The Ultimate Desert Experience – A Luxury Safari In Dubai

Posted on December 28, 2017 by admin

The romance of the desert sands is brought to life for those who want to take a walk on the wild side when visiting Dubai.

At first glance, the desert that surrounds the urban excitement of Dubai’s main city may seem to be sterile and devoid of the sort of excitement that other safari destinations offer – however, nothing could be further from the truth.

For those who visit Dubai a trip into the desert with one of the many safari companies that offer these sorts of trips is almost a must do. However, there are safaris and then there are luxury safaris which take the desert experience to a whole new level.

Luxury safaris in Dubai combine the excitement of desert exploration with a variety of cultural experiences that will leave the visitor in awe of the stark natural beauty of the area as well as fond memories of the welcoming nature of the local people.

Most luxury safaris will take visitors through the sands towards a desert camp – with the opportunity to enjoy some high adrenaline dune bashing while on the way. There are a variety of motor vehicles that are used but at the higher end of the luxury safari scale, the most commonly used vehicles are either Japanese or German luxury off-roaders, ensuring that visitors enjoy the trip in the lap of luxury.

Once at the desert camp there will usually be a variety of experiences that will allow the visitor to Dubai to begin to understand why this majestic yet harsh landscape has been entrancing visitors from around the globe for hundreds of years.

Many of the high-end luxury safari experiences will see visitors travel to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve which is a magnificent region under royal protection.

Here the tourist will be able to experience everything from a traditional Bedouin breakfast taken as the cool desert night changes into the heat of the day.

There are also falconry lessons and experiences where the visitor can experience just why these magnificent birds have long played a part in the Bedouin and royal culture of Dubai.

However, one of the highlights of any luxury safari experience into the desert that is such an integral part of Dubai life must be the Bedouin dinner that many of the luxury safari your operators have made part of their itineraries.

Visitors are treated to traditional Bedouin dishes such as lentil soup and other Emirates gourmet experiences. Visitors will also not be asked to rough it in the desert. With luxury tents and full ablution faculties, the experience is one that takes place in the lap of luxury and one that will live on in memory for years.

For those who want something different from the desert experience, there are also a number of luxury safari operators who leave the dry desert sands behind to take visitors out onto the salty waters that surround the Musandam Peninsula. Although not in the same league as the classic luxury desert experience a day trip to escape the sands is the perfect accompaniment to the desert safari. Combining both experiences during a trip to Dubai is the perfect way to get under the skin of this fascinating part of the world.

The desert safari is almost essential for those people who want to really get to know the desert people and understand the roots of the culture in the region. It is an experience that should not be missed by those with an interest in history – and want to escape the glittering lights and frenetic pace of Dubai city life.

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The Best Luxury Lodges In The Kalahari Desert

Posted on December 28, 2017 by admin

Are you thinking about traveling into the Kalahari desert region? This is a sandy savanna that is semi-arid, located in southern Africa. It extends for many miles, covering parts of Namibia and Botswana. At an elevation of over 3000 feet, it is a wonderful place to visit if you would like to experience a mild desert terrain. When most people travel to this area, they are booking a trip to Namibia. It is a very popular location, popularized by the scenic landscapes and tourist attractions. To find the best luxury african safari lodges in the Kalahari desert, this is how you can get excellent deals on luxury accommodations for your stay.

How To Find The Best Lodges In Namibia

To find the best lodges that are currently available, there are two ways to accomplish this. First of all, if you have a travel agent that you have been working with for many years, they should be able to add one of the best lodges to your itinerary. The other possibility and the one that most people use is to search on the web using websites like Expedia and others. These travel websites will make sure that you get the best possible deals, and you will know what people are saying about each one of these locations. There are several that are considered to be the best in this desert region of South Africa.

Popular Luxury Lodges In Namibia

A very popular destination is the Kalahari Anib Lodge, Mariental. It is a two-star hotel, one that is located in the Kalahari desert. Mariental is a city with about 10,000 people. It is located in the South Central portion of Namibia. There is a railway line that comes through, and once you are in the city, there are many different things you can do. According to reviews, it provides excellent accommodations, breakfast, and many places that you can dine throughout the day. It is in a great location, consisting of 52 guestrooms, and a restaurant and bar lounge. There are two outdoor pools, and every room is going to have air conditioning, a prerequisite of any hotel or lodge that you will stay at while you are in Namibia. Another one that is very popular is the African Safari Lodge which is also in Mariental. This is rated between a three and four-star lodge. Although the accommodations are wonderful, as well as the food, the main complaint is the Wi-Fi. If that is not a problem for you, the rooms that you will have, and all of the amenities, will overshadow problems connecting with the web.

Other Places You Can Stay In The Kalahari Desert

A couple other places that are highly recommended include the Kalahari Farmhouse in Strampriet and the Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Gobabis. Each of these is smaller locations, providing between 11 and 14 guestrooms, respectively. They will have restaurants, bar lounges, outdoor pools, laundry service and air conditioning. The lodge with the most positive feedback, as well as the most expensive, is the Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch in Mariental. It is very close to the nearest major airport in Windhoek, Namibia. It is a very rural location, and it has a multitude of positive reviews about this lodge which charges over $200 per night.

These are just a few ideas to consider if you are going to travel to Namibia soon. It’s one of those beautiful locations that you must visit at least once. Whether you take the time to visit Northwestern Namibia and see Etosha National Park, or the beautiful salt and clay red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, you will be completely satisfied with your trip. Best of all, you will stay at one of the best lodges that are in Namibia, putting you in close proximity to all of these wonderful activities and more.

After the Desert

Once you have had your fill of the beautiful terrain, cold nights and hot days you might want to visit a safari destination that has a bit less sand and a lot more water. Two locations are close by and stand out as some of the must see locations in Africa. They are Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

If you want to see the impressive Victoria Falls you can travel through the Caprivi strip past Chobe National Park and into Zimbabwe to stay in the town of Vic Falls. There are many choices of accommodation and fantastic Victoria Falls Hotels to choose from. Once you are comfortable in your hotel experience some of what the area has to offer including bungee jumping, river rafting, sunset boat cruises and helicopter flights over the falls.

If you are looking for a more rustic experience try a self drive safari to Moremi National Park in Botswana to see the amazing Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta sits int eh middle of a desert region but is inundated by water that flows down from the mountains of angola into the flood plains. An amazing network of lush green islands and intertwining channels is formed in this breath taking oasis. What is truly remarkable is that unlike most water courses this water never reaches the ocean, but instead flows through the delta to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans where the water evaporates.

 

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A Place Of Dreams – The Sahara

Posted on December 28, 2017 by admin

The desolation of the Sahara has been the subject of books and films for generations – however, it still attracts those who want to explore one of the last great wilderness areas of the world. And why should people want to visit the Sahara?

For many authors and explorers, the simple answer was similar to that which was given by an explorer when asked why people should attempt to climb the highest mountains in the world. His response was ‘because they are there’.

The Sahara is similar – it’s simply there. It’s a vast unforgiving landscape of searing heat and freezing nighttime cold – however, it is also one of the fascinating places on the face of the planet.

This is the largest desert on the face of the planet. To give the novice desert traveler an idea of the scale of this sea of sand it is roughly the size of the continental U.S. This is a really a sea of dunes and misery for those who venture into it completely unprepared.

However, for those in search of adventure and willing to pay the price there are tour operators in a number of countries who will arrange to have the visitor encounter the desert on a personal level which will also include an immersion into the cultures of those who call this unforgiving environment their home.

Although some parts of this vast expanse of sand are still dangerous for those visiting its dunes there are still countries where Sahara Safaris are a way of life and will delight those who visit them.

For instance, countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt all have highly experienced safari guides who will make any visit to this fascinating part of the world full of memories that will last a lifetime.

For those in search of the authentic Sahara experience there are numerous towns in these countries which serve as bases for those who want to get literally on the camel’s back and experience the Sahara as the locals have done when traveling then trade routes or when European travelers wanted to explore the local culture – or sometimes often take a side between the warring tribes of Bedouins who could make or break an Empire on these hostile sands.

These safari operators will take those who are interested out onto the sands and introduce them to a way of life that many have thought was lost forever.

However, there are also those safari operators who will take into account the ideas of the modern visitor to these forbidding sands. For these visitors, a luxury four-wheel drive vehicle is the travel mode of choice.

It will get the same job done as a camel, but with considerably more comfort thrown into the bargain.

However – whatever the choice it all comes down to those who want to experience the real desert or the comfort of towns along the way. For those who would brave the desert sands a soft sand bed will be their place to put their head down in the evening. For those who would have the town experience be part of their Sahara exploration, there may not be a wondrous 5-star hotel at the end of a day’s exploration – but there should at least be a bed and some restaurant quality food – albeit in the style of the local chef or family.

The best times to enjoy travel to the Sahara are between April and May during what is called the cooler season. No sane person would want to be out on the dunes during the hot season which runs from June to May. That season is one where those who venture out into the desert often never return.

The Sahara can be completely unforgiving of those who venture on to its hot sands without a guide who has an intimate knowledge of its shifting sands and temperament. However, for those who are adventurous or who want to explore one of the last great wilderness areas of the world the Sahara can bring incredibly great reward as far as the wildlife and culture that can be found here.

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Tips For Going On Safari In Dubai

Posted on December 28, 2017 by admin

When people think about a safari, Dubai is generally not the first location that comes to mind. However, a desert safari is an experience that should not be missed. Before you rush to plan your Dubai safari, there are a number of tips that you should consider which will ensure that your safari is fun and a good experience.

Choosing The Best Time Of Year

Dubai is surrounded by a vast desert which offers a range of safari options. However, you need to choose the right time of year to go based on the experience that you want to have. As the desert surrounds Dubai, the temperatures can sore during the summer months to well above what tourists are used to. This is why you might want to consider going on your desert safari during the winter months.

Regardless of the time of year you go on safari in Dubai, you need to take the correct precautions. You need to take enough sunscreen with you and use it because the sun in Dubai can cause serious damage even in the winter months. You should also consider the clothing you take as you need to consider the modest clothing that is required in the country as well as the heat.

In terms of shoes, you should take ones that can be taken off easily. Open shoes are recommended as they allow you to stay cool and will allow you to get rid of the sand during your safari. Sandals are the best option because they can be worn all year and will keep you cool.

Choose The Right Operator

When you go on safari in Dubai, you need to choose the right operator. There are many operators who offer this, but some will have a better reputation than others. There are also some operators who offer longer safari tours than others and you should consider how much time you have for this.

You should never attempt a safari on your own because of the vast desert that you will be navigating. The large size of the desert makes it very dangerous to try navigating it yourself. Additionally, you will not be able to see the sights that the tour operators will be able to show you.

Most of the safari operators will have a 6-hour safari option which will leave the city in the afternoon and return in the night. This is due to the fact that you will be able to see the majesty of the desert during the day and the night. Most of the tours will also leave after the heat of the day so you will need to have lunch before setting off.

Take Cash And Cards With You

When you go on a desert safari in Dubai, you need to remember to take some cash and your cards with you. Most of the tour operators will stop at comfort shops where you will be able to buy water and snacks. You will also be able to buy souvenirs along the safaris and many operators will have an official photographer who you can buy pictures or videos from.

It is important to note that many of these stores will take card payments. However, it is recommended that you also have cash should there be a problem with the card payment facilities.

When visiting Dubai, you should consider taking the time to complete a desert safari. There are many operators who offer these safaris, but you need to check their reputation before you book a safari. You should also prepare correctly by taking enough sunscreen, hats and sandals to ensure that you stay cool.

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