CROSSING THE EMPTY QUARTER
Available Dates:
March 26th to 27th 2021
Price: 5,500 AED per vehicle (up to a maximum of 5 people per car (same family) - additional passengers attract a supplement of 1,000 AED per person)
Highlights
Traverse the World's largest Desert by 4x4 - self-drive or guided
Camp in one of the most remote and unexplored places on Earth
Learn to navigate and be safe in the remote desert dunes
Enjoy the experience fully supported with safety backup and full hospitality
The Empty Quarter south of Abu Dhabi is one of the World’s least explored places. This, the largest sand desert on Earth was once explored by Alfred Thesiger, and has been home for the desert Bedouin of the UAE for centuries.
In this, one of the most beautiful, stark and serene journeys to be had in the UAE, you and your family will drive across the empty quarter in your own 4x4 vehicle, from the Liwa Oasis, all the way to Al Ain. During your adventure you will experience true untouched nature, away from any other human contact. You will also learn how to be safe in the desert, key survival skills should the need ever arise, and how to navigate the terrain.
Your experience will be fully supported by our team to ensure safety at all times, and all of your accommodation (camping, along with a cosy dining and relaxing area), food and drinks will be taken care of by us, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience, without any of the safety or logistical worries associated.
This will be a true memorable journey - taking you to an utterly unique and breathtaking part of the country you didn’t realize existed - often considered too difficult to undertake alone, we do the heavy lifting so that you are able to experience this incredible adventure safely
The Itinerary
If you are not resident of Abu Dhabi, you will start your day by heading over to The Capital (covid restrictions in place - click here for more information). A late morning meetup will see us all together at our pre-arranged meeting point in Liwa, ready to be guided to the start point of our journey across the Empty Quarter.
Our first day will see us immediately leave civilization behind, entering the desert and navigating some of the World's biggest and most impressive sand dunes.
But first, lunch. We'll be treated to a traditional Emirati feast, fueling ourselves up ready to enter the desert and start our quest.
Our skilled team will guide you through the desert, stopping along the way for breaks and to enjoy the beautiful and sometimes brutal scenery.
The evening will see us enter our private camp, where we will settle down for dinner, a campfire and (weather permitting) some of the best views of the stars you will ever see.
After an early wake up (you will wake up with the sun) and prepared breakfast, you will learn some of the key skills needed to survive, thrive and navigate this barren land. You will learn how the Bedouin managed to live here for so long, with no landmarks to guide them and very little water to live on. If times permits, our guides will also teach you some important off-roading techniques that will help you stay out of trouble when driving in the desert.
Before it gets too warm, we will be on our way, navigating our path to Al Ain. When we finally arrive back to solid tarmac, the sensation of solid ground will take a little bit of getting used to.
You will head home from here, with a weekend of incredible experiences and memories that you and your family will keep with you for the rest of your life.
What To Expect
FOOD - All meals are included in this adventure, prepared by our trained camp chef. You can expect Arabic inspired menus, and all dietary requirements and food allergies can be accommodated. We just need to know your requirements in advance of the trip. Food will be served at Majlis style dining tables in the centre of camp, and there will also be a relaxing area complete with fire pits, to enjoy the evening under the stars.
ACCOMMODATION - Do not expect 5 star glamping on this adventure, although we will be providing all basic amenities. Tents will be standard camping tents, big enough for 2 adults, so as a family of 4 (for example) you will share 2 tents amongst your family. We will provide mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags, although you can bring your own equipment should you feel more comfortable. Basic toilet and shower facilities will be available, and should be adequate enough as we will only be spending one night in the wilderness. Finally, you can expect a well appointed, cosy dining area, in addition to an area to relax with a campfire.
GEAR - We will provide all participants with a full kit list that is provided upon booking. As you are driving your own vehicle, it is highly recommended to have it fully safety checked before starting this trip.
HEALTH AND SAFETY - The trip will be fully supported by trained professionals who regularly operate in desert conditions, and specifically within the Empty Quarter. You will have professional backup throughout your journey. Emergency equipment and communication devices will be with our guides.
Participants will be expected to follow the direction of the lead guide at all times.
The trip chef will be preparing food to current Covid-19 standards and is fully trained in all food allergies and dietary requirements. Participants will need to adhere to all current government Covid-19 precautions throughout the duration of the trip.
All tents and camping facilities will be sanitized before use.
Inclusions
All camping accommodation, including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags
All guiding and safety equipment
All required fuel (although an additional full Jerry can is recommended)
All meals and drinks
Basic shower and toilet facilities
Exclusions
Transport to and from the start of the adventure (Liwa, Abu Dhabi)
Additional snacks, drinks
Covid-related requirements to enter Abu Dhabi
Medical Insurance
Personal gear
Your own vehicle for the crossing with off road insurance
Introducing our Strategic Partner
We will be operating this unique experience with our strategic partner in the UAE, Explorer Tours, who specialize in wilderness adventure travel. Together we are combining our years of experience, exemplary safety record and obsessive attention to detail to provide a truly special experience.
Cancelation Policy
Should you need to cancel in the event of a positive Covid-19 result prior to the trip, we can provide a full refund as long as the we are informed in writing, and with the accompanying positive result, no less than 36 hours before the start time of the trip, as stated in the terms & conditions for the trip
In the event of UAE government event restrictions due to Covid-19, a full refund will be given (terms & conditions apply)
Inquiries?
If you have questions about this trip, would like to know more or thinking about booking this trip with us, then please contact us at: