A desert safari tour is often the most popular activity among Dubai tourists. This tour allows participants to explore the vast and beautiful Arabain deserts, try out some exciting sports adventures, and experience the desert lifestyle.
There are two types of Dubai Desert Safari Tours to choose from, mainly the Standard Safari and Premium Safari. There are some key differences between both, which we will highlight in today’s article so you can decide accordingly. So be sure to read till the end.
What is the Standard Desert Safari?
The standard desert safari is an affordable package that includes a variety of desert activities, but they’re usually shared with other guests. Here’s what you can expect:
Pick-Up and Drop-Off
The desert safari tour starts with a pick up service from your hotel in a 4×4 vehicle. These vehicles can easily accommodate six persons and therefore, are perfect for groups and families who are on vacation and don’t have a conveyance of their own.
Dune Bashing
The first activity you can enjoy is dune bashing which takes place in 4×4 vehicles (like a Land Cruiser) that speed across the desert’s uneven terrain. It offers a similar experience to riding a roller coaster which is full of excitement and thrills. On a standard safari, you may share the vehicle with other people. If you don’t want to then choose private safari where a separate vehicle will be reserved for your group.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding, as one can see from the name but it is done in a completely different environment. Here you can enjoy a surfing experience on the bumpy dunes under the guidance of an expert. Balancing the body can be tricky, but it’s a lot of fun and unique to desert environments.
Camel Riding
Desert safaris offer cultural experiences too, like camel riding. Camels have been an integral part of Arab culture for centuries, and tourists have the opportunity to enjoy these rides and experience what it means to live like a Bedouin. Be sure to bring a camera for capturing beautiful views of the deserts.
Buffet Dinner and Camp Entertainment
After the desert activities, head to the campsite for a tasty BBQ buffet. There, you can enjoy live cultural performances, like dance shows, along with other guests in a shared setting.
These are the main highlights of a standard desert safari. While it’s more budget-friendly, it’s also a shared experience with other visitors for both the transport and campsite activities.
What is Premium Desert Safari Dubai?
As opposed to standard safari, a Premium safari offers a more VIP and high-quality experience for the guests. There are more activities, the camping facilities are not shared, and there is even table dining and sofas for a comfortable stay. Here are the list of activities to enjoy here:
Pick and Drop Service
Unlike the standard safari, the Premium safari includes a pick-up from your hotel or place of choice in a 4×4 luxury vehicle, not a random bus you have to share with guests. The pick-up service is just for you and your group.
Dune Bashing
Dune Bashing is the same as a standard safari, with little difference except for the time duration. In the standard package, the duration of dune bashing is 15-20 minutes, while in Premium, it is 25-30 minutes.
Quad Biking
ATV quad biking is an additional activity available in the Premium package but not in the standard one. These four-wheel bikes are specially designed for driving on rough and challenging desert surfaces for off-road tours.
Photography Services
On a Premium desert safari, the tour company also offers photography services from professional photographers. They can record your most memorable tour moments and even know the best angles and poses for stunning pictures.
Camel Riding
Camel riding is the same as standard safari, and the duration is also the same, expect here you can take advantage of photography services and capture the best shots.
Falconry Shows
On a Premium desert safari, you’ll also have a chance to learn about the ancient art of falconry and how the locals used it for hunting. Don’t forget to take some memorable photos of falcons sitting on your shoulders.
Henna Painting
As part of the campsite entertainment, guests can henna paint their body parts with expert designers, which some say is supposed to bring good luck.
VIP Camping Facilities
The camping facilities on a Premium standard safari offer exceptional service. The crowds here are smaller compared to standard safaris, and there is even VIP sofa seating and table service. The entertainment shows in Premium Safari are the same, along with a BBQ buffet dinner.
Price Difference Between Standard and Premium Desert Safari?
Premium desert safaris are more expensive because they have more activities, meals, and guides. Although prices can vary depending on the operator, the number of people in the group, and the activities you choose, typical costs are as follows:
- Standard safari – 150-200 AED per person
- Premium safari – 350-450 AED per person
Consequently, visitors must determine whether their budget allows them to enjoy a premium safari experience or if a standard safari meets their requirements. The rate for solo travelers is normally slightly higher than for groups for both types of tours.
Remember to Book in Advance
To enjoy the Epic Tours Of Premium Dubai Desert Safari its advisable to book in advance at least 24-48 hours. Booking early enables the premium operators to make arrangements for transportation, guides, and customized services ahead of time. Once a premium safari booking has been confirmed, payment must be made in advance.
Standard safaris can be booked on the same day, and the operator can easily accommodate the visitors because no special arrangements are required.
Conclusion
We can conclude that premium safari tours offer a higher quality of service, more activities, private pick/drop, and experienced guides, which makes the whole experience memorable. However, they also come with an additional price, almost twice that of a Standard Safari, where activities are fewer, and you also sometimes have to come to a desert location by yourself via a Dubai Self-Drive tour.
Whichever tour you choose, you are guaranteed to have a fun and memorable time in a completely safe setting. However, one must be aware of the key differences between the two, which we have highlighted above.
Bilal Mohsin
Latest posts by Bilal Mohsin (see all)
- The Best Packages of Private Desert Safari Tour in Dubai - December 20, 2024
- Avoiding Common Mistakes on a Dubai Desert Self-Drive Tour - December 19, 2024
- Safe and Exciting: Family Tours in Dubai Desert Safari - December 13, 2024
