Bedouin Culture Safari – Explore Desert Traditions
FULL DESCRIPTION
Experience life as a Bedouin nomad, learning how to survive in Dubai’s unforgiving desert. See how these hardy and resourceful people herded, hunted, camped, and thrived in the ultimate cultural safari.
Your journey starts in the morning, as you’re driven out to the Dubai desert in an air-conditioned classic Land Rover Defender. Once you have reached our private desert property, you will start your cultural journey by traversing the desert on a camel, also traditionally called the “ship of the desert”. Arriving at your destination: a nomadic Bedouin camp, you will experience an insight into authentic Bedouin life.
You’ll be greeted in traditional fashion, with rose water, Arabic coffee, and dates. Explore the village, constructed of traditional woven goat hair, wood, and stones; a tribute to the resourcefulness of the nomadic people. You’ll have the chance to meet and chat with Bedouin storytellers, pet farm animals, get up close with the Arabian hunting dogs called Saluki’s, and learn about Bedouin-style hunting, and how the combination of falconry and Saluki dogs became their main means of hunting. You will also be able to watch the world’s fastest animal in flight in a spectacular falconry presentation.
Our Guides will explain how to prepare your own traditional Arabic breakfast while enjoying the traditional dances performed by young local Bedouin.
See how Land Rovers, first introduced in 1948, transformed Bedouins’ life, as they could finally trade, explore and survey the vast desert areas with ease. Climb aboard a vintage Land Rover into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for a 60-minute nature safari, stopping and seeing how the native flora and fauna were used for survival.
ITINERARY
- Pick up and drop off from Dubai hotels in air-conditioned vehicles between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM.
- Arrive at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Receive your Adventure Pack and put on your Sheila/Ghutra (traditional headscarf).
- Embark on a traditional camel caravan across the sand dunes (15 minutes).
- Receive a Bedouin welcome at an authentic Bedouin village.
- Explore the traditional village with Bedouin tents, cooking stations, farm animals and learn about Bedouin life.
- Watch a Bedouin falcon show with Saluki dogs.
- Watch the preparation of a typical Bedouin breakfast at live cooking stations and enjoy a series of local dishes.
- Spend time with local Bedouin, listen to their stories passed down through the generations and take part in a traditional performance.
- Get in a Vintage Land Rover and go on a 60-minute nature drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
- Return to the Hotel between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM (depending on the season/sunrise).
- Please note due to current Covid regulations set by the UAE government that certain activities within the itinerary may not be available.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- From the morning to noon for around 6 hours.
- Includes Hotel pick-up from urban Dubai area, in a shared air-conditioned vehicle.
- This is a rustic and culturally immersive experience. It is for the adventurers looking for a hands-on experience and glimpse into Bedouin life in the desert.
- The pickup time is between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM depending on the season/sunrise. We will notify you the evening before the exact pick-up time. You will return to the Hotel between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
- Every booking receives an Adventure Pack including a souvenir bag, a refillable stainless-steel water bottle for each guest to keep, and a Sheila/Ghutra headscarf to wear and take home.
- As it is warm in the Dubai desert, we recommend (especially during summer) that you wear a hat, sunglasses, sun cream, and comfortable cool clothes. During winter (December- February) we recommend that you bring something warm to put on.
- Breakfast Menu is traditional. We also provide vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free meal options. Please inform us when booking so we can make sure you are accommodated. View our Menu here
- Bathroom facilities are available in the desert and at the camp.
- Your Desert Safari is conducted by highly trained Conservation Guides with extensive knowledge of ecotourism, cultural heritage, history, and the natural environment of Dubai.
- A portion of your Desert Safari fee is contributed towards local conservation in Dubai.
FINER DETAILS
- We don’t pick up guests from private residences in Dubai unless you have booked a private car. If you are staying at a private residence, we can pick you up from the nearest hotel.
- Children over 5 years old and under 12 years old will be accepted at the child rate.
- A private car booking is required if traveling with children under 5 years old.
- We require a minimum of 13 hours in advance to book this activity online. Alternatively, you can contact our office directly to inquire about short-term bookings.
- Due to health concerns, the wildlife drive is not recommended for pregnant guests within their third trimester.
- Maximum of 2 people per camel. You will travel in a traditional camel caravan with the camel handler holding the lead camel.
- For a private car booking, please select the number of vehicles only.
- A confirmation with a precise pick-up time will be sent to your email or phone before 6:00 PM the day before the tour
