1. A Morning Full of Excitement and Anticipation - The day of the desert safari began early, with excitement buzzing in the air. Our pickup was scheduled around 2 PM, giving us the whole morning to imagine what lay ahead. As I packed my sunglasses, scarf, and camera, I couldn’t help but wonder how does it feel to leave behind the glittering city and step into endless dunes? The idea itself was thrilling.
2. The Drive from Dubai to the Desert Begins - Right on time, our 4x4 Land Cruiser arrived, and we hit the road with a friendly guide who shared facts about Dubai’s deserts and Bedouin culture. As we moved away from the city, the buildings faded and the sands took over. Within 45 minutes, we were surrounded by nothing but golden wilderness. I lowered the window to feel the dry, warm air brush against my skin.
3. First Stop: Quad Biking Adventure - Our first stop was a quad biking camp a wide open space with bikes lined up like waiting beasts. After a short safety briefing, I revved the engine and began to race over small dunes. The adrenaline rush was intense, and for those 20 minutes, I felt like a desert explorer. The rough ride, the dust flying, and the joy of speeding across sand was just the beginning of the adventure.
4. Into the Dunes: The Thrill of Dune Bashing - Soon after, we were back in our SUV, buckled up for the real action dune bashing. The driver, clearly an expert, turned off the main track and plunged into the desert like water down a slope. The car bounced, tilted, and slid at sharp angles over massive dunes. We screamed, laughed, and held on tight. It felt like a rollercoaster crafted by nature itself.
5. A Magical Pause to Watch the Sunset - After the wild ride, the car stopped at the top of a tall dune just in time for sunset. We all stepped out in silence as the sky turned from blue to orange to deep red. There was no noise, no traffic, no crowd just the wind and the golden sands. I stood there for minutes, completely still, watching the sun melt into the horizon. That view alone was worth the entire journey.
6. Welcome to the Desert Camp - As night approached, we arrived at the desert camp a beautifully arranged setup with low cushions, Arabic tents, lanterns, and a stage in the center. Dates, Arabic coffee, and soft music welcomed us in. It felt like we had stepped into a peaceful, traditional world under the stars. I was surprised by how luxurious yet authentic the whole arrangement felt.
7. Camel Ride & Henna Experience - Before dinner, I went for a short camel ride that gave me a taste of ancient desert travel. Though it was bumpy, it felt symbolic slow, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in culture. Nearby, women were offering henna art, and I got a floral design drawn on my hand. The scent of fresh henna mixed with desert air stayed with me long after I returned home.
8. A Feast of Flavors Under the Sky - Dinner was a generous buffet with grilled meats, fresh salads, hummus, biryani, and soft bread. I filled my plate and settled on the carpet seating under the open sky. With a cup of karak chai in hand, I looked around and saw smiling faces, quiet conversations, and flickering torches. It felt like time had slowed down in the best possible way.
9. Dances That Brought the Desert to Life - As the stars came out, the stage lit up with performances first a belly dancer with graceful moves, then a fire show that stunned the crowd, and finally a tanoura dancer in swirling robes. The music echoed in the air, blending with the mood of the desert night. I wasn’t just watching a show I felt part of something ancient and alive.
10. The Silent Ride Back to the City - Around 9 PM, we got back into our SUV for the return ride. Unlike the energetic drive earlier, this one was calm. Most of us were quiet, lost in thoughts or asleep. The city lights began to appear in the distance, and I realized I was carrying more than photos I had taken back a piece of the desert with me. A memory etched in sand and soul.
You may also like → Dubai Travel Memoirs: Where Luxury Meets the Desert Soul
No comments:
Post a Comment
Have a question or feedback? Leave a comment below!