Having sampled many of the other desert safaris over the years while on holiday in Dubai, I thought I would give the new name to the market, 57 Safari, a try. Being a Land Rover enthusiast the heritage safari using 1950s series 1 Land Rovers was the main appeal. Other operators use open top Land Rovers of varying vintages and I was keen to see if this was any different. Our guide collected us from the hotel in a modern 4x4, he contacted us by WhatsApp to confirm pick up times, and kept us informed as to his progress and his on time arrival. Great communication. We were taken out to the desert to pick up the Land Rover in the conservation area. A line up of 86" series 1 Land Rovers in immaculate condition awaited us. The desert tour was spectacular, with time spent to stop and admire the Arabian Oryx, silverfish lizards and other creatures. To appreciate the desert in its beauty, you must be in it, in the open topped Land Rover, to see the colours, to smell the desert, to hear the old vehicle working, to smell it, to smell the hot engine, to be part of it. You can never appreciate this from within an air conditioned luxury vehicle. And on to camel rides, to the luxury feast at the desert camp, all freshly prepared in the first class kitchen with nothing hidden. And the entertainment, a mix of traditional and modern, truly fantastic, performances to take the breath away which I've never seen before. Words do not do it justice. This is one amazing experience. And don't worry if its suitable for children, if their tastes will be catered for . My 9 year old son said that this trip was the best part of the holiday, and I have to agree. Children's food was brought out much to his delight, and we all left with full bellies! At the end of the night the lights were turned off in the camp to allow the beauty of the stars to be truly appreciated, no light pollution to ruin the view!
I really can't say how good this trip is. If you are considering a desert safari, do this one. We were treated as friends, welcome guests, rather than just a customer, a number, as other larger operators seem to do. This is a small company, they care, and it shows. Thankyou, we will definitely be back to do it again!