Insider Guides
By Safari Guides & Locals
Sunset timing
Sunset timing in Ras Al Khaimah is not the same during winter and summer season. Sunset timing during winter (October to April) is from 5.30 PM to 6 PM. The sunset scenery last for nearly 3-7 minutes.
On the other hand, during summer May to September) sunset is from 6.20 PM to 7PM. The scenery also lasts for 3-7minutes.
Ensure you get to the desert on time for you to enjoy the spectacular sunset scenery from dunes. You should double confirm with the tour operator about the sunset timing.
Sunrise timing
Sunrise timing in Ras Al Khaimah’s also differs during summer and winter months. During summer the timing is from 30 AM to 6 AM while winter is from 6 AM -7AM. To catch the sunrise scene, you should plan according to the sunrise time forecast.
Desert safaris pick up time
The pickup time to go for the desert safari depends on the tour date, sunset/ sunrise timing and pick up location distance to the desert.
If you are driving to the desert camp, ensure you follow the map correctly. Also, you should start the journey earlier to get to the camp on time.
Desert Safari without dune bashing
If you don’t want to try dune bashing, it is not a must try. It can be removed from the inclusion. It is one of the desert activities which are not recommendable for pregnant mothers, elderly guests, those who have back problems or undergo any medical treatments.
You can forgo this activity and participate in other safer and comfortable desert activities.
Desert rains and sandstorms
It rains rarely in Ras Al Khaimah. However, it does rain in February and March. The possibility of tour be cancelled due to rain in RAK is almost zero.
Nevertheless, sandstorms do occur. In such situation the tour provider reschedules the tour.
Riding a camel
Camel riding is one of the activities included in almost all desert safari tours in Ras Al Khaimah. The riding lasts 5-6 minutes the whole focus is to take pictures.
It is important to know came riding is not a leisure riding. It is one of the activits which all guest want to experience. During on-season you have to queue for your turn.
If you want to ride came for longer time you should choose Camel trekking. Youn will ride the camel for 30 minutes to 1 hour giving you enough time to take good photos.
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Quad Bike (ATV)
Quad bike riding is among the desert activities you should not miss to try. You will be taught how to drive this all-terrain vehicle and after few trials, allowed to ride across dunes.
There are quad bikes at the camp for renting. Before you rent you are required to sign disclaimer form because quad bike self-ride is not insured.
You should follow the tour guide instructions to the letter. Moreover drive on designated safest route. You should avoid drifting and driving fast because it dangerous you can roll over.
Dinner Buffet
Dinner buffet is among the inclusion when you book the evening and overnight desert safari. The quality of food differs on the category of tour you book.
When you book budget or standard tour, you will have to queue for the dinner. For the premium tour, you will be served to your table and the quality of food and service is 5*.
Selecting a safari operator
It is challenging to selecting the best tour operator for desert safari in RAK. It is so because there are many online tour operators competing and promoting Ras Al Khaimah desert tours.
Before you book the tour you should take time and do proper research. When come across ideal operator, go ahead and checkout trip advisor and Google reviews of the operator.
In case of any doubt you should call the operator and ask them questions before you book the tour.
Cancellation policy
Before you book a tour you should read carefully the cancellation policy. Different tour operators have different policy. When you cancel the tour relevant terms will be applied.