If there was one word that could describe dune bashing in Abu Dhabi, it would be “exhilarating”. One minute your adrenaline is at its peak and the next minute you are cruising amidst the sand with a sense of elation. Combine the adrenaline-pumping experience with sightseeing the deserts beauty. My recent experience with dune bashing was after I booked an Abu Dhabi desert safari. It included everything from the jolt of excitement to the warm embrace of cultural immersion at the desert camp. This experience helped me create this guide so that you too can prepare yourself well to enjoy a memorable desert adventure.
Is Dune Bashing Thrilling?
Do not underestimate dune bashing as a typical off-roading experience. It is undoubtedly a rollercoaster experience with the added suspense of not knowing how steep the next dune or how deep the next sand valley is going to be. Imagine a sturdy 4×4 vehicle sprinting up and down gigantic sand dunes with a skilled driver maneuvering the wheel. Our vehicle was handled by Nayef, an expert in navigating the gigantic dunes with utmost skill. Although we were experiencing spurts of adrenaline, we knew that we were in safe hands with Nayef’s confidence and skill.
Tips for Your Desert Safari
These are some tips to consider before embarking on your desert safari to have the best dune bashing experience:
- The golden hour is a thing, and a desert sunset is a sight to behold which is why you should book an afternoon safari is the time permits.
- Make sure to dress comfortably with cotton or linen clothes. Opt for flip-flops and slip-on sandals over sport shoes or sneakers so that you can easily go barefoot on the sand.
- Bring along essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to safeguard yourself from the scorching desert sun.
- If you easily get motion sickness avoid eating at least 2 hours before the dune bashing experience and take non-drowsy medicine beforehand.
- Carry some cash if you want to tip or buy some drinks at the camp.
How To Experience A Dune Bashing Adventure
- Book your tour: Booking an Abu Dhabi Dune Bashing tour is easy as there are numerous options available. I went with Recreative Tours, and they handled my last-minute booking seamlessly. They are a reputed company with many experienced drivers and well-maintained 4×4 vehicles for dune bashing.
- Pick up from your location: A Toyota Land Cruiser awaiting you signals the start of your dune bashing experience. After picking you up, they might pick up your other travel mates before driving to the desert. We were paired with a couple and a solo traveler. The drive to the outskirts of Abu Dhabi took approximately 40 minutes which gave us ample time to have a chat with our travel mates and get to know them. I also enjoyed watching the shifting scenery from buildings to the barren desert.
- Dune bashing: After reaching the desert, our driver deflated the tires for better traction before conquering the dunes. The next 40 minutes was exhilarating with sudden drops, steep climbs, and side maneuvers that will have you gripping your seat handles. Meanwhile, we were equally awestruck by the beautiful landscapes.
- Activities in the Desert Camp: We were escorted to a Bedouin style desert camp that was built amidst a gigantic dune. Here we took part in many activities, my personal favorite being sandboarding. The girls in our group got their hands adorned with henna. The ambience at the camp was very vibrant and displayed the traditional desert culture. We were also served Arabic coffee with dates, a traditional way of welcoming guests. If you are comfortable with it, you can hop on the back of a camel and take a brief ride.
- Desert sunset and open-air dinner: When it was nearing sunset time we climbed to the summit of a tall dune and witnessed the gorgeous sunset. I must say that the climb was not easy, especially if you are not very physically active, but the view we got was worth the tiring feat. After the sun set, we returned to camp and had a scrumptious BBQ dinner watching a live performance of Tanoura and belly dancing.
- Stargazing and journey back to Abu Dhabi: A trip to the desert will be incomplete without a stargazing session. Finally, we returned to our hotel in Abu Dhabi, safe and sound, with enough memories to grace our dreams for the next few days.
Final Thoughts
Abu Dhabi Desert is a transformative adventure that goes beyond desert dunes by combining exhilaration with deep cultural immersion. It isn’t a thrill ride but a pulse-pounding journey through nature’s golden playground, where each steep climb and swift descent leaves you breathless and wanting for more. But beyond the adrenaline high, the desert also has a soft underside, watching the sun melt into the horizon, feeling the sand beneath your feet, understanding the traditions of time. From the charisma of a Bedouin camp to the quiet star gazing under the canopy of an endless sky, this is a weaved tapestry of emotions which will continue to echo long after you leave. If you are looking for more than just a desert adventure, but one that touches both your senses and your soul, then Abu Dhabi’s dune bashing awaits to redefine the true meaning of adventure.
