Private Safari Upgrade Abu Dhabi
Private Safari Upgrade Abu Dhabi Practical Guide
Every guest eventually asks the same question when booking: is a private safari upgrade Abu Dhabi worth paying more for compared to a standard group tour? Here's an honest breakdown from the team that runs both every day.
What a Private Safari Upgrade Abu Dhabi Costs
Our Private Desert Safari is AED 1000 per vehicle — not per person — and the 4x4 Land Cruiser seats up to 6 guests. Split six ways, that is around AED 167 each, barely more than the AED 149 shared Evening Desert Safari. For couples or pairs it costs more per head, but you get the whole vehicle and your own driver.
Private vs VIP vs Shared
- Shared (from AED 149): fixed group schedule, shared vehicle, great value for solo travellers and small budgets
- VIP (AED 199): shared vehicle, but reserved seating and private dinner service at camp
- Private (AED 1000 per vehicle): your own 4x4 and driver, flexible pickup time, ride paced to your group
Many guests mix the two ideas: a private vehicle for the ride, then the shared camp for dinner, the Tanoura and belly dance shows, camel riding and henna. Our VIP safari guide explains the camp-side upgrade in more detail.
What Actually Changes
On our Private Desert Safari package, you get your own 4x4 vehicle and driver, dedicated pickup from your exact location, and a flexible pickup time — instead of a shared vehicle with strangers on a fixed group schedule.
Who Benefits Most
- Families with young children — the driver can pace dune bashing to match comfort levels
- Couples on a special occasion — more privacy throughout the ride
- Nervous first-timers — a gentler, more controlled introduction to dune bashing
- Groups with flexible schedules — pickup time can be adjusted more easily
What Stays The Same
You'll still join the shared desert camp for dinner, camel riding and evening shows — the private upgrade is specifically about the ride itself, which is the part most guests care about most.
Comparing To VIP
If privacy at the camp (not just the ride) matters more to you, compare this against our VIP Desert Safari, which keeps a shared vehicle but adds private seating and dinner service at camp.
Booking a Private Safari
Booking works the same as any package: reserve your date, we confirm the plan and pickup time on WhatsApp, and you pay by cash or card on the day. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup. If you want something even more exclusive, the Romantic Dune Dinner (AED 1500) is a fully private table for two in the dunes — popular for proposals and anniversaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private desert safari in Abu Dhabi cost?
AED 1000 per vehicle, seating up to 6 guests. Split across a full group, that works out to around AED 167 per person for a fully private ride.
Is a private desert safari good for families with young children?
Yes, it is our top recommendation for families since the driver can adjust the ride intensity just for your group.
Do I still get the camp dinner and shows on a private safari?
Yes, the private upgrade covers the vehicle and ride; you still join the shared camp for dinner and entertainment.
Can I choose my own pickup time on a private safari?
Yes, private safaris offer flexible pickup times arranged with your driver, instead of the fixed 3 to 4 PM group window.
How many people fit in a private safari vehicle?
Our 4x4 Land Cruisers seat up to 6 guests plus the driver, which is why the price is quoted per vehicle.