The lapping of waves will be missing, but you can enjoy a fantastic desert adventure amidst golden sands
Sand is usually associated with the stuff you get next to the ocean, but the allure of this grainy gold doesn’t get much better than on a dune or desert adventure. Camel treks, thrilling 4x4 rides and Bedouin camps under the stars are just some of the delights on offer and the most accessible places for these Lawrence Of Arabia-style holidays are North Africa and the Middle East. As these areas are out of the eurozone, chances are you’ll get a good deal, too.
Families Worldwide begins its Sahara Dune Adventure with a two-day camel trek to some of the highest sand dunes in Morocco. After a stay at Chez La Pacha, a tented auberge, the trip concludes in Marrakech where you can explore the ancient souks for treasures. The trip departs in the Christmas, February half term and Easter and October holidays and costs from £929 per child (minimum age five) and £999 per adult. Prices include flights, all transportation, seven nights’ accommodation (hotels, tented auberge and camping), most meals and the services of a tour leader.
Family adventure specialist Explore operates desert-themed trips to Egypt, Jordan and Morocco, including Sinai Explorer, a ten-day tour combining time in the Sinai Desert with Cairo, the Valley of the Kings and the Red Sea. Prices from £1,162 per person (over 12s) and £1,069 per person (ages five to 11) include flights, all transport, nine nights’ B&B (one desert camp), three other meals and all guiding.
Seasons In Style offers holidays at Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai where children can join a falconer for the morning to learn about the heritage and skills involved in falconry; explore the miles of undulating desert scenery by high-octane 4x4 rides, or more slowly by camel or horse; travel around the resort by bicycle; or simply escape the heat and enjoy a fun-packed visit to the nearby Wild Wadi Water Park. Parents can relax in the spa, explore the Madinat souk, or join in with the children’s adventures. A week during February half term costs from £3,630 per family of three, including accommodation in a superior room, breakfast, flights and private transfers.
The Sultanate of Oman is often referred to as the real Arabia and is a relatively short flight away from the UK – just seven hours. It has guaranteed winter sunshine and a relaxed mixture of nature and culture – in the shape of the bustling markets – making it an ideal family destination between October and April. Reef & Rainforest Tours has added Oman for the first time to its Family Wildlife Adventures programme. A seven-night Gentle Family Journey in Oman package costs from £2,381 per adult and £1,362 per child, including B&B and flights. Itinerary highlights include a trip to the Wahiba sand dunes, dolphin watching by boat, a fabulous overnight excursion to see nesting turtles and an evening Palaces and Forts catamaran cruise.
Abu Dhabi may not be an obvious choice for a family holiday, but it’s definitely worth investigating. Liwa is an oasis area in the south of Abu Dhabi. It is the ideal place for sand-dune safaris and skiing. The Sir Bani Yas Island is an island getaway with the Arabian Wildlife Park. The park is located in the southwest of Abu Dhabi and is home to thousands of large, free-roaming animals, such as oryxes and gazelles. There is a range of activities from game drives to snorkelling in protected waters. And if you want a bit of theme-park adventure thrown into the mix, the world’s first Ferrari theme park opened in Abu Dhabi in October.
To enjoy Abu Dhabi, base yourselves at the Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Ras Al Khaima. A dedicated nature reserve is within the resort grounds, much of it home to local desert wildlife, such as Arabian gazelles, camels and oryx. Children will love the resort’s Activity Centre with its educational classes about desert flora and fauna, plus they will get to meet falcons and indigenous owls at the world-class falconry centre, The Mews. Guests can participate in a multitude of activities, including horse riding, camel safaris and bike trails. Meanwhile, the Kids Club even offers camel milking.
If you really like your dunes with a touch of added glamour, The Emirates Palace is the ultimate glitzy affair that showcases Arabian culture and hospitality at its most splendid. There’s the award-winning Chinese restaurant, Hakkasan, as well as the newly opened Havana Club featuring the finest limited-edition single malt whiskies and, for the children, it’s the Ultimate Beach Living experience that they’ll love. A seven-night trip, including B&B, flights and transfers, costs from £1,850 per person with ITC Classics.
View our Travel section for lots of fun ideas.
