The beauty of Dubai’s desert is unmatched, and one of the best ways to explore it is by embarking on a morning desert safari. As the first rays of the sun hit the golden dunes, the desert comes alive with a unique energy, offering a breathtaking spectacle and a variety of thrilling activities. If you want to experience the desert’s peaceful atmosphere without the heat of the afternoon sun, a morning safari is the perfect adventure for you.
In this article, we’ll explore everything about a morning desert safari in Dubai—from the exhilarating activities to the tranquillity of the early morning desert. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone looking to reconnect with nature, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your perfect desert adventure.
Why Choose a Morning Desert Safari?
A morning desert safari is an excellent option for several reasons:
- Cooler Temperatures: Dubai’s desert can become extremely hot during the day, with temperatures often soaring to over 40°C. A morning safari allows you to enjoy the desert while the temperature is still pleasant, typically around 25-30°C.
- Less Crowded: Compared to evening safaris, morning trips tend to attract fewer tourists. This means you’ll have more space and time to enjoy the activities without the crowds.
- Stunning Sunrises: One of the highlights of a morning desert safari is witnessing the sunrise over the dunes. The colours of the sky blend beautifully with the vast stretches of sand, creating a magical landscape that’s perfect for photography.
- Thrilling Adventures: Morning safaris are packed with fun and adrenaline-pumping activities like dune bashing, quad biking, and sandboarding. It’s the ideal time for adventure enthusiasts to experience the desert’s raw terrain.
What to Expect from a Morning Desert Safari
A typical morning desert safari in Dubai begins early, often between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. The tour operator will usually pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the desert, where your adventure begins. Here’s what you can expect from your morning desert safari:
1. Dune Bashing: An Adrenaline Rush Across the Sands
The first activity of the day is usually dune bashing, where you’ll ride in a 4×4 vehicle driven by an experienced driver. The vehicle will take you on an exhilarating ride over the dunes, climbing steep sand hills and then plunging the other side. This rollercoaster-like experience is one of the most popular parts of any desert safari, offering an adrenaline-pumping adventure that’s perfect for thrill-seekers.
During the ride, you’ll get to enjoy the stunning scenery of the desert, with its vast stretches of golden sand and endless horizon. It’s an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of off-roading with the natural beauty of the desert landscape.
2. Quad Biking: Off-Road Fun
For those looking for even more adventure, many morning desert safaris include the option to go quad biking. This activity allows you to ride a four-wheeled ATV across the desert at your own pace. Whether you’re speeding over the dunes or taking a more leisurely ride to soak in the scenery, quad biking is a fun and exciting way to explore the desert.
Riders of all experience levels can enjoy quad biking, as the activity typically begins with a brief safety demonstration and training. Once you feel comfortable in the vehicle, you’ll have the freedom to explore the desert under the supervision of experienced guides.
3. Sandboarding: Surfing the Dunes
Another thrilling activity to look forward to during your morning desert safari is sandboarding. Similar to snowboarding, this sport involves strapping a board to your feet and sliding down the dunes. Sandboarding is great fun for both beginners and experienced boarders, as the soft sand provides a forgiving landing if you happen to fall.
This activity allows you to experience the desert in a new way, as you glide over the dunes and enjoy the sweeping views of the landscape. Sandboarding is a fantastic opportunity to try something new while making the most of Dubai’s unique desert environment.
4. Camel Riding: A Traditional Experience
After all the high-adrenaline activities, it’s time to slow things down with a camel ride. Camels have been used by Bedouins for centuries as a mode of transportation across the desert, and riding one is a great way to experience this ancient tradition. As you sway gently on the back of a camel, you’ll get to appreciate the desert’s tranquillity and vastness.
Camel rides are typically short, lasting around 10-15 minutes, but they provide a unique perspective of the desert that you won’t get from any other activity.
5. Falconry: Witness the Grace of a Desert Bird
Some morning safaris offer a falconry demonstration, where you’ll get to see a falcon in action. Falcons are highly regarded in Middle Eastern culture, and this bird of prey has been used for hunting in the desert for thousands of years. During the demonstration, a trained falconer will release the bird into the air, showcasing its speed and agility as it swoops down to catch its prey.
Watching a falcon in flight is a mesmerizing experience, and it provides a deeper understanding of the desert’s wildlife and the role of falconry in Arabian culture.
The Beauty of a Morning in the Desert
One of the most remarkable aspects of a morning desert safari is the unique atmosphere of the desert at dawn. As the sun rises, the temperature is cool and comfortable, and the desert is bathed in soft, golden light. This is the perfect time to capture stunning photos of the dunes, as the interplay of light and shadows creates a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape.
The early morning hours also provide a sense of peace and serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere. While the desert is full of activity during the day, the mornings are much quieter, allowing you to fully appreciate the vastness and stillness of the environment. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely camel ride or simply taking in the views, the morning desert safari offers a chance to connect with nature profoundly.
What to Wear on a Morning Desert Safari
When preparing for your morning desert safari, it’s important to dress appropriately for the desert conditions. While the temperatures are cooler in the morning, the desert sun can still be strong, so it’s a good idea to wear light, breathable clothing. Here are a few tips on what to wear:
- Loose, comfortable clothing: Lightweight fabrics like cotton are ideal for staying cool in the desert. It’s also a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from the sun.
- Sun protection: Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of sunscreen. The sun’s rays can be intense, even in the morning.
- Closed-toe shoes: Since you’ll be walking on sand, it’s best to wear sturdy shoes like sneakers or hiking boots. Avoid sandals, as they can fill up with sand.
Essential Items to Bring
While most tour operators provide everything you need for a morning desert safari, it’s still a good idea to bring a few essential items:
- Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the desert. Make sure to bring a bottle of water with you.
- Camera or Smartphone: You’ll want to capture the stunning scenery of the desert, so don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to take photos.
- Sunscreen: Even in the early morning, the desert sun can be strong, so make sure to apply sunscreen regularly.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
By late morning, your safari adventure will start to wind down. After all the excitement of dune bashing, quad biking, and camel riding, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, usually arriving by late morning or early afternoon. This leaves you plenty of time to relax and recover from your adventure or explore other parts of Dubai during the day.
Conclusion
A morning desert safari is the perfect way to start your day in Dubai. Offering a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, it provides a unique glimpse into the desert’s tranquil yet dynamic landscape. Whether you’re seeking thrills or simply looking to enjoy the serenity of the desert, a morning safari is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Dubai.