Heritage Desert Safari

Travel back in time to experience Dubai as it was in the middle of the last century, traveling through the dunes of one of the largest deserts in the world - Rub Al-Khali-accompanied by a professional guide. Our journey will take you through the largest national park in the UAE-the Dubai Desert Conservation Resort (DDCR) - a pristine wilderness area that is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. This tour has won many awards for quality and authenticity, truly being one of the most popular excursions in the UAE, and is designed in such a way that fans of jeep safari will not disturb the inhabitants of the reserve.

Unlike any other desert safari, your exciting wilderness trip will take place in vintage 1950s Land Rovers. As the first motorized vehicles used in the Dubai desert, these Series 1 and 2 Land Rovers have become a symbol of Dubai's heritage and discoverers of the uncharted territories of the endless sands.

Spot the oryx antelope, bustard, and maybe even Gordon's cat on the horizon and make a stop under the canopy of the amazing Gaf trees growing among the dunes. Immerse yourself in the life of the Bedouins, learning how they survived in the desert, living in harmony with the exotic animals and plants that inhabit these harsh territories.

The next stop in the desert safari is worth making to enjoy an exciting falconry show under the guidance of a professional falconer, to watch the flights of these noble birds. You will learn about the ancient methods of their training and how the Bedouins used these royal animals for hunting. The soft light of the sunset rays of the Arab sun against the background of the sand dunes will be another unforgettable moment of this trip and will give you fantastic photos to remember the ethnic safari through the vast expanses of the desert. 

In a real Bedouin camp, softly lit by traditional lamps and located in a secluded desert location, you will discover the rich culture and folklore traditions of the UAE residents, watching live preparation of local bread and coffee, henna painting, camel rides, and traditional performances. Enjoy a 4-course dinner under the starry skies of Arabia, and then relax in the Arab Majlis, which is covered with carpets and ottomans, if desired, try a hookah.

The history of the United Arab Emirates and the desert is truly brought to life during this unique jeep safari in Dubai!

ITINERARY

• Pick-up from Dubai hotels between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm.
• Arrive at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to receive your Adventure Pack and put on your Sheila/Ghutra (traditional headscarf).
• Embark on a wildlife drive through Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in an open-top vintage Land Rover.
• Enjoy a sunset falcon show in the sand dunes.
• Arrive at an authentic torch-lit Bedouin camp.
• Be entertained by traditional henna tattoos, live bread-making, Arabic coffee-making, camel rides, and aromatic shisha pipes.
• Please note due to current Covid regulations set by the UAE government that certain activities within the itinerary may not be available.
• Dinner includes soup, salad, appetiser, main course, and dessert. View Menu
• Enjoy cultural Emirati entertainment performances such as drumming and Yola.
• Return to the Hotel between 9:30 pm and 11:30 pm (depends on the season/sunset).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

From the afternoon into the evening for around 7 hours.

Includes hotel pick-up from urban Dubai area, in a shared air-conditioned vehicle.

The pickup time is between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm depending on the season/sunset. We will notify you that morning of the exact pick-up time.

You will return to the hotel between 9:30 pm and 11:30 pm.

Every booking receives an Adventure Pack including a souvenir bag, refillable stainless-steel water bottle for each guest to keep, and a Sheila/Ghutra headscarf to wear and take home.

As it is warm in the Dubai desert, we recommend (especially during summer) that you wear a hat, sunglasses, sun cream, and comfortable cool clothes. During winter (December- February) we recommend that you bring something warm to put on as the temperature drops considerably after sunset.

Dinner includes soup, salad, appetiser, main course, and dessert. We also provide vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free meal options. Please inform us when booking so we can make sure you are accommodated.

Bathroom facilities are available in the desert and at the camp.

Your Desert Safari is conducted by highly trained Conservation Guides with extensive knowledge of ecotourism, cultural heritage, history, and the natural environment of Dubai.

A portion of your Desert Safari fee is contributed towards local conservation in Dubai.

FINER DETAILS

We don’t pick up guests from private residences in Dubai unless you have booked a private car. If you are staying at a private residence, we can pick you up from the nearest hotel.

Children over 5 years old and under 12 years old will be accepted at the child rate.

A private car booking is required if traveling with children under 5 years old.

So that you never feel overcrowded, we restrict numbers to 75-100 guests in our very spacious camps.

We require a minimum of 3 hours in advance to book this activity online. Alternatively, you can contact our office directly to inquire about short-term bookings.

Due to health concerns, the wildlife drive is not recommended for pregnant guests within their third trimester.

The camel ride is at our camp after dark. For the safety of the camels and our guests, these are short rides in a lit area. For longer camel rides, please see our Camel Desert Safari. Some vehicles can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests.

For a private car booking, please select the number of vehicles only.

A confirmation with a precise pick-up time will be sent to your email or phone before 1:00 pm on the day of the Desert Safari.

CANCELLATION POLICY 

Due to the extensive organization and limited capacity involved with our activities, a strict cancellation fee will be applicable to compensate for costs and lost revenue. Once a booking is made the following cancellation fees will apply:

Cancellations or amendments for non-group bookings (a non-group booking is equal to or less than 4 guests in a single booking):

Cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to tour departure: eligible for a full refund.

Cancellations made under 24 hours prior to tour departure: not eligible for a refund.

Guests who test positive for Covid-19 and are required to cancel their booking will be eligible for a full refund.

Cancellations or amendments for group bookings prior to tour departure (a group is greater than 4 guests in a single booking)

Cancellations made 7 to 14 days prior to tour departure: eligible for 50% refund.

Cancellations made under 7 days prior to tour departure: not eligible for a refund.

If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund can be made.

We strongly recommend that you take out adequate travel insurance that will cover you in case of unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from joining your scheduled tour. We will be more than happy to provide evidence to your insurance company if you were unable to join us.

If a tour is not able to commence due to inclement weather, a full refund or alternate booking date will be offered.

No refunds will be given in the circumstances or in the event of any reasonable delay, curtailment or alteration of a trip resulting from any cause including severe weather conditions or mechanical failure. Components of trips are weather dependent, and the Company cannot be held liable if trip components are not available on the day of travel.