How to Pack for a Desert Safari

Setting off in to the wilderness is an experience reserved and revered by those with a flair for adventure and a desert safari can be described as one of the most rewarding variety of wilderness exploration available to visitors in Dubai. Packing for a safari however requires special consideration as the off road journey demands its own prerequisites from travellers. From clothing to travel accessories listed below are some tried and true guidelines on packing for a desert safari tour.

Step 1: Determine What to Bring and What's Provided

When selecting a desert safari tour it is imperative that travellers consult the travel operator organizing the excursion on what is part of the package deal. Whether one is signing up for Dubai tour packages from Sri Lanka offered by Jetwing Holidays or booking a desert safari with a local safari group in Dubai finding out which amenities are provided by the operators should be a priority. Some tour organizers for example will provide refreshments and a first aid kit on board while others will only provide drinking water and hotel transfers in addition to the safari experience. Reading the fine print when booking a tour and inquiring on what items to bring from the tour organizer is therefore crucial to a memorable and drama-free safari experience.

Step 2: Dress for Success

The first rule of packing for a safari excursions in the desert is to forgo one's personal fashion statements for more practical clothing materials. Most tourist underestimate or are ill informed of the weather and humid conditions of the desert and thus dress in inappropriate clothing during a tour, experiencing a great deal of discomfort on the joinery as a result. Comfortable clothing in neutral colours is recommended for safari experiences the world over and Dubai is no different. Colours such as khaki, green and brown are popular choices while colours such as red and black should be avoided as dark shades absorb the heat. A safari hat is also a great idea as it will provide the shade required for a more comfortable safari experience while sunglasses are also a must. A safari jacket is also recommended as it can store small items such as pocket knives and other essentials in its pockets. Safari shorts and a pair of hiking shoes, as well as additional shoelaces should also be packed in addition to flip flops and nightwear in case one is camping out in the desert for the night.

Step 3: Must-Have Supplies

A camera is at the top of the list of must-have supplies on a desert safari as are additional camera batteries and memory cards. Essentially these items should be part of one's carry-on rucksack or day bag as they will be used at various times of the journey. Sun tan lotion/sun block is another hot pick item while bug repellents and hand sanitizers should also be on hand. Antiseptic cream, motion sickness pills and band-aids can also prove useful in case of emergency and cuts and scrapes while a Swiss army knife and a tiny towel will also come in handy. Those with allergies or other medical conditions should also have anti-allergy meds and other prescription medication in one's bag.

Step 4: Other Essentials for a Desert Safari Experience

Travellers that have a booked an overnight desert safari package should also pack a folding sleeping bag and a travel pillow. A pair of binoculars can also enhance a safari experience while waterproof matches and a map of the desert may also prove useful to first time visitors.

Step 5: Don't Forget the Paperwork

A water and dustproof Ziploc bag containing your travel documents should also be on the packing list as these documents can provide to be invaluable when travelling in remote areas of any country let alone Dubai. Passports copies, photocopies of airline tickets, the hotel's address and telephone numbers as well as Travel insurance particulars should be included in this contained for safe keeping.