Heritage Falconry & Wildlife Safari

FULL DESCRIPTION

An immersive morning combining spectacular demonstrations of falcons, hawks, and owls, followed by a traditional Emirati breakfast in a Bedouin camp and a nature safari in vintage Land Rovers, this is a cultural journey into the past like no other!

As an integral part of desert life in Arabia, falconry dates back more than 2,000 years and is extremely important to the heritage of Dubai. This is a unique experience to witness a world-class falcon show and learn about the ancient techniques and traditions of what makes falconry so significant in Emirati culture. Take part in interactive birds of prey demonstration where you will get a chance to fly Harris hawks to your glove and partake in other impressive aerial tricks. Meet Desert eagle owls as they fly from the perch to you and fall in love with the cute Barn owls.

Afterward, discover the local flavors and enjoy a traditional Emirati breakfast in an authentic Bedouin camp set in the heart of the Dubai desert. Enjoy a short camel ride around the camp and then embark on an adventurous nature safari in private vintage Land Rovers through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Spot native animals like Arabian oryx and gazelles and learn about local flora like the fire bush and miswak, and how these were used traditionally for the survival of the desert nomads, Bedouin.

ITINERARY

• Private pick up in an air-conditioned vehicle between 5:30 am and 7:00 am.
• Arrive at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to receive your Adventure Pack and put on your Sheila/Ghutra (traditional headscarf).
• 75-minute spectacular falcon show with demonstrations of traditional training techniques and an interactive demonstration with birds of prey like hawks, desert eagle owls, and barn owls.
• Embark on a wildlife drive through Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in a private open-top vintage Land Rover.
• Traditional breakfast in an authentic Bedouin camp: View Menu
• Enjoy a short camel ride around the camp.
• Return to the hotel between 10:30 am and 11:30 am.
• Please note due to current Covid regulations set by the UAE government that certain activities within the itinerary may not be available.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Starts in the morning and lasts for about 5 hours.
• Includes hotel pick-up from urban Dubai area, in a shared air-conditioned vehicle.
• The pickup time is between 6:00 am and 7:30 am depending on the season/sunset. You will return to the hotel between 10:30 am and 11:30 am.
• Every booking receives an Adventure Pack including a souvenir bag, a refillable stainless-steel water bottle for each guest to keep, and a Sheila/Ghutra headscarf to wear and take home.
• As it is warm in the Dubai desert, we recommend that you wear a hat, sunglasses, sun cream, comfortable cool clothes. We recommend that you bring something warm first thing in the morning as the desert can be cold.
• Includes a traditional Emirati breakfast: foul, regag (Arabic bread), chabaab (pancakes), fruit platters and water, juice, tea, and coffee. We also provide vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free meal options. Please inform us when booking so we can make sure you are accommodated.
• Bathroom facilities are available in the desert and at the camp.
• Your Desert Safari is conducted by a highly trained Conservation Guide with extensive knowledge of ecotourism, cultural heritage, history, and natural environment of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
• A portion of your Desert Safari fee is contributed towards local conservation in Dubai.

FINER DETAILS

• Pick-up from private residences is available.
• Children over 5 years old and under 12 years old will be accepted at the child rate.
• A confirmation with a precise pick-up time will be sent to your email or phone before 6:00 pm on the day before the Desert Safari.
• So that you never feel overcrowded, we restrict numbers to 20 guests on this experience. Sometimes we might have two shows who will join in one camp for breakfast.
• We require a minimum of 12 hours in advance to book this activity online. Alternatively, you can contact our office directly to inquire about short-term bookings.
• Some vehicles can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests.