What to Expect on a Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi Tours: Complete Guide 2025
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is not only a city of luxury and modernity but also home to vast golden deserts that promise thrilling adventures, rich culture, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a family, a couple, or an adventure enthusiast, a desert safari in Abu Dhabi is an experience you cannot miss. With a variety of safari packages — from morning dune bashing to VIP experiences, quad biking, and overnight adventures — there’s something for every type of traveler.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect on a desert safari in Abu Dhabi, detailing every package, activity, and insider tip to make your desert adventure seamless and unforgettable.
Why Choose a Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi’s desert safaris are globally renowned for blending adventure, culture, and luxury. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly group tour or a VIP private experience, each safari provides:
Dune bashing in powerful Land Cruisers
Camel rides across golden dunes
Sandboarding adventures
Cultural experiences like henna painting and traditional performances
Delicious desert cuisine and refreshments
What Happens From Pickup to Desert Camp?
1. Pickup & Transfer
Most desert safari packages include pickup from your location or a designated meeting point. Private packages allow direct hotel pickup, while shared tours may require a central meeting point. Comfortable vehicles and professional drivers ensure a safe, smooth ride.
2. Arrival & First Desert Views
As you approach the desert, you’ll see rolling golden dunes. The excitement builds as your vehicle climbs and descends the sands — a preview of the thrilling dune bashing to come.
Activities You Can Expect on a Desert Safari
1. Dune Bashing
Dune bashing is the highlight of every desert safari. Experienced drivers navigate your 4×4 Land Cruiser across steep dunes, offering exhilarating thrills while ensuring safety.
Tip: Hold onto your camera for action shots but ensure safety first.
2. Camel Ride
Experience the traditional Bedouin way of desert travel with camel rides. Short rides are included in most packages, with longer rides in VIP or private options. Camel rides are perfect for photo opportunities and a relaxing desert experience.
3. Sandboarding
Surf the desert like snow! Sandboarding is fun for all ages, included in almost all packages. Beginners can enjoy small dunes, while adventurous riders can tackle bigger slopes.
4. Quad Biking & Dune Buggy Adventures
For thrill-seekers:
Quad Bike Safari: 25–30 minutes ride through dunes.
Dune Buggy Safari: 1-seater, 2-seater, or 4-seater buggies with guided or self-drive options.
These packages are perfect for adrenaline-packed experiences while exploring the desert terrain.
5. Cultural Experiences
Even on budget safaris, Abu Dhabi offers authentic Arabian culture:
Henna painting for ladies and kids
Arabic costumes for memorable photos
Smoking area access with traditional facilities
Falcon photography (available in select packages)
VIP packages add a private seating area inside the camp for comfort and exclusivity.
6. Evening Shows & Entertainment
Evening and VIP safaris feature live entertainment, including:
Tanoura dance show
Belly dance performances
Fire shows
These create a magical atmosphere under the starry desert sky.
7. Dining Experience
Evening safaris include a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. VIP packages often serve dinner on your table, adding a touch of luxury.
Overnight packages provide sleeping bags and morning breakfast, making it a complete desert adventure.
- Cooler weather and fresh breeze
- Strong visibility for dune bashing
- Less crowded dunes
- Ideal for quad biking, sandboarding, and dune buggy rides
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Perfect for visitors with tight schedules
Adventure lovers, solo travelers, photographers, business travelers, groups who love thrilling sports.
Desert Safari Packages: What to Expect
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Standard Package)
Pickup & drop at meeting point
Dune bashing in Land Cruiser
Camel ride & sandboarding
Unlimited soft drinks, coffee & tea
Arabic costumes for photos
Henna painting
BBQ buffet dinner (veg & non-veg)
Tanoura, belly dance & fire show
Price: 75 AEDEvening Desert Safari
Pickup & drop from your location
Short camel ride & sandboarding
Unlimited refreshments
Arabic costumes & henna painting
BBQ buffet dinner
Evening entertainment
Price: 150 AEDVIP Desert Safari
VIP seating inside camp
Dinner served on table
All standard activities included
Price: 200 AEDDesert Safari with Quad Bike
25–30 min quad bike ride
Standard desert activities included
Price: 250 AEDOvernight Desert Safari
Stay in the desert with sleeping bags
Morning breakfast included
Full evening activities
Price: 400 AEDVIP Desert Safari + Quad Bike
Quad bike + VIP services
Dinner on table + VIP seating
Price: 350 AEDMorning Desert Safari + ATV
Early morning pickup
25–30 min quad bike ride
Camel ride & sandboarding
Price: 400 AEDMorning Desert Safari (Dune Bashing)
Morning pickup
Dune bashing, camel ride & sandboarding
Price: 300 AEDPrivate Desert Safari
Fully private vehicle & experience
Custom stops for photography
Camel ride & sandboarding
Price: 1000 AEDPrivate Morning Safari
Private morning adventure
Dune bashing & camel ride
Price: 1000 AEDDune Buggy Adventures
1-Seater, 2-Seater, or 4-Seater
Guided or self-drive buggies
All desert activities included
Price: 600–1000 AEDCity Tour + Desert Safari Combo
Abu Dhabi or Dubai city tour + desert safari
Includes top landmarks & iconic attractions
Price: 800–1000 AED
Conclusion
A desert safari in Abu Dhabi offers the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and luxury for every traveler. Whether you prefer the Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Standard Package) for a fun-filled day with dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner with live shows, or the Evening Desert Safari for a shorter but equally exciting experience, there’s something for everyone. For those seeking more comfort, the VIP Desert Safari provides VIP seating inside the camp, dinner served at your table, and all standard activities included. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy the Desert Safari with Quad Bike or the VIP Desert Safari + Quad Bike, combining thrilling rides with premium services. Early risers can try the Morning Desert Safari + ATV or the Morning Desert Safari (Dune Bashing) for an energizing start to the day, while travelers looking for complete privacy can opt for the Private Desert Safari or Private Morning Safari. For adrenaline junkies, the Dune Buggy Adventures (1-Seater, 2-Seater, or 4-Seater) offer guided or self-drive buggy rides across the golden dunes. And if you want to combine city exploration with desert thrills, the City Tour + Desert Safari Combo takes you through iconic Abu Dhabi or Dubai landmarks followed by an unforgettable desert safari.
No matter your choice, you’ll enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, cultural experiences like henna painting, delicious BBQ dinners, live entertainment shows, VIP seating or overnight stays, and thrilling quad bike or dune buggy adventures. Don’t wait! Book your Abu Dhabi desert safari today and create memories that last a lifetime.
Booking Link: wa.me/447346147498