4-day adventure
Dubai Adventure Weekend
United Arab Emirates
- Kandoo Multi-activity
from
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£899
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our UK team
Kandoo's view
Take on a whistle stop adventure in the Arabian desert! This chocker block weekend delves deep into the dunes and climbs to dizzying heights all in the space of 4 short days. Float through the skies over endless expanses of sand in a hot air balloon, before touching down and boarding a classic vintage land rover, embarking on a thrilling off-roading dune drive. Explore the highlights of Dubai city; marvel at the stunning architecture of the Jumeirah Mosque, get lost in the retail wonderland of Dubai Mall and visit the record breaking Burj Khalifa. Here, climb to the 148th floor, where views across the marina are unmatched, grab a coffee and indulge in this once in a lifetime experience. Then discover a secret desert oasis, bask in the evening sun of the Dubai Desert Conservation Area and eat like a local at a traditional Bedouin camp. Encapsulating the adventurous nature of Dubai in a compact, stopover sized package, this is the perfect way to dip your toe into the adventure pool on route to your next challenge.
Trip highlights
- Take to the skies in a glorious hot air balloon ride over the desert
- Embark on a thrilling off-roading adventure in a vintage landrover
- Relax in an evening desert oasis, sampling local foods and culture
- Climb to dizzying heights At The Top of the Burj Khalifa
Experiences
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Kandoo Multi-activity
Kandoo Adventures' trips with different activities to enjoy each day
Gallery
Itinerary
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Day 1
Welcome to Dubai!
Welcome to the UAE! On arrival in Dubai, a member of the Emirates Mahaba team will be waiting to fast track you through airport proceedings and onto your driver just outside the main doors. They will then transfer you to your hotel, where you will have time to relax and explore the city before meeting your representative this evening.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
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Day 2
Desert dunes and city views
We have an early wake up call this morning as our driver picks us up at 4am and transports us to the edge of the desert for an unforgettable journey that combines aerial views and authentic Arabian hospitality. We take to the skies, soaring high above the desert in a hot air balloon, then touch down and indulge in a delightful breakfast before being picked up in vintage land rovers and driving off road through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Leaving our vehicles at lunchtime we grab something to eat before heading out again on a tour of Dubai's iconic locations; from the stunning architecture of Jumeirah Mosque, to the record-breaking Burj Khalifa. Here, we climb up 148 floors to the Sky Lounge where we can bask in the evening glow as the sun sets over the city skyline.
- Transport: Private transfer, 4x4 Vehicle
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
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Day 3
Desert Safari Experience
We have a relaxed morning to catch up and explore the city at our own pace, after a jam packed day yesterday! Meeting our driver at our hotel at 3pm, we head out once more into the dunes, on route to a delightful desert camp oasis. Set in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, we spend the evening watching the sunset over the dunes, spotting Arabian Oryx and Gazelle roaming in their natural habitat, and indulging in a delicious BBQ dinner in a traditional Bedouin setting.
- Transport: 4x4 Vehicle
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast / Dinner
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Day 4
Departure
This morning we wave goodbye to the bright lights of Dubai and continue our onwards journey. Transfer to airport in time for your flight.
- Meals included: Breakfast
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Details
Trip information
Difficulty
This trip is not physically strenuous, however it can be very tiring due to the heat. You will be spending some of your time inside a 4x4 safari vehicle, which will be driving over uneven ground and the weather will be hot. We will do our best to seek out shady areas but it is really important to make sure you drink plenty! To have the best conditions for your hot air balloon ride, you will also need to get up at 4am on your first morning. You do not need a high level of fitness but you should be prepared for some long days and hot weather.
Food & drink
Whilst
staying in hotels, breakfasts will be taken at the hotel restaurant. The Arabians are known for producing a great continental breakfast, so expect a wide range of options from classic Eastern dishes including flat breads, hummus, yoghurt, dates and jams to more western cuisine.
Lunches are not included on this trip so head out into the city and find a nice restaurant to sample some Arabian cuisine. Expect a selection of traditional breads, pastries, fruit, vegetables, stews etc. Please remember to be careful when choosing what you eat, especially if choosing cold salads that have been freshly washed.
Evening meals on your first two nights are to be taken at your own leisure. You may choose to eat in the hotel restaurant or at one of the many restaurants looking out over Dubai marina. On your evening in the desert a delicious BBQ dinner will be provided. You can expect an array of grilled chicken and lamb, along with rice, fresh vegetables and salads. Soft drinks are included here, but any alcoholic drinks will need to be purchased. We can cater for most dietary requirements on request.
Please
be aware that the water in Dubai is not drinkable. Whilst in the city, bottled water can be purchased in shops or at your hotel, but it is not as readily available in the desert. Here, bottled water will be provided as part of your meal inclusions.
Accommodation
Your full day by
day itinerary shows what is included in terms of hotel accommodation and meal
basis. All of our accommodation is based at Dubai marina in comfortable 4* hotels in ensuite rooms. Where your hotel basis is B&B, you can either purchase snacks or meals at the hotel, which can be paid for by card or in cash (AED). All our hotels have bars and restaurants that offer a wide range of options foodwise and are able to accommodate all dietary requirements, should you choose to eat at the hotel.
Check in time will be after
2:00 pm. If you arrive on an early flight into Dubai, you may have to wait
until this time for your room to be available, however you will be able to
leave bags safely at the hotel or use the facilities prior to this time.
Your guide
Your representative for the weekend will meet you at your hotel on the
evening of your arrival day, where they will answer any questions you may have.
If you are arriving on a late flight, you will meet them after your balloon ride as you will be picked up for your balloon ride at 4am on the morning of
Day 2.
How do I get there?
Dubai International Airport is an international hub and so is easily accessible from most airports. Emirates fly direct to Dubai from all the major UK hubs including Manchester, London Heathrow, Birmingham and Glasgow. British Airways also offer direct flights from London Heathrow. Although not direct, Qatar offer flights from all these hubs with a stop in Doha on route and KLM offer flights via Amsterdam.
From the US, Emirates again offer direct flights from all major hubs including, New York, Miami, Dallas and Los Angeles . KLM and Delta are also offering flights via Amsterdam from New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Upon arriving at
the airport terminal, a member of the Emirates Marhaba team will be waiting for
you with a named sign and they will fast track you through immigration and
security, before assisting you to baggage claim then on to your driver outside
the main doors. Your driver will be outside these doors, holding a ‘Kandoo
Adventures’ sign. The address of your hotel is on your trip itinerary.
Budget & change
The United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED د. إ.) is
an open currency so you will be able to buy this before you arrive. Alternatively,
you can travel with US Dollars, and exchange these upon arrival. It is very
important that US bills be new (no more than 10 years old), crisp and untorn. Dubai
is becoming increasingly cashless, however we would recommend travelling with
some cash for tipping and buying small items in markets and local shops. If you
are relying on a credit or debit card for emergency funds, make sure you tell
your card issuer that you will be using it abroad, or you may find that it
won't work when you really need it.
Tips
Tipping when you are satisfied with the service you have received is
customary in the UAE. However, it is not mandatory and should be left to the
discretion of each individual. Generally a 10% tip for guide and activity services
and 10-15% in restaurants is considered to be appropriate.
Formalities & health
Passport
Please double check that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the date of arrival into the UAE.
Please note that the local government have imposed a rule that all passports must have an assigned gender (M or F). We recommend that you take a photocopy of your passport and keep it separate from the original, as this will be useful if the original is lost while you are travelling. If your passport has sustained any damage, please check with your passport office to see if it should be replaced. Your airline may refuse to allow you to board if they think UAE Immigration will not accept your damaged passport.
Please note that the local government have imposed a rule that all passports must have an assigned gender (M or F). We recommend that you take a photocopy of your passport and keep it separate from the original, as this will be useful if the original is lost while you are travelling. If your passport has sustained any damage, please check with your passport office to see if it should be replaced. Your airline may refuse to allow you to board if they think UAE Immigration will not accept your damaged passport.
Visa
Most visitors to Dubai (including nationals from the UK, Europe, USA and Australia) require a tourist visa to enter the UAE. These will be issued upon arrival in the UAE. You will need at least one blank visa page in your passport. Some countries not mentioned above, will need to apply for a visa prior to entering the UAE so please check with your local embassy should this be the case.
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries do not require a paid visa, but will need to apply for a free eVisa instead. Visas take approximately 48 hours to be issued and are only valid for 60 days from the date of issue, so do not apply for your visa too early.
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries do not require a paid visa, but will need to apply for a free eVisa instead. Visas take approximately 48 hours to be issued and are only valid for 60 days from the date of issue, so do not apply for your visa too early.
Vaccinations
Below we have set out what is the general guidance for travel to UAE. We strongly advise you to consult with your own GP or travel clinic near you before travelling. They will have the most up to date and medically accurate information relevant to you, and should be relied upon over these recommendations.
Strongly Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Typhoid and Diphtheria
- Yellow Fever: This can be contracted by being bitten by a contaminated mosquito. This vaccination is not essential if you are arriving directly in the UAE. You do need it though if you plan to arrive through any country that is subject to yellow fever. Simply stopping over at an airport in an affected country should not require vaccination, but leaving the airport even briefly would make it necessary.
Strongly Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Typhoid and Diphtheria
- Yellow Fever: This can be contracted by being bitten by a contaminated mosquito. This vaccination is not essential if you are arriving directly in the UAE. You do need it though if you plan to arrive through any country that is subject to yellow fever. Simply stopping over at an airport in an affected country should not require vaccination, but leaving the airport even briefly would make it necessary.
Insurance
Before you can join any Kandoo Adventure, you will need to insure yourself against accident, injury, and illness.
Your insurance must cover the cost of evacuation and repatriation if necessary. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses.
We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.
Make sure to choose the correct policy for the activities you are participating in. Be sure to read the small print carefully for any policy you are considering - different policies provide different levels of cover, so make sure you understand what is and isn't included in your policy.
Your insurance must cover the cost of evacuation and repatriation if necessary. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses.
We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.
Make sure to choose the correct policy for the activities you are participating in. Be sure to read the small print carefully for any policy you are considering - different policies provide different levels of cover, so make sure you understand what is and isn't included in your policy.
Health
Dehydration
You can easily become dehydrated when exercising in hot climates. Where you will be exerting yourself, and sweating, as a result, you’ll have to drink much more water than you normally would, and you should try to drink at least 3 litres of fluids every day to stay hydrated. Even when you don’t feel thirsty you should try to drink this amount as a minimum.
Sunburn and UV Protection
The three most important things you can do to avoid sunburn are:
- Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to your face, nose and ears at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, and reapply regularly. High SPF lip balm is also a must.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, nose and ears.
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses, category 2-4.
You can easily become dehydrated when exercising in hot climates. Where you will be exerting yourself, and sweating, as a result, you’ll have to drink much more water than you normally would, and you should try to drink at least 3 litres of fluids every day to stay hydrated. Even when you don’t feel thirsty you should try to drink this amount as a minimum.
Sunburn and UV Protection
The three most important things you can do to avoid sunburn are:
- Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to your face, nose and ears at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, and reapply regularly. High SPF lip balm is also a must.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, nose and ears.
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses, category 2-4.
Equipment & clothing
Clothing to bring
We recommend bringing lightweight clothing including comfortable walking shoes such as trainers or walking sandals. Due to the conservative local culture in Dubai, please ensure you have modest dress - make sure shoulders and knees are covered and women will need a scarf or similar to be respectful when visiting religious buildings. Transparent or tight-fitting attire is also not permitted, as well as clothing featuring cartoon character images.
Temperatures in the UAE can fluctuate quite quickly, particularly in the desert, so please also bring a warm layer for your Evening Desert Safari as you may find once the sun goes down the temperatures become much cooler.
Equipment to bring
The sun in the UAE can be very intense so we recommend bringing sun cream and a sun hat to keep you protected whilst out on your activities and a water bottle to stay hydrated. A pair of sunglasses may also come in handy.
Price
Ideal travel time:
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Pricing from £899 / $1149 per person (based on 4 people)
Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
Contact usPrice includes
- Meet and greet at Dubai International Airport
- Fast track through airport procedures
- A dedicated representative throughout your stay
- All transfers in a private, air conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation in comfortable 4* hotel in Dubai Marina
- Hot air balloon ride over the desert
- 4x4 drive across dunes in vintage Land rover
- Sunset stop in the desert
- BBQ dinner in a traditional Bedouin setting
- Soft drinks on desert safari
- Half Day Dubai city tour inc all entry fees
- Entry to At The Top - Burj Khalifa
- Coffee and snacks At The Top
Price does not include
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guide
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Drinks and personal expenses
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