The self-drive desert safari Abu Dhabi option is the cheapest way to get the full desert safari experience — AED 40 per person — because you drive yourself to the meeting point instead of paying for pickup and transfer. Everything else, from dune bashing to the BBQ dinner, is identical to every other package on offer.
What “Self-Drive” Actually Means
You don’t need a 4×4 or off-road vehicle to take part. Any car works — you’re only responsible for reaching the direct desert meeting point yourself. Once you arrive, you park, join the group, and everything from that point on (dune bashing in the tour’s own vehicles, camel ride, activities, dinner) runs exactly the same as every other package.
Parking is available at the meeting point, so there’s no added cost or hassle finding somewhere to leave your car for the evening.
How You Get the Meeting Point Location
Because the desert meeting point isn’t a fixed public address, your exact pickup pin is shared directly via WhatsApp once you book, along with confirmation of timing on the morning of your safari. This is standard practice for desert-based tours — exact dune locations shift and aren’t always mapped on Google, so a direct WhatsApp pin is more reliable than a fixed address.
Meeting Time
Meeting time is listed as 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, though this is always reconfirmed by WhatsApp on the morning of your tour — desert conditions and group scheduling can shift the exact time slightly, so don’t rely solely on the time shown at booking.
What’s Included in the Self-Drive Desert safari Package
Despite being the lowest-priced option, the self-drive package includes the full evening safari experience:
- Camel ride and sandboarding
- Red sand dune bashing
- Arabic costume photo opportunity
- Live entertainment: Tanoura and belly dance shows
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian BBQ buffet dinner
- Unlimited coffee and tea
- Soft drinks and mineral water
- Smoking area access
The only thing you’re not paying for is transport to and from the meeting point — everything at the camp itself is the same regardless of which package you book.
Who Should Book the Self-Drive Option
This package makes the most sense if:
- You already have access to a car in Abu Dhabi
- You’re comfortable driving to a location confirmed by WhatsApp pin rather than a fixed street address
- You want the full desert safari experience at the lowest possible price
- You’re not traveling with young children or elderly guests who’d benefit more from door-to-door pickup
If you’d rather not drive yourself, the bus pickup option from AED 60 or home pickup packages starting at AED 150 include full transport instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4×4 to do the self-drive desert safari?
No. Any regular car can reach the meeting point. Off-road vehicles are only used once you’re at the desert site and the dune bashing portion begins — that’s handled by the tour’s own vehicles, not your car.
How do I know where to go for the self-drive package?
Your exact meeting point location is shared via WhatsApp after booking, along with a reminder and any timing updates on the morning of your safari.
Is parking available at the meeting point?
Yes, parking is available for guests driving themselves to the meeting point.
Is the self-drive package missing any activities compared to other packages?
No. Dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment are all included exactly as they are in every other package — only the transport method differs.
Can I book the self-drive package for a group?
Yes, you can select the number of people when booking. Each person in your group books the self-drive rate individually.
Ready to book? Message us on WhatsApp or use the booking form on our homepage to confirm your self-drive desert safari.