Desert Safari In Qatar: Uncover The Undulating Sand Dunes In The Middle East

Qatar has many things to be admired for and desert safari is one of them. A land of exquisite desert terrain, the country is the greatest desert region near the Gulf and stretches from Rub'al-Khali in the Arabian Peninsula. For travelers, desert safari in Qatar is an experience of a lifetime. This is an opportunity to indulge in breathtaking adventures and explore the majestic wonders that Qatar beholds.

So, do you fancy wandering around the Qatari desert? Here's a little more insight into what is set to be a memorable safari experience in the Middle East.

Why Is Qatar Safari Experience Worth Your Money?

Now here's a thing, there's a lot that one would think about when planning a trip and when it comes to Qatar, Qatar safari is something that has to be on the cards. An exciting experience as it is, travelers can discover the vast desert region of the country while numerous activities and adventures await on the safari. Travelers have options in desert activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding and so much more while these safaris also include overnight camping options.

To make your experience even better, Qatar safari includes pick up from your location in an SUV while travelers are also dropped back at their location after the safari is over. Hence, this is an experience that is totally worth every penny spent on it.

Full-Day Desert Safari In Qatar

A safari experience that is highly popular amongst travelers coming to the country, the full-day desert Qatar safari begins in the morning before sunrise and ends late in the evening. One of the best things to do in Qatar, overseas travelers often like to indulge in this category of safari as they get to enjoy a whole day filled with fun and excitement. Although there are many local tour operators that offer full-day safari tours in Qatar, travelers are still advised to research the best desert safari in Qatar price as the margins in prices can vary with time.

Besides, as far as the overall experience is concerned, here are some of the things that travelers get to enjoy while indulging in the full-day desert safari in the Doha desert.

Desert Activities At Their Very Best -

As part of the full-day desert safari, the first things that travelers get to enjoy are desert activities. The likes of dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking are some of the activities that are included in the tour. The best part? You even get to see the sunrise and sunset right from the desert which is an experience worth waiting for. In fact, the Doha Desert is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Qatar to watch sunrise and sunset.

Enjoy A Fine Camp Meal & Live Performances -

Another fascinating thing that travelers get to enjoy on a full-day safari is spending time in a desert camp in Qatar. These camps are highly popular and travelers get to savor a fancy meal here while a prominent attraction remains belly dancing. However, belly dancing is not offered in the holy month of Ramadan, travelers can plan their safari at some other time if they wish to experience this attraction.

Evening Qatar Safari In The Desert

The evening safari in Qatar might last for a short while but it has all the attributes to make your evenings delightful. One of the best things to do in the Doha desert as far as evening is concerned, the evening safari has a specialty of its own. This is a safari experience that offers a unique sight of the desert in the evening while travelers can catch a glimpse of the amazing sunset view right from the desert.

Amazingly, the evening Qatar safari begins pretty much like any other safari experience as travelers are picked up from their location in an SUV. One of the most popular among all the desert safaris is the sealine desert safari in Qatar. Interestingly, the evening safari lasts for a duration of four hours which is enough to give you a unique experience of staying late in a desert.

Besides, if you're heading for an evening safari, here are some of the things that you can expect to enjoy as part of the whole experience in the desert.

Suggested Read: Fun Ville Qatar: An Indoor Theme Park For Kids Entertainment

Feel The Thrill Of Dune Bashing -

Now here's a thing, Dune Bashing is one of the most thrilling activities to try in the Middle East and not many offer it as good as Qatar. This is an activity that involves dodging the ups and downs of desert terrains in an SUV. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, Dune Bashing can be enjoyed right at the beginning of the evening desert safari in Qatar. Not a bad start, right?

Catch A Glimpse Of Sunset -

Once done with Dune Bashing, travelers are then taken to the camel farm where the camel ride begins. This is an activity that involves a lot of fun and some unique experiences for travelers. Most notably, one can get to watch an amazing sunset view here which isn't something you can get to see every day. So, what's the delay? The evening Qatar safari has more to offer than you can possibly think, and camel ride is a big part of it.

Enjoy Other Desert Activities -

Not just dune bashing, there are a number of other desert activities that are offered to travelers as part of the evening safari in Qatar. One can indulge in activities like sandboarding, buggy riding, quad biking, and so much more. However, when looking for desert activities to enjoy, travelers are advised to check with the concerned operators as to what all activities are being offered and what charges since some may offer these only at additional costs while others offer them for free as part of the whole tour.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Mesaieed: To Discover The Hidden Stories

Overnight Qatar Safari

Perhaps the best experience of all as far as desert safaris in Qatar go, the overnight Qatar safari offers everything combined. This is one of the most loved safari experiences in Qatar particularly because of the fact that travelers get to stay overnight in Bedouin camp under the stars. From spending a whole night in the desert to witnessing the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset view, the overnight safari experience offers it all.

The tour begins in the afternoon when travelers are picked up from their location and ends the very next morning. As part of the whole experience, travelers can enjoy a stay in a traditional camp which may look traditional but has all the luxury facilities available. There are various desert activities offered during this time while nothing matches the dinner that is served in the desert camp in Qatar.

So, here's more on the overnight Qatar safari that is set to make your desert experience happening.

Spend A Night Under The Stars -

One of the best things to do when enjoying the overnight desert safari in Qatar is to stay in a traditional Bedouin camp overnight. It is a whole new experience as travelers get to experience what it's like staying in the desert at night while watching the night sky doesn't get any better than this. Travelers like looking for desert safari night stay deals often opt for an overnight stay, and the reason isn't difficult to understand.

Enjoy Dinner & Live Performances -

If there's one thing that every traveler looks forward to while enjoying an overnight safari, it's dinner. As part of the whole experience, visitors are offered a nice BBQ dinner at the camp while live performances are set to make your night experience delightful. Interestingly, much like other safaris, bell dancing is highly popular during the overnight safari too and travelers get ample time to enjoy while savoring a fancy meal. However, even in the overnight safari, belly dancing isn't available during the holy month of Ramadan. Hence, travelers are advised to plan their safari tour accordingly.  

Have A Nice Breakfast In The Morning -

The overnight Qatar safari experience doesn't come to an end until the next morning. During this time, travelers are offered a nice breakfast before the end of the safari. They can also watch the amazing sunrise view during this time. Post this, travelers are dropped back to their hotel or the airport, as per their preference. Hence, the overnight safari is a whole package in itself that keeps on giving.

Half-Day Desert Safari In Qatar

Are you someone who's running tight on schedule and doesn't have enough time to enjoy the full-day desert safari? Qatar has you covered. Apart from the usual categories of safaris that are offered to travelers, there is also an option to enjoy a half-day desert safari for travelers. This is an experience that is tailor-made for those who wish to experience the best of safari without having to spend too much time enjoying it.

The safari usually begins early in the morning and ends in the afternoon. During this time, travelers get to enjoy a wide range of activities while one can also uncover the golden sand dunes and click amazing photographs with the camels at some majestic locations in the desert. So, if you're running short on time but want to experience Qatar safari, the half-day safari option is there for you.

Suggested Read: Abu Samra Beach Qatar: Relish a Break from the City’s Humdrum on the Dramatic Shoreline

Top Desert Activities To Enjoy On Qatar Safari

Now here's a thing, we know about the different categories of safaris offered to travelers, but do you know about the popular desert activities that travelers can engage in apart from the famous dune bashing? Well, here are some of the most common desert activities that travelers can enjoy during a Qatar desert safari. While most of these activities are also included in the tour package, there are still some agencies that might charge you extra for certain activities.

1. Paragliding Over The Desert

Nothing beats the thrill of watching the desert from up top, right? Well, paragliding is one activity that will certainly offer you that fun. This is an experience of a lifetime as travelers fly over the desert, getting a bird's-eye view of the desert and sparkling ocean. Worried about your safety?

Well, don't worry, every paragliding session is offered by trained pilots. Even beginners who have no prior experience of paragliding can enjoy this activity without worrying too much about their own safety. So, why not fly through the desert and watch the golden sand dunes from up top?

2. Feel The Rush Of Quad Biking

For those who love biking, the Qatar Desert has a thing or two. Quad biking, one of the most thrilling activities to try in the desert, can be enjoyed while on a safari in the desert. A major reason why Quad biking is so popular in Qatar is because of the undefined topography of the desert which provides perfect conditions for quad biking. The low and high sand dunes are set to challenge your skills as you rush your way through the dunes. So, if you're a fan of adrenaline, do not miss out on quad biking during your Qatar safari tour.

3. Camping

Camping is one of the first things that travelers look for when enjoying a desert safari. Today, there are tour operators that offer luxury camps as part of a whole package. These camps may be located remotely in the desert but are equipped with all the necessary amenities and luxuries that travelers can normally expect from some top hotels in Qatar.

In fact, what is fascinating is that camping in the Qatari desert isn’t just about spending time in the camp. There’s a lot more that travelers can do while camping like watching certain shows that are organized on-site, enjoying a nice dinner under the stars, and so much more. So, if you’re wondering what are your options for enjoying the best of what desert has to offer, camping may well be one of the picks for you.

Suggested Read: Top Things to Do in Al Rayyan: For a Fun-Filled Vacation in the Thriving Metropolitan

4. Watch Camel Racing

Heard about camel riding, right? Well, how about watching the camel race in the desert? One of the most popular attractions in Qatar, camel racing can be best viewed at the Al Shahaniya Race Track. There are many local and international tour operators that offer package inclusions like camel racing, and so much more. Travelers can get to enjoy both local and international races. So, what's the delay? Plan your desert safari and get to watch camel racing live in the desert.

5. Sandboarding

We're all familiar with snowboarding, right? Well, the desert in Qatar has something to offer. Sandboarding, an activity that involves the use of a board that skids in the sand, is highly popular in Qatar. Today, this is one activity that attracts travelers from all corners of the world. The best part is that one doesn’t have to be a professional in order to enjoy sandboarding in Qatar. However, expert supervision is still recommended for travelers as maneuvering the board can be a tough ask at times.

Suggested Read: Sandboarding In Doha: Indulge In A Thrilling Adventure In The Heart Of Qatar

6. Star Gazing

Stargazing may sound boring to few people but it is, in fact, highly popular as far as desert activities are concerned. Travelers can enjoy stargazing while camping in the desert. In fact, this is amongst the major reasons why most travelers opt to stay overnight in the desert. If a majestic night view in the desert is what you’re looking for, stargazing has to be one of the choices for understandable reasons. Want to experience it? Contact your preferable tour operator and opt for an overnight desert safari package which includes an overnight stay in the desert.

7. Watch Belly Dancing

Now here's a thing, belly dancing is something that is highly popular in the whole Arab world and travelers on desert safaris often get to experience it. In fact, travelers opting for overnight and evening desert safari can get to enjoy watching it. However, it is absolutely significant to note belly dancing isn't normally available during the holy month of Ramadan. Hence, if you're visiting Qatar during that time, it is perhaps better to confirm about the availability with your travel agent before making any decision.

8. Paratriking

We've talked about paragliding and how fun it can be for visitors in Qatar, right? But how about paratriking in the desert? An activity that has certain similarities with paragliding in the Middle East, paratriking involves the use of a large paraglider that supports the trike and is propelled by a motor.

This is one activity that travelers perform under expert supervision and the Qatari desert has a fair bit of them. What is exciting is that paratriking in Qatar isn't as expensive as one would normally think it to be.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Dukhan: The Best Activities To Enjoy In The City in Qatar

Best Time To Enjoy Qatar Safari

Deciding when to enjoy the desert safari in Qatar is perhaps one of the easiest things to do. During summers, the country records very high temperatures that can range from 35 to 45 degrees while the day temperatures in the desert can go up to 50 degrees. Hence, summer is definitely not the right time to enjoy safari tours in the country unless you like hot weather.

However, when it comes to winters, the time between November and March is relatively better as compared to the rest of the year, and travelers can enjoy a desert safari to the fullest. During this period, the temperatures range between 25 to 30 degrees which are far better when compared to the scorching heat of 50 degrees. So, if you're planning a desert safari in Qatar, better to do it in between the months of November to March.

Khor Al Adaid: Your Safari Destination in Qatar

Wondering where you can enjoy a desert safari in Qatar? The Khor Al Adaid, also known as the Inland Sea is the best place where safari tours are organized. This Persian Gulf inlet is located in the Al Wakrah Municipality in southeast Qatar, near the Saudi Arabian border. Khor Al Adaid is one of only three spots on the planet where the sea meets the sand dunes, making it a unique and gorgeous place to visit. The inland sea has been designated by UNESCO as a natural reserve with stunning terrain and its ecosystem.

It is not just the landscape that makes it a sublime and surreal place but the rare and indigenous wilderness, and archaeological and heritage sites that are preserved nearby. You can spot Arabian gazelles, Arabian oryx, and birds like flamingos, terns, cormorants, waterfowl, seagulls, and ospreys. Indeed, it is heaven for wildlife lovers.

Qatar Desert safari adventure here can be very enthralling and exciting. You can enjoy water adventures in the sea while the desert lying along the shores is best for a safari experience. As the entire region is dominated by bumpy dunes, a 4x4 ride is the only way to reach the place. For your accommodation, there are many luxury camps that not only provide comfort but a luxury experience and the best service.

Suggested Read: Al Mamlha Beach Qatar: The Well-Guarded Women’s Only Beach

How To Plan Your Desert Safari in Qatar?

Desert Safari in Qatar is a unique and new experience, offering you a different perspective as a traveler. No matter when you plan your tour, safari is among the best adventures in Qatar that will let you discover the rich and intriguing beauty of the Qatari landscape. Now if you are wondering how to plan a desert safari, you have got many options to consider and plan the best for you. Here are some of the best tips to plan your perfect safari in the country.

1. Pick Your Ideal Time For Safari Excursion

From morning to evening, overnight, full-day, and half-day, there are many options available to choose the best time for an ideal safari experience. Witnessing the magnificent sunset and sunrise can be quite enthralling and an exceptional experience you can enjoy. Deserts in Qatar appear as a paradise covered in the crimson hues of nature and refreshing cold breeze. If you are looking for an overnight safari, make sure to reserve your camp or the complete package that includes tours, activities, stay, meals, and more. Witness the scenic beauty of Khor Al Udaid while indulging in the adventure of a lifetime.

2. Book A Private Tour For A Better Experience

What can be better than a private safari experience in Qatar, enjoying the thrill of a 4x4 vehicle all alone. A private Desert safari, Qatar, will take you on a scenic and exhilarating journey of the oil fields, the coastal route to Sealine, Mesaaid. Off-road driving can be tricky thus it is recommended to get a professional driver who could make your experience safer and memorable. Enjoy camel rides and other adventures on the inland sea while you are on a desert venture. You can enjoy camel rides, dune bashing, and boarding on your private Desert safari in Qatar, while some activities will be available at an additional coast.

3. Combine Doha City Tour with Safari

Doha Tour and desert safari can be quite an experience of discovering the rich and enticing beauty of Qatar. The tour usually starts in the city, taking you across the fascinating attractions in Qatar. There will be sightseeing followed by an adventure that includes camel rides or games such as volleyball, and other beach activities. Enjoy the spectacular view of the dunes and the highlights of the city. Now if you are planning on an overnight safari, the tour cannot be customized. The tours are generally pre-scheduled as:

• Timing: 9.00 AM - 1.00 PM City tours
• Lunch Time: 1.00 PM - 2.00 PM
• Evening Desert Safari: 2.00-7.00 PM
• Duration of the Tour: 10 Hours

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Saudi Arabia: Top Attractions To Uncover The Mystical Vibes of This Arabian Country

Do’s And Don’t For Your Desert Safari Tour in Qatar

Preparing for a desert safari in Doha, Qatar, is a must because you will be miles away from the human settlement, between the untamed trails all covered with sand. Proper planning and execution are very important when you are ready to hit the wild deserted roads in Qatar for an exceptional safari experience.

• Be ready for everything that might fall on the way. Desert safari can be an unpredictable experience that surely will leave you amazed but there might be some complications to hinder the fun. From weather conditions to the available facilities, there might be situations that can call for more determination and a positive attitude.
• Make a checklist. Remember Qatar Desert safari can be fun only when you are well prepared. Make sure you have a double-checked list of items you need. From extra water bottles to first aid and yes, a loose pair of comfortable outfits, a desert safari requires a lot of planning before hitting the road.
• A light and healthy meal before your tour can be the best to keep you energized on your tour. The bumpy roads and long drives can be a cause of motion sickness for many, and the best thing to avoid is a heavy breakfast.
• Do not carry unwanted electronics and gadgets. You do not need unnecessary luggage to take space. Avoid bringing laptops, tablets, and other things which are valuable and not required.

Other things to add to your bag include:

• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• External and AAA batteries
• Toilet paper
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen

Qatar, a country that has earned a name for itself in the hospitality sector, has so much more than one can imagine. From majestic desert terrain tours to overnight stays in Bedouin camps, this is a country that offers it all. For travelers, there are ample options of fun and excitement as far as a desert safari in Qatar is concerned. Spend a night under the stars in the desert or engage yourself in a variety of desert sports, the desert in Qatar awaits you with all its wonders.

So, what's making you wait? Book your flight to Qatar and come witness a safari experience like nowhere else in the world.

Desert Safari In Qatar - FAQs