Can We Go to Desert Safari with Our Own Car?

Visiting the desert remains one of the most fun activities when you are in the UAE. It is mainly because the country has large tracts of sand deserts. The classic desert tours are an exciting idea to get acquainted with the area if not for heart-stopping thrills such as dune bashing, camel riding, or sandboarding. For adventure lovers, the common question that comes to mind is whether it is possible to go for a desert safari in your car. Yes, there is — but only with the following conditions.

In this article, we will share the places that are suitable for taking a car for a desert safari, as well as the best desserts for those who like driving themselves.

 Desert Safari in Your Own Car

You can organize your car for the desert safari. However, special precautions and knowledge about this are needed. Off-road driving is a completely different world from regular driving, especially in the Arab Desert. You will be required to have a 4 x 4 car that can well maneuver in soft, shifting sands. Some of the most commonly used vehicles are Hummer Desert Safari. It is because of the abilities of these vehicles on the dunes. However, apart from the right car you need to have:

•       the right tools and
•       the right mindset together with
•       the right knowledge about the place.

You Can Self-Drive in:

1. Al Badayer Desert (Dubai)

One of the most well-known self-driving routes is Al Badayer Desert. It is famous among fans of the red desert, the ‘Big Red.’ It got its name from the red-colored dunes, which gives the adventurers a perfect place to have a taste of the off-road fun.

It is advisable to:

•       use your own car and/or transport and
•       should be avoided in unauthorized zones and areas involving traffic risks.

Al Badayer is one of the preferred locations for Wrangler Private Jeep Desert Safari and Hummer Desert Safari.

2. Liwa Desert (Abu Dhabi)

The Liwa desert is found in the southwestern parts of the UAE – near the Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter). It is one of the largest and most difficult deserts in the country. It has very beautiful scenery but because of the curves, it is not advisable for inexperienced drivers on the road. The sands in this particular area are much bigger and very risky compared to many other places in the desert. If there is any plan for the use of a personal car, then:

•       it has to be a car that is robust for off-road and with the use of proper gears
•       it is advisable to develop a rough track for Liwa & then stick to it strictly and
•       remember it is only advisable to go with a group.

Here experienced drivers usually prefer to take self-driven tours because the desert is so dangerous.

3. Fossil Rock (Sharjah)

Like Al Ain, Fossil Rock is a favorite destination for self-drive desert safaris. It’s an interesting ride because of its geological formations. It is not very difficult for intermediate 4WD vehicles. The choice of vehicle for this region is therefore, a properly equipped Wrangler Private Jeep Desert Safari. There are restrictions on self-drive here. Hence be aware of your limitations and ensure to bring along:

•       all the required gadgets,
•       recovery equipment and
•       other navigation tools.

4. Sweihan Desert (Abu Dhabi)

Sweihan is also referred to as the Little Liwa because of the huge sand dunes and the difficulty of traversing with a vehicular landscape. This desert is for experienced drivers and is found between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain city. Hummer Desert Safari lovers will find the setting perfect for the maximum utilization of their Hummer car

However, Sweihan’s dunes can be inclined with a very sharp-angled face, thus getting stuck is equally possible. Always,

•       go around with another car and
•       always be well supplied with water and other essentials.

Where You Can’t Drive Your Own Vehicle

1. Dubai Desert Conservation area

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is a protected area and driving a car on your own is strictly prohibited.

2. Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

Like the DDCR, Al Marmoom Desert is a conservation area where driving on one’s own car and taking selfies or other pictures is prohibited. To be able to journey in this area, it is obligatory to book a guided safari.

What to Consider for a Self-Drive Safari

1. Vehicle Requirements: Desert safari requires a 4 4-wheel vehicle. This is very much necessary for the safari activity. You sure can enjoy Wrangler Jeep Desert Safari and Hummer Desert Safari. But make sure that your car’s tires and suspension are strong for the desert trip.

2. Driving Experience: Driving in deserts is not easy, and it needs skill. That is why most people consider gaining experience before proceeding to the next level. For first-timers, its recommended that it is better to get off-road training or go for small dunes first.
3. Safety Precautions: It is recommended that one should always move in a group while going into the desert. The possibility of becoming trapped or having vehicle breakdowns is quite prominent in such surroundings. Carry the:

•       Recovery items,
•       GPS system,
•       water, and
•       emergency supplies.

Conclusion

One can plan the desert safari with their own car but for it to be successful, you have to make little preparation. You should have an experienced person with you and the important things you must need are:

•       wheels with large profile tires,
•       high ground clearance and
•       an extra fuel tank or fuel, so that if they are stuck anywhere they can manage to come out from there.

Coastal areas like the Rub Al Khali desert, Liwa, the Fossil Rock, and Sweihan are perfect for self-driving experience but it is good to do it according to the degree of challenge you can handle.

For those who do not know how to drive, you should travel with Friends Guide Travel and experience the Wrangler Private Jeep Desert Safari or Hummer Desert Safari with them. They provide the best & worthy experience of Dune bashing in many luxury cars.