Desert Safari

Things to do in Doha

There is no doubt that Doha, the capital of Qatar has the best of everything! Here is a list of the four best things to do while on a visit to the middle eastern metropolis.

Experience Qatari culture in Souq Waqif

An authentic and one of the oldest marketplaces in Doha, Souq Waqif offers shoppers a variety of items to shop and choose from. From spices, souvenirs, and traditional Qatar clothes among much more. The marketplace can be reached easily from many restaurants in Wakra including hotels such as Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli with ease as well.

National Museum of Qatar

Spanning a whopping 1.5 kilometers, the National Museum of Qatar opened to the public in 2019, and tells the story of the country in three themes starting from the ” Beginning’ moving onto Life Qatar and Modern History of Qatar.

Aspire Park

Located in the Baaya district, the popular Aspire Park is the ideal place to rest and relax. The largest park in the city, this spot offers visitors plenty of recreation facilities and lies nearby the famous Villaggio Mall and Hyatt Plaza.

Barzan Towers

The Barzan rowers is open at all times and is quite a popular spot among visiting tourists. Today the Bazan Towers stand as a monument to the old history of Doha.

Exploring Saudi Arabia’s Heet Cave

The Heet Cave in Saudi Arabia is a wonder that many people would never expect to even exist. This cave offers people a treat in the middle of the desert, and is filled with water to boot!

Some background on the Heet Cave

The cave is believed to have been formed due to limestone dissolving through the anhydrite materials within the cave. For those looking to enter its domain, they must walk through a 20-metre-wide hole in the ground and across various crumbling rocks.If you are staying at the furnished apartments for rent such as the Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh be sure to make a trip to the cave!

How to get to the Heet Cave

The best way is to arrange transport to Al Heet and then make the rest of the journey along the dirt road.

Things to keep in mind

This is a natural wonder and as such, it is important to not leave any rubbish behind. Be sure to bring bags to take back any garbage.

Safety precautions

While the journey is fairly simple for an adult is it not recommended to bring a child along with you given the risk of falling and injury.

Best desert safaris in Doha

Doha is a sand dune full of thrills to enjoy! Be it conquering a rip-roaring four-wheel drive in the desert or an unforgettable camel ride, there is just so much to do. Here are a few exciting things to do on your safari.

Camel riding

Camels are quite laid-back creatures and what is a desert without the elegant line of camels walking across? Arrange a ride during your desert safari for the experience of a lifetime.

Dune bashing

This is the adventure you’ve been waiting for! Hop on a safari jeep and prepare for a roller-coaster ride on the dunes. Resorts such as Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli can help organise this experience. You might just have to hit a spa in Doha Qatar after your adventures to relieve your tiredness.

Sandboarding

Slide down the dunes of fine sand, but don’t scream in excitement unless you don’t mind getting sand in your mouth! This is something you definitely must try.

Visit the inland sea

Khor Al Adaid is just 60 km away from Doha and is a UNESCO Natural Reserve. The dunes gradually part into a sea and the views here are amazing.

Tips for desert driving in Qatar

Driving in the desert may seem like a daunting task. However, once you know the tricks that make driving in the desert a more comfortable experience, you are bound to have a lot of fun.

Make sure your vehicle is in order

Desert Driving Jeeps in Qatar | Image via Piqsels

Oil and water levels, 4 by 4 operations, soundness of wheels and tyres, lock operations, etc. are some of the key things you should check about your vehicle before going on your drive.

See if you can get help from an expert

You may meet experts in desert driving when you hang out at some of the restaurants in Wakra. Try and start a conversation with them and they will be able to tell you what to look out for.

Never go on your own

This is the golden rule in desert driving because it is quite a dangerous task. So make sure you go with a friend, and especially with someone who can help you out in the case of an emergency. Ideally, a convoy of 3 – 8 vehicles would go together. If you’re staying at Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli, you may come across others who are interested in the activity.

Sand conditions

Make sure that someone in your convoy is aware of the local sand conditions. This is critical to make sure that you have a safe trip back and forth.

Mobile Camping Adventure

There’s a myriad of camping adventures that you can be a part of – and some of them offer facilities that let you experience a comfortable and luxurious stay. One such instance is the modern mobile camping adventures offered by Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

Overview

These new mobile camping adventures will let you wander through the diverse landscape of Southern Oman’s Dhofar. It is indeed one of the best Oman attractions.

What to Expect

While the sun continues to shine, one may look forward to exploring the endless deserts, craggy mountains, and long stretches of empty yet beautiful beaches. And by night, you can expect to relax under star-studded skies, while immersing in complete luxury.

Image Credit: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Adventures

If you choose to venture away from the comforts of your luxury tent, you will find yourself gliding along with dolphins with marine experts, discovering intriguing historical sites with archaeologists, and even pointing out the marvels of the night sky with astronomers.

Guidance

You will be traversing to all kinds of sites in the luxury of a 4×4 while being accompanied by the members of the Mahrah tribe.

Thrilling Safaris at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Ever had the thrill of seeing regal leopards and majestic elephants roam free in their natural habitats? Such wildlife encounters and a whole lot more awaits at the Yala National Park!

Plan Your Safari
Located in the southeast part of the country, this park can be accessed via the gates at locations such as Palatupana and Katagamuwa. For a safari tour, Sri Lanka is best explored via 4WD vehicles and Yala is no exception. A little after 6:00am and again after 4:00pm are generally the best times for spotting wildlife.

Kings of Yala
The apex predator at the park is the Sri Lankan leopard; safaris here are very popular since it has the world’s highest density of leopards in the wild. Such wildlife drives can be organised by local travel specialists the likes of Walkers Tours as part of unforgettable excursions to spot these stealthy felines.

Other Wildlife
On your adventures in Yala, you mayobserve many other creatures too including elephants who may be gentle giants, but shouldn’t be disturbed! Keep watch to also spot sloth bears, water buffalos, spotted deer, toque macaques and mugger crocodiles. Part of the park encompasses the coast where sea turtles are known to visit too.

Diverse Birdlife
Equally impressive are the diverse bird species at Yala; one of the best places for birdwatching in Sri Lanka, the park has recorded around 215 bird species. These includeendemic varieties such as the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, Sri Lanka grey hornbill and Sri Lankan junglefowl which is also the nation’s national bird.

Interesting facts about the Kalahari Desert

Exploring the Kalahari Desert is simply a magical experience. The main reason is that it’s unique in its features and travellers can’t feel the same enjoyment at any other desert in the world.

Ragnhild&Neil Crawford from Sweden, Otoptera burchellii-0792 – Flickr – Ragnhild & Neil Crawford, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Okavango River runs through here

Did you know that Papa Falls- one of the most favourite attractions among guests holidaying at Botswana resorts is a part of the Okavango River? This river is considered the 04th longest river in the world and it runs through the Kalahari Desert.

There is a higher rainfall

Bringing in good news for everyone hoping to visit the desert during their stays at hotels such as Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, there is the hope of rain here! Yes, it’s strange, but this desert receives 5-10 inches of rainfall every year.

There is a rich plant life

Particularly in the Northern parts of the desert, the plant life is rich. This is because of the special feature in the desert soil as it can retain water much better than the other desert soils.

The dunes have a permanent landscape

If you have ever visited the Namib Desert, you must have noticed that its sand dunes are shifting with the wind. But, the Kalahari dunes do not change and their shapes are more or less static.

Desert driving tips in Qatar

Everyone loves a good old drive at some point, especially when you need a brief getaway from the monotony of your daily life. Be it a drive around the city or in the mountains, just go for it if it makes you feel any better. A drive in the desert too can be quite enjoyable as long as you know just what to do. Here are a few tips.

Drinkable liquid

Since the desert is dry and humid, you are bound to get dehydrated. Therefore, remember to take along plenty of water along with a few energy drinks and fresh juices to keep you at your optimum.

Fuel reserves

Being stuck in the middle of the desert with nothing but seas of sand in sight could be quite scary and less enjoyable than the experience was meant to be. So, it is important that you keep the gas tank full and have some spare as well.

Sandstorms

These storms are to be expected when driving in the desert, it can be inconvenient but, all you can do is be prepared! The safest thing to do if you do encounter one is to stay put inside your vehicle with the seatbelt on.

Tire checks

Before you head out, check your tires thoroughly and make sure they are in tip-top condition before heading into the desert. It would help to have a spare wheel as well if possible.

Other information

If you are on holiday at best hotels in Qatar and not sure how to get about planning a desert road trip, your local hotel such as Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli can always help you out. Do not hesitate to inquire about any desert activities they may have for you to enjoy.

Abu Dhabi Travel Guide

Planning visiting Abu Dhabi? You’re sure to feel like you’ve made a great choice from the moment you step into the city! Here’s a little more information.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Also known as The Grand Mosque, this is Abu Dhabi’s most famous attraction and is quite the masterpiece. You’re sure to be left awe-struck with its architecture, such as the 82 intricately detailed domes and reflective pools. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is believed t be the most beautiful mosque’s in the world.

Let’s be real, no trip to the middle east is complete without experiencing a desert safari! Depending on when you’re in the mood, you can do either opt for a morning or evening desert safari depending on how you feel. You can request the resort in Abu Dhabi you’re staying in, the likes of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort to recommend the best times.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

It doesn’t matter if you’re not into museums as the Louvre is truly an iconic structure that will leave you speechless! The collections housed inside are quite impressive and include artefacts from civilizations from all over the world, in different timelines.

Adventure-Filled Activities in the Abu Dhabi Desert

It may seem foreboding, but the deserts of Abu Dhabi are enchanting indeed and offer the perfect backdrop to enjoy some truly thrilling activities.

Camel Trekking

What better way to explore this unique landscape than on a “ship of the desert” AKA the camel! The quintessential way to enjoy an Abu Dhabi desert tour, camel trekking gives you an idea of the traditional ways Bedouins travel and lets you take in magical sunsets too.

Dune Bashing

For more action-packed escapades, you can look to try dune bashing. Offered at desert resorts the likes of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, this activity involves being driven in 4WD vehicles by experienced drivers; they will take you on an exciting and speed-filled ride on the dunes you won’t soon forget!

Fat Biking

Pedal-powered adventures await for those who traverse the sands on mountain bikes that have been adapted to manoeuvre the sandy terrain. Featuring larger tires, and referred to as fat bikes, they provide another great way to discover the beauty of the desert.

Sandboarding

The desert can be compared to a sea of sand and the imposing dunes provide perfect slopes to enjoy some adrenaline-pumping sandboarding. The steeper the dune, the faster you can go and there are plenty of opportunities to surf your way down on a breathtaking ride!

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+