The Desert Diva 
This is a 2 day/1 night self-drive & camping trip starts around 1 hours from the Mafraq Junction in Abu Dhabi and finishes around 2 hours from there – 4×4 essential (see here for suggested vehicles).
This itinerary is ideal for those looking for a relatively long but leisurely paced drive with plenty of stops for photographs – it would also be good for families. The dunes in this area are vary from small right through to huge and it’s not unusual to see gazelle, lizards, and of course, camels!
The route has been developed, tried and tested by Marina and takes in around 80kms 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
Day One
- 1600 hrs meet at a petrol station on the Hameem Road– co-ordinates will be sent out to registered guests a few days before
- Fill up then come say hello
- 1615hrs move off
- Easy offroad drive
- 1800hrs find a great campspot and set up camp
- 1900hrs bbq, campfire
Day Two
- 0800hrs light breakfast
- 0900hrs strike camp and continue on our overland journey southwards
- 1230hrs picnic lunch
- 1400hrs approx return to road – around 30kms south of our entry point
- nearest petrol station: Hameem
- nearest roadside cafe: Al Anas (great food for around 15aed per head)
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. 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
- Driver 1050aed
- Passengers 550aed each
Children
Aged 4-11
- 390aed each
Aged 2-3
- complimentary when accompanied by 2 adults
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.
Please contact Marina on whatsapp +971509478563 to enquire about this trip
Minimum cars/adults – 3 cars/6 adults
Payments may be made by bank transfer.
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
