One of the main reasons that we decided to travel to Dubai was to visit the Desert. While we would have loved to hire a car and drive into the Desert for the day alone, we decided it was a much wiser decision to book a group tour. That is how we came across Platinum Heritage. When doing some research online, there were many great reviews which cemented our decision to book with Platinum Heritage.
// Choice of Tours //
Depending on your taste, Platinum Heritage offers a range of tours. They are divided into two categories:
- Platinum Collection
- Heritage Collection
Both itineraries consist primarily of the same activities, the main difference being the mode of transport through the desert. Like majority of the previous guests who have visited Platinum Heritage, we chose one of the Heritage Collection Tours. With the Heritage Collection, you will have the opportunity to drive in a 1950’s open top Land Rover. This in itself is a wonderful experience! Alternatively, ride in style in a Range Rover if you decide to take a Platinum Safari.
If you enjoy a slower ride, then opt for the Camel Safari through the Desert. Which ever tour you choose, there will still be an opportunity to take a Camel Ride. It will not be for as long though as the Camel Desert Safari tour.
If you are more of an adventurer, like us, opt for the Overnight Desert Safari. This way you can sample a bit of everything. The benefit of this tour is that once all the afternoon visitors leave, you will pretty much have the camp site to yourself!
Each of the Heritage Collection Tours (Heritage Desert Safari, Camel Desert Safari, Overnight Desert Safari) include a Falcon show with sparkling date juice, Bedouin Camp, cultural Emirati performance and dinner. The Overnight Desert Safari also includes breakfast in the morning.
// What to Bring //
Pack lightly as Platinum Heritage are able to provide most of the gear for the afternoon / evening. Make sure to bring additional layers for when it gets cooler at night as well as a hat for during the day and sunscreen.
We did not think of it before going but you will not have an opportunity to wash your hands until you get to the camp later at night. If we went again we would bring some body wipes seeing as our hands got quite dirty when driving through the sand dunes!
// What to Wear //
For most months during the year, the weather will be hot during the day. Like most desert’s however, the temperature will drop at night. For that reason, it is important to bring something warmer to wear during the evening.
Knowing that there would be zero shade protection, we chose to wear long sleeves to protect our arms from burning.
// The Itinerary //
A member of the team from Platinum Heritage will pick you up from your hotel between 3pm and 4pm. If you are in Abu Dhabi, they can also arrange a pick up. This will however be at an additional charge while a pick up in Dubai is included in the cost of the Safari.
Sit back and relax as you depart inland for an hour from Dubai City. The Safari’s take place inside the grounds of a Royal Family. Platinum Heritage is the only company in the UAE operating inside the private grounds of a Royal Family member.
When we arrived, we were slightly shocked by the number of people who had also booked with Platinum Heritage. We would estimate around 80 people were there at the same time as us. It did not feel chaotic though, seeing as everything was very well organised. Once you are assigned a tour guide, you will be escorted to your 1950’s Land Rover vehicle. We definitely saw this as a photo opportunity seeing we have never seen vehicles like this before!
1. Drive through the Dunes
A ride through the sand dunes will be enjoyed with four to eight other people. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of native animals. Unfortunately, we did not manage to spot many besides a few gazelles. We have heard however that sometimes guests get lucky with many animals to see!
Seeing as everyone loves taking photos these days, the Land Rovers will stop for around 20 mins for photo taking opportunities. Enjoy watching the endless sand dunes as the sun starts to set. Platinum Heritage has a photographer who joins every tour and will be able to take photos to capture the once in a lifetime moments!
2. Falcon Show
As the sun sets in the distance, guests enjoy a Falcon Show while enjoying a sparkling date and apple juice. It is a lovely time to enjoy the beautiful landscape surrounding you.
3. Bedouin Camp
Guests are taken by Land Rover to the Bedouin Camp which is closely positioned to the performance of the Falcon show. We arrived to the Camp just after the sun had set.
As we entered the camp we had rose water poured onto our hands and given a taste of the local coffee. After dune bashing for an hour or two yours hands definitely feel as though they need a good clean! We were shocked at how much was set up inside the camp. Watch as traditional arabic women prepare bread or try out some shisha pipes.
The dinner consisted of entree and main. For entree enjoy a variety of delicacies including Fattoush, Meatballs and Fried Cheese. For mains, choose your food buffet style. Available are different types of Curries and Rice dishes. If you are feeling adventurous, there is even a Camel dish! There is certainly enough food to go around, so be assured you will not leave hungry!
After dinner we decided to go and visit the Camel’s which were sitting outside of the camp. It is possible to take a Camel ride before or after dinner if you wish to.
The night finishes with traditional arabic dancing followed by a buffet style desert! For guests returning back to Dubai, the night finishes around 10pm.
4. Overnight Safari
If you are feeling a bit adventurous, like we were, there is the option to camp overnight. Each of the rooms are very spacious with twin or double beds available. During the warmer months the rooms can be very hot (like when we were there)! We actually ended camping outside of our room under the stars. The camp during the night felt very safe at all times.
There are bathrooms available with flushing toilets and running water. There are no showers available at the camp site.
5. Morning at the Camp
While we did not have the best sleep, it felt amazing to wake up in the desert. We woke with sunrise and spent some time wandering around the dunes that surrounded the camp.
In the morning take in the surroundings while you enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast including smoked salmon, eggs, bread and fruit before guests are driven back to their hotel in Dubai.
// Hot Air Balloon Safari //
If you are looking for something special, Platinum Heritage can also arrange a Hot Air Balloon Safari. This option will allow for a completely different view over the Desert and will put into perspective how large the Dubai Desert really is!
While we did not add this to our itinerary, we will hopefully be back one day to experience this for ourselves!
// Cost of the Desert Safari with Platinum Heritage//
Until September 2018, both the Heritage Desert Safari (1950’s Land Rover Safari) and the Camel Desert Safari are AUD $215 (USD $162). Alternatively, the Overnight Desert Safari is AUD $359 (US $271).
If you would like to know anything more about Platinum Heritage and the tours that they operate please feel free to ask us. You can also visit their website by clicking here.
To see more visit us at: @KoTravellers
If Safari is not your thing, why not try a SeaPlane tour over Dubai? Read our experience of SeaWings Dubai here.
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