My first desert safari

Definition: Dune bashing, also known as desert safari, is a form of off-roading, using an off-road vehicle to explore sand dunes.

I promised myself that even if I could not find a suitable job for me here in Dubai, I would definitely try the famous desert safari. And yes, the desert safari came first before any other activities. A couple of weeks after I arrived, we scheduled one Friday afternoon for this.

Earl was very kind to make the arrangements. He got us a superb deal - just AED150 (group of 8), inclusive of all the desert safari activities. But the biggest bonus of it all: our off-road vehicle is a red, shiny HUMMER. How cool is that!

Along the way to the desert, we stopped by a camel farm. We pet a camel and rode an ATV. Before the dune bashing began, the driver deflated all four wheels of the vehicle. And did I mention that our vehicle was a red HUMMER?

Desert safari = rollercoaster ride in the dunes! The experience was absolutely mind-blowing. We were screaming the whole time. The vehicle would suddenly take a very steep dip, or crazily swerve to different sides. Our Lebanese driver was a master. He easily maneuvered the Hummer while treating us to a wild ride of unexpected twists, turns and tilts against the soft sands.

We were able to experience the desert in all its glory. Upon stepping down from the Hummer, I ran, rolled and hugged the sands. It was surreal. I used to read about this desert in the Bible. Now, I am actually standing on the path the Israelites took in their Egypt to Canaan journey. A shower of manna from heaven would complete the almost perfect moment.

The fun did not stop here. At the camp, together with all other desert safari groups, we ate a sumptuous buffet of barbeque. We were entertained by dances from various cultures in the Middle East. We tried the henna tattoo and took pictures of us in Arabic costumes.

It was a crazy and happy evening. In the coolness of the night, I was in a company of great friends in the middle of the desert. We were laughing, running around the camp and eating to our hearts' and stomachs' content. Hep, hep, hooray!!!

You want this desert safari experience,too?.... plus the red, shiny Hummer? Below are the contact details of the tour agency:

Sandy Ligan

info@ohtraveldubai.com

042896700

0506541134