Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ
Dune bashing in a 4x4 is faster and steeper than you'd expect from a driver who knows every slope.
An evening desert safari from Abu Dhabi combines a 4x4 ride across the sands with a camel farm visit, camel ride, sandboarding and dune bashing, finishing with an Arabian barbecue dinner, belly dancing and shisha at a torchlit camp. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The group shares one air-conditioned Land Cruiser with up to six travelers from different hotels. Children from age 5 are welcome, and a vegetarian dinner option is available on request.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in a shared 4x4 Land Cruiser.
- camel farm visit and camel ride.
- sandboarding and dune bashing in the desert.
- henna tattoo design on your hands or feet.
- Arabian barbecue dinner buffet with soft drinks and water.
- Arabic coffee and shisha (water pipe) at the camp.
- live belly dancing performance by the campfire.
Times
- Every day 14:30
Before you book
Operated by Odyssey DMC
Prices and times updated 11 days ago
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The experience
The afternoon starts with pickup from your Abu Dhabi hotel in a shared 4x4 Land Cruiser, and the drive takes you deep into the desert surrounding the city. At a camel farm, your guide walks you through the animals' role in traditional Bedouin life and helps you mount one for a ride across the sands. From there the pace picks up: you'll sandboard down the dunes, then experience dune bashing as the driver steers the Jeep up and down the sandy slopes. A henna artist at the camp paints an intricate design on your hands or feet while you settle in.
Dinner is a buffet of grilled meats and sides served around a campfire, with Arabic coffee and soft drinks included. After eating, a belly dancer performs by the firelight. If you want to finish the evening with a shisha, one is available to smoke under the stars. The whole experience runs about 5 to 6 hours of actual activity, though the drive from your hotel and back can add another 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
Is this one for you?Book this safari if you want the full range of desert activities (camel, sandboard, dune driving) bundled into one evening with dinner and entertainment included. The shared 4x4 keeps the group small (up to six per vehicle) and the fixed itinerary means the timing and transport are arranged, so the day holds together without you building it.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
What's the camel ride actually like on this Abu Dhabi safari?
The camel ride happens at a working farm where your guide explains how these animals were traditionally used for transport by the UAE's original Bedouin peoples. You'll get instructions before mounting and ride across the desert sands with the group.
Is sandboarding on this safari difficult if I've never done it before?
Sandboarding is included as one of the desert activities, and the setup is designed for first-timers. Wear sports shoes for safe footing on the sand, and the guide will help you get started on the dunes.
What time does the Abu Dhabi desert safari start and end?
The safari is an afternoon and evening experience with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The actual tour runs 5 to 6 hours, though travel time from your hotel can add 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
Can I get a vegetarian dinner on this desert safari?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available for the Arabian barbecue dinner. Let the operator know at the time of booking which meals need to be vegetarian.
What should I bring or wear for the evening desert safari?
Lightweight summer clothing works most of the year, but bring a light jacket and closed shoes for the cooler desert evenings, especially in winter. Sports shoes are essential for sandboarding, and sunglasses and a hat are advised for daytime sun protection.
Does the belly dancing show happen every night on this safari?
The belly dancing performance is part of the standard evening at the camp. During Islamic holidays and Ramadan, live entertainment is restricted by UAE law, so the safari operates without the belly dance show on those dates.
Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandboarding & BBQ
6h 30m · EN · at your hotel
from AED 245 per person
≈ US$ 65 in your currency
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