If you look at most safari ads, you'll see a 4x4 tipping over a giant dune. That's great for some people. But plenty of people don't want to bounce around in a car for half an hour. Maybe you've got grandparents with you, a small baby or a sore back. Or maybe you simply hate bumpy rides.
Here's the good news: you can still have a great time in 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, guests ask us about it all the time.
How Does a Calm Safari Work?
Instead of racing up and down the dunes, your driver takes a gentle, scenic route into the desert. You still get close to the red dunes, and there's still a sunset stop. 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 visitors ask for when they want the experience without the stress. No one feels left out, and no one ends up feeling unwell.
Who Should Choose This Trip?
Parents With Little Ones
A family desert safari Dubai trip should be fun for everyone, including the youngest. Toddlers often don't like steep dune drives, and they aren't suitable for babies. A calm trip means you can enjoy a desert safari with kids without worrying.
Grandparents and Older Guests
A desert safari for seniors needs to be comfortable. A smooth drive, good seating and easy access to the facilities make all the difference. Lots of older guests say it ended up being their favourite part of the trip.
Expecting Mothers
Dune bashing is not recommended during pregnancy. If you're thinking about a desert safari during pregnancy, the calm option lets you join the evening safely. Always check with your own doctor first, and tell us when you book.
People Who Hate Bumpy Rides
Not a fan of roller coasters? Plenty of people aren't. Skip the bumps and still enjoy a great evening.
How the Evening Goes
Pickup in the afternoon
We collect you 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
After the city, the driver takes a smooth route across the sand. The dunes rise up around you, and you may spot camels or birds on the way. Just ask, and the driver will stop for photos.
Sunset
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 peaceful, and for many guests it's the best part of the evening.
Evening at camp
At the camp, you can try a short camel ride, get henna and relax with tea or a soft drink. Dinner is a buffet with plenty of choice, and the shows begin after dinner. You're dropped back at your hotel by around 9 PM.
Why We Offer a Calm Safari
We kept hearing the same thing from guests. Families would book a safari, and then one person would stay at the hotel because they couldn't handle the bumps. Grandparents missed out, and so did parents with babies. We didn't think that was fair. So we built a trip the whole family can enjoy, side by side.
Heritage Desert Safari Dubai
For something a little different, try a heritage desert safari Dubai trip. You ride across the desert in a classic vintage Land Rover, the kind used by desert families decades ago. There's no dune bashing at all. Instead, you get a falcon show and a traditional dinner. A vintage Land Rover safari is slow, scenic and full of character, and couples and older guests love it.
Where You'll Spend the Evening
Your evening is spent at Marjan Desert Camp. There are separate facilities for men and women on the evening tour, 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.
Sleeping in the Desert
If you'd like to see the desert at night and at sunrise, try our overnight Bedouin camp Dubai stay. You sleep in a Bedouin-style tent, look up at the stars and wake up for breakfast. It's quiet, relaxing and completely unhurried. With no city lights around, you can see so many stars, and children are usually amazed. In the morning, the desert is cool and still, and it's a lovely time for a short walk before breakfast.
Mixing Calm and Adventure
Is half your group after adventure while the other half wants calm? That happens a lot. Some can book the calm trip while others take a quad bike desert safari or a regular evening trip. Everyone ends up 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.
Before You Go
• Bring a light jacket or shawl in winter
• 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
Quick Answers
Will we still see the 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 prefer not to ride, you can simply take photos.
How long is the evening trip?
We collect you in the afternoon and drop you back at about 9 PM.
Can someone in a wheelchair click here join?
Please tell us about any mobility needs when you book, and we'll arrange the car and seating to suit.
What if some of us want the bumpy ride?
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, pickup and drop-off are available, and you can reach us 24/7.
Book a Calm Desert Trip
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 email [email protected]. Let us know who's in your group, and we'll recommend the right trip. You can also see all our trips at emiratedesertsafaris.com.
