Dubai Desert Safari Safe for Families and Kids? Your Ultimate Safety Guide
A Dubai desert safari is one of the most exciting experiences for travelers in the UAE, offering adventure, cultural immersion, and unforgettable scenery. From thrilling dune bashing to tranquil camel rides and delicious Arabian feasts under the stars, there’s something for everyone. But one question many families ask is: Is a desert safari safe for families and children?
The simple answer is yes—desert safaris are generally safe for families, including children. However, to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience, it’s essential to understand the available activities and take some precautions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make sure your family enjoys a safe and memorable desert safari in Dubai.
1. How Safe Are Desert Safaris for Families?
Dubai desert safari operators are highly experienced and prioritize the safety of their guests. From modern, well-maintained vehicles to trained guides and safety protocols, tour operators follow stringent measures to ensure a secure experience. Safaris are regularly inspected, and drivers undergo extensive training to handle the terrain.
Most desert safaris cater to families, but it’s essential to be aware of the nature of specific activities so you can decide which ones are appropriate for your children.
2. Dune Bashing: Safe for Children?
Dune bashing is one of the most exhilarating activities on a desert safari, involving fast-paced driving over sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. While it can be thrilling for adults and older kids, dune bashing may not be suitable for young children.
Is dune bashing safe for kids? For children under 3 years old or those with certain medical conditions (such as back issues or heart problems), it’s recommended to avoid dune bashing. The ride’s sharp turns, sudden drops, and uneven terrain can be uncomfortable or risky for young kids and people with specific health concerns.
Fortunately, many operators offer the option to skip dune bashing if you have small children, allowing families to enjoy other parts of the safari, such as camel riding and cultural experiences, while others participate in the dune bashing activity.
3. Family-Friendly Alternatives to Dune Bashing
If dune bashing is not suitable for your family, don’t worry! Dubai desert safaris offer a variety of family-friendly activities that are perfect for children:
- Camel Riding: Kids will love the peaceful experience of riding camels through the desert. Camel rides are safe and supervised, allowing children to connect with nature and learn about traditional Bedouin life.
- Sandboarding: Similar to snowboarding, sandboarding allows you to glide down the dunes on a board. Children (especially older ones) can participate in this fun, low-risk activity.
- Falconry Shows: These demonstrations are both educational and entertaining. Children can witness the skill and grace of trained falcons, an important part of the UAE’s cultural heritage.
- Quad Biking: Some safaris offer family-friendly quad biking sessions where children can ride under supervision. Smaller bikes and guided sessions ensure safety while still delivering a sense of adventure.
- Cultural Experiences: Many evening safaris include activities like henna painting, traditional dance performances, and Arabic coffee tasting, all of which are suitable for children. Kids can even dress in traditional Bedouin attire for a family photo session!
4. Dining on a Desert Safari: Family-Friendly Options
Most evening desert safaris feature a buffet-style dinner at the desert camp, offering a variety of Arabian dishes. The food is usually family-friendly, with plenty of options for kids, including grilled meats, rice, salads, and desserts. For picky eaters, many camps provide familiar dishes like pasta, fries, or sandwiches.
If your child has specific dietary preferences, it’s a good idea to bring along some snacks just in case. Additionally, you can always ask the tour operator about any special meal requirements in advance.
5. Safety Precautions to Ensure a Worry-Free Safari
While desert safaris are generally safe, taking a few additional precautions can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your family:
- Car Seats: If you’re traveling with toddlers, check whether the tour operator provides car seats for young children. Bringing your own car seat is another option.
- Hydration: The desert can get extremely hot, even in the evenings. Make sure your family stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Carrying personal water bottles is highly recommended.
- Sun Protection: The desert sun can be harsh, so apply sunscreen liberally and make sure your children wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing to stay protected from the sun.
- First Aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to have a small first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.
- Comfortable Clothing: Dress your children in comfortable clothes, and bring a light jacket or scarf for the evening when the desert temperature can drop significantly.
6. Ideal Age for Children to Enjoy Desert Safaris The best age for children to fully enjoy a desert safari is typically 5 years and older. At this age, they can safely participate in most activities, including camel riding and sandboarding. However, younger children can still enjoy elements of the safari, such as falconry shows, cultural performances, and gentle camel rides, while avoiding more intense experiences like dune bashing.
7. Booking a Family-Friendly Desert Safari - When planning your Dubai desert safari, it’s important to choose an operator that offers family-friendly tours. At Excursion Point, we provide customized safari packages tailored to families with children, ensuring a fun and safe experience for all ages and you can book through excursionpint website.
- To book your family-friendly desert safari, check out our GetYourGuide page here for more information and offers. We also offer flexible options if you prefer to skip certain activities like dune bashing.
Conclusion: - A desert safari in Dubai is a fantastic family adventure, offering a mix of exciting activities, cultural insights, and natural beauty. While intense activities like dune bashing may not be suitable for toddlers or young children, there are plenty of other options to ensure everyone enjoys their experience. With the right planning and a few simple precautions, your family can make memories that will last a lifetime in Dubai’s stunning desert landscape.
- Stay connected with Excursion Point for the latest safari updates and offers! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our other social media channels for exclusive content and promotions.
