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Looking for an unforgettable desert adventure? Escape the ordinary with a luxury desert safari from Abu Dhabi to Mleiha. Self-drive dune buggy rides, fossil stops & private experiences await.
Zerzura Experiences offers a premium desert safari featuring self-drive dune buggy adventures, private dining, and context about Mleiha's fossil and archaeological landscape. This is an exclusive experience designed for guests who want more than a typical desert safari.
From AED 1,200 per two-seat buggy without transfer. Paid buggy-only experiences resume 15 October 2026 — book your Mleiha dune buggy experience.
How far is it? Mleiha National Park is about 2 hours (~120 minutes) from Abu Dhabi — most guests come as a day trip, or stop off on the way to Dubai or Sharjah. Zerzura's experience uses self-drive buggies on a guide-led route in Mleiha. Choose the self-drive dune buggy experience, add a dune buggy with private dinner, or reserve a private dinner in the dunes. Prefer the nearer desert? See our desert safari Sharjah.
Why Choose This Desert Safari From Abu Dhabi?
Zerzura offers Abu Dhabi travellers a premium self-drive dune buggy experience in Mleiha National Park, with guided routes, published Dubai and Sharjah transfer options, and Abu Dhabi transfers quoted on request.
1. Self-Drive Dune Buggy Adventure – Be the Driver, Not the Passenger
Unlike standard desert safaris where you're just a passenger, Zerzura lets you take control. Drive a custom-built, high-performance dune buggy Dubai across the Mleiha dunes after a briefing and along a guide-led route.
Prefer an earlier session? Select an available morning time for softer desert light across the Mleiha dunes.
2. Zerzura Dune Buggy Experience with Dinner at Zerzura
For those looking to combine adventure with a gourmet desert experience, our Dune Buggy Experience with Dinner at Zerzura Camp package offers:
- Shared Dubai or Sharjah transfer; Abu Dhabi transfer available on request and quoted separately
- 1-hour self-drive dune buggy adventure, plus safety briefing and expert guidance
- Sandboarding, fossil discovery, and a guided nature walk
- Shared Dinner at Zerzura with a heritage-inspired four-course menu and table service
- Included live entertainment and fire show
3. Private Dinner in the Dunes
Book a private desert-dinner setup for dates from 1 November 2026, starting at AED 2,400 for two guests without transfer. A private dinner-only transfer is AED 350 total for up to four guests; Abu Dhabi transfers are available on request and quoted separately. The experience offers:
- A premium heritage-inspired four-course menu
- Comfortable, private seating in a serene desert setting
- Dietary requests with at least 24 hours' notice
Dining and other full-reopening experiences are available from 1 November 2026.
4. Explore the Ancient Wonders of the UAE Desert
Unlike standard Abu Dhabi desert safaris, this experience immerses you in the region’s rich history and natural beauty:
- Fossil Rock & Camel Rock – Discover natural landmarks and learn about fossils found in the wider Mleiha landscape.
- Archaeological Landscape – Learn about Mleiha's archaeological context and the discoveries associated with the area.
- Desert Landscape – Observe the desert flora and landscape features along the route.
5. Sunrise and Sunset Session Options
Selected morning and evening sessions offer changing desert light across the Mleiha dunes. Confirm the available time for your date in the booking flow.
6. Sustainability at Zerzura
Zerzura reviews environmental and operational evidence before publishing detailed sustainability claims. Sustainability practices are published after evidence review.
What’s Included in Your Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Adventure
- 1-hour self-drive dune buggy ride through Mleiha
- Visit Fossil Rock & Camel Rock
- Sandboarding, fossil discovery, and a guided nature walk
- Abu Dhabi transfers quoted on request
- Refreshments at Zerzura’s desert base in Mleiha
Luxury Desert Safari Abu Dhabi – Itineraries & Packages
Morning Desert Safari – Start Your Day with Adventure
- Arrive in the desert for a self-drive dune buggy experience, where you take control of the adventure.
- Visit Fossil Rock and Camel Rock for dramatic landscapes and local fossil context.
- Finish with refreshments at Zerzura's desert base in Mleiha.
Evening Desert Safari – Sunset & Private Dining
- Drive across the golden dunes in a self-drive buggy adventure at sunset.
- Learn about Mleiha's archaeological landscape and regional heritage.
- Conclude your journey with a private, gourmet dinner in the desert, featuring a chef-curated menu.
Zerzura Dune Buggy Experience with Dinner at Zerzura
- Shared Dubai or Sharjah transfer; Abu Dhabi transfer quoted on request
- 1-hour self-drive dune buggy adventure
- Sandboarding, fossil discovery, and a guided nature walk
- Shared heritage-inspired four-course Dinner at Zerzura
- Included live entertainment and fire show
Overnight Glamping in Mleiha
- AED 800 per furnished glamping tent for up to two guests, available from 1 November 2026.
- Cool box, water, soft drinks, ice, charcoal, grill, toilets and showers included.
- Food is separate; Abu Dhabi transfers are available on request and quoted separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Mleiha from Abu Dhabi?
What makes Zerzura’s desert safari different from other Abu Dhabi tours?
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Can beginners drive the dune buggy?
What’s included in the Zerzura desert safari package?
Do you offer morning or evening safari options?
Is it worth the drive from Abu Dhabi?
When does the Abu Dhabi desert safari reopen?
Mleiha Day Trip from Abu Dhabi – Approximately Two Hours Away
Mleiha National Park is approximately two hours by road from Abu Dhabi, depending on traffic. Zerzura offers a guide-led self-drive dune buggy experience in Mleiha as a premium day-trip alternative; Abu Dhabi transfers are available on request and quoted separately.