Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3,089 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding worth booking?
Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding is a 6-hour experience in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from $95 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3,089 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 94 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3,089)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $95 per person
Experience life in the desert at the end of the day on a 4WD safari from Abu Dhabi. Watch traditional dance shows like Tanoura and Belly dance, get the chance to ride a camel and enjoy an open buffet barbecue feast.
What you get
- Tanoura show and Belly dance
- Pick-up and drop off from Abu Dhabi
- Henna painting
- Dune bashing experience & Sandboarding
- Mineral water and soft drinks
- Shisha pipe (free in the Shisha area)
About this experience
Experience life in the desert at the end of the day on a 4WD safari from Abu Dhabi. Watch traditional dance shows like Tanoura and Belly dance, get the chance to ride a camel and enjoy an open buffet barbecue feast.
What's included
Included
- Tanoura show and Belly dance
- Pick-up and drop off from Abu Dhabi
- Henna painting
- Dune bashing experience & Sandboarding
- Mineral water and soft drinks
- Shisha pipe (free in the Shisha area)
- Traditional Arabic dress (for photos)
- Open buffet BBQ dinner (vegetarian & non-vegetarian)
- Camel ride
- Transportation by air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with Licensed driver
Not included
- Quad bike and dune buggy activities in the desert
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Abu Dhabi
Meet our expert safari guide at your selected location or hotel. After the pickup, we will drive you to the Abu Dhabi Desert in a modern, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle to kickstart your safari packed with real thrills and excitement. As the necessary preparations are carried out, including adjusting tire pressures and catching up with the convoy, we'll visit a camel farm where you can get up close to these animals well-adjusted to desert life. Soon, you'll step into your 4x4 vehicle to embark on a thrilling session of dune bashing. Traverse the desert with excitement and conquer one dune after another, feeling your heart race as you ascend and descend the highest sand dunes. If your thirst for thrills remains unquenched, you can surf through the soft sands of the desert. After experiencing the exhilaration of the desert, you might even catch a glimpse of the sunset before heading to the campsite.
180 minutes here
Abu Dhabi
A warm welcome awaits you at the camp. Take a moment to rest and savor traditional coffee and dates at the campsite. Experience the ambiance of a Bedouin as you relax within the encampment, adorned with low-lying tables and Arabic cushions. Engage in activities such as Henna painting and Shisha smoking. Following this, embark on a brief camel ride to witness the desert's beauty as dusk approaches. And then, it's time to do the traditional Arabic attire! Watch captivating performances of Tanoura dancing and belly dancing, as you relish a BBQ dinner featuring an array of delectable cuisines. Arabian Kebabs, alongside various Arabic salads, desserts, and main courses, the dinner promises a lavish culinary experience. After thoroughly enjoying the evening's offerings, you'll be comfortably transported back to your hotel or selected location.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Sharing Tour with BBQ Dinner
Dune bashing, sandboarding, Arabic makeover, camel ride, henna, shisha, BBQ meal and entertainment shows. Pickup included
Private Tour with BBQ
Private Tour with BBQ Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- OceanAir Travels Abu Dhabi
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please wear comfortable shoes for safe sandboarding
- Pick-up will be within 45 minutes of your booked time
- It is recommended not to eat 2-3 hours before the safari trip to avoid any vomiting / sickness during the dune bashing
- Entertainment activities:- During the holy month of Ramadan (21 March - 20 April 2023) you can watch Tanoura only in our desert camps. Other religious holidays as per UAE law i.e. 3rd April, 10 & 31st Aug, 9th Nov etc there will not be any entertainment activities in the camps as its strictly not permitted by UAE law.
- By UAE law, pregnant ladies, people with Heart & back problems, and infants (under 3 years old) are not allowed during the dune bashing activity by car. ( If these conditions are applicable to you, please contact our Consultant to customize your tour)
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Pick-up available from your Abu Dhabi City Central hotels & cruise port, Airport pick up is from Premier inn Abu Dhabi Airport hotel.
- By participating, you acknowledge and accept that some activities involve inherent risks and unforeseen incidents, and adequate travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for your safety and financial protection. Recommended Age for Self-Driving Activities: Sandboarding: 12-50 years, Quad Biking: 16–50 years. Animal-related activities (company not responsible for uncontrollable natural behaviour of animals): Camel Ride (Recommended age: 12–50 years) Falcon, Horse Riding.
- Helmets & safety gear are highly recommended where applicable, and participation is entirely at your own risk, the company will not be responsible for any accidents, damage, loss, or death from these activities.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,089 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
3,089 verified traveler reviews for Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun Desert Adventure With Great Food and Entertainment
This was a really fun experience and a great way to see the desert in Abu Dhabi. We had a blast driving through the dunes, sandboarding, and doing the camel rides. It was a fun mix of adventure and culture all in one trip. The evening wrapped up with a nice dinner and belly dancing, which made it a great full experience from start to finish. Definitely worth doing if you want more than just the city while you’re in Abu Dhabi.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Excellent experience and our guide Aamir was incredible. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
.
'I will reckoned to the trip, very exciting that more and more happy returns again thanks for the time
via Tripadvisor
Incredible day on Desert Safari
We had an amazing day with Shine. He was very accommodating and took plenty of photos! We got to stop and pet camels which was my highlight of the day apart from the Dune bashing which was amazing!! The sandboarding down the Dune was thrilling and the bbq and belly dancing and Tanoura show was a great way to end the day.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic desert Safari with Sherif
Had a fantastic time with Sherif as our guide. Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride and evening BBQ and dance show were all excellent. Our kids particularly loved bouncing around in the LandCruiser dune bashing, and slipping down / jumping off / boarding down the dunes. They even said ‘better than all the theme parks’ - just goes to show you can’t beat real life adventures.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $95 to $890
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,081
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by OceanAir Travels Abu Dhabi, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 90.6 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything OceanAir Travels Abu Dhabi runsWhy this scores 94
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Abu Dhabi.
How much does Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding cost?
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Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Abu Dhabi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Abu Dhabi is not rushed.
Is Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3,089 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Abu Dhabi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 6-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding?
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Around 1,081 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Abu Dhabi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Abu Dhabi and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Abu Dhabi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi?
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On Outty we rank every Abu Dhabi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Camel Ride BBQ Dinner and Live Shows, Half-Day Desert Safari from Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Half Day City Tour Sharing Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Abu Dhabi?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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