Dubai is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, iconic skyline, and rich culture. However, beyond the city’s gleaming towers lies a vast desert offering adventure seekers an exhilarating experience — the Dubai Morning Safari. This activity allows visitors to experience the desert’s beauty during the early hours of the day when the sun is not too intense and the atmosphere is serene. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about a Dubai Morning Safari, from the activities to expect, preparation tips, and why it’s an unmissable experience.

What is a Dubai Morning Safari?

A Dubai Morning Safari is a short desert excursion that usually takes place early in the morning, lasting around 3-4 hours. It is designed for travelers who want to experience the thrill of desert activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding without committing to an all-day or overnight trip. The desert in the morning is stunning, with cooler temperatures and softer light, creating a perfect atmosphere for adventure and photography.

Why Choose a Morning Safari?

Many visitors to Dubai opt for the morning safari because of the pleasant weather during the early hours, making it ideal for those who prefer to avoid the scorching afternoon sun. Additionally, the morning safari fits well into busy schedules, allowing tourists to enjoy other activities later in the day.

Some of the benefits of choosing a morning safari include:

• Cooler temperatures compared to the afternoon.
• Stunning desert landscapes bathed in the soft morning light.
• A shorter trip for those with time constraints.
• Avoiding the crowds is typically found in evening safaris.

Activities to Expect on a Dubai Morning Safari

Dune Bashing: An Adrenaline-Pumping Ride

The highlight of any Dubai Morning Safari is undoubtedly dune bashing. This activity involves driving in a 4×4 vehicle (usually a Land Cruiser) across the dunes at high speeds, offering a thrilling roller-coaster-like experience. Expert drivers navigate the shifting sands, taking you up and down dunes while providing a mix of excitement and adventure.

Safety Tips for Dune Bashing

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Follow the instructions of your driver.
• Avoid heavy meals before the activity to prevent motion sickness.

Sandboarding: Surfing the Dunes

For thrill-seekers, sandboarding is a must-try. Like snowboarding, sandboarding involves strapping a board to your feet and gliding down the dunes. The Dubai desert offers a variety of slopes for beginners and experienced riders alike, making this activity suitable for all skill levels.

Tips for Sandboarding

• Start on smaller dunes if you’re a beginner.
• Wear comfortable, snug shoes that won’t fill with sand quickly.
• To keep your equilibrium, bend your knees and slant slightly back.

Camel Riding: A Snip of Old Desert Life

No visit to the Dubai desert is complete without experiencing a camel ride. Often referred to as the “ships of the desert,” camels have been integral to Arabian culture for centuries. A camel ride offers a slower, more peaceful way to explore the desert, allowing you to soak in the surroundings and appreciate the vastness of the landscape.

Why You Should Try Camel Riding:

• It’s a unique way to connect with the region’s history and culture.
• Camels are gentle animals, making the ride suitable for all ages.
• It provides an excellent opportunity for photos against the backdrop of the desert.

Wildlife Spotting: Discover the Desert’s Inhabitants

While the desert may seem barren at first glance, it is home to various wildlife, particularly in the early morning when temperatures are more relaxed. You may spot Arabian oryx, gazelles, and desert foxes during your safari. Birds, including falcons and hawks, also make the desert their home.

Wildlife Watching Tips

• Bring binoculars for improved viewing.
• Maintain silence and avoid abrupt movements to improve your chances of seeing wildlife.
• Follow the guide’s instructions and respect the natural habitat.

Photography: Capture the Beauty of the Desert

The Dubai desert is a photographer’s paradise, especially during the morning when the soft light creates a magical ambiance. The desert scenery offers many photo chances, whether using a high-end camera or a smartphone. Picture-perfect from every perspective are the waving dunes and the golden hues of the sand.   

Photography Tips

• Capture the desert at sunrise for the best lighting.
• Employ a wide-angle lens to highlight how expansive the scenery is.
• Experiment with shadows and textures to create dramatic compositions.

What to Wear on a Dubai Morning Safari

Dressing appropriately for the Dubai Morning Safari is essential to ensure your comfort. Since the temperature in the morning is more relaxed but can heat up quickly, wearing light, breathable clothing is recommended.

Here are some critical tips on what to wear:

• Clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of cotton or linen is ideal. Wearing long sleeves and pants shield Your skin from the sun and sand.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are best for desert activities, particularly dune bashing and sandboarding. Sand can get quite hot, so it’s better to avoid sandals.
• Headwear: A wide-brimmed hat or scarf can protect your face from the sun.
• Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Even in the morning, the desert sun can be intense. Sunglasses with UV protection and a generous application of sunscreen are must-haves.

What to Expect During the Tour

Early Pick-Up

Most Dubai Morning Safari trips provide accessible pick-up services from your accommodation or a prearranged meeting location in Dubai. Pick-up times usually range from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, depending on the tour operator and the time of year. You’ll be transported in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle that will take you directly to the desert.

Expert Guide and Driver

During the safari, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide and driver familiar with the desert terrain. They will ensure your safety during activities like dune bashing and share insights into the history, geology, and wildlife of the desert.

Desert Adventures

Upon arrival in the desert, you’ll start with the adrenaline-pumping dune bashing session, followed by activities like sandboarding and camel riding. Depending on your package, there may be opportunities to try quad biking or riding in a hot air balloon.

Refreshments

After your adventures, most tours offer refreshments such as water, soft drinks, and sometimes light snacks. Staying hydrated is essential, especially after spending time under the desert sun.

Return to Dubai

Once the activities are complete, you will be driven back to your hotel or drop-off point, usually arriving around noon. This leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day in Dubai.

Tips for a Memorable Morning Safari

• Book in Advance: Morning safaris can be popular, especially during peak tourist seasons, so booking your tour in advance is wise to secure your spot.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle and consume plenty of fluids before and throughout the safari to avoid dehydration.
• Remember Your Camera: The desert is stunning, especially in the morning, so capture those unforgettable moments.
• Listen to Your Guide: Your guide and driver know the desert well, so follow their advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Relax and Enjoy: The Dubai Morning Safari is all about adventure and experiencing the beauty of the desert, so take the time to relax and immerse yourself in the scenery.

Conclusion

The ideal way to take in the Arabian desert’s spectacular splendor and partake in various exhilarating activities is with a Dubai Morning Safari. Whether you’re soaring over dunes in a 4×4, gliding down slopes on a sandboard, or peacefully riding a camel, the morning safari offers something for everyone. The serenity of the early hours and the thrill of adventure make this experience one of Dubai’s must-do activities. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the desert uniquely and unforgettably!