5 Ways to Turn a Standard Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi Into a Premium Experience

Despite many modern glass-and-steel skyscrapers, commercial and residential spaces, and lush parks, Abu Dhabi still maintains its beautiful deserts. As such, the city remains a popular destination for exciting desert safari adventures.

A desert safari in Abu Dhabi immerses you in pure adventure from the moment you hit the sand. You’ll bounce over golden dunes in a 4x4, giving you a heart-racing experience while watching the beautiful wilderness views.

Most of the top Abu Dhabi city tours also include sandboarding, camel riding, and a picnic in the desert, which enhance the entire experience and make it more memorable.

Elevating Your Abu Dhabi Desert Safari

Did you know there are ways to transform your desert safari into something more luxurious and unforgettable? Read below to discover these tips.

1. Book a private luxury safari.

Booking a private luxury tour can easily make your desert safari a more pleasant experience. Instead of squeezing into a shared vehicle with strangers, you’ll have a car of your own and the entire experience tailored just for you and your family or companions.

A premium desert safari package typically includes a private transfer, picking you up in a fully decked-out vehicle. The entire drive to and in the desert will be more comfortable and private since it’s just you and your group.

You can also stop for photos and buy souvenirs whenever you like, and engage in long, fun conversations with your companions.

Many luxury tours include extras like welcome refreshments and personalised service, which you’ll receive when you arrive at the desert camp.

When you opt for an overnight safari in the Liwa desert, you can enjoy an authentic experience of desert life with traditional meals, camel rides, and campfire gatherings. You can also spend a night under the stars and in a glamped up tent. 

It’s a great way to discover the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi and the highly-sought-after timeless Arabian hospitality.

2. Add desert glamping to your itinerary.

A high-end camp or glamping setup is the ultimate add-on that can make your desert safari more enjoyable.

Staying at a luxury desert camp feels like checking in at a boutique hotel in the middle of the wilderness. You’ll sleep and spend your free time at a spacious tent with comfy beds, soft linens, and even en-suite bathrooms.

Some setups offer air conditioning and mood lighting to make your stay here ultra-comfortable and feel magical.

While here, you can enjoy meals prepared by a private chef. The food is often gourmet, with Arabic and international dishes cooked fresh onsite.

At night, you can enjoy a variety of activities at the camp. These include dinner under the stars, watching belly dancers perform, or getting a henna tattoo.

You and your group can also simply relax, sip tea by the fire, and look up and enjoy the night sky.

Desert glamping is an experience that blends nature, comfort, and culture in the best way possible. It’s the perfect way to end your safari.

3. Include premium activities in your itinerary.

Making the most of your desert safari involves having a well-thought-out, packed itinerary. However, swap the standard activities with premium ones for a more fun day.

Include a dune buggy ride and quad biking to your itinerary to explore the picturesque terrain. Consider watching a private falconry show to learn about the United Arab Emirates’ traditional hunting culture.     

If you’re into yoga or meditation, look for a wellness practitioner who offers private classes in the desert. These activities are great for relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet you can only find in the wilderness.

4. Enjoy specially curated experiences.

There are other activities you can include in your desert safari that can make it unique and memorable. Simply work with a tour provider that offers tailored packages to make your experience extra special.

Start by letting the provider know things that matter to you. If you’re celebrating a family member’s or friend’s birthday, have them arrange a private dinner in the dunes with a cake and everyone’s favourite food.

If you and your special someone want some alone time, ask for a private setup away from the main camp, with soft music, plush cushions, and a fire pit just for the two of you.

Some luxury safaris offer custom menus for both food and beverages to ensure everyone enjoys every meal at the camp.

With curated experiences shaped around your preferences, you can have a desert adventure that feels like it was made just for you.

5. Stay at a holiday home.

The right holiday home can turn a holiday in Abu Dhabi into a premium experience. Staying at Otolo Homes on Yas Island, for instance, can pave the way for this transformation.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel at home in a modern Boho-inspired apartment designed for comfort. Its fully equipped kitchen, private balcony, smart TV, and high-speed Wi-Fi can help you unwind in style after a day in the desert or anywhere in Abu Dhabi.

Staying here also lets you enjoy resort- or hotel-style amenities, including a swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, and secure on-site parking.

A well-chosen holiday home on Yas Island also gives you quick access to some of Abu Dhabi’s most popular destinations that include:

• Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

• Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

• SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

• Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

• Yas Beach

• CLYMB™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

• Yas Marina Circuit

• Yas Mall

• Yas Links Abu Dhabi

• Etihad Arena

Each Otolo Homes guest will receive a single-park ticket per night booked. If you stay here, you can enjoy a day at one or more of Yas Island’s biggest theme parks: Warner Bros. World™, Ferrari World, SeaWorld, or Yas Waterworld.

These destinations can give you more ways to discover the best of Abu Dhabi and make the most of your holiday here. 

A desert safari in the UAE’s capital city can be much more than a quick drive over the dunes. With a few thoughtful upgrades, you can turn it into something truly special.