Dubai is extraordinary in terms of adventure, luxury, and food. Most of these things can be enjoyed within the city or at a distance from the city. With so many activities to engage in Dubai for fun and entertainment, a desert safari in Dubai is the most recommended one. It’s an activity wherein people of any age can enjoy. Whether you are searching for a budget desert safari or a luxurious safari, this guide is going to help you in making a right decision.
Why to Take a Desert Safari for your vacation?
Safari means an excursion for fun. A desert safari blends not fun, adventure, and food to offer a wholesome experience to participants. Stepping in the desert and engaging in all the thrilling activities and relishing local cuisines is an unforgettable experience. Most safaris offer dune bashing, which is a thrilling ride on the rolling dunes in an SUV, relaxing camel ride, and mouth-watering BBQ dinner. You will also engage in watching Belly dance and Tanoura dance performances. With so many experiences involved, it is still possible to take a desert safari on budget.
What to Consider When Choosing a Desert Safari on a Budget
There are numerous budget desert safari options in Dubai for budget travelers. You can find affordable safari packages without losing on fun factors. A typical budget safari has these features:
Shared Activity
Major activity like dune bashing can be enjoyed in company with others. As the cost for it will be divided among the participants, preferring a shared activity is good thing to save money.
Cultural Activities
Experience the cultural side of the region by indulging in Henna painting. Decorate your hands and feet with this traditional, chemical-free paint, click snaps with a falcon, and sooth your eyes watching belly dance and Tanoura dance performances.
Delicious BBQ Dinner
The assortment of food served in BBQ dinner may not be as per the premium safaris but can satiate all types of tastes.
If booked the safari for a group or a family, there is a possibility of receiving good discounts from tour operators.
Affordable Dubai Safari: What is Offered?
One thing that guest must realize when choosing an affordable Dubai safari is what is being offered in that package. Basic packages typically offer these features:
- Transfer: Opt for shared transfers in an air-conditioned car from and to your hotel.
- Thrilling Activities: A safari without thrills is a waste of money. Therefore, check if the package includes dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding.
- Entertaining performances: A desert camp is the hub of activities where guests are entertained by local artists performing Tanoura and belly dance, including a fire show.
If you can expand your budget a little, include quad biking as well along with a separate seating area for privacy. Taking care of these essential things can help you enjoy a desert safari on a budget.
Tips to Enjoy a Budget Holiday in Dubai
Two things are important when choosing a budget desert safari in Dubai. First, researching beforehand, and second, going on a safari with the right tour operator. Along with this affordable activity, you can include other activities that won’t swell your budget.
Traditional markets
Though Dubai offers glamorous shopping experience, it also has traditional markets like Gold and Spice Souks that provide unique shopping experience.
Free Attractions
To save money, look for free attractions like the Dubai Fountain Show. You can also enjoy atmosphere and beauty of the Jumeirah beach promenade.
Parks & Gardens
Dubai has many green spaces to enjoy nature. Some places also offer an old-fashioned ride on a horse-drawn carriage for families. Visit Zabeel Park and Dubai Creek Park where you can relax, stroll, and engage in other activities without incurring any cost.
Free Public Beaches
To enjoy views and relax, Kite Beach or Sunset Beach is the best option. Spend a little and do enjoy water activities like jet-skiing, kayaking, etc.
If well planned, it is possible to combine a desert safari with these things to do in Dubai on a budget holiday.
Debunking Some Common Dubai Desert Safari Misconceptions
It you’re on a safari for the first time, you will surely come across a few Dubai Desert Safari myths that will confuse you. So, let’s debunk them.
Myth 1: Safaris are just for people who love adventure.
Fact: Most of the safaris are suitable for families and offer cultural experiences along with kid-friendly activities.
Myth 2: Budget safaris are not entertaining and lack quality.
Fact: However, budget safaris may not offer the comfort of luxurious safaris, but they offer thrills and adventure.
Myth 3: Safaris are not safe for families.
Fact: All the activities for families on safaris are conducted under strict supervision of experienced professionals.
Knowledge of these myths will mean that you can make the right without any complications.
Tips for First Time Visitors
If you’re experiencing a desert safari for the first time, this guide to Dubai Desert Safari for a first-time visitors will be useful.
Safari Types:
Morning Safari
Suitable for families wanting to enjoy desert under pleasant weather conditions and by taking limiting activities like camel riding and sandboarding.
Evening Safari
This is a complete safari package that offers loads of activities for both adventure-seekers and leisure travelers. It also offers sumptuous BBQ dinner and local entertainment.
Overnight Safari
If you want to experience tranquility and wilderness of the desert for an extended period, and marvel at the sights of shining starts in the desert sky from a cozy Bedouin tent, go for this safari.
Pro Tips:
- Choose a reputable operator known for offering quality services and safety.
- Dress comfortably so that you can comfortably engage in all the activities.
- Use sunblock lotions and sunglasses and carry a reusable water bottle.
Is Dubai Expensive to Visit?
Dubai is a city where the rich and famous like to splurge on the best luxurious things the city has to offers. That’s why all commoners would like to know “is Dubai expensive to visit?” before planning for a vacation. Despite all the luxury and comfort Dubai provides, it also caters to budget travelers. There are many ways to enjoy the city in your budget. For example, you can prefer cheap accommodation that provide basic things, save money on food by eating at local restaurants or with street vendors, use public transportation, and choose a budget desert safari. Another way to enjoy Dubai without spending too much is to visit during off season and grab decent combo tour packages that are value for money.
Comparing Dubai Safari Packages?
One simple way to book the right budget safari is by comparing all the available safari packages. Use this method to compare:
- Price vs. offerings: Check what activities are offered on the safari. You must compare whether the price paid for worth in term of offerings.
- Tour Operator: What things you can enjoy on a desert safari will depend a lot on your choice of tour operator. So, check about the tour operator online and choose the right tour operator.
- Customizable safaris: Popular desert safari packages include a whole lot of things, and as such, they are expensive. While you may not be able to enjoy the activities, choose a tour operator that can allow you to customize the safari to your preferences and budget.
- Safety and Transfers: While all the activities are conducted under strict observation, it is better to check the safety measure along with transfer. Check if an air-conditioned vehicle is provided for pick-up and drop-off.
Desert safaris are an experience no first-time visitors or seasoned travelers would like to miss. These popular activities are planned and arranged for all types of travelers. While luxury safaris are best to enjoy the Arabian desert, you can tailor one to your budget. Thankfully, many tour operators arrange desert safaris for budget travelers as well. Don’t worry about losing the fun and enjoyment as budget safaris offer a lot in less. Just book the right safari package and set for your desert adventure right on your budget.
FAQs:
Types of safaris in Dubai?
Morning Safari: This safari is suitable for those who want to enjoy limited activities in a short time.
Evening Safari: For a wholesome experience and enjoy the desert to the fullest, go for this safari that combines adventure, cultural activities, and a BBQ dinner.
Overnight Safari: For a complete experience of desert that offers adventure, entertainment, BBQ dinner, and opportunity to engage in stargazing, this safari is the best
Are budget desert safaris worth?
What is the perfect dress for a desert safari in Dubai?
What are the tips for choosing the right desert safari package on budget?
Compare these for choosing the right desert safari package:
Cost vs. Inclusions: A desert safari can be enjoyable based on what is included. Choose the safari that offer many types of activities at a reasonable cost.Tour operator reviews: Before booking a safari, read reviews and check for ratings so that you don’t end up with wrong tour operator.
Customization: It is recommended to go with the tour operator that provides the option to customize the safari on your budget.
Pick-up & Drop-off: Transfer to and from your hotel in an air-conditioned car is must.