Excellent Desert Safari in Jaisalmer | A Unique Experience

 Are you looking for tips to have a memorable and comfortable stay on a desert safari in Jaisalmer? You are in the right place!

Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City of Rajasthan, is a beautiful city with vibrant traditions and a rich culture. The city is buzzing with tourist attractions, but the most famous are its enchanting desert landscapes and the timeless memories you make on a desert safari in Jaisalmer.

Traveling to Jaisalmer is a perfect bucket-list adventure. 

If you book a luxury desert camp in Jaisalmer, you will have the experience of a lifetime. That’s whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time traveler. However, there are many options for great desert or camel safaris in the area!

Consider following these tips and guides to ensure your stay in the Thar desert in Jaisalmer is comfortable, safe, and memorable.

They cover everything from planning to preparing for the stay to ensure you embrace the culture and respect the people and the ecosystem for the best trip ever.

Now, let’s dive in!

Tips for Having a Memorable and Comfortable Stay

Planning and Booking

The Best Time to Travel to Jaisalmer

Choosing the right time to travel to Jaisalmer can make a big difference. Between October and March, the weather is pleasant, ensuring you will have a great time on your Jaisalmer Desert Safari.

During these months, exploring the Thar desert and other places is easier as the sun is not burning you.

The summer months are scorching hot, and traveling to the desert during these months does not make for a pleasant experience.

Choose the Right Jaisalmer Desert Camp

Jaisalmer offers a wide range of desert camps, from budget to deluxe. Your ability to stay comfortably depends on your choice of desert camp in Jaisalmer.

To choose the appropriate camp, keep the following in mind:

• Choose a camp based on your budget and preferences. For example, Winds Desert Camp is a five-star luxury camp with multiple packages available. You can choose the one that best fits your spending limit.
• Every desert camp is different, so check out what they offer. Apart from the usual activities, some camps may have unique activities like quad biking or parasailing. Book the camp after considering its experiences, as only some camps offer the same.
• Do check the reviews and testimonials about the camp you are thinking of booking. The sites are always showing their best reviews, so use a third-party app to find out what people are really saying about the camp you are booking.

Customize your Jaisalmer Desert Safari Package

The camp you booked probably also offers multiple desert safari packages and some even do half-day safaris.

There are many different Jaisalmer desert safari tours to choose from, so do a bit of research.

You can opt for camel safari in Jaisalmer, jeep rides in Jaisalmer, visiting the sand dunes, and much more. You can even choose an evening or morning safari based on your preferences.

So, before you come to Jaisalmer, customize your safari package to book the short sunset safari package, the overnight stay one, or the morning safari to witness the sunrise.

There are multiple options to choose from, here are some of the top-rated ones:

Packing Essentials for a Jaisalmer Desert Safari

Comfortable Clothing According to the Season

Pack loose-fitting and light clothing to ensure you stay comfortable in the desert heat.

You should pack according to the weather conditions. But the weather conditions are pleasant during the day, even in October or November. So, loose clothes are perfect.

Always have options to layer up if you feel cold. So, pack a jacket too!

If you are returning to the hotel after your desert camp experience, only pack enough clothes for the stay. Do not drag all your bags to the desert camp but see if you can leave them with your hotel.

 Sturdy and comfortable footwear

 Walking on the sand is challenging with heels or uncomfortable shoes.

Also, open shoes are useless, as they will be full of sand within seconds of experiencing the desert on foot.

So, pack sturdy and comfortable closed-toe shoes, especially if you plan on going on a camel safari in Jaisalmer or bashing in the sand dunes.

Moreover, wearing socks will protect your ankles from sunburn and ensure your feet don’t get dirty.

Don’t Forget Sun Protection

Bringing good-quality sunscreen with high SPF is highly recommended, especially when traveling in the desert.

Also, bring it with you on your Jaisalmer desert safari and keep reapplying to ensure your skin is protected from the scorching sun.

Also, bring a hat with you for sun protection and good sunglasses.

Bring Enough Water

Water is available in the best desert camps in Jaisalmer. Yet, when riding the safari, it is best to bring water with you.

I am sure this is no surprise, but you must stay hydrated in the desert. Also, if you are traveling with kids, it is optimal to bring some snacks with you.

Camera, Extra batteries, and Binoculars

The Thar desert has so much to offer that you will not stop clicking pictures. The mesmerizing landscapes, wildlife, and fiery orange sky during sunset are something you will want to capture.

So, carry your camera. Also, carry extra batteries, lenses, and covers to click multiple pictures while keeping the camera safe.

Also, bring binoculars with you to ensure you can see the unique flora and fauna, or even the night sky full of stars, even from a distance.

Tips to Have a Memorable and Comfortable Safari Ride

Choose the Morning Safari

Staying overnight at a luxury desert camp in Jaisalmer? Then you will undoubtedly have the most magical nighttime experience in the desert. But you should also book a morning departure safari.

It will help you witness a stunning sunrise over the Thar desert. As the sun’s rays fall on the dunes, the view is mesmerizing, and the ambiance is magical, which you cannot miss.

Talk With Locals and the Guide

It is an excellent opportunity to talk with the local people and guides.

The guides will share their insight into the unique ecosystems, history, and culture of the desert. They have so many stories to tell that will entertain you.

Also, get in touch with the local people. They can tell you about the desert life and the hidden gems of Jaisalmer, which will add to your experience.

Nothing beats getting local recommendations!

Try Different Activities

There are so many activities to indulge in in the desert. To have a memorable experience, try multiple activities like camel safari, jeep riding on the sand dunes, quad biking, parasailing, and more!

General Tips for Your Jaisalmer Desert Safari

 Pack Warm Clothes for the Night

Desert temperatures can drop at night, even in summer or monsoons.

So, it is wise to pack a shawl or jacket to keep yourself warm during the chilly evenings.

Look at the Stars

A memorable experience in the desert is looking at the stars. The clear sky and lack of lights make it possible for you to look at the constellations.

Use a stargazing app to identify the different constellations in the sky.

Check out these incredible tours for star gazing in Jaisalmer:

Be a Responsible Tourist

Respect the local people and their customs.

During your Jaisalmer desert safari, you will meet several local people. You will be exposed to their traditions and culture. So, remember a few tips:

• Respect their traditions and local customs.
• Do not make any comments or gestures that are culturally insensitive.
• Never click photos of people, especially women, without permission.

Respect the Environment

As a tourist, you should always be respectful of the environment. You have to practice responsible tourism and minimize the environmental impact.

Here are a few things to remember:

• Do not litter! If you do not find a trash can, keep the empty packets or bottles with you. Do not throw them in the desert. Wait till you come back to the desert camp or hotel to dispose of them.
• You are guests in the desert camp, so do not destroy their property by spoiling the paintings, decor items, or anything else, for that matter.
• Respect the ecosystem by ensuring you do not harm any animals or fauna when at the desert camp. Do not go for midnight strolls in the dark alone for everyone’s safety.

Support the Community

Always try to support the local community. In your Jaisalmer desert safari camp, you will find many shops selling handcrafted items and souvenirs.

These items support the livelihoods of many communities living in the desert area.

Shop from them, as the items are unique and affordable, too. If you support them, you also promote responsible tourism and their economy.

Popular Tourist Spots of Jaisalmer

 Apart from traveling to Jaisalmer to stay in the desert camp and experience the desert, Golden City has to offer other mesmerizing spots.

 Many of them can be visited on an awesome day tour:

Jaisalmer Fort 

Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Sonar Quila, is one of the most livable forts in the world.

Over three thousand people live inside the fort. The fort also has many Hindu and Jain temples, restaurants, and shops.

The architecture of the fort is mesmerizing as it is draped in yellow sandstone. It is one of the famous places in Jaisalmer to see a beautiful sunset.

Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake is an artificial lake built in the 14th century that provided drinking water to the entire town.

It is a tourist spot with shrines and temples that surround the lake. Gadisar Lake is impressive for boating and enjoying the serenity the place offers.

 Patwon ki Haveli

 A cluster of five havelis, Patwon ki Haveli, has an enhancing shade of yellow and is a spot everyone wants to visit.

A Patwa built it, and there are numerous artifacts and stoneworks from that time present in the haveli, giving tourists a glimpse of the regal life of these people.

Kuldhara Village

Just 18 km away from Jaisalmer is the ghost village known as Kuldhara Village. This mysterious village is known as the ghost village because not a single person lives in it. It is completely abandoned, and a lot of the huts here are incomplete.

The village has an eerie feeling to it, but it is still a popular tourist spot. There is even a temple here, which is a must-visit for everyone.

Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh is a beautiful garden and an attempt by the rulers of the city to add greenery to the desert city.

It is home to the royal tomb and is another popular spot to visit in the Golden City. Inside the bada bagh, there are tombstones of Jaisalmer’s royal family.

The day after you enjoy the Jaisalmer desert safari is the perfect time to explore Bada Bagh.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

A known attraction in Jaisalmer, Salim Singh-Ki Haveli, was constructed in the 18th century. It was the home of the Mehta family- an influential family and Salim Sing, the then Jaisalmer Prime Minister, commenced the construction of the haveli.

The unique thing about this haveli is the peacock-styled roof, which attracts the most visitors. 

Jaisalmer War Museum

Ensure you go to the Jaisalmer War Museum, which the Indian Army set up. The one-of-a-kind museum traces the Indian Army’s evolution.

While covering the Indo-Pal War of 1965 in detail, it showcases the valor and bravery of the Indian Army and honors the sacrifice of true heroes of India.

The museum also has a state-of-the-art theater that screens a movie related to the Battle of Longewala.

Desert National Park

After your enjoyable experience in the Jaisalmer desert safari, visit the Desert National Park to understand better how animals and plants survive the climate of the Thar Desert.

The museum has multiple species of flora and fauna, attracting many visitors all year round.

Expect to see animals like the blackbuck, desert cat, chinkara, world, and Great Indian Bustard, for which the Thar desert and Rajasthan are famous. 

Sam Sand Dunes

If you’re looking to experience some real desert vibes in India, head over to Sam Sand Dunes. It’s this cool spot with massive sand dunes, some as tall as 30 to 60 meters!

Trying out Desert Safari adventures here is a blast, like doing a camel safari tour or zipping around in a jeep.

Sam is just a 45 km drive west from Jaisalmer city, and you can easily grab a cab to get there.

Plus, there are plenty of cozy desert camps scattered around, all within a short distance from these awesome dunes.

Final Thoughts on Jaisalmer Desert Safaris

Embarking on a Jaisalmer desert safari is a heartfelt journey, embracing Rajasthani culture, exploring the adventure the desert has to offer, and more.

So, plan, pack wisely, and embrace the local culture. This way, you can be sure your stay at a desert camp in Jaisalmer is comfortable and memorable.

Jaisalmer Desert captivates your soul, whether you choose to ride a camel safari, watch the sun dip below the horizon, or more.

For more great and adventurous experiences in India, check out the Kasol Kheerganga Trek in the Himalayas!

FAQs About Desert Safaris in Jaisalmer

Author’s bio:

Shrishti is a creative content writer. With her degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, she entered the world of literature. She is well-versed in the art of writing different types of blogs like travel, lifestyle, fashion, and more. Doing her best writing from a cafe while sipping coffee, she loves to research a topic thoroughly before writing anything about it.