Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Craving a taste of the desert’s magic combined with fun activities and cultural experiences? This Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi offers a well-rounded journey through golden dunes, traditional Bedouin hospitality, and lively entertainment. With rave reviews and a consistent 5-star rating from nearly 3,000 travelers, it’s clear this tour hits the mark for many.

What we love about this experience is its diversity—from the adrenaline rush of dune bashing and sandboarding to the relaxing moments at a Bedouin camp, topped with delicious food and captivating performances. We also appreciate that the pickup and drop-off are included, taking the hassle out of logistics. The only thing to consider is that this tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness, given the active nature of dune bashing and sandboarding.

If you’re looking for a full-packed half-day adventure that combines thrill and culture, this tour is ideal. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting to experience the desert’s beauty with a touch of entertainment.

Key Points

• Diverse activities in one tour, including dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and camp entertainment.
• Inclusive with hotel pickup, drop-off, and meals, making it convenient and value-packed.
• Authentic cultural moments, like henna painting, shisha smoking, and traditional dress photos.
• Entertainment and food, with performances like Tanoura dancers and belly dancing, plus a buffet BBQ dinner.
• Highly rated, with a perfect 5-star rating and genuine reviews praising guides and overall experience.
• Family-friendly, with activities suitable for children and adults alike.

An In-Depth Review of the Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Tour

Seamless Pickup and Comfortable Transportation

Starting the adventure, you’re picked up from your Abu Dhabi hotel or location in an air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle. This is more than just transportation; it’s an introduction to the comfort and professionalism of OceanAir Travels. The drivers are licensed and friendly, with reviewers praising guides like Azi for their humor and photography skills, ensuring the trip begins on a high note.

Traveling in a small group—limited to six travelers—keeps the experience intimate and personalized. The pickup window is within 45 minutes of your booked time, giving you flexibility but also emphasizing punctuality. From the start, it’s clear that efficiency and comfort are priorities, setting a relaxed tone for what’s ahead.

The Camel Farm Visit: Close Encounters with Desert Life

Before hitting the dunes, the tour includes a visit to a camel farm. Here, you get a chance to get up close with these iconic desert animals. It’s a quiet, authentic moment that feeds into the overall experience—seeing how camels are well-adjusted to desert life and feeding your curiosity about their importance in local culture.

Reviewers appreciated this stop, describing it as a fun and adorable part of the trip. It’s a gentle start that offers photo opportunities and a taste of traditional desert life, especially if you’re traveling with kids who find camels fascinating.

Dune Bashing and Sandboarding: Heart-Pumping Adventures

The highlight for many is the dune bashing—a rollercoaster ride across the desert’s towering dunes. Our guides expertly handle the vehicles, ensuring safety while delivering adrenaline-inducing moments. One seasoned reviewer noted, “Dune bashing was an absolute blast,” emphasizing how skillfully the drivers navigate the sandy peaks and valleys.

For those craving extra fun, sandboarding is included. The soft sands provide a perfect slope for sliding down on a board, making it an energizing activity that feels both playful and adventurous. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes—reviewers advise that proper footwear helps make sandboarding safer and more enjoyable.

As the sun dips lower, you might catch a spectacular sunset, adding a magical glow to the experience. This part of the tour is often described as exhilarating, with many noting the thrill of ascending and descending dunes and the stunning views that unfold.

The Bedouin Camp Experience: Culture and Relaxation

After the high-energy dune activities, the group is welcomed at a traditional Bedouin-style camp. Here, you can unwind and soak in the desert’s calmness. The camp is decorated with Arabic cushions and low tables, creating a cozy, authentic atmosphere.

You’ll be offered traditional Arabic coffee and dates, a small but meaningful gesture that connects you with regional hospitality. Activities like Henna painting and Shisha smoking add a cultural touch, while the camel ride at dusk offers a peaceful moment to appreciate the desert landscape.

The evening’s entertainment is lively but respectful of local customs. You’ll enjoy Tanoura dancing, a mesmerizing spinning dance, along with belly dancing performances. Reviewers rave about the quality of these shows, describing them as top-notch and highly entertaining.

The BBQ Dinner and Live Performances

A full buffet BBQ dinner rounds out the evening. The spread is substantial, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including Arabian kebabs, salads, and desserts. Many reviews mention the delicious food and the friendly service, noting that the meal exceeds expectations for a desert camp setting.

As you dine, live entertainment continues with traditional dance performances. Reviewers highlight the Tanoura show and belly dance as highlights, providing a lively, festive atmosphere that’s suitable for all ages. Some reviews mention that during Ramadan, only Tanoura dance is performed, and entertainment might be limited on certain religious holidays.

Return and Overall Experience

After a 6-hour journey, you’ll be transported back to your hotel or pre-arranged location. Many travelers express satisfaction with the entire experience, emphasizing the value for money and the well-organized nature of the tour.

What Travelers Typically Love

Based on genuine reviews, several aspects repeatedly stand out: knowledgeable guides like Azi and Kevin, who go beyond just driving to entertain, take photos, and answer questions; the stunning dune landscapes that look even more spectacular during sunset; and the quality of the food and performances. Guests also appreciate the flexibility and professionalism of OceanAir Travels, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.

Considerations and Tips

While most reviews are glowing, it’s worth noting that dune bashing can be physically demanding and may cause discomfort if you’re prone to motion sickness. Eating 2-3 hours before is recommended to prevent nausea. Also, comfortable shoes are advised for sandboarding, and travelers with moderate physical fitness will find the activities manageable and fun.

The tour does not include quad biking or dune buggy activities, which might be worth considering if you’re looking for extra adrenaline. Alcoholic beverages aren’t included, but you can enjoy non-alcoholic drinks and the traditional shisha pipe in designated areas.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This Desert Safari combines thrill, culture, and relaxation in one affordable package. Its small-group size ensures personalized attention, and the variety of activities keeps everyone engaged. The inclusion of dinner, entertainment, and cultural experiences makes it more than just a typical desert trip—it’s a well-rounded adventure.

It’s especially suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a taste of the desert’s beauty and excitement without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. The glowing reviews highlight how guides like Azi and Kevin often go the extra mile, making it a memorable experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 6 hours, including pickup, activities, and drop-off, providing ample time to enjoy the desert without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a climate-controlled 4×4, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride, henna painting, shisha, traditional dress photos, and a BBQ buffet with entertainment.

Are there any activities not included?
Yes, quad biking and dune buggy rides are not part of the package and would require additional payment if available. Alcoholic beverages are also not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that kids love the camel ride, sandboarding, and camp entertainment. However, dune bashing may be intense for very young children or those sensitive to motion sickness.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, casual clothes and shoes suitable for sandboarding. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Are there any special considerations during Ramadan or religious holidays?
Entertainment offerings may be limited during Ramadan and some holidays, with Tanoura dance being the main show. It’s best to check specific dates if your trip coincides with religious observances.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is six travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is alcohol available?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour, aligning with local customs and laws.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of adventure, cultural activities, and a gourmet BBQ dinner, plus highly praised guides who make the experience memorable, sets it apart.

This Abu Dhabi Desert Safari offers a well-balanced mix of adrenaline, culture, and entertainment. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to explore the desert’s beauty with a knowledgeable guide, enjoying activities that appeal to all ages. The positive reviews speak volumes about the tour’s quality, from the thrilling dune bashing to the lively camp performances and delicious food.

Whether you’re seeking a fun family outing, a romantic adventure, or a solo thrill, this tour provides a genuine taste of desert life with a modern, comfortable touch. Its affordability and inclusiveness make it a standout option for travelers wanting a memorable, value-packed experience in Abu Dhabi.