Bruce and Mary Stambaugh (Dubai) - Exclusive Dubai Stop-Over Safari for Bruce and Mary Stambaugh

31 October 2018: Depart Los Angeles flight EK0216 4:35 pm

1 November 2018 : On arrival at Dubai Airport @ 7:30 pm you will be met by a Holden Safaris representative  and transferred to the Westin Dubai Hotel.

Overnight: The Westin Dubai Hotel

Today you will enjoy the Bedouin Culture Safari including a traditional breakfast.

Note: Please refer to the attached tour voucher which specifies the required dress code for certain venues that you will be visiting on your tour

Your journey starts in the morning. You will be collected in the lobby of your hotel and driven out to the Dubai desert (in air-conditioned comfort).

Leave your modern amenities and experience a  camel ride (camels are known as the  “ships of the desert”) for 15 minutes, until you arrive at your destination - a nomadic Bedouin camp, presenting a glimpse into authentic Bedouin life.

You’ll be greeted in traditional fashion, with rose water, Arabic coffee, and dates. Explore the village, constructed of traditional woven goat hair, wood, and stones; a tribute to the resourcefulness of the nomadic people. You have the chance to meet and chat with Bedouin storytellers, pet farm animals, get up close with the Arabian hunting dogs called Saluki’s and learn about Bedouin-style hunting, and how the deadly combination of falconry and Saluki dogs became their main means of hunting.

You will also be able to watch the world’s fastest animal in flight in a spectacular falconry presentation. 

The guides will explain how to prepare your own traditional Arabic meal called Foul Medames, complete with traditional Arabic Ragaag bread and luqaimat, a delicious dessert, all the while enjoying the traditional dances performed by young local Bedouin. You are welcome to join in with them! In authentic Bedouin style, breakfast will be served on a large platter on the floor so you can enjoy this fun and social tradition.

See how Land Rovers, first introduced in 1948, transformed the Bedouins life, as they could finally trade, explore and survey the vast desert areas with ease. Climb aboard a vintage Land Rover into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for a wildlife safari, stopping and seeing how the native flora and fauna were used for survival.

On completion of the tour you return to the hotel. Time to freshen up before you are  collected at the hotel  at 14:00 hrs by your English speaking guide for your private Dubai CityTour

Towering skyscrapers have risen from the sands through the years in the fast-growing city of Dubai, but never has it forgotten its vibrant heritage and golden traditions. Join local experts at Bastakiya, one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Dubai, where your discovery of the city’s well-preserved cultural treasures shall commence.

Learn about the 19th-century life in Dubai as you visit the Dubai Museum and weave through the alleys of the Al Fahidi Historical District.

Board an “abra”, a traditional water taxi that ferried the locals through the years across the Dubai Creek. Walk through the gold and spice souks.

Keep your eyes open all throughout the road trip as you will be passing by the historic Union House Flag where the UAE forged a union almost half a century ago.

Photo stop at Jumeirah beach with the iconic Burj Al Al Arab and Jumeirah Mosque as the background.

Return to the hotel after the tour.

Overnight: The Westin  Dubai Hotel

After early breakfast you will be collected at the hotel  for your transfer to Dubai Airport.

Flight EK0763 departs @ 10:05am and arrives in Johannesburg @ 4.30pm

You will be met by a Holen Safaris representative on arrival in Johannesburg and escorted to the City Lodge OR Tambo Airport.

Overnight: City Lodge OR Tambo