Liwa Oasis: Overnight desert camping with dinner & sunrise

Summary

Sleep under the stars in Liwa’s dunes, sharing stories by the fire

You’ll ride out from Abu Dhabi into Liwa Oasis for an overnight camping trip with a local guide — think sunset over massive dunes, campfire stories, BBQ dinner under open sky, and waking up to sunrise with strong coffee in hand. With all gear included plus pickup by 4x4 vehicle, you’ll get a real taste of desert life you’ll remember long after the sand is gone from your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen so many stars?” That’s what our guide, Khalid, asked as we sat around the campfire in Liwa Oasis. I just shook my head — honestly, I hadn’t. The sand was still warm from the day and there was this faint smell of grilled lamb drifting over from the BBQ. We’d driven out from Abu Dhabi in a 4x4 (which felt like an adventure itself), bouncing along until the city noise faded into nothing but wind and soft voices. The dunes here are huge — way bigger than I expected — and they sort of glow at sunset, all gold and pink. I tried to take a photo but it didn’t really capture it.

Khalid showed us how to set up camp (I’m not exactly outdoorsy, so I appreciated the help). He told us about his childhood here — apparently his grandfather used to cross these sands by camel before there were roads. There was a visit to a camel farm earlier that made me laugh; one of them tried to eat my hat. Dinner was simple but good: smoky BBQ chicken, flatbread, sweet tea poured from a dented pot. After eating we just sat quietly for a while listening to the wind move across the dunes — it’s weird how loud silence can be out here.

I woke up before sunrise because something (maybe just excitement?) had me wide awake. The air was chilly and dry, and everything looked blue-grey until the sun started creeping up behind those endless dunes. Breakfast was dates and strong coffee — nothing fancy but honestly perfect after sleeping outside. We packed up slowly, nobody really rushing to leave. On the drive back toward Abu Dhabi I kept thinking about that moment when it felt like time stopped out there in Liwa. Still do sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Liwa Desert Camping Experience

• Enjoy elegant and beautiful dunes
• Watch sunset
• Campfire
• Stay overnight in desert
• Stargazing
• Explore Arabian history and culture
• BBQ dinner

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Liwa overnight camping tour?

Yes, pickup by 4x4 vehicle is included in Abu Dhabi for this tour.

What meals are provided during the Liwa Oasis camping trip?

The tour includes a BBQ dinner and breakfast with water and soft drinks.

Are camping gear and setup provided?

Yes, all camping gear and setup are provided by the local team.

Can families or beginners join this desert camping experience?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What activities are included on this Liwa desert trip?

You’ll enjoy sunset watching, stargazing, a camel farm visit, oasis stop, campfire evening, and a desert drive.

How far is Liwa Oasis from Abu Dhabi city?

Liwa Oasis is located in southern Abu Dhabi; exact driving time depends on pickup point but expect several hours by 4x4.

What’s included

Your overnight adventure includes pickup in Abu Dhabi by 4x4 vehicle with a local guide at the wheel, all camping equipment set up for you out among Liwa’s dunes, visits to both an oasis and camel farm along the way, plus a smoky BBQ dinner under the stars and simple breakfast at sunrise before heading back to town.