Desert buggy tour in Liwa: what to expect, step by step

A day at the wheel is about 80 km and takes 5 to 7 hours, including stops.

• 10:00: briefing. The guide explains the route, the signals and how to drive on sand.
• 10:30: departure. The group rides in a convoy behind the guide-instructor.
• On the route: a camel farm, a natural oasis and lunch. In the first day's route the level is medium; later routes climb to big, steep dunes with long descents.
• Around 17:30: back at the hotel.

The expeditions use Can-Am Maverick X3 buggies, a race-spec machine with two seats. One person drives and the other rides alongside. The price is per buggy, and the second person rides at no extra cost.

• The driver should be at least 150 cm tall and have experience of driving a car or a quad.
• A driving licence is not required.
• The first route teaches you to drive on sand and to ride safely in a convoy, so you can start as a beginner on sand.
• The expedition is not suitable for people with chronic heart, vascular or nervous-system conditions.

High boots, trousers and a long-sleeve shirt are mandatory. A helmet, gloves and goggles are provided.

• A professional guide-instructor for the whole route
• The buggy, with fuel for the route and servicing afterwards
• Gloves, helmet and goggles
• Technical support: a RAM 4x4 support vehicle and a mechanic with tools and spares, with evacuation if needed
• An assistance point on the route: karak tea, dates, fruit, snacks, water and soft drinks
• Lunch on the route

• Transfer from Dubai or Abu Dhabi (the team can arrange it)
• Accommodation. Western Hotel Liwa is recommended and can be booked for you.
• Dinners at the hotel
• Life insurance. Personal accident insurance is recommended.
• Advanced protective equipment
• A refundable $450 equipment deposit, returned after the expedition
• Repairs for damage caused by the rider, charged at authorised dealer prices

Prices below were checked on 28 October 2026 and are for the expedition only, per buggy with a crew of up to two. See the tour pages for the current price.

• 1 driving day (a 3-day trip with arrival and departure): AED 5,800, about $1,580 per buggy.
• 2 driving days (a 4-day trip): AED 11,600, about $3,160 per buggy.
• 3 driving days: AED 17,600, about $4,800 per buggy. The days get harder: about 80, 100 and 120 km.

Liwa is about 230 km from Abu Dhabi (around two hours) and 330 km from Dubai (around three hours). Most guests arrive the evening before, check in at the hotel and start at 10:00 the next day. After the last riding day the group sleeps in Liwa and leaves the next morning.

The expedition season runs from October to May. In a sandstorm or other bad weather the ride is rescheduled and other dates are offered.