Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: A Candid Review

If you’re looking to trade city views for a touch of desert magic, an evening desert safari in Abu Dhabi could be just the ticket, really! That it promises adventure, cultural experiences, and a starlit dinner should give you the basic idea. But does it actually deliver? So, I gave it a shot, and here’s the lowdown, very honestly.

First Impressions and Anticipation

That the tour companies usually pick you up right from your hotel is just super convenient, basically. We were greeted by our driver, and then the ride out to the desert was, arguably, part of the fun, almost! As we left the city, like, the scenery gradually transformed into, you know, vast stretches of sand. So, there was, too, a palpable sense of excitement building up, in a way, alright.

What got me thinking, yet, was whether this would be one of those overly touristy things, alright? Like, you know, a carefully crafted experience that feels a bit detached from the true culture, usually. Still, I was eager to find out, that is!

Dune Bashing: Hold On Tight!

Now, the dune bashing part, really, is where things get wild! Our driver, who definitely knew his way around those dunes, suddenly transformed into a stunt driver, more or less, yet! The 4×4 climbed up and slid down the dunes at angles I didn’t even know were possible, and, actually, there were screams, laughs, and maybe a nervous prayer or two. Very exhilarating!

I felt, in a way, a little queasy, to be honest. Those prone to motion sickness might wanna pop a pill beforehand, that! Seriously, it’s quite the rollercoaster ride, okay. However, as long as you are well, it really is an absolute thrill.

The photo ops were another story, very great! We stopped at the peak of a tall dune, you, as the sun began its dip. So, the desert landscape bathed in warm golden light felt absolutely unreal. Incredibly pretty!

Cultural Activities: A Taste of Arabia

After all the dune bashing, we arrived at the desert camp, too! Like, here’s where we got to experience some cultural stuff, alright. Activities included camel riding, sandboarding, getting henna tattoos, and, well, trying on traditional Arabian costumes, clearly. Camel riding? Pretty standard stuff, yet enjoyable.

Sandboarding was fun, despite my epic fails. As a matter of fact, I ended up sitting more than standing, really. The henna was beautiful, more or less. As a matter of fact, it lasted for a surprisingly long time after we were done.

I reckon the highlight, really, was trying on the traditional clothes. I felt totally different dressed like that. Still, these activities offered a glimpse into Arabian culture, if arguably a tourist-focused version. I guess it depends on your tour operator. Some will feel “genuine”, yet that’s not always the point, is that?

Dinner Under the Stars: A Feast for the Senses

The dinner under the stars was, to be fair, the part I looked forward to most. That a buffet spread of Arabic and international dishes, from grilled meats to fresh salads, became the main attraction seemed alright to me. They even have stuff for vegetarians, still, very limited. That being said, they always have rice.

The food, so, was pretty good. Some of it could have been a bit warmer. Yet, you can’t beat the setting. Dinner, like, beneath the starlit sky is hard to beat, honestly. As I was saying, the traditional entertainment – belly dancing and Tanoura dancing – added to the atmosphere, kind of.

The belly dancer, so, was incredibly talented. Also, the Tanoura dancer with all those twirling lights was something to behold. Anyway, there was shisha available, alright. Still, I didn’t partake. If nothing else, it contributed to the authentic vibe, usually. People loved it, okay?

The Starry Sky and Peaceful Desert Nights

Away from the camp, that, is where you actually get to appreciate the stillness of the desert. Gazing up at the stars, like, so far from city lights, was an unforgettable part. Just, I sat there for a while, simply soaking it all in.

In fact, that feeling of peace, that is what I will remember most, like. So, the desert at night has something magical, almost. Maybe that is what the attraction is.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, would I suggest the Abu Dhabi evening desert safari? Oh yes! If you are the type of person looking for some adventure and a touch of cultural stuff, it ticks all the boxes, definitely. Sure, alright, it’s touristy. Even so, the dune bashing is exciting. More or less, that’s a chance to experience Arabian traditions and that dinner, all are great. Above all, to spend an evening under the stars makes it something unique.

If nothing else, a few things you ought to keep in mind, that is. Wear comfortable shoes, by the way, as you’ll be walking on sand, often. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses, obviously. In that case, bring a light jacket for the evening, you know. Plus, hydrate well, mainly!

Most importantly, that, go with an open mind, definitely. Accept the experience for what it is, a taste of the desert life, literally. Do that and you are sure to have a great time. Hopefully!