Travelling with kids, grandparents or a big group of friends changes everything about a desert trip. You need flexible timing, a driver who'll slow down for a nervous passenger and the freedom to stop when someone needs a break. That's where a private safari really shines.
If you're planning a family desert safari in Abu Dhabi, or a group trip for a birthday, reunion or team outing, here's everything you need to know to make it smooth and stress-free.
Why Go Private With a Family or Group?
- Your own vehicle. No strangers, just your people.
- Flexible timing. Pick a pickup time that works around naps, meals and other plans.
- Custom driving style. Gentle for toddlers and grandparents, wild for teenagers.
- Stop whenever you want. Toilet breaks, photos, snack time.
- Better value for groups. Priced per vehicle, a private car for 4–6 people can cost about the same as shared seats.
Planning a Private Safari for Families With Kids
Choose the Right Time
- Toddlers and young kids (under 6): A morning safari works best. Kids are fresh, it's cooler and you're back for lunch and a nap.
- Older kids (6+): An evening safari with camel rides, sandboarding, dinner and shows is usually a big hit.
- Teenagers: Add a quad bike or 4 seater dune buggy for extra excitement.
Keep Dune Bashing Gentle
Ask your driver for a soft, scenic drive. They'll still go up and down the dunes, but at a pace that feels fun rather than scary. Children under 3 and pregnant women should skip dune bashing entirely. We can arrange a scenic desert drive instead.
Pack Smart
- Snacks and water bottles
- Wet wipes and a change of clothes (sand gets everywhere)
- Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for everyone
- A light jacket for the evening in winter
- Car seat if your child needs one. We can provide child seats on request.
Activities Kids Love
- Camel rides
- Sandboarding (kids are fearless at this)
- Henna designs
- Dressing up in traditional clothes
- The fire and Tanoura shows
Planning a Private Safari With Elderly Parents
- Tell us about mobility needs when booking.
- Choose a gentle drive or skip dune bashing altogether.
- VIP seating at camp offers more comfortable sofas and table service, so there's no standing in buffet lines.
- Evening trips in winter are the most comfortable temperature-wise.
Planning for Groups of Friends
- Book multiple vehicles for bigger groups. Each Land Cruiser seats up to 6.
- Add adventure with quad bikes or dune buggies before sunset.
- Celebrate with a cake, decorations or a private dinner area at camp.
- Make a night of it with an Overnight Desert Safari and a campfire after the crowds leave.
Corporate and Team Outings
Looking for a team-building day that people actually enjoy? We organise private desert experiences for companies of all sizes, including dune bashing convoys, quad bike challenges, private dinner setups, awards nights at camp and more. Ask us for a custom corporate quote.
How Much Does a Private Desert Safari Cost?
Private safaris are priced per vehicle, starting from AED 1,000 for up to 6 guests. Extras like quad bikes, dune buggies, VIP seating or overnight stays are added on top. For families of four or more, going private often costs only a little more than booking shared seats, and the flexibility is well worth it.
A Sample Family Itinerary
- 3:00 PM: Private pickup from your hotel or villa
- 4:00 PM: Gentle dune drive with photo stops
- 5:15 PM: Sunset on the dunes
- 5:45 PM: Camp: camel ride, sandboarding, henna
- 7:30 PM: Dinner and shows (VIP seating optional)
- 8:30 PM: Head back early, ideal for sleepy kids
Private vs Shared: What's Best for a Family Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi?
Shared safaris are fun and affordable, but with kids, a few things can get tricky. You're on a fixed schedule, the driving style is set for the whole car, and you can't easily stop for a toilet break or a meltdown. A private family desert safari in Abu Dhabi removes all of that. You decide when to start, how fast to drive and when to head home.
For a family of four or five, the price difference is often smaller than people expect, because private safaris are priced per vehicle. When you factor in the flexibility, most families find it well worth it.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- Do you provide child seats?
- Can the dune bashing be made gentle or skipped?
- Is there a clean washroom at camp?
- Are there vegetarian or kid-friendly food options?
- Can we leave camp early if the kids get tired?
- What's the cancellation policy if a child gets sick?
We're happy to answer all of these. Just message us before you book.
Keeping Kids Happy in the Desert
- Bring a small bag of essentials: water, snacks, wipes, a spare T-shirt and a favourite toy.
- Plan a "reward": the camel ride or sandboarding gives kids something to look forward to after the drive.
- Involve them in photos. Let them take a few pictures on your phone.
- Watch for tiredness. On a private safari, you can head home whenever you need to.
Group Celebrations in the Desert
From milestone birthdays to family reunions, the desert makes a memorable venue. We can reserve a private area at camp, arrange a cake and decorations, and set up a group dinner with live entertainment. For larger groups, we coordinate multiple vehicles so everyone arrives together.
FAQs
What age is suitable for a desert safari?
Children of all ages can enjoy camp activities. For dune bashing, we recommend kids aged 3 and above.
Can we bring our own car seat?
Yes, or we can provide one on request.
Can we leave camp early?
Yes. On a private safari, you decide when it's time to go.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes. Larger groups and corporate bookings get special rates.
Is a family desert safari in Abu Dhabi suitable for babies?
Babies can enjoy the camp, but we don't recommend dune bashing for children under 3. A scenic drive is a good alternative.
Book Your Private Safari
Tell us who's coming and what you'd like to do, and we'll build the day around you. Book your Private Desert Safari on WhatsApp at +971 50 930 0406 or email booking@desertsafaridunes.com.
