To enjoy the best desert Safari in Abu Dhabi, you must know the main types of Safari and inclusive per Safari to pick the best choice.
Abu Dhabi has three main Safari types: Evening, Overnight, and Morning Desert Safari. However, the experience you get from each differs.
Thus, in this guide, we will walk through all the activities included in the Safari as mentioned above, including more details you must know beforehand.
Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi
The following are the inclusion of key activities in an evening desert safari in Abu Dhabi:
- Pick-up and drop back by 4-wheel drive
- Desert driving & dune bashing
- Camel farm visit
- Sandboarding
- Camel ride
- Camel show
- Falcons
- Desert sunset watching
- Henna painting
- BBQ dinner including vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods
- Unlimited tea, coffee, soft drinks, mineral water
- Bedouin tent with carpet and pillows
- Offer traditional Arabic dresses for men and women
- Arabic hospitality (Arabic coffee/tea/dates)
- Dance floor and music system
- Live entertainment such as Belly dancing, Thanoura dance, and more!
Overview
Dune Bashing (A Thrill Ride)
Dune bashing is a high-speed drive over the sandy hills giving you the thrills and spills in the high octane. You can drive your car through the bumpy hills over the massive dunes.
It would be a 10-minute ride, and ensure to wear sickness bands. However, if you prefer to avoid going over the dunes, request during the camp.
Evenings are the best for dune bashing, with the best sunset scenes and eye-catching scenery.
Camel Rides & Falconry
Next, when you arrive at the camp, you can go on a camel ride. Even if you fear going on a camel ride, you can watch them traveling in the perfect backdrop of the sunset.
Falconry is a traditional Emirati practice of training and using falcons, such as birds of prey, to hunt small game. Here, it depicts the cultural demonstration to give the tours an all-in-one experience rather than an active hunting experience.
Quad Biking
If you want to explore the desert faster, quad biking is your go-to option. The tours would aid in quad biking on a flat area as it is easy to move through the dune.
However, you can also book a dune buggy to ride through the dune safely.
Sandboarding Adventure
During Sandboarding, you can glide down the dunes using specially crafted boards. Initially, you need to walk to the top of the dune and get back sliding, just like skating (not as easy as it seems).
However, keep your board lifted to the highest during sandboarding and consider going on a Toboggan style to get the best experience.
Get A Henna Tattoo
Have you had a henna tattoo? Generally, it is the Emirate’s local culture to get a henna tattoo. These hennas are made from the leaves of the henna plant and use a natural dye.
Natural henna would last about one to three weeks and may vary based on the henna-making process. You can have them on your hands, feet, or even neck to add an artistic look.
Watch the Sunset Marvel
Above, we discussed a couple of activities taking up your energy, but sightseeing activities give you relaxation during the camp.
As the sun begins its set, take a moment to sit and dive deep into the breathtaking sunset. The evening safari is the best way to watch the sunset across the desert landscape and create a mesmerizing panorama.
Enjoy Shisha
Shisha is the traditional type of smoking which is known as Hookah or Waterpipe. It is a traditional Arabic device where you can add flavored tobacco for smoking.
Having a Shisha during the evening safari in Abu Dhabi can give you a sense of relaxation in the desert atmosphere.
Certain camps may have a Shisha lounge to relax in a comfortable setting, a decorated and authenticated place to give you the best experience.
Enjoy the Entertainment
It’s late evening, and it’s time for some entertainment. The camp includes many entertainment activities to keep you occupied, such as belly dancing, Tanoura shows, and traditional music.
The entertainment provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the UAE.
Flavor with an Arabic Buffet
Adventure without food is simply incomplete! Instead of eating your day-to-day dishes, try out some Arabic Buffets. Arabic dishes include mouthwatering and craving experiences.
You have many dishes for vegans, such as fattoush salad, coleslaw, tabbouleh, traditional bread, hummus rice, and more!
Non-vegetarians can enjoy biriyani, shawarma, BBQ, Kofta, Chicken shish, Kebabs, pasta, grilled chicken, and more!
The camp may also include deserts to fulfill your feasts, such as Kunafa, Umm Ali, Dates, Fresh fruits, and more!
Stargazing
Once the lights are off, you need to enjoy the patterns of the stars and constellations. You will have the best relaxing moments if you live in a city and drive back to an evening safari in Abu Dhabi.
You can see the stars, galaxies, and planets, coordinate with your travel partners, crack some jokes, and live the best times.
Generally, the tours set up a serene environment to sit and watch the sky with greater comfort under the fire.
Driving Back
At the end of the late evening, you can drive back to Abu Dhabi, and the tour guide will take you there. We hope you secure the best adventures and experiences in the Arabian Desert.
However, the duration to get back to your location may vary based on your hotel location, time of the day, traffic, and more!
Check out our inclusive package to book your Evening Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi.
Overnight Desert Safari Abu Dhabi
The following are the inclusion of key activities in an overnight desert safari in Abu Dhabi:
- Pick-up and drop back by 4-wheel drive
- Safari Guide at Abu Dhabi
- Dune bashing
- Sunset views
- Camel ride
- Henna painting
- Sand boarding
- Buffet BBQ dinner
- Unlimited soft drinks, water, and tea or coffee
- Belly dance show
- Tanoura dance show
- Qahwa and dates at camp
- Shisha
- Bedouin costume photoshoot
- Sleeping arrangements (sleeping bags, blanket, and comfortable setup)
- Breakfast
Overview
The Overnight Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi gives you the celestial experience under the Arabian night sky. It’s a unique opportunity and experience to spend a night in the Bedouin-style camp.
When the darkness covers up, the desert sheds light, adding to the lanterns’ soft glow. You can enjoy the desert breeze, a night of silence, and traditional Arabic music.
The Overnight Desert Safari has many activities such as dune bashing, watching the sunset, shisha, an excellent Arabic dinner, camel ride, entertainment, and more (discussed above)!
From stargazing to late-night conversations in the crackling bonfire, this experience is a retreat to the heart of the desert.
Check out our inclusive package to book your Overnight Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi.
Morning Desert Safari Abu Dhabi
The following are the inclusion of key activities in a morning desert safari in Abu Dhabi:
- Provide transport to and from hotels and malls In Abu Dhabi
- Camel farm visit
- Dune bashing
- Sandboard
- Camel ride
- Arabic traditional costumes
- Sunrise views
- Arabic coffee, tea, and dates
- Water and soft drinks
Overview
The Morning Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi begins with a beautiful sunrise in the Arabian Desert. When the sun starts to rise, it adds a unique adventure in the soft hues of the morning light.
In the morning, at the desert safari in Abu Dhabi, you can watch the golden sunrise, sand dunes, camel rides, sandboarding on the cool dunes, and more (discussed above).
Also, the travelers get a delicious breakfast to enjoy in the desert surroundings, creating a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. You will notice a cooler temperature in the morning without the intensity of the midday sun.
Check out our inclusive package to book your Morning Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi.
Other Types of Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi
The following are the other types of desert safari (apart from the above discussed):
- Abu Dhabi Sunrise Desert Safari
- Abu Dhabi Camel Trekking Tour
- Liwa Full Day Desert Safari
- Private Sunset Dune Dinner Abu Dhabi
What to Pack for Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi?
The following are the main things to pack for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi:
- Sunscreen: To defend your skin from the intense desert sun, carry sunscreen with a high SPF.
- Sunglasses and hat: To shield your eyes and face from the sun’s glare, use UV-protective sunglasses.
- Light and breathable clothing: Ensure to carry some lightweight and loose shirts and pants to protect your body against sun exposure.
- Closed shoes: Wear comfortable closed shoes to walk comfortably in the sand, as the desert can be uneven.
- Motion sickness bands: If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, consider wearing bands to relieve yourself from discomfort
- Power bank: If you are planning to spend a couple of hours, ensure to carry a power bank in case of an emergency.
- Light jacket or scarf: Spending evenings in the desert can be cooler, so bring a light jacket or scarf to stay warm.
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Best Desert Safari Abu Dhabi
In conclusion, planning your best desert safari in Abu Dhabi takes a lot of time, background research, fitting into a budget, and more!
Thus, find an Abu Dhabi Tour Agent to plan your journey systematically to make the best of it.
We hope this guide was helpful for you to find and plan the best desert safari in Abu Dhabi!