Are you looking for the best desert safari experience in Abu Dhabi? Whether you’re an experienced traveller or a first-timer, this insider’s guide has you covered. From camel rides and sandboarding to dune bashing and star gazing, there’s something for everyone in this incredible desert oasis. Abu Dhabi is known for its luxury and adventure, and the desert safari experience here is no exception. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to plan the perfect day trip or overnight stay in the desert. From the best hotels and resorts to the most exciting activities and tours, you’ll find all the information you need to make the most of your desert safari experience. So, come explore Abu Dhabi’s stunning desert landscape and experience a vacation like no other!
What to Bring
The desert is hot and dry, so it’s important to bring the right gear. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher), a hat, and water bottles. Gloves are recommended, as the desert can get chilly at night. A good pair of sturdy shoes will protect your feet from the hot sand and help you navigate rocky terrain. For desert tours that include sandboarding, bring a pair of long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. If you are planning to go on a nighttime desert safari, bring a flashlight or glow sticks. If you’re going on a day trip, you don’t need special clothing or gear. Just make sure to wear clothes that cover your legs and arms.
Types of Desert Safari Tours
Day Desert Safari – This is an excellent option for first-time visitors to the desert. It offers a sampling of the best experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer, including sand dune surfing, a sunset drive, and a chance to ride a camel. While day tours are less expensive than overnight desert safaris, they are a little rushed and don’t give you time to fully appreciate the desert. But if you’re short on time and want to experience a taste of the desert, a day desert safari is a great option. Overnight Desert Safari – An overnight desert safari gives you more time to fully immerse yourself in the desert. Overnight desert safaris are a popular choice for travellers who want more time to enjoy the desert experience. Many overnight desert safari packages include meals, tents or shisha huts to relax in, and a knowledgeable guide to help you learn about the desert. Overnight desert safaris are great for couples, families, and large groups. If you like the idea of an overnight desert safari but you don’t want to rough it, there are a few upscale desert resorts that offer fully-outfitted desert experiences.
Best Hotels and Resorts for Desert Safari
Al Badia Desert Resort – This luxurious desert resort is a great choice for first-time desert visitors. Al Badia is located about 30 minutes southeast of Abu Dhabi city. Desert tours depart from the Al Badia grounds, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. This all-inclusive desert resort offers a variety of desert safari packages, including a full-day desert safari and an overnight desert safari. Al Raha Beach Hotel – This beachfront hotel is located on the east coast of Abu Dhabi, about a 45-minute drive from the city centre. A popular package for the beachfront hotel is the “Outdoor Adventure” tour, which takes guests on an exploratory journey through the desert. This tour includes sand boarding, dune driving, a camel ride, and a chance to go sand dune surfing.
Popular Activities for Desert Safari
Sand Dune Surfing – This is one of the most popular activities in the desert. You’ll climb to the top of a large sand dune, get in a position, and then slide down the other side. While the sandboarding experience is exciting, it’s important to wear the right protective gear. This includes gloves, a helmet, and knee and elbow pads. Dune Driving – This is an experience unlike any other. Squeeze yourself into the car, and let your driver take you on a wild ride through the dunes. You’ll feel like you’re in a video game, only you’re in the desert! This is a great activity for families and groups. Camel Ride – This is one of the most traditional desert experiences. It’s a must for kids and families. The tour guides will help you groom your camel and put it on the saddle. Desert Wildlife – The desert is home to a variety of wildlife, including gazelles, ostriches, and reptiles. Your guide will help you identify different animals, as well as teach you about their habitats. Star Gazing – The desert is an excellent place to stargaze, and your guide will help you spot stars and constellations you’ve never seen before. A nighttime desert safari is a perfect way to end the day, and it’s an excellent activity for kids.
Safety Tips
If you’re not used to the desert, be sure to drink lots of water. Travelling during the hotter months of July and August is best done during the cooler morning hours. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring a light shawl or wrap to cover your arms and legs. Wear sturdy shoes, as the desert ground can be rocky and uneven. Bring a flashlight or glow sticks if you plan to go on a nighttime desert safari. It’s important to respect the desert and follow these rules to stay safe. When hiking, stay on paths and don’t touch plants or pick up rocks or sticks. It’s also important to stay away from wildlife. The desert is the wildlife’s home, so you don’t want to disrupt their natural habitat.
Recommended Tour Companies
If you’re interested in booking an overnight desert safari, make sure to book as far in advance as possible. This is especially true during high season since there are limited desert-accessible hotel rooms. If you’re short on time, you can book a day desert safari instead. All desert tour companies are available online, and some even have an app. You can browse tour companies and read reviews to find the one that best suits your needs.
How to Get There
Most desert tours pick you up from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. If you’re interested in booking an overnight desert safari, you’ll want to check what hotels are nearby. If you want to visit the Liwa Desert, which is about 2 hours outside Abu Dhabi, you’ll have to rent a car or use an app-based ride-sharing service.
Where to Eat
After a long day in the desert, you’ll probably be ready for a good meal. The best places to eat in Abu Dhabi are in the city centre. You can find everything from Indian and Pakistani to Italian, Brazilian, and Japanese food. Some great places to eat near hotels and resorts are Al Manhal Restaurant – This is an excellent option for a multi-cuisine experience. They have everything from Chinese food to pizza. Burger & Lobster – This is a popular place for burgers, fries, and beer. Lemongrass – This is a popular Asian restaurant that serves a lot of vegetarian options.
Conclusion
Deserts are fascinating places, and no desert experience is like Abu Dhabi’s. This Middle Eastern desert is a stunning place, and the desert safari in Abu Dhabi experience here is truly unforgettable. The desert is the perfect place to explore if you’re looking for adventure and something different. This guide has given you the inside scoop on the best desert safari experience in Abu Dhabi. Now it’s up to you to put it into action and make your dreams come true!