Overnight Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Breakfast Abu Dhabi

If you’re looking for a way to truly experience the desert’s allure, the Overnight Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Breakfast in Abu Dhabi promises an adventure packed with thrills, culture, and stunning scenery. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a well-rounded, authentic experience. From exhilarating dune bashing to the serenity of a star-filled night, this trip offers a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

What I love about this experience is how it combines adventure with culture. The expert guides ensure safety and share insights, the delightful entertainment adds a traditional touch, and the comfortable Bedouin-style tents offer genuine hospitality. Plus, the chance to try sandboarding, ride camels, and enjoy a barbecue under the desert sky makes it quite the value for the price.

One thing to note is that yours truly will need to be prepared for a full day of activity, with a start time around 3:00 pm and a return after breakfast the next morning. If you’re seeking a peaceful, immersive desert escape rather than a quick daytime trip, this experience is likely to suit you best—especially if you enjoy cultural shows, star gazing, and overnight stays under the open sky.

Key Points

• Authentic overnight experience with cozy Bedouin-style tents
• Thrilling activities including dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding
• Cultural entertainment like belly dance and tanoura shows
• All-inclusive with dinner, breakfast, transfers, and entertainment
• Flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Highly rated with a perfect 5-star average from 60 reviews

A Closer Look at the Abu Dhabi Overnight Desert Safari

This tour stands out because it offers a full overnight journey into the desert landscape, rather than a quick, daytime visit. Starting with a convenient hotel pickup around 3:00 pm, you’ll be whisked away in an air-conditioned vehicle—making the trip comfortable regardless of the weather or group size (maximum of 50 travelers).

Dune Bashing and Desert Interactions

The adventure kicks off with dune bashing in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. According to reviewers, this part is a highlight, with one guest, Danielle, describing the ride as “smooth and enjoyable,” feeling very safe throughout. You’ll then visit a traditional camel farm, where you can interact with these gentle creatures and take memorable photos. Some travelers, like those mentioned in reviews, find the camel rides short but sweet, offering a taste of Bedouin life.

Sunset and Photo Stops

A key moment during the tour is a stop at a scenic location to watch the sunset over the dunes. This spot is praised for its stunning views, providing excellent photo opportunities and a peaceful moment to appreciate the vastness of the desert landscape.

Desert Camp Experience

Once at the camp, guests are greeted with refreshments and are encouraged to try activities like sandboarding—which, as one reviewer put it, is “snowboarding on sand” and surprisingly fun. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is a low-cost, high-fun activity that adds an adrenaline rush to your night.

The camp offers Henna painting and shisha smoking, allowing you to indulge in traditional Arab customs. Many reviewers, including those who appreciated the authenticity, mention the friendly atmosphere and the chance to wear traditional attire for photos.

Evening Entertainment

The evening is filled with lively live performances. Expect the graceful movements of a belly dancer, the colorful spinning of a tanoura performer, and an energetic fire dance show. One reviewer noted that during Ramadan, the Sufi dance show is replaced by other entertainment, but overall, the performances add a vibrant cultural layer to your night.

Dining Under the Stars

The barbecue buffet dinner is well-reviewed, with plenty of flavorful options served under a canopy of stars. Guests often mention the relaxing ambiance, with many choosing to unwind with shisha or simply gaze at the starry sky—truly a magical setting.

Sleeping Under the Desert Sky

Your night will be in Bedouin-style tents, equipped with beds, pillows, and blankets for comfort. The reviews emphasize the quality of the tents—clean, cozy, and authentic. Falling asleep to the peaceful desert sounds, surrounded by the soft glow of moonlight, makes for an unforgettable experience.

Sunrise and Breakfast

Waking up early, you’ll catch the desert sunrise—a breathtaking scene that many reviewers say is worth the early start. A light breakfast caps off the experience before you are transported back to Abu Dhabi, feeling refreshed and inspired.

Practical Details and Value

At $133 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, dinner, breakfast, entertainment, and comfortable tents. The pickup service is a big plus, saving you the hassle of arranging transport. The full-day commitment (about 17 hours) is ideal for travelers wanting an immersive experience rather than a quick snapshot.

The tour operates with a flexible cancellation policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—making it suitable even for those with flexible travel plans.

Transportation and Group Size

Travelers are transported in air-conditioned vehicles, which is especially important during the hot desert days or warm nights. The group size is capped at 50, providing an intimate yet lively atmosphere.

What’s Not Included

Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, and additional activities like quad biking are optional but cost extra (around 100 AED for 10 minutes). Note that during Ramadan, belly dance shows are not available, but other performances substitute to keep the entertainment lively.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of adventure and culture. If you enjoy thrilling rides like dune bashing and sandboarding, plus the chance to sleep under the stars in an authentic setting, this is a solid pick. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate live entertainment and want to learn about Arab traditions through dance, henna, and storytelling.

It suits adventurous couples, groups of friends, or even solo travelers looking for a memorable night in the desert with all essentials covered. However, if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience without overnight stays or entertainment, you might find this too lively or lengthy.

The Sum Up

The Overnight Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi offers a comprehensive, value-packed adventure that balances adrenaline, culture, and relaxation. With knowledgeable guides, stunning desert vistas, and a cozy camp experience, it’s a memorable way to connect with the region’s natural beauty and traditions.

This tour is best suited for those who want more than a quick desert visit—ideal for travelers craving authentic cultural experiences, thrilling activities, and a peaceful night under the stars. The inclusions and positive reviews suggest it delivers excellent value, making it a worthwhile addition to any Abu Dhabi itinerary.

Whether it’s the thrill of dune bashing, the cultural performances, or simply lying back in a traditional tent, this journey offers a true taste of desert life—perfect for creating lifelong memories.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel in Abu Dhabi, making it convenient and stress-free to begin your adventure.

What time does the tour start?
The start time is around 3:00 pm, giving you ample daylight for activities like dune bashing and photography.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?
The tour includes a BBQ buffet dinner, but specific dietary options are not detailed. It’s best to check with the provider if you have special dietary needs.

Can I participate if I’m traveling alone?
Absolutely. The tour is suitable for most travelers and typically involves small group sizes, fostering a friendly atmosphere.

What activities are included?
Included activities are dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, and shisha smoking. Live entertainment like belly dance and tanoura shows are part of the evening.

Is this experience suitable during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, belly dance shows are unavailable, but other performances like the Sufi dance or tanoura may be substituted.

How is the accommodation quality?
The tents are Bedouin-style yet comfortable, equipped with beds, pillows, and blankets. Reviewers mention they are clean and cozy, ensuring a good night’s sleep under the stars.

This detailed review aims to help you decide whether this desert adventure aligns with your travel desires. With its mix of thrill, culture, and comfort, it’s a fantastic way to experience the desert’s true spirit in Abu Dhabi.