This is a 2 day/1 night self-drive & camping trip starting around 1 hour from the Mafraq Junction in Abu Dhabi and finishing around 2 hours from there – 4×4 essential (see here for suggested vehicles).
This itinerary is ideal for those looking for a long but leisurely paced drive with plenty of stops for photographs – it would also be good for families.

Photo credit: Jay

Photo credit: Vivan
The route has been developed, tried and tested by Marina and takes in around 130kms of easy offroad driving through the most beautiful of dunes. The area is very remote and once we enter the desert it is unlikely we will meet many people until we return to the road just over 24 hours later.
It’s a great chance to disconnect from the modern world while appreciating the stark beauty of the Abu Dhabi Desert and at the same time learn of the hardships of travelling over the desert before the advent of 4x4s and mobile phones!
Itinerary
Friday 19th January 2018
- 1030hrs meet at a petrol station – co-ordinates will be sent out to registered guests a few days before
- Fill up then come say hello
- 1100hrs move off
- 1300hrs lunch (provided)
- 1600hrs find a great campspot and set up camp
- 1900hrs bbq, campfire
Saturday 20th January 2018
- 0800hrs cooked breakfast
- 0900hrs strike camp and continue on our overland journey southwards
- 1200hrs approx return to road
- We will be 5kms from a different petrol station where you can fuel up and air up
We will be setting up camp in a remote area with no facilities – we can hire you camping equipment though you may also take your own. Camping/packing list available here. Please note that we need you to take blankets/sleeping bag and a pillow; we do not have room to carry these and no longer hire them out.
Prices
Adults – based on 2 persons in car (if only driver in car then add 250aed single supplement)
- With tent/mattress hire – 710aed per person
- Using own camping gear – 630aed per person
Children
Aged 5-12
- With tent/mattress hire – 355aed per child
- Using parent’s camping gear – 310 aed per child
Aged 2-4
- With tent/mattress hire – 180aed per child
- Using parent’s campinng gear – 100aed per child
Aged 1-2
- complimentary
How do I sign up?
Please read through the itinerary and check it will suit your family. Please also click on the links to see the requirements for your vehicle and the suggested packing list.
Download registration form here or from here
[pdf-embedder url=”https://thedesertdiva.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/master-registration-form-camping.pdf” title=”master registration form camping”]
Complete and return to marina@desertdivaevents.com
To confirm your booking we will request a 50% deposit
Balance is due on or before 4th January 2018
Payments may be made by bank transfer, mastercard or visa – please indicate your preferred method of payment on your registration form.
Notes:
Timings, apart from initial meeting time, are approximate.
It will be foggy season in the area and our departure from camp on the Saturday may be delayed until the fog clears and there is a minimum 500metres visibility.
All children should be strapped into age-appropriate safety/booster seats, whenever your car is moving.
Suggested reading – Wilfred Thesiger, Arabian Sands
Cancellation policy here.
As with all our trips – Limited Places Available – Don’t Miss Out, Register Today and Reserve Your Place in Our Convoy!
Linda mckendrick says:
Hi interested to book,we are away until1 January can you reserve for 2 Adults including camping equipment I am unable to print or complete registration form until we return thanks
Marina Bruce says:
Hi Linda – have sent you an email but not sure if you got it. Place reserved pending receipt of your sign up form! marina@desertdivaevents.com. All the best, Marina