Sea, Desert & Wildlife!

Published in the Sunday Gujarat Samachar on 09 March 2025

Travel is about contrasts—the thrill of adventure, the peace of solitude, the wonders of nature, and the joy of discovery. And if there’s one combination that truly embodies this, it’s the trio of the Sea, the Wildlife, and the Desert. Each offers a unique world of its own. 

Long ago, at Veena World, we had an extraordinary tour that blended all three—Dubai, Abu Dhabi – Kenya – Mauritius. It was a traveller’s dream, seamlessly bringing together the vastness of the desert, the raw beauty of the wild, and the serene charm of the sea. 

But what makes me even prouder is that this spirit of innovation continues to thrive at Veena World. Our Product and Tour Designing Team is constantly pushing boundaries, crafting experiences that are more than just vacations—they are immersive stories waiting to be lived. Through their dedication, we have pioneered travel concepts that have changed the way people explore the world, from Women’s Special Tours and Seniors’ Special Tours to Honeymoon Special Tours and our newly launched Relaxed Luxury Tours. 

So today, let’s revisit the magic of the Sea, Wildlife, and the Desert, let’s dive deeper into what makes each of these elements an unforgettable part of the travel experience. 

The Desert 

There’s something mesmerising about the desert—a vast expanse of golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see, shaped by the wind and time. It is a land of extremes, where scorching days give way to star-studded nights, and where silence speaks louder than words. 

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the desert is more than just a landscape; it’s an adventure waiting to unfold. The moment you set foot on the rolling dunes, you feel the thrill—whether it’s the heart-pounding excitement of dune bashing, the timeless elegance of a camel ride, or the sheer joy of sandboarding down a towering crest. But beyond the adventure, there is also the deep cultural heritage of the Arabian Desert. The Bedouin way of life, falconry, and traditional Emirati hospitality offer a glimpse into a world that has thrived for centuries amidst the shifting sands. 

And then comes the desert sunset, an experience unlike any other. As the golden hues turn into fiery oranges and deep purples, you realise that the desert is not just a barren land—it is alive, breathtaking, and full of stories. 

The Wildlife 

From the stark silence of the desert, we move to a world teeming with life—the untamed wilderness of Kenya. There is no greater thrill than being in the heart of the African savanna, where nature’s drama unfolds in its purest form. 

Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Park are home to the legendary Big Five—the lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo. A game drive here is an experience that awakens all the senses. You spot a pride of lions lounging under an acacia tree, watch a herd of elephants marching in unison, and hear the distant roar of a lion echoing through the plains. Every moment in the wild is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it magical. 

One of nature’s greatest spectacles, The Great Migration, happens right here. Millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the land in search of fresh pastures, a journey fraught with danger as they cross crocodile-infested rivers. Witnessing this awe-inspiring event makes you realize the raw power and beauty of nature. 

But beyond the wildlife, there’s something deeper—an understanding of how everything in nature is connected, and how delicate the balance is. Kenya is not just a place to see animals; it is a place that transforms the way you see the world. 

The Sea 

After the adventure of the desert and the thrill of the wild, the ocean offers the perfect contrast—a place to unwind, reflect, and lose yourself in the rhythm of the waves. And few places capture the beauty of the sea quite like Mauritius. 

The beaches here are paradise on earth—powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and an endless blue horizon. Whether you want to relax on the shore, snorkel through vibrant coral reefs, or dive deep into the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a haven for beach lovers. The island is also known for its water sports, from kayaking and paddleboarding to deep-sea fishing and glass-bottom boat rides, where you can admire the marine world without even getting wet. 

But Mauritius is more than just its beaches. The island has a rich Creole culture, warm and welcoming people, and a mix of influences from India, Africa, and Europe. Savouring a plate of Mauritian curry by the beach, with the sea breeze in your hair, is the kind of experience that makes travel so special. 

The ocean has a way of slowing life down, making you appreciate the little moments. Watching the sunset while the waves gently kiss the shore is the perfect way to end a journey that started in the vast desert and passed through the wild savanna. 

The Unexpected  

While the Sea, Wildlife, and the Desert each offer their own unique experiences, what makes travel truly fascinating is how these elements intertwine in unexpected ways. Just when you think you’ve left one behind, it reappears in a different form, proving that nature has a way of blurring boundaries and offering surprises at every turn. 

The Sea in the Desert 

While Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known for their vast deserts, they also boast stunning beaches along the Persian Gulf. You can spend your morning dune bashing in the desert and your afternoon soaking up the sun at Jumeirah Beach or Saadiyat Island—a perfect fusion of sand and sea. 

The Desert in the Sea 

In the heart of tropical Mauritius lies a desert-like wonder—the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel. These surreal sand dunes, formed by volcanic minerals, remind us that even in the lushest of places, the desert finds a way to exist. 

The Wildlife in the Sea  

Marine life offers an oceanic version of a safari. Whether it’s snorkeling in Mauritius or diving off the UAE’s coast, the sea is home to turtles, rays, dolphins, and even whale sharks—each encounter as thrilling as spotting the Big Five in the wild. 

The Sea in the Wildlife 

A short flight from Kenya’s savannas, Zanzibar’s turquoise waters provide the ultimate contrast to the rugged wilderness. After game drives, unwind on pristine beaches, swim with dolphins, or soak in Swahili culture, merging the best of the wild and the waves. 

All in all, travel isn’t just about choosing between the sea, the wild, or the desert—it’s about experiencing them all in unexpected ways. With endless possibilities and ever-evolving itineraries, the adventure never truly ends! 🌍✨ See you next time!