Liwa Tag-Along Self-Drive Tours

Drive your own 4×4, with a 4×4 hire option available on request and subject to availability

A Tag-Along is a guided self-drive desert experience that allows you to explore the Liwa Desert in your own 4×4 while following our experienced desert guide. We handle the route planning, navigation, safety briefing and convoy organization, while radio communication helps keep the participating vehicles in contact throughout the drive. This gives you the freedom and enjoyment of driving your own vehicle while benefiting from professional guidance and support in the desert.

Tag Along itinerary for Tour code (LWA-SD-1/2/3/4)

 

Liwa Adventure – LWA-SD-1

This Tag Along experience introduces drivers to a mix of sand terrain, from easy tracks to exciting dune crests. You will meet your marshal at the Liwa Hotel lobby for a safety briefing and day overview. After a short tarmac drive, you’ll visit a camel farm before entering the desert, where we deflate the tyres and distribute the radio equipment.

The off-road section includes:

• Sabkha flats
• Undulating dunes
• High crests
• Deep bowls

Total distance: Approx. 60 km

Liwa Adventure combination with Dinner BBQ – LWA-SD-2

Same itinerary as LWA-SD-1 plus:

• Sunset from a private dune

• BBQ dinner under the stars

• Tea & local dates

• Exciting Night Drive experience

Total distance: Approx. 40 km

Another highlight is the night drive, offering a completely different desert-driving experience as we make our way through the dunes after dark.

Overnight Camping Tag Along Shuttle – LWA-SD-3

Designed for guests who have their own camping equipment and meals and want to experience an overnight stay in the Liwa Desert. Follow our guide through the dunes to a suitable secluded campsite, where you set up your own camp for the night.

The following morning, we continue with another desert drive before making our way out of the dunes.

Duration: Approx. 18 hours
Total distance: Approx. 70 km
Camping gear and meals are not provided.

Overnight Camping Tag Along Shuttle – LWA-SD-4

Designed for guests who want to enjoy an overnight Liwa Tag-Along experience with meals and the communal campsite setup provided. Follow our guide through the dunes to a secluded desert campsite, where we prepare the seating area and evening setup while you arrange your own sleeping accommodation.

A BBQ dinner is provided in the evening, followed by breakfast the next morning before we pack up and continue our desert drive out of the dunes.

Duration: Approx. 18 hours
Total distance: Approx. 70 km

Provided by us:

• Communal campsite and seating setup
• BBQ dinner
• Breakfast
• Bottled water and soft drinks

Guests must bring:

• Their own tent or other suitable sleeping accommodation
• Sleeping bags, mattresses and other personal sleeping equipment
• Personal clothing, toiletries and overnight essentials

click here for frequently asked questions about self drive

General Terms

• All Tag-Along programs are subject to availability and advance reservation.
• Meeting point: Liwa Hotel, Mezaira’a, unless otherwise advised.
• Participants normally join with their own suitable 4×4 vehicle.
• A 4×4 vehicle may be arranged through us on request and subject to availability, at the applicable additional rate.
• Routes, timings and activities may be adjusted according to desert conditions, weather, safety requirements and operational circumstances.
• Larger or private groups can be arranged separately on request.

What level of off road experience is required?

Our Tag-Along drives are primarily designed for drivers with basic or limited desert-driving experience. The route and driving pace are adapted to the experience of the participating drivers and the prevailing desert conditions, with an emphasis on safety, enjoyment and exploring the Liwa landscape.

Drivers with no previous desert-driving experience are strongly encouraged to complete our 4×4 Desert Driving Course before joining a Tag-Along program.

What vehicles are recommended for our type of terrain?

Participating vehicles must be suitable for off-road desert driving and in good mechanical condition. The vehicle should have adequate ground clearance, suitable recovery points and a proper 4WD system.

Examples include the Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ Cruiser and other comparable 4×4 vehicles.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle is suitable, please contact us before booking and provide the make, model and year for confirmation.

 What services are included?

• Experienced desert guide / lead vehicle
• Route planning, navigation and convoy guidance
• Safety briefing before entering the desert
• Radio communication equipment for participating vehicles
• Reasonable recovery assistance during the Tag-Along drive
• Bottled water and soft drinks

What is not included?

• Mechanical or electrical repairs to participating vehicles
• Repairs for tyre, wheel or body damage
• Spare parts or replacement components
• Towing or transportation of a disabled vehicle to a garage
• Any other repair or recovery costs resulting from a vehicle breakdown or damage

Terms & Conditions

• All Tag-Along programs are subject to availability and advance reservation.
• Advance payment is required to confirm the booking. The required payment amount will be advised at the time of reservation.
• Published rates are in AED; USD amounts are approximate equivalents.
• In case of cancellation after payment, any refund or change of date is at the company’s discretion.
• Rescheduling may be subject to an additional charge depending on circumstances and costs already incurred.
• Routes, timings and activities may be adjusted according to weather, desert conditions, safety requirements or operational circumstances.
• Rub’ Al Khali Desert Tourism LLC reserves the right to postpone, modify or cancel a program if conditions are considered unsuitable or unsafe.

 Liabilities & Safety guidelines

• Off-road desert driving involves inherent risks, and all participants join the Tag-Along program voluntarily and at their own responsibility.
• Drivers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle is roadworthy, properly insured and suitable for off-road desert driving.
• All drivers must follow the guide’s instructions and safety procedures throughout the program.
• Drivers remain responsible for their own vehicle and for damage resulting from mechanical failure, negligence, reckless driving or failure to follow safety instructions.
• Children and other passengers remain under the responsibility and supervision of the participating driver or accompanying adults at all times.
• Participants should remain clear of moving vehicles and avoid standing directly in front of or behind vehicles during stops and recovery situations.
• Before leaving a vehicle, drivers must ensure it is securely parked, particularly when stopped on slopes or uneven terrain.
• Participants may be required to sign a disclaimer/acknowledgement form before entering the desert.

 Personal items you may bring along – Day trips

• Mobile phone or camera
• Personal medication, if required
• Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
• Comfortable clothing and closed shoes
• Light jacket or warm clothing during the cooler months
• Additional drinking water if desired

Personal Items to Bring – Overnight Camping

• Mobile phone or camera
• Personal medication, if required
• Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
• Comfortable clothing and closed shoes
• Warm clothing for cooler desert nights
• Personal toiletries and hygiene items
• Head torch or flashlight
• Your own tent and sleeping equipment, including mattress and sleeping bag

 Vehicle requirements – Must Have!

• Full tank of fuel
• Serviceable spare wheel and wheel-changing tools
• Valid vehicle registration and UAE driving licence
• Appropriate motor insurance, including off-road use where applicable
• Charged mobile phone
• Tyre pressure gauge

Vehicle equipment – Optional

• GPS/Shovels
• Jump Start cable
• Water Jerry can (20 liters)
• Tow rope (heavy duty with a min. load of 5 tons) + shackles
• Fire extinguisher
• Extra Fuel