Abu Dhabi: 7-Hours Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Getting a taste of the desert’s vastness and vibrancy is a highlight for many visitors to Abu Dhabi, and this 7-hour desert safari offers just that. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of a well-rounded adventure that combines adrenaline, culture, and relaxation.

What we love about this experience is its mix of high-energy activities and authentic cultural moments—from dune bashing to henna painting, all set in a Bedouin-style camp. The value for money seems excellent, especially considering the many inclusions like transfers, meals, and live entertainment. A potential downside is the variable show length during Ramadan, which may affect entertainment quality at certain times of the year.

This tour suits families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a fun, comprehensive desert experience. If you’re after a mix of adventure, cultural touches, and great photo opportunities, this could be perfect. Just keep in mind that some reviews note certain activities like camel rides are brief, so if you’re seeking an in-depth experience with animals, you might want to manage expectations.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and cultural entertainment.
• Great Value: All-inclusive price includes transfers, meals, activities, and entertainment.
• Authentic Touches: Opportunity to wear traditional clothes and take photos with camels or falcons.
• Professional Guides: Mentioned for their friendliness, attentiveness, and driving skills.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for children and offers kid-friendly activities like sandboarding.
• Variable Entertainment: Shows may be shorter during Ramadan, affecting the overall vibe.

What to Expect from a 7-Hour Abu Dhabi Desert Safari

This tour is thoughtfully structured to give you a full evening of desert adventure wrapped in a cultural setting. Starting with a hotel pickup in a comfortable 4WD (Toyota Land Cruiser), you’ll head into the desert for about an hour and a half of scenic drive, giving you an early taste of the dunes’ grandeur. The professional drivers are trained for desert conditions, and many reviewers praise their skills—some even describing dune bashing as “exhilarating” or “wicked,” which hints at a fun adrenaline rush.

Desert Dune Bashing & Remote Locations

The main action begins with dune bashing, where your driver skillfully navigates the rolling sands. This activity is often the highlight, with some describing it as “successful” and “extreme in a way.” It’s a bumpy, thrilling ride that lasts around 45 minutes, offering ample chances for impressive photos from the top of the dunes or during the twists and turns. One reviewer appreciated that the driver adjusted the route to suit motion sickness, so the experience can feel personalized.

Visiting the Camel Farm

Next, you’ll visit a camel farm, which provides an authentic glimpse into desert life. The reviews mention that the farm features old, sad camels, but it’s a quick stop where you can take photos or pose dressed in traditional attire. A highlight for many is the opportunity to take pictures with falcons or dress up in local clothes, adding genuine cultural flavor to the tour.

Sandboarding and Camel Riding

Sandboarding near the camp is a crowd favorite for its adrenaline and fun factor. Expect to glide down the dunes on your board, often described as “exciting” and “adrenaline-rising.” Camel rides are also included, with most reviews noting that they are short, around five minutes, which is enough for a quick experience but not a full-on trek. Some travelers felt the short duration was a bit disappointing, but it still offers a memorable photo opportunity.

Sunset and Photography

The timing of the tour means you’ll likely catch a beautiful desert sunset, perfect for photos. Reviewers consistently mention the stunning views and their enjoyment of capturing these moments, often dressed in traditional costumes provided at the camp.

The Bedouin-Style Camp & Cultural Activities

Arriving at the camp, you’re greeted with Arabic hospitality—hot drinks like coffee and tea, dates, and soft drinks. The camp features a Bedouin tent with carpets and pillows, creating a cozy atmosphere for relaxing after activities. Here, you can indulge in henna painting, try on local dresses for photos, and even pose with falcons, enhancing the cultural authenticity.

Live Entertainment & Dinner

Dinner is a BBQ served buffet-style, offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Many reviews highlight the quality and abundance of the food, praising it as “good” and “plentiful.” During Ramadan, entertainment such as belly dancing and Tanoura dance may be shorter or unavailable, but normally the camp hosts lively live performances that add to the festive vibe.

Optional Quad Biking & Other Activities

For an extra thrill, you can upgrade to quad biking, which costs roughly 50 AED for 10 minutes. Though not included in the base price, it’s a popular add-on, and reviewers say it’s “fun” and “exhilarating.” The tour also offers the option to relax with a fragrant sheesha, providing a peaceful end to a busy evening.

How Does the Tour Deliver on Value?

Priced at $69 per person, this tour offers a lot of inclusions—transfers, meals, activities, and entertainment—making it quite competitive. Many travelers feel they receive good value for money, especially when considering the multiple experiences packed into the 6-hour itinerary.

The transportation in sturdy 4WDs with professional drivers ensures comfort and safety, even at remote desert locations. The timing of the tour allows for a relaxed yet action-packed evening, leaving ample room for photos, cultural experiences, and fun activities without feeling rushed.

What Travelers Appreciate Most

Based on reviews, visitors love the knowledgeable guides, such as Tanzir and Thaj, who make the trip informative and safe while adding a friendly touch. The quality of the food in the camp is another standout, with many saying they were surprised by how tasty and plentiful the meal was—even for vegetarians.

Photo opportunities are plentiful, with many travelers enjoying dressing in traditional attire and snapping pictures with camels or falcons. The live entertainment, especially belly dancing and Tanoura dance, adds a lively, authentic atmosphere—though it might be shorter during Ramadan, as some reviews note.

What to Watch Out For

Some guests mention that activities like camel rides and shows tend to be brief, which can leave those craving a deeper culture wanting more. Others felt that certain parts, like the falcon or camel farm stops, seemed more about photo ops than genuine interactions.

A few reviews highlight disappointing experiences—such as delays or a less authentic feel—so it’s worth managing expectations and understanding that this is a tour designed for fun and sightseeing rather than an in-depth cultural tour.

Practical Details & Tips

• Timing: The tour departs at 2:30 pm; arriving promptly ensures you get the most out of the day.
• Transport: Shared 4WD pickups are standard, with about 6 people per vehicle, so expect a friendly, small-group vibe.
• Clothing: Comfortable attire is recommended, especially closed shoes and trousers for quad biking; warm clothing during winter months (October to March) is advised.
• Children: Not recommended for children under 4 years old; they must sit on parents’ laps, and no child seats are available.
• Weather: The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly—the desert can be hot in summer or cool in winter.
• Cancellations: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; weather-related cancellations are possible but offer full refunds or alternative dates.
• Extras: Quad biking is paid separately; alcoholic drinks aren’t included but are available for purchase outside Ramadan.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This desert safari is ideal for those wanting a balanced mix of adventure and culture. It’s a great choice if you enjoy activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding, but also want to experience traditional Bedouin hospitality and entertainment.

Families with children will appreciate the kid-friendly activities, while couples and groups of friends will enjoy the lively atmosphere and photo opportunities. However, if you’re seeking a longer or more immersive animal encounter, you might find the brief animal stops a bit underwhelming.

This tour offers excellent value for money and a chance to see the desert’s natural beauty along with a taste of local tradition, making it a memorable addition to any Abu Dhabi trip.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, round-trip hotel transfers are provided in a comfortable 4WD vehicle, making it convenient to start and end your day.

How long is the drive to the desert?
The drive to Al Khaznah Desert takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to relax before activities begin.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable clothing such as closed shoes and trousers are recommended, especially if you plan to do quad biking. During winter, warm clothing is advisable.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian meals are offered at the BBQ dinner, and you should advise at booking if you need this option.

Can I upgrade activities?
Yes, quad biking can be added for approximately 50 AED for 10 minutes, providing an extra dose of fun.

How long are the camel rides?
The camel rides last around 5 minutes, which is enough for a quick photo but not an extended trek.

Is alcohol served?
Alcoholic drinks are not included and are not served during Ramadan. Outside of Ramadan, they are available for purchase.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While children over 4 years are welcomed, they must sit on parents’ laps and won’t have access to child seats. Activities like sandboarding are kid-friendly.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, but if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative booking will be offered.

In essence, this Abu Dhabi desert safari provides a well-rounded, fun-filled adventure. It combines adrenaline-pumping activities with cultural experiences and tasty local food—all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re after a lively outing with friends or a family-friendly adventure, this tour hits many of the right notes without breaking the bank. Just remember, some activities are short and the entertainment might be toned down during Ramadan, but the overall experience remains engaging and memorable.