Table of Contents
Introduction
A desert safari is an exhilarating experience that allows you to explore the vast sandy landscapes of a desert. In Bahrain, desert safaris take you away from the bustling city life and into the magical Arabian desert. You get to enjoy heart-pumping activities amidst the endless golden dunes while learning about the local culture. If you want a unique holiday experience, a desert safari in Bahrain should be on your itinerary. Here’s a complete guide to help you make the most of this sandy adventure!
Getting There
Most desert safari camps in Bahrain are located around 30-40 km from Manama. Tour operators arrange convenient pick-up and drop-off from major hotels or even directly from the airport. The drive to the desert takes about an hour by bus or 4×4 vehicles. Some reputed tour operators for desert safaris in Bahrain are Arabian Nights Tours, Bahrain International Tours, Bahrain Desert Safari and Offroaders.
Activities
Once you reach the desert camp, the real fun begins! Here are some thrilling activities you can enjoy in the desert:
Dune Bashing
This exciting activity involves driving across bumpy sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. Expert drivers take you on an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster ride over the endless golden dunes while making sharp turns and driving up and down steep slopes. Hold on tight!
Camel Riding
Ride on the ship of the desert like the Bedouins once did! Camel rides are a great way to explore the desert at a relaxed pace. Sitting atop a camel gives you a higher vantage point to admire the scenic views.
Sandboarding
Strap a snowboard or sled to your feet and slide down the soft sandy slopes. Sandboarding is an exciting new adventure sport that has started gaining popularity in the Middle East. The desert dunes make perfect sandboarding slopes.
Quad Biking
Zip across the desert sands in an ATV quad bike. Quad biking is ideal for those who want to venture deep into the desert for some fun and adventure. Most camps provide gear and instructors.
Sunset Viewing
Watch the sunset paint the desert landscape in hues of orange and pink. Find a high dune, relax with some Arabic coffee and snacks and enjoy nature’s beautiful show as the sun disappears below the horizon.
Cultural Experiences
Desert camps also give you a taste of authentic Arabian culture:
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Savor traditional Arabic coffee and dates as you rest between activities.
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Get beautiful henna designs painted on your hands by skilled Arabic artists.
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Dress up in traditional Arabic costumes like keffiyehs and abayas and pose for photos.
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Try shisha or hubbly bubbly, smoked through ornate water pipes.
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Watch talented belly dancers sway and swirl as they perform to Arabic music.
Dinner Time
After all the adventurous activities, you can refuel with a delicious Arabic buffet dinner at the camp. Expect dishes like hummus, tabouleh, mixed grills, kebabs, biryanis and more. There are usually unlimited soft drinks as well. Relax at the campsite and share fun moments with fellow travelers.
Stargazing
The desert comes alive at night with thousands of shimmering stars in the clear night sky. Lie down on the soft sands and try identifying constellations. Keep a lookout for shooting stars and make wishes! For an even better stargazing experience, opt for an overnight desert safari.
Safety Tips
While desert safaris are thrilling, you need to follow some basic safety precautions:
- Listen carefully to all instructions from the instructors and guides.
- Wear your seatbelt at all times during dune bashing and quad biking.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to avoid heat stroke.
- Apply sunscreen, sunglasses and caps to protect yourself from the harsh sun.
What to Bring
Be prepared for your desert adventure with:
- Comfortable shoes – sneakers or sandals with straps
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Camera to capture memorable moments
- Some cash for tipping activity guides
Unique Souvenirs
After a fun day in the desert, you can shop for quirky Arabic souvenirs:
- Camel bone boxes engraved with Arabic designs
- Authentic Persian rugs in vibrant patterns
- Traditional Arabic coffee pots or teapots
- Handmade pottery like clay urns and incense burners
Making the Most of It
Here are some tips to have the best desert safari experience:
- Book an overnight desert safari to try camping under the stars.
- Visit during winter (November-February) to avoid the extreme heat.
- Opt for private tours over group tours for more flexibility.
- Upgrade to VIP packages for a more exclusive and luxurious experience.
Conclusion
A desert safari is a must-do for anyone visiting the Kingdom of Bahrain. It takes you away from the bustling city into the serene and picturesque Arabian desert. Enjoy an incredible blend of adventure activities and cultural experiences amidst the sandy vistas. With proper safety measures, desert safaris make for an unforgettable holiday experience. So get ready for the magical thrill ride over the golden dunes on your next Bahrain vacation!
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Bahrain for a desert safari?
A: The cooler months between November to February are ideal for a desert safari in Bahrain. Summers can get extremely hot.
Q: What kind of clothes should I wear for a desert safari?
A: Light and comfortable clothes like t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers or sandals. Avoid wearing contact lenses as the sand can irritate.
Q: Can kids enjoy a desert safari?
A: Yes, many activities like camel rides and dune bashing are safe for kids too. Make sure they are supervised by an adult at all times.
Q: Should I tip the guides after the safari?
A: Tipping guides is customary if you were satisfied with the experience. Around $5-10 per activity guide is considered reasonable.
Q: What are some things banned on desert safaris?
A: Activities like littering, smoking and alcohol consumption are usually prohibited to maintain the ecosystem. Also avoid carrying plastic bags or glass bottles.