Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is graced with beautiful desert lands. Be it the largest desert of the emirate, the Empty Quarter; the reddish orange Liwa Desert; or the serene yet wild deserts of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi is endowed some of the most gorgeous desert landscapes. You can check out these deserts while driving around Abu Dhabi or opt for a desert safari experience, the latter being one of the most popular attractions in Abu Dhabi. The desert safari is not just a way to admire the beauty of the desert but also to experience the thrilling and exciting desert activities and attractions. Here are all the things to do in Abu Dhabi desert safari.
Types of Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Overview
Before we get into the things to do in desert safari, it is important to know about the different types of desert safaris available in Abu Dhabi. The activities and attractions you get to experience will depend on the type of desert safari you choose for yourself.
- Evening Desert Safari: The evening desert safari in Abu Dhabi is the most popular. It begins late in the afternoon and goes on till late at night. This desert safari has the maximum number of activities, ranging from adventures to leisure and entertainment. You also get to relish a mouthwatering BBQ dinner before heading back to Abu Dhabi city.
- Morning Desert Safari: If you are not interested in the entertainment part of the desert safari, the morning desert safari would be best for you. Apart from admiring the beauty of the desert lit in early morning sunlight, this desert safari also offers plenty of adventurous activities. An Emirati breakfast is also served at most of these safaris. A variation of this safari is the sunrise desert safari Abu Dhabi.
- Overnight Desert Safari: The overnight desert safari is an extension of the evening desert safari. Instead of returning to the city after dinner, you spend the night in cozy Bedouin-style tents right in the desert camps. You can also spend your night sitting around the bonfire while sipping on Arabic tea or coffee.
All the desert safaris mentioned above have various versions like budget-friendly, luxury, private, and VIP. You can choose one as per your interests, requirements, expectations, and budget.
Best Things to do in Abu Dhabi Desert Safari
The activities at desert safari Abu Dhabi can be categorized into adventures, entertainment, and culture. In short, you get to enjoy a wide array of activities during your time at the desert camp.
Dune Bashing
As the name suggests, dune bashing involves bashing the mighty desert dunes while riding a 4×4 vehicle. Dune bashing is often compared to a rollercoaster ride in an adventure park. The comparison is not too wrong. In fact, the adrenaline rush you get during a dune bashing ride is similar to a rollercoaster. The thrill of running up and down the sand dunes while watching the sand fly all around the vehicle is fun. The 4×4 vehicle is equipped with all kinds of safety equipment to keep you safe. Still, people with heart diseases and chronic neck/back pain, pregnant women, and small children should avoid it.
Camel Riding
Once camels were the only way of traveling in the desert. Even today, camels are an integral part of the desert life and culture of the UAE. The desert camps have camel riding as an activity, giving you the chance to experience how it feels to ride a camel as it walks over the desert dunes. The regular desert safaris have camel riding that lasts for a few minutes. If you want to spend more time on a camel, it would be best to choose a desert safari tour that takes you camel trekking in Abu Dhabi. This lasts around an hour or so and gives you the chance to see the desert wildlife.
Sandboarding
Another thrilling activity to look forward to in Abu Dhabi’s desert safari is sandboarding. Sliding over the sand dunes might look easy but it requires a lot of skill and practice. Sandboarding is a desert activity that brings together snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing. It will take a few tries to get it right, but once you get the hang of it, you will have a field day zipping over the sand dunes. Apart from the standing position, you can enjoy sandboarding while sitting or lying on your tummy on the board. Do not forget to listen to the instructions carefully given by the professional guides. This is not only for your safety but also to ensure that you learn the tricks quickly.
Quad Biking
If you loved dune bashing and want to manoeuvre the sand dunes on your own, quad biking in Abu Dhabi is something you must try. A quad bike is an ATV or All-Terrain-Vehicle, which is used for driving on an uneven terrain. Before you jump on one and start your desert safari quad biking ride, remember to listen to the instructions carefully. Moreover, you must also wear all the necessary safety gear to ensure that you remain safe and secure while riding on the high and low sand dunes.
Falconry Experiences
Falcon is the national bird of the UAE, and the country has a deep history tied with these royal birds. Falconry was an art that the Arabs practiced for hunting and has been preserved till date. During the desert safari in Abu Dhabi, you will get to meet these mighty birds and also know more about falconry. Some of the desert safaris also have a falconry demonstration for its patrons. Moreover, almost all desert safaris give you the opportunity to hold and interact with falcons and even take pictures.
Desert Sunrise/Sunset
Depending on a morning safari or an evening safari, you will get to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise or sunset in the desert. Be it the sun rising and flooding the desert with its golden rays or the sun going down and marking the sky with sunset colors, both the views are just spectacular. If you pick the overnight desert safari, you can experience both. Whatever the case, do not forget to take out your camera or phone and click some pictures of these beautiful landscapes.
Bedouin-Style Cultural Experiences
The Abu Dhabi desert safari gives you the chance to peak into the Bedouin culture in a fun way. There are stalls where the traditional Arabic clothes are put on display. Men can wear the Kandoura and women can wear the Abaya and take photographs. Then there are stalls where you can get your hands, arms, or legs painted with beautiful, Arabic henna designs. Another interesting activity to try here is shisha smoking. You will get to enjoy these experiences during evening and overnight desert safaris. Luxury safaris also offer these experiences.
BBQ Dinner
One of the highlights of the Abu Dhabi desert safari is the BBQ dinner. The meal is a three-course dinner, which begins with BBQ starters (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian), followed by a lavish main course, and ending with traditional Arabic sweets and fruits as dessert. As the desert safari is family-friendly, you will find a few dishes for the kids too.
Cultural Programs
While savouring the delicious dishes of the BBQ dinner, you can also watch some entertainment programs. The entertainment part of the evening usually begins with a graceful belly dance. This is followed by the mesmerizing Tanoura dance by a professional dancer. You will also get to watch a breathtaking fire show here.
Star Gazing
If you have opted for overnight desert safari, you will get to lie under the sky and stare at the well-lit sky filled with sparkling stars. As the desert camp is far away from the city, it is least affected by pollution. So, on a clear night, you will get to admire the night sky covered with a thick blanket of stars. Your tour guide will point out at stars, planets, and constellations, making this experience even more fascinating.
Conclusion
With so many activities, there is something for almost everyone at the Abu Dhabi desert safari, be it the Liwa desert safari or one at the Empty Quarter. Whatever might be your interests, you are sure to have a blast at the desert safari in Abu Dhabi.
