If you’ve been searching for Sonara Camp desert safari options, you’ve probably noticed something: there isn’t much solid information out there yet. That’s because Sonara Camp is one of the newer names in the Abu Dhabi desert experience scene, and demand for it has been climbing fast. This guide breaks down exactly what the camp offers, what it costs, and whether it’s the right pick for your trip.
What is Sonara Camp?
Sonara Camp is a desert camp experience set in the dunes outside Abu Dhabi, built around the same Bedouin-style hospitality that made camps like Al Sahra and Bab Al Shams popular — but positioned as a quieter, more intimate alternative. Instead of large group setups, Sonara focuses on smaller gatherings, private seating areas, and a slower pace that suits couples, families, and small groups who want to skip the crowded, tour-bus version of a desert safari.
The camp typically operates as part of an overnight or evening desert safari abu dhabi package, meaning your day includes dune bashing, a stop at the camp for dinner and entertainment, and — for overnight guests — a night under the stars in furnished tents
What's included in a Sonara Camp desert safari
Most Sonara Camp packages follow a similar structure, though inclusions vary by operator and package tier:
- Pickup and drop-off from Abu Dhabi or Dubai hotels
- Dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle
- Sandboarding
- Camel photo stops
- Buffet dinner (often BBQ-style with vegetarian options)
- Traditional entertainment — tanoura dance, fire shows, or live oud music
- Shisha lounge access
- Henna painting
- Overnight tent stay (for overnight packages only)
- Breakfast the next morning (overnight packages)
Some premium tiers add falconry displays, private majlis seating, or a dedicated photographer — worth checking before you book if that matters to you.
Sonara Camp pricing (2026 estimates)
Pricing at Sonara Camp sits in the mid-to-premium range compared to standard Abu Dhabi desert safaris, reflecting the smaller-group, higher-comfort positioning.
|
Package type |
Typical price range (per person) |
What you get |
|---|---|---|
|
Evening safari (no stay) |
AED 250–350 |
Dune bashing, dinner, entertainment, return transfer |
|
Overnight safari |
AED 450–650 |
Everything above + tent stay and breakfast |
|
Private / VIP tent |
AED 700–1,200 |
Private seating, upgraded dinner, dedicated guide |
Prices shift with season — expect the higher end during UAE winter months (November to March) when desert safari demand peaks, and better rates in the summer off-season.
Best time to visit Sonara Camp
Winter (November–March) is peak season: cooler evenings, clear skies, and the most comfortable dune-bashing conditions. Summer visits are cheaper and less crowded but come with significant daytime heat, so evening and overnight slots are the better choice if you’re booking between June and September.
Sonara Camp vs other Abu Dhabi desert camps
If you’re comparing options, here’s roughly how Sonara Camp stacks up against other well-known names:
- Sonara Camp — Smaller groups, quieter atmosphere, mid-to-premium pricing
- Platinum Heritage — More heritage-focused, higher price point, vintage Land Rovers instead of modern 4x4s
- Caravanserai — Larger-scale, more elaborate entertainment, better suited to bigger groups
- Standard group camps — Lowest price point, larger crowds, less personalized service
If your priority is comfort and a slower pace over big-crowd spectacle, Sonara Camp is worth the slightly higher price. If you want the most elaborate show-style entertainment, Caravanserai or Platinum Heritage may suit you better — we’ll cover both in detail in upcoming guides
Who Sonara Camp is best for
- Couples wanting a quieter, more romantic overnight desert stay
- Small families who prefer not to be lumped into large tour groups
- First-time visitors who want a comfortable, well-organized introduction to the desert
- Travelers combining Abu Dhabi and Dubai stays, since pickup is available from both
It’s less suited to large groups chasing the lowest possible price — for that, a standard shared desert safari package will be cheaper.
How to book:
Sonara Camp packages are typically booked through tour operators rather than directly, since access is coordinated with transport and permits. When comparing quotes, confirm:
- Whether the price is per person or per vehicle
- What’s included in the dinner (buffet vs à la carte)
- Whether hotel pickup is included or charged separately
- Cancellation policy, especially for overnight bookings
For a full breakdown of desert safari pricing across Dubai and Abu Dhabi operators, see our main desert safari pricing guide.
Looking to book your own desert experience? Explore our Overnight Desert Safari for a full night under the stars, or check out our Evening Desert Safari if you’re short on time
Frequently asked questions
Yes — most packages welcome children, though dune bashing intensity can usually be adjusted for family vehicles on request.
A light jacket for the evening desert chill, comfortable closed shoes for sandboarding, and swimwear if your package includes a pool stop.
Availability depends on the season — during peak winter months, booking at least 2–3 days in advance is recommended.