Enjoy a thrilling Desert Safari

Most of us think of a Safari as a leisurely trip across the African Savannah to catch a glimpse of the Big Five; the Middle East however, has a slightly different take on the idea.

Racing across the desert in a professionally driven (thank goodness) 4×4, a Desert Safari shows the wilderness of Abu Dhabi in a totally different light. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at a Bedouin camp, enjoy sand boarding or even take a camel ride.

Soak up the atmosphere at The Yas Marina Grand Prix circuit and Ferrari world

It’s common knowledge that the Middle East is passionate about fast cars, so much so that it’s said you cant walk down the street in Abu Dhabi without seeing a Maserati, Ferrari or Lamborghini.

It’s this passion that fueled the construction of the Yas Marina Formula one circuit. One of the most popular races on the motor sport calendar the circuit is built on Yas Marina Island and aside from the thrill of seeing 250 kph racing cars the event also attracts the jet set from across the region.

Close to the Yas Marina circuit is further proof of the Middle East’s obsession with cars. Ferrari World, an 86,000 square Km theme park is the only one in the world dedicated solely to Ferrari, and with over 20 fast and furious motor sport themed rides it promises to bring you as close as possible to the thrills of being a racing driver.

Take in a Camel Race

From Horsepower to Camel-power  Camel racing is hotly contested across the UAE and it’s truly a spectacle to behold. Originating from the Bedouin tribes Camel Racing has been a mainstay of the Abu Dhabi calendar for centuries.

Head to the Al Wathba racetrack between March and October to take in a race, there’s even free entry.

Relax with an Arabian Dinner Cruise

Away from the fast paced action of Desert Safaris and Formula One cars, an Arabian Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to relax and take in the sights. Choose from a traditional sailing dhow or modern motor cruiser and enjoy delicious Arabian fare coupled with traditional music and panoramic views of the Abu Dhabi skyline

Sample the catch of the day

The Dhow Wharf fish market is where the fisherman of Abu Dhabi unload their daily catch and shoppers haggle for their supper. Buy a fish directly from the market and it can be cleaned, gutted and grilled right in front of you.

The post Best of the Best – Top 5 things to do in Abu Dhabi appeared first on Dzhingarov

It sounds like a great idea on paper but suddenly you’ve found yourself stuck on a tourist coach without
air-conditioning & struggling to get up a hill as the tour guide rambles on with nonsensical stories that may or may not be true. It’s an all too common mistake, but why suffer any more? It’s time to get yourself out of the tourist trap and onto the open road as you become your own tour guide on the greatest driving roads in the world.

Los Angeles to San Francisco   

Considered one of the greatest drives in the world the roads on this route have been the location for countless movie scenes and now it’s your turn to join in the fun.

Driving along the California coast you’ll take in the Pacific Ocean, watching in awe as waves crash against the jagged shoreline before stopping at one of the many picturesque mountain ranges. Be sure to visit towns including Laguna Beach and Carmel by the Sea.

The real highlight of the trip is yet to come, as you enter San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge opens up before you welcoming you to one of America’s most famous landmarks.

Driving Time:
11 Hours Non Stop

Highlights:
Carmel by the Sea, Monterey Bay, Hearst Castle, Golden Gate Bridge

Watch out for:

Devils Slide, named due to erosion that previously made the road impassable.

Stay at:

The Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire (L.A) Marriot Union Square (San Francisco)

Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road – United Arab Emirates

English: Jebel Hafeet mountain in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There’s something slightly impure about having this road on our list, after all it was built specifically to be the ultimate driving road and only leads from a car park to a hotel (albeit a very luxurious one.)

However what the road lacks in purity it more than makes up for in terms of sheer driving fun, with 60 formula one inspired corners and a 4,000 foot ascent. Furthermore, it’s almost always empty
(after all it doesn’t really go anywhere) meaning you are assured of hours of fun without the risk of a single traffic jam.

Driving Time:

30 minutes Non Stop

Highlights:

60 Formula one inspired corners and an 18 hole golf course at the summit,

Watch out for:
Due to the 45c heat the surrounding Sand Dunes seem to move, be sure to keep your eyes on the road!

Cape Town – Port Elizabeth – South Africa

Wine enthusiasts will love this journey from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth as your drive past 65 different wineries all more tantalising than the other… but be warned, you may need to appoint a designated driver.

The route passes through South Africa’s famous Winelands and offers 748km of winding roads and stunning landscapes, well what else would you expect in a country as diverse and magnificent as South Africa?

Stop at the natural springs and Roman baths located at the warmwaterberg spa, it’s a great place to relax after hours of driving. The route also takes you past Klaasvoogds game reserve, an ideal location to spot wildebeest, leopard and zebra.

Driving Time:   

9.5 Hours Non Stop

Highlights:

Take a donkey trail over the Swatberg mountain range

Watch out for:

This is a long journey so be sure to split driving duties

Stay at:

Cape Grace Hotel (Cape Town) Protea Hotel Marine (Port Elizabeth)

The post The top 3 driving routes in the world appeared first on Dzhingarov