When talking about thrilling adventures and trips you can enjoy with your family and group, then the private desert safari Dubai tour stands out on top. A trip such as this offers a rich cultural experience in the heart of the Arabian desert.
As a part of this rich cultural experience, you also get to spend quality time in the traditional Bedouin-style campsite, where you can interact with locals, enjoy entertainment shows, and fill your appetite with a tasty BBQ buffet.
Here are the top 5 cultural experiences to expect on your Dubai Desert Safari tour.
Top 5 Cultural Activities on a Desert Safari Tour
Discover some fun and exciting cultural activities you can enjoy during your desert safari adventure.
Camel Riding
Camels have been a vital part of Bedouin life for centuries, serving as the main mode of transport long before cars and bikes existed. Even today, nomadic tribes rely on camels in desert areas. For tourists, camel rides offer a unique chance to experience what it feels like to travel on these incredible animals.
There’s no need to worry about safety—your guide will hold the camel’s leash and walk beside you, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride. Camel rides usually last about 20–30 minutes, though you can extend your ride for an extra fee. Some safari packages even include visits to camel farms, where you can pick a camel to ride.
Dune Bashing
If you’re looking for excitement, dune bashing is a must-try! This thrilling activity involves riding in a 4×4 Land Cruiser driven by an expert driver who speeds across the desert’s bumpy dunes. It’s a heart-pounding adventure perfect for adrenaline junkies.
While camel riding is a slow-paced journey that lets you connect with the past, dune bashing shows you how locals navigate the desert today using powerful vehicles. Many wealthy residents now use luxurious 4x4s to travel comfortably through the desert.
For those who love adventure, dune bashing is a must. But if you prefer a calmer activity or have health issues, camel riding is a fantastic alternative. Both are fun and safe ways to explore the desert.
Bedouin Campsite Experience
Staying at a traditional Bedouin campsite is part of every desert safari package, whether it’s a morning desert safari, evening safari, or an overnight safari. These camps are designed to reflect Bedouin culture, with open tents, low seating on rugs or carpets, and handcrafted wooden furniture.
You’ll also see displays of Bedouin art, such as handwoven baskets, pottery, and camel saddles. Guests can relax, drink Arabic coffee, enjoy shisha, and mingle with locals in this peaceful setting.
Camps come in two types: shared and private. Shared camps are larger and can host 100–1000 people, depending on the tour operator. Private camps offer a more intimate experience for groups who prefer privacy. While private camps cost more, they provide a truly special and exclusive experience.
Traditional Entertainment
Evening and overnight safaris often include cultural performances at the campsite. These shows feature traditional dances and music that showcase the region’s heritage.
The Tanoura dance is a highlight, where a male dancer spins gracefully in colorful skirts. Another popular performance is belly dancing, featuring elegant movements of the hips and torso. For those who love daring acts, fire shows are a must-watch, with performers juggling and spinning objects set on fire. These performances add a magical touch to your desert safari experience.
BBQ Dinner and Local Food
A desert safari isn’t just about the sights and activities—it’s also a chance to enjoy delicious food. Most safari tours offer a BBQ dinner with options like grilled lamb chops, mutton, kebabs, and fried chicken. For those who prefer international flavors, dishes like burgers, pizza, and pasta are also available.
Tour operators usually provide vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you have specific preferences, let your operator know when booking so they can make arrangements. At Desert Planet Tourism, we cater to dietary preferences and even offer premium packages where you can customise your menu for a private dining experience.
Additional Cultural Activities to Try at Desert Safari Dubai Tour
While the 5 activities mentioned above are included in your package, but for a more fun and memorable time, here are a few more you can try on your own if you want:
Falconry Display
Falconry is an old art where falcons are trained and used for hunting purposes. In the past, travelers used falcons to hunt and eat. Here, a local expert will demonstrate how the falcons are trained and sent to locate a target and bring it back to the owner.
Further, you will also learn about the lifestyle of these birds and see different species too.
Dressing in an Emirate Dress
You can dress in a traditional Emirati dress and click some photos while posing with camels or falcons on your shoulder. For males, this includes a white robe, called thoub/thobe, and is generally worn with a pair of loose-fitting trousers. Females can wear an Abaya that covers the entire head.
Try Henna Painting on Your
Henna is an ancient practice that uses brown dye to create beautiful and catchy designs on your body. Mostly couples and newlyweds try this as it’s supposed to bring them good luck and prosperity to their marriage. At the campsite, there is an expert artist who does henna painting and has several designs from which you can choose to paint on your body.
These paints dry soon, and after reaching home, you can easily remove them during a bath. They are not like tattoos.
Conclusion
A private desert safari tour is not only a fun and entertaining activity but also helps you learn in detail about local culture and traditions that are hard to find in the city. While in Dubai, it is a must-try thing to do.
Do call Desert Planet Tourism for safari packages or any query you might have regarding these tours. Check out our amazing deals and discounts in the service tab and book now to reserve your seat.
Bilal Mohsin
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