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Published: September 8th 2011
We were picked up by Arabian Adventures for our evening Desert Safari in a flash Chev 4WD by our guide Sargid who was from India and has been working in Dubai for the past 16 years supporting his wife and 2 daughters back home in India, he returns to Inda a couple of times a year.
The 4WD had a V8 motor and we were soon cruising at 120 kmh towards the desert some 45 km's off. We had picked up another couple, Anna from Christchurch who was on an Emirates training course and Anderson from Sao Palo also working for Emirates Airlines. Sargid the guide answered all our questions as we drove towards the Dubai Conservation Reserve. Before entering the Reserve we had to deflate our tyres so as to be able to drive on the sand dunes, this is a protected area and only "Arabian Adventures" have access to the Reserve, there were strict guidlines as to the areas that we were able to drive in, though this didn't deter from the fun at all. The reserve is in an area where the local Bedouin tribes farm camels and we passed the Bedouin camp area and racetrack as
we drove into the Reserve. The first stop after parking along with other 4WD's was to be met and greeted by some camels, they were sitting peacefully under the palms and didn't mind the endless camera shoots as we all posed for our "Been there done that"" camel photo.
Next up was a demonstration of Falconery. The Bedouin people used Falcon's in the past to hunt for food, but now days it is just a sport or hobby. The art was demonstrated by a guide from South Africa, who showed us how fast the falcon was at diving on its prey.
The main part of the trip started from here, where all the vehicles headed for the Bedouin camp where an evening BBQ had been prepared
At first I thought it was going to be a bit tame as we were mainly travelling on a track, but after we travelled further into the desert we turned off and started to climb sand dunes, the dunes are a lovely golden sand colour and reach for miles. We drove in a convoy and played for ages in the sandhills racing over the top where you couldn't see where the
vehicle was going and then dropping over almost sheer banks to speed down the other side with tight turns and sand flying out the back.
Sargid was a brilliant driver and we all felt self with him in control of the vehicle. The sand dunes lead us to a high spot where we parked up to watch the scorching Dubai sun set on the horizon of golden dunes. We were there for about 30 mins which gave great photo opportunities.
As the sun dissappeared over the dunes in a golden red ball and the desert skyline faded to a reddish colour we left the hilltop and drove towards the Bedouin camp where we were to be fed a wonderful Arabian BBQ and entertained by a Belly Dancer.
The camp was well set up and Sargid explained they can have up to 1000 guests there in the busy day, our group consisted of 35 or so vehicles so I guess maybe there was 150 people in for the BBQ.
Sargid arranged our seating right in front of the Belly Dancing stage ( a very large carpet in the sand) and suggested we should try a camel ride
to get an appetite up for our meal. I didnt realy need to get an appetite, I was already starving, but the camel ride sounded like fun.
Sheryll and I were first time camel riders so were not too sure what to expect, though I did think it possibly could be painful. It was dark by now and the camels were sleeping/resting just outside the camp entrance. We made our way over to where they were and the Bedouin men dressed in the Arabic white robe and headgear showed us how to embark and disembark a camel (I dont know what else to call it, mount doesnt seem quite appropriate).
We were both onboard and then told to lean well back as the camel stands up from the crouching position. Its hard to be quite ready for the lurch that happens next, but I can say that a chiropractor probably couldnt do better. Our camel was lead around a track as we bobbed and bounced our way back towards our meal
The dinner was superb, the meat, lamb, kofta, beef and chicken were all cooked on a huge firewood BBQ, I mean massive with 4 - 5
guys tending the meat and the fire. Heaps of salads, some Arabic food and other more easily reckonised. After an initial appetiser of several small Arabic delights of which I cant remember the names of, we tried almost everything
Wine, beer and softdrinks were on hand. The tables were only just raised above sand level with the area covered in carpet, seating was on cushions.The Belly Dancer entertained us for 30 mins or so
Back to the hotel afterwards by Sargid and a sound sleep as we were both stuffed from the long day
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Linda
non-member comment
Nomads
wow awesome photos, must say adore the tattoo Sheryll had done amazing, hmmm with no goat shots thought might get a ""Belly Dancer"" Ohh well.... I's sure there is more to come. Do you have an Arabic names yet ? While back home on the farm another sunny day with a lot going opn we have the Opening of the Rugby World Cup today, we are decked out in supporters gear lol looking forward to next install :-)