Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi

When it comes to experiencing Abu Dhabi’s desert landscape, the Evening Desert Safari from Trip Arabia Tours & Safari often comes up as a top choice. It promises a mix of adrenaline-pumping activities, cultural showcases, and a relaxed evening under the stars. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, we’ve compiled honest insights from travelers to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What we like about this experience is its combination of outdoor adventure and entertainment, the value for money at $55 per person, and the convenience of hotel pickup. It’s also great that you can enjoy a BBQ dinner with lively shows like belly dancing and fire eating — a true taste of local hospitality. On the flip side, some reviews mention discrepancies regarding included experiences, so managing expectations about certain activities (like unlimited shisha) might be wise.

This tour is best suited for those craving a full evening of desert fun, combining exciting activities with cultural flavor. If you’re traveling with friends or family, enjoy a well-rounded mix of adventure, entertainment, and good food. But if you’re after a completely authentic or quiet desert experience, you might want to explore more tailored options.

• Cost-effective with a well-rounded program, including dune bashing and cultural shows
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Variety of activities like camel riding, sand boarding, falcon photography, and henna tattoos
• Dining and entertainment with a BBQ buffet, belly dancing, fire shows, and stargazing
• Some review inconsistencies about certain inclusions, like shisha and activities
• Great for travelers looking for a lively, adventure-filled evening in the desert

The Booking and Arrival

The experience costs $55 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the number of inclusions and the duration of around 6 hours. Most travelers book about a week in advance, indicating good availability and planning flexibility. Once booked, you’ll receive a mobile ticket — perfect for quick access.

Guests are asked to wait at hotel lobbies or malls for pickup, which is a plus for those unfamiliar with local transport. The tour typically involves a group size of up to 200 travelers, so expect a lively, bustling atmosphere rather than a private affair. The tour provider, Trip Arabia Tours & Safari, offers hotel pickup, making the start hassle-free.

The Journey to the Desert

Your adventure begins with a comfortable ride in a 4×4 vehicle to the desert. This vehicle is key, as it’s designed to handle the off-road terrain you’ll encounter during dune bashing. The journey itself is part of the fun, with experienced drivers at the wheel.

Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

Once in the desert, the highlight for many is the dune bashing — a rollercoaster ride over the sand dunes that’s praised for its expert driver, Azia, who reviewers describe as informative and professional. One reviewer even called his dune-driving “extraordinary Marvelous”, highlighting his skill.

Sandboarding adds an extra thrill — you’ll slide down the dunes on a board, a simple but exciting activity loved by all ages. Expect to spend some time here, with the opportunity for photos at the top dunes, especially during sunset, which offers stunning photo opportunities.

Camel Rides and Other Activities

The tour includes a camel riding session — although some reviews mention that the camel’s condition might not be perfect, and its response can be unresponsive. The camel farm visit is brief, with some reviewers saying they drove by without getting off to take photos.

Other activities encompass sand skiing, falcon photography, henna tattooing, and Arabic costume photo shoots. While these add a cultural flair, some reviewers noted that certain experiences (like henna or falcon photos) may involve extra charges, despite being advertised as included.

Cultural and Entertainment Highlights

After the outdoor activities, you’ll settle into the desert camp, which hosts Belly Dancing, Tanoura dance, and fire shows. These performances are lively and add a festive atmosphere, although some guests mention that the pace can be slow, and some highlights feel rushed or less impressive.

The BBQ buffet dinner is a major part of the evening. Many travelers enjoyed the delicious food and good variety, though a few found the dinner experience not as a buffet and cited limited meat options or long waits. Complimentary soft drinks, tea, and coffee are included, making it a satisfying end to the adventure.

Evening Under the Stars and Stargazing

The tour caps off with stargazing in the dark desert, a mellow, peaceful moment that many find memorable. Sitting on the sand, watching the night sky, offers a chance to relax after the busy activities.

The balance of adventure, cultural entertainment, and good food makes it a compelling choice. Many reviews emphasize the expert dune driver and the diverse activities, which give a feeling of value for the $55 price tag. The hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

However, some reviewers mention discrepancies about what’s included, like the unlimited shisha that often starts late or involves extra charges, and brief camel farm visits. These are important to keep in mind if you’re expecting detailed, hands-on cultural encounters.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable, closed shoes for sand activities and dune bashing.
• During winter months (September to April), bring warm clothing for the desert night.
• Be prepared for some waiting time at the camp, especially if you want to participate in certain activities.
• Arrive with realistic expectations about some of the advertised inclusions, like shisha or falcon photography, as some reviewers reported additional charges.
• Consider whether the lively entertainment and outdoor activities** match your desert experience expectations — it’s more of a fun, touristic event than a deep culture.

Price and Value

At $55 per person, this tour offers a lot of activities for the price, including transportation, multiple desert activities, and entertainment. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a full evening of excitement and relaxation. If you’re seeking a more authentic or quieter desert experience, you might find this tour a bit commercialized, but for fun and value, it’s tough to beat.

This evening safari is perfect for adventure lovers, families, and anyone wanting a lively mix of adrenaline and entertainment in one outing. It’s especially suited for those traveling in groups or with kids, thanks to the variety of activities and the inclusive nature of the experience.

If you’re after a relaxing, solitary moment in the desert, or have specific cultural expectations, you might want to explore other options. But if you enjoy dune bashing, good food, and fun performances, this tour delivers in spades.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup from your hotel lobby or nearby malls in Abu Dhabi, making the start easy and stress-free.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the activities and performances without feeling rushed.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
While many activities are included, some reviewers mention additional charges for shisha, falcon photography, or henna tattoos. Confirm with the guide if you’re interested in extra experiences.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended. During winter, warm layers are advised for the desert night. Closed shoes are best for sand activities.

Is the dinner a buffet?
Not exactly — some reviewers mention the dinner is served rather than buffet-style, with limited meat options and sometimes long waits.

Are kids allowed on this tour?
Most travelers seem to participate, and the activities are generally suitable for older children, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

The Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi from Trip Arabia Tours & Safari offers a lively, well-priced way to experience the desert’s thrill and culture in one evening. Its combination of dune bashing, camel rides, cultural shows, and a hearty BBQ makes it a popular choice for visitors looking to balance adventure and entertainment. The experienced guides, comfortable transport, and engaging activities ensure a memorable outing, even if some details may fall short of expectations.

This tour is best suited for those craving a fun, slightly touristy desert night with plenty of photo opportunities and lively performances. It’s especially recommended for groups or families wanting a full, active evening that delivers good value for money.

Overall, if you’re after a cost-effective, action-packed desert experience with lively entertainment, this tour hits the mark. Just keep in mind that some inclusions may involve extra charges, and the pace can be quite busy. For those who enjoy a combination of adrenaline, cultural flair, and good food, this safari will likely tick all your boxes and leave you with plenty of stories to tell.