Dune bashing in Abu Dhabi and safari in the desert
Originally, I had planned to take the full day tour to the ancient oasis city Al Ain which is one of the first settlements in the Emirates. But, as it was low season, I could not find any tour operator ready to take me there. Public transportation was too much of a hassle.
Decision to do some desert driving around Abu Dhabi
However, I was determined to get out into the desert. I believe it provides the most fascinating sceneries. So, I booked a half day “Desert Safari and Dune Bashing” with Emirates Tours & Safari which included dinner and belly dancing.
Pick up right on time
The driver, Krish, picked me up from the hotel right on time. Off we went for a half hour drive on the highway before turning into a dirt road leading into the desert.
Deflating the tyres for desert driving
As I have experienced in previous desert trips, the driver stopped and deflated the tires a bit for them to have more grip on the sand. After another ten minutes we met up with eight more cars.
Ready for dune bashing around Abu Dhabi
Initially, I was not enthusiastic about so many cars on my tour. However, once we started going onto the dunes, I felt reassured to have other people around in case of an accident.
Professional dune bashing drivers
Kris explained that all drivers are obliged to go through a tough desert/dune driving schooling before being allowed to take tourists into the desert. Also, the double roll bar within the car was reassuring as I could image that once in a while one of the cars would roll over.
Dune bashing in Abu Dhabi is one of the best in the region
This was not my first dune bashing but I have to say it was among the best ones so far.
It was an exciting roller coaster. At times a bit scary and definitely not for little kids or expecting ladies nor the faint hearted.
In fact, a couple of cars had to halt shortly as the stomachs of some passengers started to rebel.
Camel farm
After about 40 minutes of dune bashing, we stopped at a camel farm. Permit me to introduce you to this very young camel. It was very curious and nibbled at everything that would get near him including my hair and shoelaces.
Visit to a desert camp during the Abu Dhabi dune bashing
We then proceeded to the desert camp where we would have dinner sitting on large cushions on the floor.
I noticed that in a tent on one side a group was sitting on little stools. So, you might book that if not comfortable sitting on the floor.
Cooling the engines
As in all the previous stops, the drivers of the cars opened the hoods of the cars to let the engines cool down. I was amazed that these Land Cruisers would handle the dunes the way they did. Krish explained that they had a metal plate covering the undercarriage and a special gear set.
Chilling time at the camp
It was still early for dinner but there were plenty of activities to undertake.
Some of the fellow travellers got into camel riding, sand boarding, quad biking, henna paining, or falcon handling.
Magic dunes
I, and a couple of others, decided to take a little walk outside the camp and onto the dunes to watch a spectacular sunset.
Dinner during the dune bashing in Abu Dhabi
It was buffet style with a vast variety of local and international dishes all very well prepared and tasty. Water and soft drinks were included. However, I decided to have a can of beer at the exuberant price of 10 Euros.
Followed by a show
Belly dancing and a typical Arab male dance followed. I was impressed by the male dancer as he twirled around himself for some astonishing 20 minutes without losing his balance.
Dune bashing in Abu Dhabi – my conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this tour. It was entertaining, exciting, adventurous and I got to go into the desert. It is a very popular thing to do in this part of the world.
Abu Dhabi has the highest dunes
I was told that the dunes around Abu Dhabi are far higher than in any other place making this adventure even more exciting.
Go with a good company
Having said that, I would recommend to use only well-known companies with specially trained drivers and good cars with internal roll bars. I do believe this crazy driving in the dunes is not without peril.
I was advised to go with the company Emirates Tours & Safari and was very satisfied with their services. In case you want to use them, know that they pretty much offer any tour available in town.
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Check out my other posts on Abu Dhabi:
Enjoy the read!
Great article very impressed will definitely has desert safari in Abu Dhabi
You should when in the area. It is a really fun experience.