Morning Falconry & Nature Desert Safari with transfers from Dubai

Summary

After pickup from your central Dubai hotel, relax into your air-conditioned vehicle and travel into the surrounding desert. On route, hear about the importance of falconry to the UAE. The practice was first used by indigenous Bedouins to supplement their diets with meat — courtesy of hares and birds caught by trained falcons. Today, the falcon is held in such reverence that it’s the UAE’s national symbol. After about an hour, arrive at a desert retreat owned by a member of the local royal family, and be treated to an exciting falconry display. Learn about the ancient and modern techniques used to train the falcons, and then watch transfixed as the falcons fly to collect lures and return to their gloved handlers. Admire the birds’ natural agility and power, and have a go at swinging a lure and flying your own falcon from your hand. Afterward, board your chosen transport — either an open-top vintage Land Rover or plush Range Rover — and take a drive around the Dubai Desert Conversation Reserve. The UAE’s first national park, this pristine desert sanctuary provides a haven for countless species of desert animals, birds and plants. As you travel, use the supplied binoculars to watch for rare Arabian oryx, as well as desert monitors, gazelles and other species of desert fauna and flora. Return to the desert retreat and refuel with a tasty local snack such as chebab (Arabic pancake) or ragag (fresh bread). Then, if you wish, finish your visit with a camel ride across the sands. Your experience concludes with a transfer back to your hotel. Please note: a portion of your ticket price is donated to local animal conservation, so you can feel extra good about participating in this Dubai experience.

Tour info

Duration
5 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

As an integral part of desert life in Arabia, falconry goes back more than 2,000 years ago and is still extremely important to the heritage of Dubai. This is a unique opportunity to observe the world’s best-trained falcons and other birds of prey in an authentic setting in a Royal desert retreat. During this interactive falconry and birds of prey experience, our professional falconers will guide you through both ancient and modern training techniques. After this spectacular interactive experience, enjoy a delicious breakfast in our authentic desert camps before embarking on an adventurous wildlife drive in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the UAE’s first and largest national park. You will get to spot and learn about some of the iconic desert dwellers such as the Arabian Oryx from a vintage Land Rover.

What’s included?

  • Spectacular falcon show with demonstrations of traditional training techniques

  • Interactive demonstration with birds of prey like hawks, desert eagle owls and barn owls

  • Guided safari drive in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in Vintage Land Rover

  • Camel rides

  • Donation to Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

  • Breakfast

  • Entry/Admission - Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

  • Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 5h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Platinum Heritage

About operator:

As the only ecotourism Desert Safari company in Dubai, our mission is to protect the cultural heritage and natural environment of Dubai. We have three collections of Desert Safaris which authentically showcase a different time period in Dubai’s history. The Bedouin Collection (pre-1920’s) is the most traditional. Retrace the footsteps of Bedouin tribes and immerse yourself in a first-hand experience of a day in the life of a Bedouin living in the desert. With no frills or fuss, this is the most traditional and hands-on experience of Dubai’s cultural roots. The Heritage Collection (1950’s) is a journey back to the turning point in Dubai’s history to the time when Land Rovers were first introduced to the desert. These Desert Safaris offer an authentic encounter with Dubai’s cultural heritage with the addition of a few modern comforts. The Platinum Collection (modern day) is the most luxurious. Embrace modern day times and experience the magic of the desert with a sophisticated touch.

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