Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
People often imagine Abu Dhabi as a city of wide roads and modern buildings. What they don’t expect is how quickly the city disappears once you head toward the desert. Within a short drive, the noise fades out, and the landscape opens up completely.
A desert safari in Abu Dhabi is less crowded than many other desert experiences in the UAE. It feels calmer. The dunes are wider, the air is quieter, and the evening moves at a slower pace. This is why many travelers prefer it, especially if they want something relaxed but still exciting.
The safari usually begins in the early evening, around 6:30 PM, depending on where the pickup is arranged. The booking is immediately confirmed. There’s no need to print anything unless you want to. Showing the voucher on your phone is perfectly fine.
Hotel transfers are available, either shared with others or private if you prefer more space. If plans change, cancellation is allowed up to 48 hours before the tour without any charges.
What Actually Happens During the Safari
After pickup, the drive slowly moves away from the city. The roads thin out, and soon you start seeing sand in every direction. The dune bashing portion comes first. It’s done in a 4×4 vehicle by drivers who know the desert well. The ride is energetic but controlled. There are stops along the way, especially around sunset, when the desert light changes and the dunes turn golden.
Once the drive is done, the group arrives at a desert campsite. The setup reflects traditional Bedouin life, simple but welcoming. Guests are offered Arabic coffee and dates. There’s no rush here. You can try a camel ride, get a henna design, sit back with Shisha, or just enjoy the quiet surroundings.
Later in the evening, live performances begin. Belly dancing and the Tanura show are part of the program. Dinner follows, served as a BBQ buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Soft drinks and refreshments are available throughout the evening.
At the end of the experience, guests are dropped back at their hotels using the same transfer option they selected earlier.
What Is Included in Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
What Is Included
- The safari includes round-trip hotel transfers, dune bashing in a well-maintained 4x4 vehicle, sunset views in the desert, a camel ride, and sandboarding.
- Henna tattooing is available, though detailed designs may have an extra charge.
- A BBQ dinner is included, along with live entertainment shows and unlimited soft drinks.
- Guests can also take photos in traditional Arabic dress, which may involve an additional charge.
- Quad biking can be arranged if requested, but it is not part of the standard package.
What Is Not Included
- Personal spending during the tour, such as shopping or extra food and drinks, is not covered.
Using Your Booking Voucher
- Your booking confirmation is sent by email after you place the order. Sometimes it takes a moment to appear, and occasionally it lands in the spam folder. If that happens and you can’t find it, support can help you retrieve it.
- At pickup, the driver will ask to see the voucher. Showing it on your phone is fine, though a printed copy works too.
Important Things to Know
- A valid ID or passport is required on the day of the tour. Transfers are only available from selected areas within Abu Dhabi city.
- Pregnant women and guests with heart conditions or serious medical issues are not permitted to participate in dune bashing. Children must be supervised at all times.
- Smoking, alcohol, or carrying such substances is not allowed in vehicles. Eating, drinking, or smoking during transfers is also not permitted.
- Activities may be canceled or modified in response to official regulations or weather. Participants must be at least 18 years old to ride the dune buggy.
A Quick Note on Other Desert Experiences
Many travelers also look at the Dubai desert safari, which tends to be busier and more entertainment-driven. If you want something longer, options like an overnight Dubai desert safari or a RAK desert safari are also popular.
Booking the Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
A desert safari in Abu Dhabi is not about ticking boxes. It’s about spending an evening somewhere quiet, riding over dunes, watching the sun disappear into the sand, and ending the night with food and music under the open sky.
With both private and shared transfer options, it’s simple to select the one that best suits your travel preferences and just have fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transfers, dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, cultural activities, live shows, and a BBQ dinner are included. Soft drinks are provided.
The safari usually starts around 6:30 PM, with pickup time shared after booking.
Yes, families are welcome. Dune bashing is not recommended for pregnant women or guests with medical conditions.
Abu Dhabi is quieter and less crowded. Dubai tends to be more fast-paced and busy.
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before the tour.
Carry a valid ID or passport, wear comfortable clothing, and bring a light jacket during cooler months.