Heritage Desert Safari Dubai Overview
Visiting the Arabian Desert with Heritage Desert Safari Dubai is a fantastic experience that will allow you to explore its beauty, culture and history. This safari is ideal for those who enjoy the real experience as it includes wildlife, traditional Emirati hospitality, interesting cultural activities and is set in a peaceful desert environment. The adventure is not the main attraction, it is an introduction to the environment and customs that influenced the life of the UAE long before the establishment of modern Dubai. The sightings of native wildlife, an evening in a traditional Bedouin-style camp, and the simple enjoyment of the region's heritage were just some of the experiences that helped to appreciate the area's heritage even more. The experience starts with a convenient pick up from Dubai hotels, and the departure time will be usually between 2pm to 3.30pm in the season. En route, visitors pass through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which provides a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city and its modern structures. When they arrive, they are given a traditional headscarf and a stainless-steel water bottle to take home as a memento of their desert experience. The thoughtful additions add to the experience with a mix of cultural appreciation and comfort. The conservation theme also emphasizes the need for the protection and conservation of the desert environment and for the preservation of its unique wildlife for future generations. The highlight of the Heritage Desert Safari is the guided nature drive through the conservation reserve. Guests explore the desert with a professional conservation guide in an iconic vintage Land Rover for about 60 minutes observing wildlife and discovering the environment. Together, the guide explains native vegetation, wildlife of the desert and how Bedouin people survive. Visitors learn about the harsh conditions of the desert environment, how people have made these conditions work for them, and how they have survived from their environment. The experience will be very rewarding in enjoying the natural landscape and understanding the ecology of this protected area. The afternoon continues with a stunning sunset in the desert and a traditional falconry show, one of the most interesting aspects of the safari. The Falcons are integral to Emirati heritage and have been the reason for the close bond between the Emirati communities and the environment. Beaming their talents at the dusk of the day by showcasing their abilities against the backdrop of the shifting hues of the evening sky is an event of a sort that is impossible to forget. It also serves as a great chance to take photographs, making memories with the family and travellers in the peaceful beauty of the Arabian Desert.
After the nature drive and the sunset, guests reach a traditional Bedouin style camp. The warm ambience speaks of the hospitality that has always been a key aspect of Emirati culture. Arabic coffee and dates are provided for visitors to taste, and they are welcome to traditional refreshments that go hand-in-hand with host's welcome. The camp offers a pleasant place to unwind, discover cultural events and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle outside of the city. This is traditional and has the natural materials, which enhance the natural feel that allows the evening to be a part of the way of life in the desert. Visitors can enjoy a number of activities which help to make the local customs alive. There are opportunities to interact with regional culture through live breadmaking, Arabic coffee making, henna applications and camel rides. The experiences are designed for those who can see past the desert landscape to want to learn more. Whether for the whole family to enjoy or the cultural-minded to increase their understanding of the traditions that continue to define the Emirati people, a sense of community and culture can be felt all around. There is interactive entertainment, too, such as traditional drumming and Yola dances, which showcase the rhythm, movement and jubilation of the local culture.
The other big attraction of the Heritage Desert Safari is food. An Emirati 4 course dinner inspired from Emirati and wider Middle Eastern cuisine is served in the evening. The visitors enjoy local specialties such as lentil soup, hummus, baba ganoush, fresh vegetables and other regional main courses such as lamb ouzi, and the various handmade local dishes. A vegetarian option is available and there are arrangements for those with gluten and vegan diets (which should be made prior to arrival). Arabic coffee, tea and fresh juices are served along with the meal. Dinner in a traditional desert camp is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a “good time” and an enjoyable and social meal to honor the food of the desert. The typical safari duration is about seven hours, and the hotel drop off will occur between 9:30PM and 10:00PM, depending on season. For those travelling for a longer time to experience the desert, a traditional stone dwelling room is available, which can be extended for an overnight stay. For the more adventurous, there's also the possibility of another hot air balloon ride before breakfast. The experience is still all about sustainability, as a percentage of the safari fee goes towards supporting the preservation of the local area in Dubai. In summary, the Heritage Desert Safari offers a fascinating and enriching journey through the UAE's natural world, cultural heritage, and history, making it a truly memorable experience. Visiting with family, friends or a partner, guests will have a memorable and enriching evening, enjoying the beauty of the desert and the traditions that are still alive in Emirati heritage.