Falcon 1—Private Dubai Falconry Safari

Start with an early morning pickup from your Dubai hotel by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, and chat to your private guide as your travel to the desert retreat. Gaze out at the scenery, and gain insight into the the country's passion for falconry from your guide. The practice originated from Bedouin tribes who used falcons to hunt desert animals so they could add meat to their nomadic diet.

After roughly 40 minutes, arrive at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the national park where your falconry experience takes place. First, take a wildlife-spotting drive through the reserve as you hear about the animals and plants that thrive in the unforgiving environment. Look out for indigenous animals such as Arabian oryx, gazelle, hares and geckos.

Then, meet one of the reserve’s qualified falconers to start your interactive experience with a number of falcons, kestrels and other birds of prey, all from an exclusive family collection. With practical tips from your trainer, take an active part in the birds’ daily training session. Wear a falconry glove and get the birds to fly from your fist to collect food and return to your hand.

During your private 1.5- to 2-hour session, see demonstrations of ancient and modern training techniques, such as the the use of remote control drones, and watch the birds as they soar through the sky and dive for bait. Marvel at their speed and listen as the falconer describes their innate hunting instincts. When your session finishes, travel back to your hotel where your tour ends.

Tour with Breakfast:Want to make your morning more special? Complement your desert experience with a breakfast fit for an Arabian king. Before your Dubai hotel drop-off, travel to the luxurious Al Maha Desert Resort for breakfast in the hotel’s renowned Al Diwaan restaurant. Choose to sit inside or outside, and feast from an international buffet that features classic western treats such as eggs Royale alongside spiced scrambled eggs and even fillet steak. Fruit juice, coffee and tea are included. Morning cocktails of mimosas and bloody marys are available at your own expense. See a sample menu in the Itinerary.