UAE: A desert safari forms the main attraction for anyone visiting Dubai. The adventurous dune-bashing, amazing beauty of the expansive desert and awesome view of the sunset are unique experiences that a Dubai visitor would carry along for a life-time.
For the Belleans, who after their memorable Easter picnic wanted to go on a desert safari, Friday, May 22 came as a blessing. All of us gathered near Dragon Mart at Oman-Hatta Road at 3.30 pm. Though it was a hot and humid summer, about 80 young and old Belle and friends joined at the designated spot. The organizers distributed travel kits comprising a banana, chips, water and a bottle of fresh juice. Before starting the desert safari, Fr Mervin Noronha SVD, who came to Dubai on visit after serving 15 years in Kenya as a Missionary priest, offered prayer and thanked God for this wonderful opportunity to be part of Belleans Chalo Desert Safari. Thereafter, the group headed towards the desert at around 4:45 pm. Having parked our vehicles at the assembly point, we shifted to the 4X4 vehicles.
There were a number of foreign tourists too from different countries. All four wheel vehicles were ready with reduced tyre air pressure waiting for us to get in at the assembly area. There were also a number of foreign tourists from different countries clicking pictures of their family members and friends.
It was around 5:45 pm, and the groups of four wheel driven desert vehicles prepared themselves for the adventurous Desert Safari. The driver advised everyone to fasten the safety seat belts and we were ready for the safari ride. This is the most exciting and thrilling part of the event. The Arab driver showed off his skill by cruising and twisting the four-wheel drive against the sand dunes.
As the 4X4 cars went up and down as well as sideways, we could see the sand dunes rising before us like waves in the sea and felt the excitement that was just out of the world.
The driver’s alertness, experience and skills in controlling the desert vehicle were really commendable. As we moved further deeper into the desert, we could see nothing but sand dunes all around. Getting down for a picture session, we could feel the fine desert sand blowing gently in the wind and could see the wave formations on the slopes of the sand dunes. The main reason why many love the evening Desert Safari is not only for its timing but for the beauty of the sunset which goes beyond words.
After a thrilling dune-bashing, the vehicle proceeded towards the desert camp. Halting outside the camp, the tourists could avail the facility of the camel ride, four wheeler motor bike ride, photography, etc.
At around 6:30 pm, we entered the desert camp, an enclosure with a square stage at the center and low wooden tables kept around with low cushions to sit on. There were souvenir shops, and henna and tattoo shops for hand and feet painting for those who had an interest in these indulgences. There was one Bedouin tent with carpet and pillows in which tourists could smoke Shisha and a separate bar counter.
Prior to the buffet dinner, some of us had soft drinks and some headed towards the bar counter. Meantime, a female dancer presented well known belly dance to the accompaniment of traditional Arabic music and a man wearing a long colorful jacket full of colourful lights performed a Tanoura dance which was amazing.
Thereafter, a disc jockey played melodious Arabic and Hindi music. At 7 pm, the delicious buffet was kept open to serve for men and women in separate queues including veg and non-vegetarian Arabic meals such as Kaboos (Arabic bread), hummus, different kinds of Arabic salads, biryani, rice, dal fry, barbeque Chicken, seekh kabab and deserts.
After the dinner, suddenly all the lights went off and a fire dancer walked onto the stage with juggling fire touches to perform a fire dance which was excellent.
At around 8:15 pm, the camp programme came to an end and the crowd slowly started vacating the camp. As a special consideration for Belleans, the desert camp owner allowed the Belleans to spend more time in the camp and in the meantime, he permitted dancing on the platform with Konkani Baila and Hindi filmy dance songs. All Belleans made use of this great opportunity and, along with kids and parents, everyone participated in the Baila dance. Soon after the Baila dance, our team got into their respective vehicles to return back from the Safari camp around 9:30 pm.
The entire time that we spent in the safari was worth the time and money. It was a very well organized ‘Belleans Chalo Desert Safari’ event. Big thanks to all the organizers for organizing such a wonderful and memorable Chalo Desert Safari’.
