Walter Ponce
During my last **trip to **UAE, I decided to do a Desert Safari with Platinum Heritage. I’ve been waiting for this special day for a long time and I was EXTREMELY excited! I just couldn’t imagine standing in the middle of the endless desert. Today I want to tell you about that incredible day.
We were picked up from our hotel at around 3 p.m. Our tour guide from Platinum Heritage explained the tour to us in detail and showed us a lot of Dubai. When we left the autobahn, we went into the desert.
When we arrived at the gateway to the desert all the tour groups arrived at the same time.
Here, we were greeted by the vintage Land Rover fleet and the camels who were ready for the group heading to the camp with their furry friends.
The team at Platinum Heritage will tie your headscarf in the traditional Arab style. This protects your head and face in the desert against the dry heat and sandy winds.
Then we headed to the desert with our camels. It was a **pretty scenic and surreal **experience to see the sun go down across the sand dunes in the middle of nowhere. Being interested in photography, I was able to get lots of photos of ever changing light across the dunes as the sun broke the sunset.
The ride was spectacular as we navigated through the desert under the sunlight. The camels were well behaved and quite calm. It was an amazing experience to be in the middle of nowhere without a sound around.
Riding camels through the desert is an enchanting experience that takes you back in time, immersing you in the ancient traditions of desert dwellers. As you mount these gentle giants, you’ll feel a unique sense of connection with nature and a harmonious rhythm with the desert’s vastness.
The height advantage from atop the camel allows you to gaze across the endless expanse of the desert, feeling humbled by the sheer magnitude of nature’s wonders. Time seems to stand still as you take in the breathtaking vistas, feeling a sense of oneness with the world around you.
Falcon show
The Falcon is UAE’s national animal and, as I learned here, the fastest bird on this earth. At the falconry show, you can get up close and personal with these birds and see them in action.
The trainers put on a good show and you can feel the falcon flying at the speed of light over your head!
Bedouin camp
Then the tour with Platinum Heritage continued and we arrived at the camp. The camp looked just fantastic.
In the camp itself there was then food, drink and two shows. The food was prepared in front of our eyes and tasted really great. There were **chilled drinks **in wooden pots. In the middle of the camp there were again carpets on which you could smoke shisha. We were also allowed to have henna painted. Late in the evening we went back to the hotel.
I have to say that the tour organised by Platinum Heritage was really well organised! We were a really small family for that time and experienced everything together.
Platinum Heritage Website: https://www.platinum-heritage.com/
Platinum Heritage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platinumheritage/
About desert safaris in Dubai
A desert safari is one of the most popular experiences in Dubai. Most tours leave the city in the afternoon, head into the desert for sunset and finish with dinner at a camp. There are many different styles:
- Dune bashing tours: fast 4x4 drives over the dunes, often in large groups.
- Heritage and conservation tours: slower experiences focused on Bedouin culture, wildlife and traditional activities such as falconry and camel rides.
- Morning safaris: shorter trips with sandboarding or quad biking.
- Overnight safaris: sleeping under the stars in a desert camp.
- Hot air balloon flights: early morning flights over the dunes at sunrise.
Platinum Heritage is known for its heritage-style tours with vintage Land Rovers and conservation-focused experiences. Much of its activity takes place in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a protected area where wildlife such as Arabian oryx and gazelles can be spotted. Check the company’s website for the current tour options, as programmes change over time.
Tips for a desert safari
- Book ahead, especially in the cooler high season from around October to April.
- Wear comfortable clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and closed shoes or sandals that you don’t mind filling with sand.
- Bring a light jacket in winter. The desert can get surprisingly cold after sunset.
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat or scarf.
- Bring a camera with a spare battery for the sunset and the dunes.
- Tell the operator about dietary needs in advance, so the camp dinner can be adapted.
- Health considerations: dune driving and camel rides may not be suitable for pregnant travellers or people with back problems. Ask the operator before booking.
Best time to go
The best season for a desert safari in Dubai is from around October to April, when temperatures are more pleasant. In summer, from June to September, daytime temperatures in the desert can be extremely high, so tours focus on late afternoon and evening, or early morning. Sunset tours are popular all year for the light and cooler air.
Falconry in the UAE
Falconry is a deep part of Emirati heritage. For centuries, Bedouins trained falcons to hunt for food in the desert, and the tradition is still very much alive today. Falconry is recognised by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and the UAE is one of the countries that supported its listing. In Abu Dhabi, there is even a dedicated falcon hospital.
What else to do in Dubai
If you are planning a trip to Dubai, consider adding:
- Burj Khalifa: the tallest building in the world, with observation decks at the top.
- Old Dubai: the Al Fahidi historic neighbourhood, Dubai Creek and the abra water taxis.
- The souks: the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira.
- Dubai Marina and JBR: waterfront walks, restaurants and beaches.
- Museum of the Future: one of the city’s newest landmarks.
- Day trip to Abu Dhabi: to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
FAQ
How long does a desert safari last? Evening safaris usually run from mid-afternoon until late evening, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
Is a desert safari suitable for children? Many tours are family-friendly, but check age limits for activities like dune driving and camel rides.
What should I wear? Light, comfortable clothes, closed shoes or sandals, and a warm layer for the evening in winter.
Is hotel pickup included? Many operators include pickup from hotels in Dubai. Check the details when booking.
When is the best time of year to go? From around October to April, when temperatures are cooler.
