If you've been browsing safari packages, you've likely noticed a price gap between "Standard" and "Red Dune" safaris. Is it just a marketing gimmick, or is the experience actually different?
The Location: Al Awir vs. Lahbab
The main difference lies in the location.
- Standard Safari (Al Awir): Located closer to the city. The dunes here are "Golden" or white-ish. They are generally flatter and smaller.
- Red Dune Safari (Lahbab): Located about 45 minutes further out. The sand here has a high iron oxide content, giving it a stunning deep red color. The dunes are massive, often reaching 30-40 meters high.
The Adrenaline Factor
Because the Red Dunes are taller, the dune bashing is significantly more intense. It's often described as a roller coaster on sand. Drivers can perform steep drops and side-slides that simply aren't possible on the smaller golden dunes.
Verdict: If you get motion sickness easily, stick to the Standard Safari. If you are a thrill-seeker, the Red Dunes are non-negotiable.
Photography
For Instagrammers, the Red Dunes win hands down. The contrast of the deep orange/red sand against the blue sky at sunset provides that classic "National Geographic" look that is harder to achieve in the flatter, paler Al Awir desert.
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