Evening Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi

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Overview

  • Duration:6 hours 0 minutes
  • Travelers:1 - 15 guests
  • Tour Type:Daily tour, Group tour
  • Language:English, German

This is the trip most people picture when they think of a desert safari, and it's our most booked tour.


We pick you up from your hotel in the afternoon and drive out to the dunes in a 4x4. Your driver takes you up and over the sand for a proper dune bashing session, with a stop on the way for photos as the light starts to change. If you've never done it, it feels a bit like a slow rollercoaster on sand.

As the sun goes down, you arrive at a Bedouin-style camp. There's time for a short camel ride, a go at sandboarding, henna painting and photos in traditional dress. Dinner is a BBQ buffet with grilled meats, salads and [vegetarian dishes]. After dinner, sit back for the Tanoura and belly dance shows, then look up: away from the city lights, the stars are easy to see.

We drop you back at your hotel at the end of the evening.

The vehicle is shared, with up to 6 guests in each 4x4. If you'd like the car to yourselves, book our private evening safari instead.
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Highlights

  • Dune bashing in a 4x4 with an experienced desert driver
  • Sunset photo stop in the dunes
  • Short camel ride and sandboarding
  • Henna painting and photos in traditional Arabic dress
  • BBQ buffet dinner at a desert camp
  • Tanoura and belly dance shows
  • Stargazing before the drive back

Includes/Excludes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Abu Dhabi (shared 4x4)
  • Dune bashing
  • Drive past a camel farm and a photo stop in the dunes
  • Short camel ride
  • Sandboarding
  • Henna painting
  • Traditional dress to try on for photos
  • Photo with a falcon (when available)
  • BBQ buffet dinner
  • Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee
  • Shisha
  • Tanoura and belly dance shows (no belly dance during Ramadan)
  • Quad biking or dune buggy (can be added for an extra charge)
  • Alcoholic drinks

Itinerary

Pickup

Our driver picks you up from your hotel in an air-conditioned 4x4 and you head out toward the desert.

Dune Bashing

Once we're off-road, the driver takes you over the dunes for a good 20-30 minutes of dune bashing. It's bumpy, it's fast in places, and most people come out grinning.

Camel Farm Visit

On the way to camp we pass a camel farm – a quick look at the animals and a chance to grab a photo.

Photo Stop in the Dunes

A short stop in the open desert for pictures, usually with good light as the sun starts going down.

Short Camel Ride

A guided camel ride at the camp entrance – slow-paced and easy, suitable for most ages.

Sandboarding

Grab a board and try sliding down the dunes. Free to have a go as many times as you like.

Henna Painting

One of our artists will do a henna design on your hands or feet if you'd like one.

Photo with a Falcon

When available, you can get a photo with a falcon at the camp – always a hit with visitors.

Try On Traditional Attire

Dress up in a kandura or abaya for photos before dinner.

BBQ Buffet Dinner

Dinner is served buffet-style with a mix of Arabic grills and international dishes, so there's something for most tastes.

Shisha

After dinner, sit back with a shisha if that's your thing – part of the camp's chill-out area.

Belly Dance Show

A belly dance performance around the camp (this one's paused during Ramadan).

Tanoura Show

A Tanoura performance – the spinning-skirt dance that's become one of the signature shows at desert camps.

Stargazing

Once the shows finish, there's time to sit back and look at the sky – away from the city, you'll actually see stars.

Drop-off

We drive you back and drop you at your hotel.

Frequently asked questions

Is hotel pickup really included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel is part of the package. If you're staying somewhere outside our pickup zone in Abu Dhabi, just tell us when booking and we'll arrange a nearby meeting point instead.

How long does the tour last?

Around 6 hours in total, door to door, including the drive out, the desert activities, dinner and the shows.

Is dune bashing safe?

Yes – our drivers are trained and experienced with these routes and vehicles. That said, it is a bumpy, fast ride, so it's not recommended if you're pregnant, have a back or neck condition, or get car sick easily. Let us know beforehand and we can seat you accordingly or advise if it's not suitable for you.

Can pregnant women join this tour?

We'd advise against the dune bashing part for pregnant women. You're welcome to skip that portion and join the rest of the camp activities – just mention it when booking so we can plan around it.

What should I wear?

Something comfortable you don't mind getting a bit sandy – closed shoes are best for sandboarding and walking around the camp. It gets cool once the sun goes down, so bring a light jacket, especially in winter months.

Customer reviews

fazilrehmanp@gmail.com
On March 23, 2026

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Vendor Reply

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fazilrehmanp@gmail.com
On July 9, 2025

Entire journey on the river cruise was amazing. This is the first such cruise dinner for my family. We loved everything, right from table organising, food, music and the hospitality. Kudos to the entire team !

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