Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities

Planning a desert adventure in Abu Dhabi? This evening safari offers a well-rounded mix of thrills, cultural touches, and authentic Arabian hospitality. While it’s not a lengthy excursion, it packs enough excitement and scenic beauty to make it a memorable addition to your trip. From expert-guided dune bashing to a lively campfire with belly dancing, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a taste of Bedouin life with a fun, adventurous edge.

Three things we particularly like about this tour are the experienced guides, the variety of activities, and the delicious barbecue dinner under the stars. A potential consideration is the short camel ride, which some reviews mention as brief — about a minute — so if you’re expecting a full trek, this might be a surprise. Overall, it suits those wanting a balanced mix of adventure and culture in a single evening — ideal for first-timers or families looking for safe, lively fun.

Key Points

• Expert-guided adventure with knowledgeable drivers enhances safety and storytelling.
• Dune bashing provides a thrilling ride over the desert dunes.
• Cultural activities like camel riding, henna, and belly dancing add authentic flavor.
• Beautiful sunset views are a highlight, perfect for photography.
• All-inclusive BBQ dinner offers a hearty, flavorful meal under the stars.
• Group size tends to be moderate, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What to Expect from the Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari

This tour is designed as a lively, all-in-one desert experience that begins with convenient hotel pickup in Abu Dhabi. The journey takes you in a luxurious, air-conditioned 4×4 jeep, with the driver providing insights into Abu Dhabi’s history and traditional desert culture. Expect a comfortable ride, with the option to sit in the front for those wanting a bit more adrenaline and a panoramic view of the dunes.

The Dune Bash and Sand Activities

Once you reach the desert, the excitement kicks off with dune bashing — a rollercoaster ride over the sandy slopes that most reviewers describe as “great fun”. Expect your driver to showcase their skills as they navigate steep inclines and sharp turns, delivering that perfect balance between thrill and safety. One reviewer mentioned it’s longer than expected, which is a plus for those seeking a robust adventure.

Sandboarding is another activity you’ll likely enjoy. You’ll be given a board and instructions on how to surf down the dunes, which offers a fun, if slightly challenging, way to connect with the landscape. If you’re new to sandboarding, don’t worry — the guides are helpful, and most find the experience exhilarating.

Camel Rides and Cultural Touches

A visit to a camel farm offers the chance to see these hardy desert animals up close. Reviewers noted the short camel ride, approximately one minute, which means it’s more about the photo-op and a taste of Bedouin life rather than a lengthy trek. Many found it charming even as a quick experience.

Additional cultural elements include henna tattooing, where you can adorn your hands or feet with traditional designs. One reviewer described it as “awesome”, noting how intricate and beautiful the henna patterns can be. It’s a fun way to take home a piece of the desert’s artistry.

Sunset and Camp Activities

One of the most memorable moments is witnessing the desert sunset, a perfect backdrop for photos and reflection. Watching the sun sink behind the dunes, turning the landscape into a canvas of oranges and reds, is a simple but stunning highlight.

Arriving at the desert camp, you’ll be welcomed into a torchlit setting with a lively atmosphere. Here, the focus shifts to entertainment and relaxation. The belly dancing show is a crowd favorite, with reviewers praising the professionalism and skill of the performers. Many also enjoy the option to puff shisha under the stars, adding an authentic Arabian touch to the evening.

The BBQ Dinner and Final Touches

The dinner is a barbecue buffet featuring dishes like kebabs, hummus, and fresh salads. For many, the quality and flavor of the food are notable, and it’s served in a relaxing, starry environment. Soft drinks and water come included, making it good value considering the overall experience.

Some reviewers suggested that the duration of entertainment — especially the belly dance — could be trimmed slightly, as it sometimes felt prolonged. However, most find the overall ambiance and food quality highly satisfactory.

Transportation, Duration, and Group Size

Starting at 2:30 pm, the tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including pickup and drop-off. The group size tends to be moderate, with jeep capacities of up to six people, ensuring a more personal experience. The transportation is in a luxury, air-conditioned 4×4 Land Cruiser, which is comfortable and well-maintained.

Travel time from Dubai or other locations can add about 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic, so keep that in mind when planning your day. The tour is popular, often booked 38 days in advance, so securing your spot early is advisable.

Price and Value

At $65 per person, this safari represents very good value for the number of activities included. Considering the dune bashing, camel ride, henna, cultural shows, and dinner, it’s a comprehensive package. It’s especially appealing for first-time visitors eager to combine adventure with cultural insights without breaking the bank.

The Experience from the Reviewer’s Perspective

Many reviewers highlighted the expertise of the guides and drivers. Several noted that their drivers went out of their way to ensure safety and fun, with some describing their drivers as “first class”. The knowledge shared about Abu Dhabi’s history and Bedouin traditions enriched the experience for those wanting a touch of education.

The scenic sunset drew particular praise, with some calling it “magical”. Others appreciated the quality of the food, saying it was “lovely” and satisfying after an energetic day.

However, a few comments pointed out disappointments, mainly around the short camel ride and the crowded feeling in the vehicle. One reviewer suggested reducing the duration of entertainment like belly dancing to allow more time at the camp or for relaxing.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour For?

This desert safari offers a fun, lively introduction to Abu Dhabi’s desert environment. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors, and travelers looking for a safe, all-in-one experience. The mix of exciting dune bashing, cultural activities, and a hearty dinner makes it easy to see why many call it value for money.

If you’re after a thrilling adventure with lively entertainment and don’t mind the shorter camel ride or a packed schedule, this tour should suit you well. It’s less suited for those seeking deep culture or longer camel treks but excels in offering a well-rounded, comfortable, and engaging desert outing.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including pickup and drop-off.

What time does the tour start?
Pickup begins around 2:30 pm, so be ready for collection in the early afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, in a luxury air-conditioned 4×4 Land Cruiser.

Can I participate if I have young children?
Children aged 5 and above can join, but those under 5 are not allowed.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian meals are available upon request when booking.

What should I wear?
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable most of the year; a light jacket is recommended in cooler months, especially in the evenings.

Is alcohol included?
No, alcohol is not included. It can be purchased at the camp (note: during Ramadan, no alcohol is served).

What activities are included?
Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, henna tattooing, belly dancing, and a BBQ dinner are all part of the package.

Are there any additional costs?
Quad bikes at the camp can be rented for extra, and alcohol is available for purchase separately.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

In summary, this Abu Dhabi evening desert safari combines adventure, culture, and relaxation at a very reasonable price. It delivers on thrills and photo-worthy moments, with guides who make the experience both safe and enjoyable. Perfect for those wanting a lively taste of desert life, with ample opportunities for fun and some authentic Arabian flavor.