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Make it Unforgettable: 5 Key Experiences for Your Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
The desert isn’t likely the first place that comes to mind when you think of a safari – as a matter of fact, it might not come to mind at all. If this happens to be the case, however, an Abu Dhabi desert safari experience will be the perfect way to open your eyes to a world of thrills you won’t find anywhere else.
From taking on the soft dunes in an adrenaline-pumping excursion with a powerful 4×4 to surfing down their sandy slopes on a sandboard, there’s an exciting number of Abu Dhabi desert safari activities that you absolutely must experience if you’re someone that loves to travel. If you’re ready to take the leap into a world unlike any other in Abu Dhabi, here are five of the best things to do on desert safari – definitely worth adding to the bucket list!
4×4 Dune Bashing
Whether you’re a maverick behind the wheel or prefer the passenger seat, an afternoon of dune bashing in Abu Dhabi is guaranteed to leave you pumped. You strap in and hear a 4×4 engine growling beneath you as your expert driver revs up – and then takes what seems like an impossible plunge down a near-vertical sand dune at full power. One moment, you’re climbing to the crest, the vast golden desert stretching infinitely before you; next, you’re hurtling downward, with the high-grip tyres kicking up a sandstorm in your wake. It’s electrifying – mixing speed, gravity-defying angles, and pure adrenaline like a rollercoaster ride with no rails and a vast desert expanse to take on.
But don’t be fooled by the roar of the engine – dune bashing isn’t just about the rush; it’s an art form. Expert drivers need to use skill to navigate the shifting dunes with precision, using momentum and controlled skids to make the experience a thrilling one that’s still 100% safe. If you’re up for the challenge, opt for a front-row seat, where every twist and turn is right in your face. Just remember that you might be surprised by the sudden momentum changes, because these rides are fast and unpredictable. If you haven’t tasted the desert safari thrill, activities like dune bashing will be quick to have you hooked and wanting more.
Things to remember:
The 4×4 vehicles are well-maintained and fitted with roll cages as well as reinforced suspension – not to mention operated by a driver who has done this countless times before – so you’re in safe hands. However, if you’re prone to motion sickness, or feel it getting a little too intense, don’t be shy to let your driver know, and switch to a seat in the middle row for a smoother ride.
If you want to save the memory with a video, make sure to secure your phone with a stabilizer, or it may end up on a ride of its own! These rides are best enjoyed at sunset, when the blazing golden light adds a fiery touch of magic to the experience.
Sandboarding
Whether you’re a speed-craving snowboarder, laid-back surfer, or just on the lookout for adventure, you’re sure to love our next Abu Dhabi desert safari must-do: Sandboarding.
It’s quite simple; sandboarding is very much like snowboarding, except instead of cold white snow, you weave your way through the soft desert sand. Unlike snow, the warm sand offers a slower descent, making it an experience even first-timers can enjoy. No steep learning curve, no need for complex techniques; just find your balance and glide!
With the expert guides by your side to provide helpful tips and prevent unexpected mishaps, you can be sure of a smooth ride – but even if you fall off your board, you’ve nothing to worry about when toppling onto the mounds of soft, powdery sand. Whether you want to carve long, sweeping turns through the dunes or go for a faster and more direct descent, this is an experience that will delight thrill-seekers and leisure travellers alike.
Things to remember:
The sand can heat up to rather high temperatures, so if you plan to go sandboarding on your Abu Dhabi desert safari, try to schedule it as an early morning or late evening excursion. Try to stick to clothes with fewer pockets and opt for closed-toe shoes, or you may end up carrying a good bit of sand back to your place to stay in Abu Dhabi.
If this will be your very first time sandboarding, you should start on smaller dunes before tackling steeper slopes. Although the risk of injury is not high, one tumble into the soft sand can often end in a quick slide to the bottom – necessitating a trudge back up to start again. If you want to capture footage of your excursion, mounting a camera to your helmet or the front of your board is a good choice – ask your guide to help to make sure it doesn’t fall off too easily.
Camel Riding
For a slower, more traditional experience that’s ideal for those that want a cultural flavour to their vacation, an Abu Dhabi desert safari is the perfect occasion for a camel riding excursion that offers an authentic glimpse into the ancient Bedouin way of life. These gentle creatures have been the backbone of desert travel for centuries, and their slow, rhythmic gait offers a stark contrast to the fast-paced thrill of dune bashing.
Most safaris offer short camel rides, ideal for taking in the serene landscape at a leisurely pace. However, if you’re interested in truly tasting a slice of the past, you should try to schedule an evening or nighttime camel riding excursion as part of an overnight desert safari in Abu Dhabi. This will see you on a camel ride with a convoy at sunset or by moonlight, with your destination being a desert camp, where you will be served traditional cuisine, exactly like the bedouins that roamed these lands ages ago.
Whether you opt for an overnight desert safari in Abu Dhabi or add it to your list of one-day desert safari activities, approaching the excursion with a relaxed mindset is ideal. The experience is as much about the connection to history as it is about the ride itself. Perched atop a camel, swaying with its movement, you gain an appreciation for how early desert travellers once navigated this vast, shifting landscape.
Things to remember:
Wear loose clothing for a more comfortable ride, with long trousers in particular to prevent chafing or irritation from the saddle. Additionally, hold onto the saddle gently; camels rise and sit down in a way that can be surprising. Embarking on the camel riding experience at sunset creates the opportunity for the most breathtaking photos.
Quad Biking
If you prefer to take the wheel yourself, your Abu Dhabi desert safari itinerary has to include a quad biking session. This is an exhilarating way to explore the vast expanse of the desert – unlike dune bashing, where the driver takes charge, you have full control. These all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are designed to handle the shifting sands, allowing you to carve your own path through the dunes.
Quad biking is particularly popular among thrill-seekers who crave a hands-on adventure. Whether you want to speed across flat stretches or tackle the steep dunes, the experience is entirely yours to shape. Just be prepared for sand to fly – it’s all part of the fun!
Things to remember:
Many safaris will include quad biking as an add-on, so check your package before booking and ask for an extended session if you’d like more time on the ATV. Protective gear like helmets and goggles will be provided; make sure to pay attention to your guide’s instructions to ensure maximum safety. Your guide will also use a trail that avoids soft sand traps, so following their path will make for the ideal journey.
Bedouin Camping Experiences
Beyond the opportunity for adventure, an Abu Dhabi desert safari offers a deep dive into the region’s rich culture. As the sun sets, desert camps come alive with traditional Bedouin hospitality, giving you the chance to experience the heritage that has defined desert life for generations.
Enjoy a sumptuous BBQ dinner under a sky filled with stars, while belly dancers and Tanoura performers mesmerize with their hypnotic spins. Try your hand at henna painting, a centuries-old art form, or witness the grace of falconry demonstrations, where these majestic birds of prey showcase their skill. Every detail of the experience is designed to immerse you in the beauty and traditions of Emirati culture.
Things to remember:
Henna dries quickly, but if you want the design to look its best, you should make an effort to avoid smudging.
Falconry demonstrations can be interactive, so ask the guides about the birds’ training – you might be able to try your hand at being a falconer yourself!
Opt for an evening safari for the full cultural experience, complete with entertainment and dinner.
Making the Most of Your Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
Timing is everything when it comes to a desert safari. If you’re keen on quad biking or dune bashing, a morning tour offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. For a more atmospheric experience, opt for an evening safari, where the golden hues of sunset set the perfect backdrop for cultural festivities before the cool night sets in with a backdrop of stars.
Packing wisely also makes a difference. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing are must-haves for daytime adventures. If you plan on capturing the experience, a sturdy phone mount or action camera will help keep your memories sharp, but attach a cord to your device if possible to ensure it doesn’t slip from your grasp.
Lastly, when booking your Abu Dhabi desert safari, check the activity inclusions. While many packages cover dune bashing, camel rides, and cultural experiences, extras like quad biking or sandboarding might come at an additional cost.
Your Ultimate Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Adventure Awaits
An Abu Dhabi desert safari is more than just an excursion; it’s a journey into the heart of Arabian culture. Whether you’re chasing thrills with dune bashing and quad biking, embracing adventure with sandboarding, or soaking in the rich Bedouin traditions, every moment promises a story worth telling. Book your desert safari in Abu Dhabi today and experience the magic for yourself!