The Liwa Desert isn’t your average ‘patch of sand’. This sprawling landscape, nestled within the vastness of the Empty Quarter (the world’s largest sand desert!), offers plenty of exciting adventures too. But how do you truly discover what it has to offer? Here’s how to experience the desert in all its glory!
Traditional Camel Trekking
Traverse the golden dunes on a ‘ship of the desert’, just like the Bedouin tribes of old. Resorts like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offer unforgettable camel trekking that takes you deep into the heart of the Empty Quarter. Choose between sunrise or sunset treks and witness the spellbinding transformation of the desert landscape as the sun paints the dunes in hues of gold and crimson.
Dune Bashing & Polaris Rides
Those seeking desert adventures with more thrills can look forward to exhilarating dune bashing. Hop into a specially modified 4×4 driven by a professional driver and hold on tight as you conquer the towering dunes. For those who prefer to be in the driver’s seat, some resorts offer Polaris rides; it’s a chance to test your skills and experience the freedom of racing across a seemingly unending sea of sand!
Peaceful Desert Walks
For a more serene desert experience, embark on a guided desert walk. Discover the Liwa Desert’s rich history, learn about the fascinating flora and fauna that thrive here and gain an appreciation for the Bedouin way of life. You can also opt for a night walk under the vast canopy of stars and witness the ethereal beauty of the moonlit dunes.
Fun fact: parts of the Empty Quarter were used to film the two Dune movies directed by Denis Villeneuve, so you might just feel like Paul Atreides, aka Muad’Dib, on your desert escapades!
Horse Riding & Fat Biking
Channel your inner Arabian explorer and discover the Liwa Desert on horseback. Stay at an Abu Dhabi resort that offers guided horseback riding that lets you enjoy the thrill of galloping across the sand with the wind in your hair. For a more modern twist on desert exploration, try a fat bike adventure. These specially designed bikes allow you to conquer the dunes with ease on a pedal-powered journey of discovery!
