Desert Safari Abu Dhabi : Overview
An Abu Dhabi desert safari is more than a quick escape from the city. It’s the opening of an adventure into the golden sand dunes, with all that silence around you and a skyline that never ends. The contrast between concrete and desert is sudden and stark. The experience combines thrill with culture, providing you with a true glimpse of the lifestyle, heritage, and the beauty of the desert. From the minute you get there, the contrast between city life, hustle and bustle, and desert calm is clear and indelible.
Pickup
Drop-off
Wildlife
Exploration
Sunset
Views
Camel
Trekking
Sand Dune
Boarding
Henna
Painting
Arabian Live
Shows
Live BBQ
Buffet
You will start your day with some adventurous dune bashing in a 4x4, where you are driven up and down huge dunes. Next, camel trekking in Abu Dhabi slows down the pace after the whirl and lets you experience and connect with the land. The Bedouin-style camp has Arabic coffee, fresh dates, and activities such as sandboarding. Quad Biking in Abu Dhabi may also be included as an add-on for additional thrill. Henna painting, shisha, and traditional settings make the culture come alive. The sun sets over the desert at the end of the day, casting the dunes with a mysterious golden light. You'll sleep under the stars and wake up to a peaceful sunrise if you opt for an overnight desert safari in Abu Dhabi.
Top Highlights of Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
- Explore the Arabian Desert in a luxuriously well-maintained 4×4 vehicle with experienced drivers.
- Enjoy dune bashing across these steep dunes with sharp turns and sudden drops to create thrills for all riders.
- Participate in the Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi experience to learn how travelers crossed the desert in the past, slowly and steadily.
- Give sandboarding a go, you will be effortlessly sliding down huge dunes on a board, quickly learning how to balance and pretty much loving every minute of it.
- Include Quad Biking Abu Dhabi for more excitement and fun as you ride over the open desert.
- Wind up the evening with a BBQ dinner with live entertainment in the form of a Tanoura show and elegant belly dance performances.
What to Expect on a Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
The safari begins with a hotel pickup in a 4x4. As the city fades, the wide open desert comes into view. The contrast is striking as you leave behind tall buildings for golden dunes. The air feels lighter, the silence deeper, and the adventure begins before you even step out of the vehicle.
The first major activity is dune bashing. Drivers lower the tire pressure and guide the car across soft sand with sharp climbs and thrilling drops. The experience feels like an off-road rollercoaster. Professional drivers handle the route safely while keeping the excitement high. The ride is long enough to satisfy but leaves you wanting more.
After dune bashing, the mood changes. You arrive at a desert camp decorated in Bedouin style. Here you can relax on carpets and cushions, sip Arabic coffee, and try fresh dates. Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi adds another layer of authenticity, taking you on a short but memorable ride through the dunes.
Optional activities are also available. Quad Biking Abu Dhabi is a chance to control a powerful ATV and ride through challenging landscapes. Sandboarding offers a different type of thrill, letting you slide down dunes just like snowboarding on sand. Both activities are fun, adventurous, and safe.
As evening arrives, the desert becomes calm and beautiful. The sunset fills the sky with gold and orange shades while you enjoy the setting around the camp. Dinner is served in buffet style with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Live entertainment begins with Tanura dancing, belly dancing, and sometimes fire shows. For travelers who book the overnight desert safari in Abu Dhabi, the evening ends with stargazing and continues into the morning with a peaceful sunrise.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Journey Guide
Here’s how the experience usually unfolds from start to finish, with every detail adding to the memory
Your journey begins when a driver arrives at your Abu Dhabi hotel. The 4x4 is equipped for the desert ride. As you leave the busy streets, the road leads into the quiet and endless dunes. The change in scenery sets the mood, and anticipation builds quickly.
Now, as you have hit the desert and its time for action. The driver deflates the tire a bit and whisks you over big dunes. The ride is filled with unexpected drops, sharp twists, and rapid climbs. It takes about forty-five minutes and is like extreme adventuring, under professional control.
The car halts at the top after dune bashing. In all directions, the desert stretches to infinity, and the evening light turns it golden. This is the ideal opportunity to take some amazing photos, to walk on soft sand and to listen to the quietness of the desert all around you.
At the Bedouin-inspired camp, tradition comes alive. Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi is included, giving you a taste of nomadic travel. You can relax on carpets, try shisha, enjoy Arabic coffee, and get henna designs. The camp offers a mix of cultural experiences in a comfortable setting.
The evening ends with a BBQ dinner under the stars. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are served fresh, along with drinks. After dinner, cultural performances light up the night. Belly dancers, Tanura artists, and sometimes fire shows entertain guests. The combination of food, music, and the desert sky creates a lasting memory.
After your adventure, you’ll relax as we take you back to your hotel or home in the same comfortable vehicle.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Comfortable clothing
- Closed shoes
- Camera or phone
- Light jacket
- Cash for extras
Customer Reviews
James W K
May 2019
What a great day!! Our driver picked is up right on time. He was extremely professional and well spoken. The Landcruiser was very clean and well kept. We had a great time chatting then hitting the dunes. It all felt very safe yet very thrilling. Once at the camp we had plenty of time to enjoy the many activities and provisions. It was nice having time to relax and take everything in. Dinner and night entertainment was superb. I can not see how this tour could be any better it was very much perfect.
danae ts.
May 2019
1. Abu Dhabi tour & Ferrari World (100€): our guide, Mohamed Risva, was great. We learned a lot from him about the city and the presidents. We regret we stayed at the fantastic Sheikh Zayed Mosque ONLY 30'.This is a huge mistake from the office and need to be corrected. We spent half an hour to visit a so called "market" only to buy dates from a shop. The good we ate at a restaurant we stopped was good.
2. Safari Desert. At a stark contrast with the first guide ,this one was not good at all. He didnt even introduce himself. He didn speak during the whole acitvity and he didnt even warn us to fasten our seatbelts when we started the ride dunes. Unprofessional behaviour.
Overall the tour was ok and interesting. We recommend this office.
Travel25043145594
Nov 2018
Our guide Adnan Sabir was superb. He gave us full description and details about Abu Dhabi and is very friendly. Also Khalid Bado was just awesome for desert safari. He is just too funny and make us enjoy our safari more than ever. We recommend tours with these two guys, just 10/10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a Desert Safari in Dubai and a Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi?
A Desert safari in Dubai is known for its lively vibe, thrilling dune bashing, and entertainment shows like belly dance and fire performances, making it ideal for tourists who want a festive experience close to the city. On the other hand, a Desert safari in Abu Dhabi** offers a more authentic and serene desert escape with vast golden dunes, cultural activities, and fewer crowds, perfect for travelers seeking peace and natural beauty.
How long does the desert safari in Abu Dhabi last?
Is dune bashing safe for everyone?
It’s all handled by certified drivers using secure 4x4s. It's a thrilling experience, but not for those with heart or back problems. Families with young kids can skip this part and look for other activities.
Can children join the safari?
What kind of food is served?
The evening meal consists of a BBQ buffet with meats, salads, breads, and rice dishes. There are options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Middle Eastern delicacies are also on the spread, and you’ll typically find unlimited soda, water, and tea at the camp.
Do I need to book quad biking in advance?
Pre-booking a trip with Quad Biking in Abu Dhabi is advisable during the busy season. Some camps allow booking on arrival, but slots may be rare. By booking ahead, you can ensure you don't miss out on the fun.
Will I see wildlife during the safari?
Some wildlife does live in the desert, but encounters are rare. During silent hours, you might see foxes, gazelles or birds. While the safari side of things is more about adventure and culture, obviously, it is a bonus to catch the animals in action.
What should I wear for comfort and safety?
Opt for light, breathable fabrics during the day and don’t forget a jacket for the cooler nights. For dune bashing and sandboarding, you will want to wear closed/thick shoes. Avoid heavy jewelry and bring a scarf or shawl to shield against sand and wind.
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