The Desert Diva The Liwa Crescent marks the start of the Rub Al Khali, the enigmatic Empty Quarter, largest sand dune desert in the world.
Photo by Ingrid Gabris-Stockey
A 140km long highway, crescent shaped, links many ancient oases fed by huge natural aquifers. To the south, you will find some of the most picturesque dunes in the world; in the western area they are technically difficult to drive over, but in the East they are just as beautiful and a little bit more mellow, offering pleasurable driving in the most awesome of dunescapes.
Photo by Ingrid Gabris-Stockey
This one and a half day, two night trip is suitable for drivers who have completed a couple of drives with a club or with friends, or even the Gulf News Fun Drive. Ideally you will know how to change into 4low and if the car is automatic, understand how to use the selectable (tiptronic) gears.
You must have your own 4×4 – car requirements here.
Photo by Ingrid Gabris-Stockey
Itinerary
Thursday 1st March
Optional night’s camping. I will set up my camp just a short distance from the road so it will be possible to arrive any time before midnight. We will be approx 2 hrs 30 minutes from the Mafraq Interchange in Abu Dhabi.
Note: It will be possible to join us on the Friday morning but will mean an extremely early start for those travelling from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain – some of you will have to leave home by 5am to reach us in time! IT is also still foggy season so I would rather that you joined us on Thursday evening.
Friday 2nd March
0700hrs Light breakfast (provided)
0830hrs prompt – move off
0830hrs-1300hrs – dune drive
1330hrs air up a little to go onroad some 30kms to another part of the crescent
1430hrs further dune driving
1600hrs stop for the night
1825hrs sunset
1930hrs BBQ (provided)
Saturday 3rd March
0800hrs breakfast (provided)
0900hrs further dune drive to take us to the road in 2 hours or less
1100hrs return to road
Photo by Ingrid Gabris-Stockey
Camping
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.
Photo by Ingrid Gabris-Stockey
Prices
Adults – based on 2 adults in car (if only driver in car then add 250aed single supplement)
- With tent/mattress hire – 750aed per person
- Using own camping gear – 680aed per person
Children
Aged 5-12
- With tent/mattress hire – 375aed per child
- Using parent’s camping gear – 340 aed per child
Aged 2-4
- With tent/mattress hire – 180aed per child
- Using parent’s camping gear – 135aed per child
Aged 1-2
- complimentary
Photo by Alasdair Gorman
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 14th February 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 Friday and 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.
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