A desert safari without dune bashing is the same desert trip, with only one part changed. Dune bashing is skipped, and replaced by a smooth, gentle desert drive with photo stops. Everything else stays the same: the camel ride, sandboarding, the desert camp, Arabic coffee (gahwa) with dates, and, on the evening trip, the BBQ dinner. You still see the dunes, you still stop for photos, and you still enjoy the camp. The drive into the desert is simply taken at a gentler pace, without the fast, steep dune driving.
What changes, and what stays the same
What changes is one thing only: the style of driving in the dunes. Instead of dune bashing, the driver takes a smooth, gentle desert drive and stops for photos at suitable points. What stays the same is the rest of the trip. You still travel to the desert, you still enjoy a camel ride and sandboarding, and you still visit the camp for gahwa and dates. On the evening version, you still enjoy the BBQ dinner.
This is important for planning, because a gentle safari is not a shorter or lesser desert visit. It is the same morning or evening safari, with the dune bashing part replaced. If you want the desert views, the camel ride and the camp, but you prefer a calmer drive, this is the version to ask for.
The two gentle options and prices
Evening desert safari without dune bashing: AED 150 per person. Pickup is approx. 3:00 to 3:30 PM, and drop-off is approx. 9:30 PM. This is the fuller evening option, with sunset, the camp, gahwa and dates, and a BBQ dinner.
Morning desert safari without dune bashing: AED 250 per person. Pickup is approx. 7:00 to 7:30 AM, and drop-off is approx. 11:30 AM. This is the shorter morning option, with sunrise light, quieter dunes, a camel ride, sandboarding and photo stops, and a return before lunch.
Both options start from AED 150 per person, because the evening option is AED 150 and the morning option is AED 250. Choose by time of day, not only by price. Morning gives you the rest of the day free. Evening gives you sunset and a camp dinner.
A gentle drive, step by step
After pickup, the driver heads toward the desert at a steady pace. Instead of fast dune bashing, the drive through the sand is smooth and gentle, with photo stops along the way. You can step out, take photos of the dunes, and enjoy the desert landscape without rushing.
From there, the trip follows the normal flow. You can enjoy a camel ride, try sandboarding, and sit for gahwa and dates. On the evening trip, the camp and BBQ dinner complete the outing before the return at approx. 9:30 PM. On the morning trip, the return is at approx. 11:30 AM, leaving your afternoon free.
Who asks for this option
Families often ask for a gentle safari, especially when travelling with young children or older relatives. Elderly travellers also ask for it, because they may prefer a calmer drive and more time for photos. Pregnant women may also prefer this option, and people with heart conditions may ask for a gentler drive as well.
This article does not claim that a gentle safari is medically safe for any person or condition. It only describes the trip: dune bashing is skipped and replaced by a smooth, gentle desert drive with photo stops. Tell us at booking so the driver is informed; if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.
How to ask for it when you book
Asking for this option is simple, but it must be done at booking. Tell us at booking so the driver is informed; if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first. Do not wait until pickup to mention it, because the driver and the plan for the drive need to be set in advance.
When you message us, say clearly that you want the desert safari without dune bashing, and say whether you want the morning or evening version. Add your date, pickup location, group size, and any ages that matter for planning, such as children below 3. Children below 3 are free, and age 3 and above is charged at the full adult price.
Prices, payment and cancellation
Evening without dune bashing: AED 150 per person. Morning without dune bashing: AED 250 per person. The same pickup windows apply as above: evening pickup approx. 3:00 to 3:30 PM with drop-off approx. 9:30 PM, and morning pickup approx. 7:00 to 7:30 AM with drop-off approx. 11:30 AM.
There is no upfront payment. You pay on the day, and cancellation is free. You can pay cash to the driver, or pay by card at the camp at 10 percent extra. If you want to avoid the card extra, bring cash for payment on the day.
Practical tips for a gentle safari
Wear light, comfortable clothes and closed shoes you do not mind getting sandy. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, and keep your phone charged for photo stops. Bring a small bag for water and personal items, and a light layer for the evening return.
Take your time at photo stops, and let the driver know if you want an extra moment for a photo. The gentle drive is designed for a calmer pace, so there is no need to rush from stop to stop. Sit, look at the dunes, and enjoy the desert at a pace that suits your group.
The experience is family friendly and halal friendly. There is no alcohol, no belly dance, no Tanoura or fire shows, and no shisha. The focus is the desert, the gentle drive, photo stops, the camel ride, sandboarding, gahwa and dates, and, on the evening trip, the camp and BBQ dinner.
Morning or evening, without dune bashing
If you want sunrise and a return by approx. 11:30 AM, choose the morning version at AED 250 per person. If you want sunset, a camp and a BBQ dinner, with a return at approx. 9:30 PM, choose the evening version at AED 150 per person. Both skip dune bashing, both replace it with a smooth, gentle desert drive with photo stops, and both keep the camel ride, sandboarding, gahwa and dates, and the camp experience.
Frequently asked questions
What is a desert safari without dune bashing? It is the same evening or morning safari, with only dune bashing skipped, replaced by a smooth, gentle desert drive with photo stops. Everything else stays, including the camel ride, sandboarding, camp, gahwa and dates, and BBQ dinner on the evening trip.
How do I request it? Tell us at booking so the driver is informed; if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.
Does the price change? No price change is stated for skipping dune bashing in this article. The evening option is AED 150 per person, and the morning option is AED 250 per person, with the same pickup windows as the standard morning and evening safaris.
Is it suitable for families and elderly travellers? Families, elderly travellers, pregnant women and people with heart conditions are among those who ask for this option. This article does not claim medical safety for any person. Tell us at booking so the driver is informed; if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.
Useful links
Desert Safari Without Dune Bashing Abu Dhabi: https://arabiandeserttour.ae/desert-safari-without-dune-bashing-abu-dhabi/
Morning Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: https://arabiandeserttour.ae/morning-desert-safari-abu-dhabi/
Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi: https://arabiandeserttour.ae/evening-desert-safari-abu-dhabi/
Desert Safari Abu Dhabi hub: https://arabiandeserttour.ae/desert-safari-abu-dhabi/
Book on WhatsApp
Ready to book the gentle way? Message us on WhatsApp on +971 52 774 6208, or use https://wa.me/971527746208 . Say that you want the desert safari without dune bashing, choose morning or evening, and add your date, pickup location and group size. Remember, there is no upfront payment, you pay on the day, and cancellation is free.
