeted with Arabic coffee and dates. The open-air tent had beautiful rugs to sit on and relax, but I was immediately drawn to the tent offering henna and had this beautiful design on my hand.
There was a barbecue with traditional kebabs and curries and my favourite Dubai holiday snack, hummus with pitta breads!
There was also a traditional folk dance and a belly dancer. The entertainment was not really my cup of tea, but there were lots of seating around so you could wander off and find a quiet spot to relax if you wanted.
The highlight for us was definitely being in the desert. As it got late the sky was so clear and perfect for stargazing.
https://www.orient-tours-uae.com/
I enjoyed the desert safari – it is just so different and like you said peaceful. Even though quite a few cars go out there is so much space to have that alone moment. I enjoyed the food and entertainment later but that was going back a few years. Loving your photos
Author July 12, 2018 / 12:26 pm
It’s great to do in Dubai isn’t is as it is so different from being in the city!
That sounds fantastic! Exhilarating but peaceful at the same time. I didn’t get the chance to head out to the desert when I was there but definitely adding it to the list when I go back!
Author July 14, 2018 / 9:43 pm
There is just so much to do in Dubai it’s impossible to fit it all in isn’t it!
Great post. Love the pics.x
Author July 14, 2018 / 9:43 pm
Thank you!
Oh Dear what a great trip! I promised myself to go to Dubai once I start earning real money ;D Great photos Laura, I’m so positively jealous!!! xx
Author July 14, 2018 / 9:44 pm
I think it is one of those places everyone needs to go to at least once but it is expensive!
I really loved the desert dune bashing experience, especially when our 4×4 turned over!!! Isn’t it just the most exciting ride?! So glad you enjoyed your time in the desert, you looked like you had lots of fun!
Author July 14, 2018 / 9:45 pm
Oh my gosh! Not sure I would have coped if ours turned over! I was already squealing like a little girl!
Loved dune bashing!! Such a fun experience. Loved reading your experience of it xx
Author July 16, 2018 / 12:40 pm
It was really fun, a lot more exhilarating than I was expecting!
I did something similar to this in Morocco, whilst I agree it’s super exhilarating, its not something I’d be in a hurry to do again Haha! Really glad you enjoyed it though, amazed at how you always manage to look so glamourous, even in the desert at 43 degrees! x
Author August 1, 2018 / 6:03 pm
I can definitely understand that it’s not for everyone! xxx
Your articles are amazing…
also the information you share of yours tours are great..
now i am seeing this post very late but it was fantastic when i was reading about the desert safari of Dubai.
Got all the details in this post
Thank you for this article mam… and also the pictures are amazing