Abu Dhabi Morning Desert Safari: Dune Bashing & Camel Ride
The desert at dawn is nothing like the postcards: here's what actually happens
You get picked up early, driven into the Al Khatim Desert, and spend the morning dune bashing, visiting a camel farm to feed and photograph the animals, riding a camel, and sandboarding on the dunes. Water and photos are included, and you're back by early afternoon without having arranged transport, tickets, or timing yourself.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Morning desert safari with activities
- Pick up in 4x4 vehicle
- Drive one hour to Al Khatim Desert
- Dune bashing in desert
- Photo shoot and camel farm visit
- Feed camels and take pictures
- Visit traditional camp
- Camel ride experience
- Sandboarding activity
What’s included
Hotel pickup and drop-off in a shared 4x4 Land Cruiser, approximately one-hour drive to Al Khatim Desert, one hour of dune bashing with photo stops, camel farm visit with feeding and photo opportunities, camel riding experience, sandboarding on the dunes, bottled water throughout, and professional photos taken during the safari. Quad biking is available for rental as an additional cost.
Times
- Every day 07:00 07:30
Before you book
Operated by Visitors Destination Tours & Safari
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
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The experience
The 4x4 picks you up from your hotel lobby before most of Abu Dhabi wakes up, and within an hour you're deep in the Al Khatim Desert where the light is still soft and the sand hasn't turned into a griddle yet. That's the whole point of booking a morning desert safari instead of the afternoon version: fewer people, cooler air, and the dunes look different when the sun is still low. The drive out takes about an hour, and then the dune bashing starts: the driver takes the Land Cruiser up and down the ridges at angles that feel steeper than they probably are, and if you're not used to it, your stomach notices. Most people love it. Some grip the handle and laugh nervously. Both reactions are normal.
After the bashing settles down, you stop at a camel farm where you can feed the animals and take photos: the handlers know the best angles and the camels are used to tourists, so it's straightforward and not awkward. Then comes the camel ride itself, which is slower and more meditative than the dune bashing, and afterward you head to the traditional camp for sandboarding. The sandboard is like a snowboard but for dunes, and the slope they use is forgiving enough that first-timers don't feel ridiculous. If you'd rather skip it or try quad biking instead (available for rental), that's fine: the guide works around what people want to do. Bottled water is included throughout, and there are photo stops where the light hits the dunes in that golden way that makes your phone camera actually work.
The whole thing runs about five hours from pickup to drop-off, and you're back at your hotel by early afternoon. The tour operates on a sharing basis, so you'll be in a Land Cruiser with up to six other people, not a massive group, which is why people book the morning slot in the first place. Wear closed shoes because of the quad biking option, bring sunscreen even though it's morning, and don't pack a large bag because there's no room for luggage in the vehicle. If you have spinal issues or are pregnant, this one isn't suitable. The dune bashing is real, not gentle.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main desert experiences (dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding) without arranging your own transport or timing, and prefer smaller groups and cooler morning conditions over the crowded afternoon slots.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How early does the pickup happen?
Pickup is in the early morning from your hotel lobby. You should be ready 5–10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Is the camel ride included or extra?
The camel ride is included in the tour price. So is the camel farm visit, sandboarding, and bottled water.
Can I do quad biking instead of sandboarding?
Quad biking is available for rental as an optional add-on. You can choose to do sandboarding, quad biking, or skip both.
How many people are in the group?
The tour uses a shared Land Cruiser with up to 6 passengers. Private vehicle options are also available if you prefer.
Is this tour suitable if I have back problems?
No. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries because of the dune bashing. It's also not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes because of the potential quad biking. Bring sunscreen and light layers, as the desert can be cool in the morning and warm later.
Can I bring luggage or a large bag?
No. Large bags and luggage cannot be accommodated in the vehicle. Travel light.
How long is the whole tour?
The tour runs approximately 5 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, including the one-hour drive to the desert.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The transportation and some facilities are wheelchair accessible, but the dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding activities may not be suitable for all mobility levels. Contact the operator to discuss your specific needs.
What if I'm a beginner at sandboarding?
The sandboarding slope is designed for all levels, including first-timers. The guides are used to teaching beginners, and it's optional. You can skip it or try quad biking instead.
Abu Dhabi Morning Desert Safari: Dune Bashing & Camel Ride
4h · EN · at your hotel
from AED 207 per person
≈ US$ 55 in your currency
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