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 a budget-friendly package and offers limited activities, which are often shared with other passengers. Here are the activities and experiences to can enjoy on a Standard desert safari:
Pick and Drop service
You’ll most probably be picked up from a fixed spot in the city on a bus or another vehicle which you might have to share with other passengers.
Dune Bashing
Dune bashing is an exciting ride on 4×4 vehicles (i.e., Landcruiser) on the bumpy and challenging desert terrain, which is sure to excite you and get your heart racing. The experience is similar to riding a roller coaster or even more exciting. You might have to share the vehicle with other passengers on a standard safari.
Camel Riding
The Desert Safari is not only about adventure but also offers amazing cultural experiences as well. Camel riding is one such experience that guests can enjoy here. It’s a slow, bumpy ride compared to dune bashing and offers the best opportunities for photography.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding but done in a completely different environment in a desert safari. Here, the person glides down from a tall dune on a wooden or specialized board and tries to maintain balance.
Buffet Dinner and Campsite Entertainment
After your safari activities are over, you can head to the campsite, witness fascinating cultural shows performed by local young dancers, and savor a delicious BBQ buffet in a shared setting with other guests.
These are the main highlights of a standard desert safari. Although the prices are lower, you might have to share the vehicles and camping facilities with other guests.
What is Premium Desert Safari?
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
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