A desert safari in Dubai is more than just an adventure; it’s an experience that will create lasting memories for families. Whether you’re exploring the golden sands for the first time or returning to witness the beauty of the desert, this thrilling activity offers something for everyone especially for families with kids. From camel rides to dune bashing, cultural experiences to stargazing, a desert safari in Dubai provides an exciting mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.
Why Choose a Desert Safari for Your Family?
A desert safari in Dubai is the perfect family-friendly adventure that combines culture, thrill, and relaxation. The desert offers an exceptional escape from the city’s fast pace and allows families to bond while enjoying the mesmerizing landscapes. This unique experience is designed to be family-inclusive, making it an ideal option for those traveling with kids.
The best part? Many desert safari packages are tailored to the needs of families, providing child-friendly options, safety measures, and activities that suit different age groups. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening under the stars or an action-packed adventure, a desert safari offers a variety of options that can accommodate everyone in your family.
Why Families Love Desert Safari in Dubai:
- Safety-first environment: Dubai’s desert safari companies prioritize the safety of families. Many operators provide child seats, professional guides, and trained drivers, ensuring that your kids stay safe throughout the adventure.
- Suitable for all ages: From toddlers to teens, everyone will find something to enjoy, from camel rides to sandboarding.
- Cultural immersion: Experience the rich culture of the UAE with traditional activities such as henna painting, falconry, and belly dancing.
- Stunning desert landscapes: The vast, golden desert provides a breathtaking backdrop for photos and a peaceful atmosphere for families to unwind together.
What to Pack for a Family Desert Safari
Packing for a desert safari is an essential step to ensure that you and your family are prepared for the elements. Here’s a checklist to help you pack efficiently:
- Comfortable, lightweight clothing: Choose loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts and pants to protect against the sun and sand. Fabrics such as cotton or linen are ideal for staying cool.
- Hats and sunglasses: Protect your family from the harsh desert sun with wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for everyone.
- High SPF sunscreen: The desert sun can be unforgiving, so make sure to pack sunscreen with a high SPF to prevent sunburns.
- Comfortable footwear: Opt for closed-toe shoes, as you will be walking on sandy terrain. Flip-flops or sandals are not suitable for the desert.
- Water bottles and snacks: Stay hydrated and pack light snacks for the kids to keep them energized throughout the day.
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizers: The desert can be dusty, so it’s handy to have wet wipes and hand sanitizers for quick clean-ups.
- Camera or smartphone: The desert offers stunning views, so don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the moments.
- Light jacket: The temperature can drop in the evenings, so a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.
Age-Appropriate Activities for Kids
Camel Rides
One of the highlights of any desert safari is the camel ride, which offers kids a chance to experience the traditional mode of desert transportation. Camels are calm and gentle, making them an excellent choice for young children. Many desert safari tours provide short, supervised camel rides that are safe and comfortable for kids.
- Tip: If your child is nervous, ensure the camel ride is short and the guide is experienced in handling children.
Dune Bashing
For older kids and teens, dune bashing is the perfect adrenaline-packed activity. Dune bashing involves riding in a 4×4 vehicle, speeding over the dunes and providing a thrilling ride through the desert. It’s an exciting experience for adventurous families, but it’s important to check age and health restrictions with your tour operator to ensure safety.
- Tip: While it’s a fun ride for older kids, younger children or those with a sensitivity to motion should opt for a gentler safari experience.
Sandboarding
For families with kids who love a bit of excitement, sandboarding is a must-try activity. Kids can glide down the sandy slopes on a board, just like snowboarding, but on the soft sand. Many desert safari packages include this activity as part of their adventure offerings.
- Tip: Ensure that your kids are wearing protective gear (if available) and are supervised while sandboarding for safety.
Cultural Experiences
In addition to thrilling activities, desert safaris often feature cultural elements that are both educational and entertaining for kids. Enjoy traditional performances such as belly dancing, Tanoura dances, and fire shows. Your kids will also have the chance to participate in activities like henna painting and dressing in traditional Emirati attire.
- Tip: Let your kids interact with the performers and try out cultural activities like henna painting or falconry to enrich their experience.
Stargazing and Sunset Views
A desert safari at sunset is a magical experience. Families can relax under the vast desert sky, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the setting sun. Once the sun sets, the stars begin to emerge, offering a perfect opportunity for stargazing.
- Tip: Bring a telescope if your kids are interested in astronomy, or ask your guide for recommendations on how to spot constellations in the night sky.
Safety Tips for a Family Desert Safari
Safety should always be a top priority, especially when traveling with kids. Here are some key safety tips for a safe and enjoyable desert safari experience:
- Choose a reputable tour operator: Make sure to book your safari with a well-reviewed and licensed company. Look for operators that specifically cater to families and children.
- Follow the guide’s instructions: Listen carefully to the safety briefings provided by your guide, especially when participating in dune bashing or sandboarding.
- Stay hydrated: The desert heat can be intense, so ensure that everyone drinks plenty of water throughout the day.
- Sun protection: Apply sunscreen regularly, wear hats and sunglasses, and cover up with long sleeves to protect from the sun.
- Monitor kids at all times: While desert safaris are generally safe, it’s important to keep a close eye on your children, particularly during activities involving animals or fire displays.
Best Time for a Family Desert Safari
The desert can get very hot, especially during the summer months. The best times for a family desert safari are early morning and late afternoon. These times offer cooler temperatures and stunning views of the desert landscape.
- Morning safaris: Early morning desert safaris are ideal for families with younger children, as the temperatures are more manageable and the safari tends to be shorter.
- Evening safaris: The evening desert safari is popular for its breathtaking sunset views, followed by a delicious dinner and cultural entertainment.
Choosing the Right Desert Safari Package
Dubai offers various desert safari packages designed to suit families. When selecting the best package, consider the following options:
- Morning safari: A family-friendly, shorter experience, great for younger children.
- Evening safari: A longer experience with sunset views, cultural performances, and a traditional dinner.
- Overnight safari: Ideal for adventurous families, this package includes an overnight stay in the desert under the stars.
Conclusion
A desert safari in Dubai is an incredible experience that offers families the chance to enjoy nature, culture, and adventure. Whether it’s a thrilling dune ride, a peaceful camel trek, or a cultural immersion, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy. With the right preparation, packing, and safety measures, your family will have an unforgettable time in the stunning Dubai desert.
Book your desert safari with MEV Tours Dubai for a family-friendly adventure that will create lasting memories for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are desert safaris safe for kids?
Yes, desert safaris are safe for kids, but it’s important to choose a reputable tour operator that prioritizes safety and offers family-friendly activities.
2. Can young children go on a camel ride?
Yes, camel rides are safe for children when supervised. Make sure to opt for shorter rides for younger kids.
3. What should kids wear on a desert safari?
Kids should wear lightweight, long-sleeve clothing to protect against the sun, along with comfortable shoes and a hat.
4. Is dune bashing suitable for children?
Dune bashing is suitable for older kids and teens. Ensure that your child meets the age and health requirements of your tour operator.
5. How long does a desert safari last?
A desert safari can last anywhere from a few hours (morning safari) to an entire evening, including dinner and entertainment.
