Arabian Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: 6Hour Tour with BBQ & Live Shows

Exploring the Arabian Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: 6Hour Tour with BBQ & Live Shows

This detailed review looks at the popular Arabian Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi, a 6-hour adventure blending adrenaline, cultural activities, and lively entertainment. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, countless travelers rave about its combination of excitement and authenticity, making it a standout choice for those wanting a taste of desert life without breaking the bank.

What we particularly like about this experience is the thrilling dune bashing in a 4×4, the chance to try traditional Arab activities like camel riding and sandboarding, and the vibrant evening entertainment. Its affordability at $49 per person makes it accessible, especially considering the variety of activities included. However, some reviewers have noted that certain facilities, like the camp’s toilets, might not meet everyone’s expectations, so managing those expectations is worth considering.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking adventure paired with culture in a lively setting. It’s best suited for those who appreciate high-energy activities, like dune bashing and live performances, and don’t mind a bustling, tourist-oriented environment. Families with kids, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager for a lively desert experience will find this tour quite appealing.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $49, this tour offers good value, especially with multiple activities included.
• Adventure & Culture: Combines dune-bashing, camel rides, shisha, henna, and traditional music.
• Evening Entertainment: Includes belly dancing, Tanura dance, and fire shows that add lively flair to the experience.
• Limited Time: Six hours go by quickly—perfect for a full but manageable desert escape.
• Potential Comfort Concerns: Some reviews mention issues with camp cleanliness and facilities.
• Booking & Flexibility: Easy to book 8 days in advance, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

How the Tour Starts: Pickup & Initial Excitement

Most travelers are picked up from their Abu Dhabi accommodations, which simplifies logistics—no need to worry about finding the meeting point. Once on board, you’re transported to Al Khatim, a popular desert area outside the city. The ride itself builds anticipation for the adventures ahead.

The Dune Bashing Thrill: A Must-Do for Adventure Seekers

The highlight for many is the dune-bashing experience in a professional driver-controlled 4×4 Land Cruiser. The driver expertly navigates the towering dunes, creating a rollercoaster-like sensation that gets your adrenaline flowing. The stop at the highest point offers fantastic photo opportunities—expect stunning vistas of endless sand, perfect for capturing those memories.

From reviews, we learn that the dune bashing is exhilarating and well-organized, with many travelers noting it as the “best fun ever.” It’s an activity that appeals to those craving action and scenic views, but it might be too intense for very young children or guests with motion sensitivities.

Activities at the Bedouin Camp: Authentic and Fun

After the adrenaline rush, the group heads to a Bedouin-style camp where most of the cultural activities unfold. Here, you can:

• Ride camels, which many find a charming way to experience desert life.
• Try sandboarding—a fun activity for the more adventurous, though some reviews mention it’s a brief experience.
• Don traditional Arabic attire and get henna tattoos, adding a touch of cultural flavor.
• Smoke shisha and listen to traditional Arab music, providing a relaxed, immersive atmosphere.

The Evening Entertainment: Live Shows & Cultural Displays

The camp transforms into a lively entertainment hub at night. Expect belly dancing, Tanura dance performances, and fire shows, which add a festive and captivating element to the evening. Several reviews mention that the live entertainment is energetic and colorful, making the experience feel vibrant and memorable.

The Food & Refreshments: Tasty BBQ & Beverages

The tour includes a full buffet BBQ dinner, with options that satisfy most palates. Guests can enjoy tea, coffee, and other refreshments, fueling up after the active daytime segment. While the food quality isn’t extensively reviewed, the inclusion of a buffet adds notable value for a 6-hour experience.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size

The tour provides pickup service, which simplifies planning. Group sizes are typically limited to around 100 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable atmosphere. The transport is comfortable, and the entire journey from city to desert takes roughly an hour or so.

Duration & Timing

Spanning approximately 6 hours, the tour is a compact way to enjoy a full desert experience in a single afternoon and evening. Most participants start with the pickup around early evening, returning by nightfall. This timing allows you to enjoy sunset views and the cooler desert evening air.

Cost & Value

Priced at $49 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the range of activities, entertainment, and included meals. Additional activities like quad biking or extra camel rides are available but come at extra costs, which some reviews mention as a tourist trap. Being aware of this helps manage expectations.

Booking & Cancellation

It’s recommended to book about 8 days in advance for better availability. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Possible Drawbacks

A few reviewers highlight that the camp facilities, especially toilets, might not be up to five-star standards, with mentions of poor cleanliness and lack of toilet paper. Plus, some feel that certain activities like camel rides and sandboarding can be additional cost attractions rather than included perks, which could catch the unwary off guard.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This desert safari is perfect for those wanting a fun-filled, culturally immersive experience at an accessible price point. Adventure lovers will enjoy the dune bashing and sandboarding, while fans of entertainment will appreciate the live shows and vibrant atmosphere. It’s especially suited for travelers who don’t mind a lively, tourist-centric environment and are looking for a full evening of activities.

If you’re seeking tranquil, boutique desert escapes or luxurious amenities, you might find this tour somewhat basic or bustling. However, for a lively, authentic taste of desert life combined with entertainment and adventure, this experience delivers more than enough value.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a pickup service from Abu Dhabi accommodations, streamlining your day and avoiding hassles with transportation.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts, ensuring flexibility if needed.

What activities are included at the camp?
Most activities are included, such as camel riding, henna, traditional music, and live entertainment. Extra activities like quad biking and additional camel rides are available but cost extra.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour is roughly 6 hours from pickup to drop-off, making it a full but manageable adventure.

Is the price of $49 per person good value?
Considering the mix of dune bashing, cultural activities, live shows, and dinner, it’s quite a reasonable price for a lively desert outing.

Are there any notable downsides?
Some reviews mention that camp facilities like toilets can be in poor condition, and extra costs may apply for certain activities, so managing expectations is wise.

What should I wear?
Comfortable casual clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for sun protection during the daytime portion.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers with kids seem to enjoy it, but caution is advised as dune bashing can be intense for very young children or those sensitive to motion.

Overall, this Abu Dhabi desert safari offers a lively, affordable, and well-rounded experience that combines adventure, culture, and entertainment. It’s a fantastic option for travelers wanting a taste of the desert’s thrill and spectacle without a hefty price tag, especially if they’re OK with a lively, tourist-oriented atmosphere and some basic facilities.