Can You Do a Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing? Yes, Here's How
Can You Do a Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing? Yes, Here's How
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Most desert safari adverts show a 4x4 flying over a dune at a crazy angle. For some guests, that's the best part. But not everyone wants to be thrown around in the back of a car. Maybe you're travelling with grandparents, a baby or a bad back. Maybe you just don't like bumpy rides.
The good news is that you can still enjoy 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?
Your driver takes a slow, scenic route across the sand instead of racing over the dunes. You still get close to the red dunes, and you still stop to watch the sunset. Then you head to the camp for the same evening as everyone else: a camel ride, henna, dinner and live shows.
It's the calm desert safari Dubai families ask for when they want the fun without the jolts. Nobody feels left out, and nobody feels sick.
Who Is This Trip For?
Families With Young Children
A family desert safari Dubai trip should be fun for everyone, including the youngest. Small children often don't enjoy steep dune drives, and babies shouldn't do them. With a calm trip, you can enjoy a desert safari with kids and relax.
Grandparents and Older Guests
A desert safari for seniors needs to be comfortable. A gentle drive, a proper seat at the camp and easy access to the facilities make a big difference. Many of our older guests tell us it was the highlight of their holiday.
Expecting Mothers
Dune bashing is not recommended during pregnancy. 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. You can skip the bumps and still have a great night out.
What Your Evening Looks Like
Pickup in the afternoon
Our driver picks you up from your hotel or home in the afternoon. You travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned car, and there's no hurry at all.
Into the desert, gently
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.
The sunset stop
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 calm and beautiful, and many guests say it's their favourite moment.
Evening at camp
At camp, there's a short camel ride, henna and time to sit back with a drink. The buffet dinner has lots of choice, and the shows start once everyone has eaten. Drop-off is around 9 PM.
Why This Trip Exists
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 cross the desert in a classic vintage Land Rover, much like the ones used decades ago. There's no dune bashing click here at all. Instead, there's a falcon show and a traditional dinner. A vintage Land Rover safari is gentle, scenic and full of charm, and it's a favourite with couples and older guests.
Where You'll Spend the Evening
Our evenings take place at Marjan Desert Camp. The evening tour has separate facilities for men and women, which many families appreciate. There's comfortable seating, warm lighting and lots of space. Dinner is served buffet style, and VIP evenings include Tanoura and fire shows.
Overnight Bedouin Camp Dubai
For a slower pace, our overnight Bedouin camp Dubai stay is ideal. You sleep in a Bedouin-style tent, look up at the stars and wake up for breakfast. It's very peaceful, and there's no rush at all. Away from the city lights, the sky is full of stars, which kids find amazing. Mornings in the desert are cool and quiet, perfect for a slow walk before breakfast.
If Some of Your Group Want Speed
Travelling with a mixed group? That's very common. Some can book the calm trip while others take a quad bike desert safari or a regular evening trip. Everyone meets at the same camp for dinner. You can also book a private 4x4 with flexible timing, a VIP trip with a luxury transfer, or a VIP Hummer trip with a private camp and waiter service.
Simple Tips
• In winter, pack a shawl or light jacket
• Choose comfy shoes you can slip off on the sand
• 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
Do we still get to see the big dunes?
Yes. You drive through the dunes on a calm route and stop for sunset photos.
Can older guests ride a camel?
It's a short, gentle ride, and our team helps you get on and off. If you'd rather not ride, you can still take photos with the camels.
What time do we get back?
We collect you in the afternoon and drop you back at about 9 PM.
Can someone in a wheelchair join?
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. Some can join a regular trip while the rest take the calm route, and you all meet at camp.
Do you pick up from hotels?
Yes, we offer pickup and drop-off, and our team is available 24/7.
Ready to Book?
The desert really is for everyone, and a desert safari without dune bashing proves it. Message Emirate Desert Safaris on WhatsApp at +971 50 991 2456, or send an email to [email protected]. Tell us who's coming, and we'll suggest the best trip for your group. You can also see all our trips at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
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