Dubai is a modern and exciting city, offering much to see and do for visitors and residents alike, with new and interesting additions regularly appearing on the list of tourist hotspots. From shopping at the mega-malls to dining at award-winning restaurants and exploring the iconic sights, the hours and days fill up quickly. The perfect complement to the city lights is spending time in a tranquil setting and getting back to nature in the beautiful Dubai desert. In particular with a visit to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), the UAE’s first national park.
There are plenty of ways in which to enjoy the desert with the most popular being on an evening desert safari in Dubai. For an even richer, immersive experience, our adventure experts recommend an overnight camping experience taking in the tranquil and beautiful desert ambiance that can only be found in the DDCR.
What to expect
If you’re visiting Dubai then it will be best to join an organised overnight desert safari, like the Overnight Safari from Arabian Adventures . Residents looking for a stress-free option will likely choose the same experience, to make the most of their leisure time. The advantage of the Overnight Safari with Arabian Adventures is not only that it takes place in pristine surroundings, where you are likely to see local wildlife, but that everything is taken care of by our team of destination experts, giving you time to sit back and relax.
With pick-up and drop-off in a 4-wheel drive car included, the adventure starts from the moment you leave the city behind. Arrive at the DDCR and enjoy a gentle dune drive as your safari guide shares interesting facts about the local wildlife and conservation efforts in the reserve. You’ll also have the option to take a camel ride into the camp, which is a dedicated and secluded area surrounded by local ghaf trees. This is a back-to-nature experience like no other.
The permanent tents at the camp each have a double bed and furnished outdoor wooden deck. They surround a gazebo and bonfire. Freshen up with outdoor barasti-style shower and return to your deck to sip a sundowner as you truly start to relax.
There’s no need to prepare your food as you would on a normal camping trip as our in-house culinary team will prepare a three-course BBQ dinner, served with soft-drinks and unlimited adult beverages. Savour the flavours and take a seat around the bonfire, under the starry Arabian night sky.
After a restful night, wake up to the sounds of nature and choose take a walk around the camp to take in the desert scenery. A hot breakfast is served off the grill with fresh juice and coffee.
As you leave the DDCR keep your camera ready as you might see an Arabian Oryx or herd of sand gazelle.
Adding flexibility
Residents in Dubai will be tempted to join the Arabian Adventures Overnight Safari, Self-Drive . Adding to the convenience of joining an organised but bespoke experience that takes place in the pristine dunes of the DDCR, you’ll have the unique opportunity to drive yourself through the conservation reserve, following our guide to the campsite. The drive is a wonderful opportunity to do some wildlife-spotting, that isn’t an option outside of the reserve.
Arrive at the camp to find everything setup and ready to enjoy. This makes the Overnight Safari, Self-Drive from Arabian Adventures a great option as a relaxing weekend getaway.
In the morning, after enjoying breakfast in the outdoors, feel free to depart whenever suits best. The self-drive option gives you that added level of flexibility and convenience that residents of the UAE are sure to enjoy.
The Arabian Adventures Overnight Safari and Overnight Safari Self-Drive are the ultimate rustic, back-to-nature Dubai desert safari packages and some of the only available with access to the wonderful Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. All of our desert safaris have the SafeTravels hygiene and safety protocols in place for your peace of mind. Book at arabian-adventures.com, call us on 800-ARABIAN (2722426) or email aaonline@arabian-adventures.com.