On an Abu Dhabi desert safari, you will notice the first thing is not the silence. That sound of a 4×4 driving over dunes, and the quiet moment when the road goes over the top of the dune, and the horizon vanishes. Then the engine calms, the sand spreads out in all directions, and Abu Dhabi’s desert is a very far distance from the city.
A safari here isn’t simply a drive through sand. When done right, it’s all about adrenaline, calming scenes, a warm welcome, food, and that kind of sunset that makes everyone grab a camera.
What makes a desert safari worth doing in Abu Dhabi?
The sand desert of Abu Dhabi is unique. Far from the city’s towers and busy roads, the land stretches out in wide, golden and reddish sand with dunes shifting shape as the wind blows.
This is what makes it an experience to remember. You don’t look at a desert through a window of a hotel. You’re in it.
The road to the dunes can be quite tranquil at the beginning. Next, the dune bashing. The 4×4 runs up a steep slope, the tyres are gripping and are sliding slightly, and the engine is making more noise as the driver works through the soft sand. No more than a feeling of excitement as the car comes down the other side. Then there’s another dune.
That’s what some travelers are looking for. For others, it’s the time after it stops, when they can see nothing but sand, sky and wind.
A proper safari provides you with both.
What to expect on a desert safari in Abu Dhabi
The majority of experiences are comprised of multiple activities, not a single attraction. The 4×4 adventure usually starts at a 4×4 entry point into the desert, where the experienced drivers drive you across the selected dunes. The dune bashing can be a very active experience, so don’t overindulge in food leading up to it if you suffer from seasickness.
Next is the camel ride.
This is not a long trek, and it’s not something that has to be. Riding on a camel is an adventure all by itself. The desert is different on the back. The vehicle tracks disappear, the sound of the engine is gone, and for a few minutes you move at a much slower pace.
Many safaris turn to a desert camp as daylight begins to fade. Here the pace will differ entirely.
Sit on cushions underneath some traditional “shelter” and drink some Arabic coffee, while a smell of barbecue wafts through the camp.Sit down on cushions under the shelter, drink the Arabic coffee and eat the dates as barbecue fumes drift through the camp. The coffee is usually small and strong, and lightly spiced. The first warm sip is extra special after a dusty afternoon.
Generally, dinner is prepared around a barbecue grill; the meats are grilled, and a variety of rice, salads, breads, and other Middle Eastern dishes are served. Depending on the safari package, traditional music and dance performances and other cultural activities can be part of the entertainment.
Also – do not underestimate the sunset!
The sand can range from light gold to bright red and for a brief time literally glow red. It is one of these moments that is captured so well in photos but seems really cool when you’re in front of it with your shoes in the warm sand halfway up the leg.
Best time to go: morning, evening, or overnight?
There are two different types of experiences, and the right timing depends on what they are.
If you prefer cooler temperatures or if you want to spend more time enjoying the desert prior to the hottest part of the day, consider going on a morning safari. The light is also clean and bright, adding to the beauty of the dunes, especially in the field of photography. It can be a more active and landscape/outside oriented morning visit.
It is likely that the most popular time is in the evening for first-time visitors. A desert experience that includes changing light, dune bashing, camel riding, desert camp, dinner, and sunset. The desert goes through a different mood as the sun sets, and the temperature becomes more comfortable.
Overnight is also available.
Now try this: eat dinner, and then step outside to look at the night sky, against the dark dunes that light up the camp. The darkness can be quite profound, especially when away from the lights of Abu Dhabi’s urban sprawl. It’s quieter, too.
So which option do you select? If you’re just interested in the activities, then morning is perfect. Evening is the ultimate time to experience the classic vibe, if you like. Overnight may be considered if additional time and the feeling of being out of town is preferred.
How to book and what to look for in an operator
Some safaris can be different, so don’t take the advertised price at face value when selecting an operator. Look at what is actually in the package, how they will get you there, the kind of camp you are going to, the activities they will have, and if they actually have contact information.
This is the desert, and experience is at a premium, especially when it comes to dune driving. You’re looking for a company that knows the landscape and isn’t just about competing with the dunes.
Abu Dhabi Adventure Safari is one of the operators you can consider, as it has 15 years of experience in desert safaris in Abu Dhabi. The main attractions that tourists typically seek out in a tour are dune bashing, camel rides, desert camping, meals, and entertainment, all of which are included in its tours.
If you are looking for a desert safari in Abu Dhabi, that can make things easier when it comes to booking it, as the tour is planned as an outing and not just an activity. Also, try calling the host directly if you have any questions before booking about pick-up, package availability, and activities.
For more information on safaris with Abu Dhabi Adventure Safari, call them at info@abudhabiadventuresafari.com or +971 58 205 6363.
A little foresight is significant. Please verify the pick-up site, inquire if it is included, dress comfortably, wear sunscreen, and bring sunglasses. Closed shoes also come in handy for walking around dunes or when camping.
Most importantly, don’t schedule things too densely. A few minutes to just stop is the best way to enjoy the desert.
A desert experience you’ll remember
The best desert safari in Abu Dhabi does not necessarily involve the most activities. It’s the one where the individual moments connect: the 4×4 rolling over the dunes, the gentle descent after a dune, the slow motions of the camels across the sand, coffee in an Arabic cup warming your hands, and the final orange light fading behind the dunes.
This is what makes the experience stick with you after you’ve left the city!
When you are up to experience the desert yourself, Abu Dhabi Adventure Safari can help you plan your trips. Don’t hesitate to get in touch at info@abudhabiadventuresafari.com or +971 58 205 6363 to inquire about any available safari experience.
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