Desert safaris may sometimes seem bland compared to the classic safaris offered by various game parks and reserves. However, you can rest assured that the desert safari is an experience that you should not miss out on – the desert is a beautiful and breathtaking place that hides a lot of secrets, which you can reveal with the help of a local tour guide. And if sightseeing and history lessons are not enough to meet your expectations, then you will be glad to hear that there are many other side activities that can be enjoyed while on a desert safari. We have compiled a list of advice for the best 12 things to do on a desert safari.
Hire a Driver and a Vehicle for a Jeep Safari
One of the easiest ways to get a fulfilling desert safari experience is to hire a driver to take you on a trip with a comfortable 4×4 jeep. Their vehicles are powerful and well-maintained, so you will cover a lot of ground easily. Usually, these tours offer various extras and side activities, so you will have a chance to customize the trip according to your needs.
Travel via a Hot Air Balloon
Travel via hot air balloon may sound outdated, but it is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty and sheer size of the desert. The best time to book a safari trip via a hot air balloon is either before sunrise or before sunset – make sure to bring a camera with you, because you will want to keep a memory of these moments forever.
Try out Sandboarding
While riding a skateboard in the desert is impossible, you may try getting on a sandboard – it is just like a snowboard, but it has been modified to work better on sand. Do not worry about bringing equipment, because there are plenty of places that allow you to rent a sandboard for the day.
Be More Extreme – Try Dune Bashing
This activity is often provided in the jeep safaris described above, and you should definitely ask to have it included in your offer. This should only be done by a professional driver, so make sure to pick one of the more reputable jeep drivers. Going full speed up and down the beautiful desert dunes is guaranteed to raise your adrenaline levels.
Check for Desert Camps that Offer Accommodation
Many people go to the desert for the day and then return to their city hotel by nighttime. However, you can rest assured that the desert is not beautiful just during the day – it is worth experiencing the calmness and low temperatures of the desert during nighttime. Setting up camp on your own is not recommended because it may be dangerous if you are an inexperienced traveler – thankfully, there are plenty of desert camps that offer affordable or even luxury accommodation for the night.
Explore the Night Skies by Stargazing
The light pollution in cities may prevent you from seeing the beauties of the night sky, but this will not be an issue with the desert – in fact, depending on the region you are visiting, you might enjoy some of the clearest night skies in the world. You can even pay for an astronomy guide who will tell you more about the stars, planets, and constellations you see.
Travel by Horse
Horse riding is a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and slow ride among the desert dunes. It is important to add that these trips are usually short, so you should not expect it to last between 60 and 90 minutes. Of course, you will not be riding the horse on your own, and you will have a guide along with you at all times.
Hop on a Dirt Bike
Always wanted to drive a bike, but you do not have a license? Well, a desert safari is the best place for you then – you can hire a dirt bike and a guide to take you on an adrenaline-fueled trip throughout the desert. Even if you have never been on a bike before, you will be able to try out this activity thanks to the beginner lessons, and the free safety equipment.
Book a Camel Tour
Travelers who go on a safari trip should definitely book a camel tour for at least a few hours. Camels are beautiful and calm animals, and riding them throughout the desert is an irreplaceable experience.
Visit a Desert Reserve
Wildlife in the desert is not very common, but you can always book a visit to one of the local reserves if you wish to get closer to the animals living in the region. Not only will you be able to see some of the rarest animals on Earth, but you will also hear interesting facts about them thanks to the guided tours.
Find a Spot to Try the Local Cuisine
Often desert safaris will take you through some encampments where you will have an opportunity to try some of the local meals. You should not pass such opportunities because it is not every day that we get to try genuine cuisine from distant desert regions.
Get a Show from a Falcon Trainer
Falcon trainers are not an unusual occurrence in many desert regions. Going to one of their shows is strongly recommended since falcon demonstrations have plenty of surprises in store for you. Just one of these shows will spark your love for these beautiful, flying predators.
Final Tips and Advice
Make sure to select the best months for your desert safari trip – the summer months are often unbearably hot, and you might want to aim for a vacation during the winter season. It will still be very hot, but you may be able to dodge the 50 degrees Celsius temperatures. Talking of heat – do not underestimate the harsh conditions of the desert. The minimum protective equipment to bring is a hat, sunglasses, and sun cream. Last but not least, always listen to your tour guide because their job is to keep you safe and entertained.