A Dubai Desert Safari ranks among the top thrilling activities in the United Arab Emirates. It includes thrilling adventures across dunes with dune bashing and quad biking, desert sunset view, cultural activities like Heena painting, sumptuous BBQ dinner, and the natural beauty of the desert. It perfectly combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty for participants. However, in the excitement, many travelers make mistakes due to inexperience that eventually ruin their experience.
Common Desert Safari Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re soon to take a desert trip, having knowledge of the things to avoid on a desert safari will make your desert adventure smooth. This post explores common desert safari mistakes with easy fixes to maximize your desert visit.
1. Overpacking or Under-packing Essentials
Too many or insufficient items are what most tourists do when packing for a safari tour. They often bring big bags containing excessive items, misplace important items like IDs, children’s snacks, and forget to pack light jackets to stay warm in the evening.
Fix: Pack smart. The desert tour requires only the essentials that will be useful during the safari that lasts for a few hours. A light jacket or shawl will be needed if you’re participating in overnight or Evening Desert Safari since the desert temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
2. Wearing inappropriate clothing (heavy fabrics, tight shoes)
Inappropriate choice of clothing is the most common desert safari mistakes tourists make on safaris. Tourists wear inappropriate clothing like jeans and synthetic tops with high heels all which are uncomfortable. These types of clothes are not ideal to handle the intense desert heat. Moreover, the sand can easily get into your clothes and shoes.
Fix: Wear clothes made from cotton or linen materials since they are light and durable. Long sleeves with loose-fitting and trousers will help you protect yourself from sun exposure. Wear comfortable sneakers or closed shoes instead of sandals as they can protect from sand and provide proper support for the feet when taking part in activities.
3. Ignoring Hydration & Sunscreen
Most tourists underestimate the value of hydration and protecting their skin, which is another severe Dubai desert safari mistakes. The scorching desert heat causes dehydration to develop rapidly no matter what physical level you perform. It is essential to regularly drink from your water bottle even you’re not thirsty because dehydration happens rapidly in hot conditions.
Without using sunscreen, you risk getting severe sunburn that will destroy your vacation experience. Use high SPF sunscreen before leaving your hotel and re-apply every few hours. Your safety will be ensured while enjoying your outdoor adventure when you stay hydrated while protecting yourself from the sun.
Fix: Regular hydration should be managed with a reusable water bottle by taking small sips. Though bottled water is provided by tour operators, carrying your own reusable water bottle will be helpful as you can take small sips during stops. Re-applying sunscreen even when you’re sweating will be helpful.
4. Overeating Before the Safari
Prior to their safari adventure, many people consume large quantities of food although they fail to anticipate the impending roller coaster experience. Dune bashing provides an off-road roller coaster experience with fast bumpy ride. Dune bashing becomes unpleasant for those who have a complete meal before the experience starts.
Fix: Safeguard your digestion by eating a small light food prior to your safari tour which should not disrupt your stomach health. Evening Desert Safari visitors should avoid large meals before the safari as they will have an opportunity to enjoy the delicious BBQ dinner at the desert camp.
5. Booking the Safari with In-experienced or Unreputed Tour Operator
Another common Dubai desert safari mistakes is choosing a tour operator without checking customer feedback and their reputation and experience. Under-maintained vehicles, in-experienced drivers, and a large crowd at the desert camp will spoil your otherwise amazing journey.
Fix: The solution involves choosing reputable tour operators with positive client feedback and professional guides as well as valid safety accreditations is essential. Investing in a superior and secure desert adventure warrants satisfaction, though it’s a little expensive. Seek professional operators who offer comprehensive Dubai Desert Safari packages containing full details about what is included and what is not.
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6. Choosing the Wrong Time for the Safari
Choosing the perfect time for safari is crucial for a satisfying experience. People make random bookings irngoring their preferences and interest, and kind of experience they want. If you don’t like crowds around you or cannot bear the high desert temperatures, choosing the wrong time can spoil your enjoyment.
Fix: To enjoy a cooler weather without any crowds, book a Morning Desert Safari. The morning safari provides dune bashing along with camel rides and sandboarding. Evening Desert Safari is perfect to enjoy culture, desert sunset, sumptuous dinner, and entertainment. You must choose the timing for safari considering your personal interests and physical endurance capabilities.
7. Ignoring Safety Instructions
Though desert safaris are usually safe, it can be dangerous if you don’t adhere to safety instructions. Some tourists who do not appreciate sufficient risk awareness remove their seatbelts during dune bashing or overlook the guidelines for camel rides and quad biking.
Fix: Safari guides hold expert knowledge about the desert, therefore always follow their instructions to stay safe. Dune bashing requires wearing seatbelts and you must follow instructions precisely for each activity. If you’re unaware of the risk involved, it’s better to get it clarified from the instructors.
8. Not Respecting Local Culture and Etiquette
Going on a desert safari tour allows visitors to discover Emirati cultural traditions. Several tourists fail to understand local customs because they make incorrect fashion choices or behave without respecting or observing proper customs, thus appearing disrespectful.
Fix: Wear modest attire for evening safaris as they include cultural activities. Respect local customers and don’t be loud while talking or asking something. It is also necessary to seek permission before taking pictures of performers and fellow travelers.
You must take a desert safari experience when visiting UAE. Just remember to visit the desert with proper planning to enhance your experience. Memorable and comfortable desert safari experiences wait for those who avoid these common mistakes during their Morning Desert Safari and Evening Desert Safari adventures. By making a checklist of things to avoid on a desert safari will ensure a smooth experience and lasting memories in the heart of Arabian desert.
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