Exploring the Dubai desert can be an exhilarating experience, and with the self-drive buggy or quad bike safari, adventurers have the chance to take the wheel and enjoy the stunning sandy terrain. Whether you opt for the shared buggy or the more adventurous quad bike, this excursion promises a thrilling journey, complete with safety briefings, practice sessions, and midway stops for refreshments and photo opportunities. Beginners and experienced riders alike can enjoy the breathtaking desert landscapes and the rush of navigating the dunes. But the true excitement lies in the decision – which mode of transportation will you choose?
Good To Know
- Experience the thrill of navigating Dubai’s desert landscapes using either a self-drive buggy (for 2 people) or a quad bike for a more adventurous off-road ride.
- Buggies feature automatic gears, making them easier to control, while quad bikes offer a more challenging, off-road experience.
- Comprehensive safety briefing and practice session ensure participants are prepared to navigate the sandy terrain safely.
- Midway stop for refreshments and photo opportunities allows riders to rest and appreciate the breathtaking desert scenery.
- Activity is suitable for beginners, with minimum age requirements of 18 years for buggies and 14 years for quad bikes.
Overview of Experience
Offering a unique opportunity to explore Dubai’s expansive desert landscapes, this self-drive buggy or quad bike safari provides an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
The 1-hour ride allows participants to choose between an open-top desert buggy with automatic gears or a quad bike, both equipped with safety gear.
After a brief safety briefing and practice session, riders will navigate through sandy terrain, follow dusty tracks, and enjoy stunning desert views.
Midway through the journey, there’s a stop for complimentary refreshments and photo opportunities.
With a minimum booking of 2 people, this experience caters to beginners and offers an exhilarating way to take in Dubai’s captivating desert environment.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dubai.
Choosing Between Buggies and Quads
Travelers have the choice between an open-top desert buggy or a quad bike for this self-drive safari. Buggies are operated with automatic gears, making them easier to control, while quad bikes offer a more adventurous and off-road experience. The minimum age for buggies is 18 years, with a minimum passenger age of 5 years, while quad bikes require participants to be at least 14 years old with no passengers allowed. Safety equipment like helmets and goggles is provided for both options. The table below outlines the key differences to help travelers decide which option best suits their preferences and abilities.
Feature | Buggy | Quad Bike |
---|---|---|
Minimum Age | 18 years | 14 years |
Minimum Passenger Age | 5 years | N/A |
Driving Experience | Automatic transmission | More advanced |
Terrain Capability | Moderate | Challenging |
Thrill Level | Moderate | High |
Pickup and Transportation
For this self-drive safari, participants are picked up from their Dubai hotels or the designated meeting point at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre.
From there, they’ll travel into the desert in an air-conditioned vehicle. This transfer ensures a hassle-free start to the adventure.
Once at the desert location, guests receive a safety briefing and practice session before choosing between the open-top desert buggy or the quad bike.
This convenient pickup and transportation service makes it easy for adventurers to access the remote desert terrain and focus on the thrilling ride ahead.
Safety Briefing and Practice
Upon arrival at the desert location, the operator provides participants with a comprehensive safety briefing.
They explain the proper handling and operation of the buggies or quad bikes. Riders learn about accelerating, steering, and braking techniques to ensure a safe and controlled ride. The guide demonstrates key safety features and ensures everyone understands how to use the equipment.
Participants then have the opportunity to practice driving in a designated area under the close supervision of the guide. This allows them to get a feel for the vehicles and build confidence before heading out to the dunes.
The safety briefing and practice session are essential to prepare riders for the desert adventure ahead.
Riding Through the Desert
Participants then venture out into the vast desert, navigating the open-top buggies or quad bikes across the sandy terrain.
They follow dusty tracks, weaving through the undulating dunes and reveling in the breathtaking desert views. The vehicles are easy to control, with automatic gears, allowing riders to focus on the exhilarating drive.
The experience includes:
- Thrilling rides over sandy slopes and along winding paths.
- Opportunities to stop for photos and take in the stunning desert landscape.
- A chance to test their driving skills in a safe and controlled environment.
- The freedom to explore the vast expanse of the Dubai desert.
- Morning Red Dunes Safari: Quad Biking, Sandboarding & Camel Ride
- Dubai Evening Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner at Desert Point
- FLYBOARD 30MN Session @ POPEYE JETSKI
- 3-Day PADI Open Water Diving Course in Dubai
- Speedboat Dubai: 60 Mins Guided Burj Al Arab & Atlantis Tour
- Private Red Dunes With Camel Ride, Sandboarding, Falcon & Arabic Coffee Package
Midway Stop and Refreshments
Midway through the exhilarating desert ride, participants take a short break to enjoy a complimentary soda and capture memorable photos of the stunning landscape.
The break is a chance to rest and rehydrate before continuing the adventure. Guides ensure everyone has the opportunity to snap pictures of the picturesque desert terrain, providing advice on the best vantage points.
This midway stop allows guests to savor the serene atmosphere and bask in the serene beauty of the surroundings.
After a brief respite, it’s time to hop back on the buggy or quad bike and continue the thrilling journey across the sandy dunes.
Restrictions and Considerations
Safety is paramount for this desert adventure. There are a few key restrictions and considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible. Plus, a minimum of 2 people is required to book the experience.
While no driving license is necessary, basic driving knowledge is expected. Finally, the experience isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
Following these guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable time for all participants. The guides prioritize safety and work to prevent participants from exceeding safe limits during the ride.
Customer Feedback and Recommendations
According to customer reviews, the friendly and professional guides have been praised for their emphasis on safety during the rides.
Participants highlighted that the guides ensure riders don’t exceed safety limits. While some feedback indicated a desire for longer ride duration and more freedom, the experience was overall deemed enjoyable, particularly for beginners.
Customers found the self-drive buggies or quad bikes a great way to explore the desert terrain and enjoy the scenic views.
Despite a few suggestions for improvement, the activity received positive recommendations from those who’ve tried it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed During the Ride?
Photography is allowed during the ride. The itinerary includes a stop for photo opportunities midway through the experience, providing participants with a chance to capture the desert scenery.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?
Participants can bring their own snacks and drinks. However, complimentary refreshments are provided during the midway stop. Bringing extra food and beverages is not required, as the experience includes all necessary provisions.
Are the Vehicles Equipped With Seatbelts?
The vehicles are equipped with seatbelts to ensure the safety of participants. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory during the experience to comply with safety regulations and protect riders in case of unexpected terrain or maneuvers.
Can We Request a Specific Departure Time?
Yes, you can generally request a specific departure time for the experience. The tour operator will try to accommodate your preferred time, subject to availability and other bookings.
Is the Activity Suitable for Children Under 5 Years Old?
The activity is not suitable for children under 5 years old. The minimum passenger age for the buggies is 5 years, and they must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 are not permitted to participate.
The Sum Up
This self-drive desert adventure offers an exhilarating way to explore the Dubai dunes. Whether you choose a shared buggy or a quad bike, you’ll enjoy a guided ride with a safety briefing and a midway stop for refreshments. It’s a thrilling experience perfect for beginners, providing an unforgettable glimpse of the stunning desert landscapes.
More Safari Adventures in Dubai
- Combo Tours: Half-Day Dubai City Tour With Evening Red Dunes Desert Safari
- Morning Desert Safari With Camel Rides, Sand Boards and Dune Bashing
- Private Morning Desert Safari With Flamingos Bird Watching
- Afternoon Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner
- Evening Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner
- Vip Evening Desert Safari Pickup and Drop by Land Cruiser
More Cycling Tours in Dubai
- Dubai Morning Quad Bike, Sand Boarding and Camel Ride
- Private Morning Desert Safari With Quad Bike and Camel Ride
- Hatta Mountain Adventure (Hiking & Biking)
- Morning Red Dunes Desert Safari With Quad Bike
- Morning Desert Safari With Dune Bashing, Camel Ride, Sand Board & Quad Biking
- Desert Safari Dubai With ATV Quad Bike
More Tour Reviews in Dubai
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Dubai we have reviewed
- Efoil
- Dubai Hot Air Balloon Sightseeing
- Combo Tours: Half-Day Dubai City Tour With Evening Red Dunes Desert Safari
- Jet Ski in the Heart of Jumeirah Beach
- Dubai City Tour With Dhow Cruise Marina and Abu Dhabi City Tour
- Dubai City Tour
- Morning Desert Safari With Camel Rides, Sand Boards and Dune Bashing
- 2 Days Private Dubai City Tour With 6 Attractions Ticket
- Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park With Lostchamber Aquarium Tickets
- Dubai Burj Khalifa Tickets – Levels 124 and 125 Floors + Caffe
- Private 10 Hours Tour : Dubai and Abu Dhabi With Professional Driver
- Can-Am Maverick X3 Rs Turbo 2 Seaters Camel Ride and Sandboarding