Private safari day trip · Abu Dhabi
Sir Bani Yas Wildlife Safari
A full private day on a protected island reserve off Abu Dhabi's western coast, tracking oryx, giraffes and cheetahs across open savannah by jeep.
Far out beyond the city, Sir Bani Yas is an island given back to the wild, where the reserve the late Sheikh Zayed founded now lets thousands of free-roaming animals shape the land. As a day trip it sits within easy reach of Abu Dhabi: the drive out to the Jebel Dhanna jetty takes roughly two and a half to three hours, noticeably shorter than the run from Dubai, before a short ferry carries you across to the island. Your private day runs unhurried: a coastal drive west from the city, a short boat crossing, then an open jeep threading the savannah of the Arabian Wildlife Park in search of Arabian oryx, giraffes, gazelles and the reserve's elusive cheetahs. Between sightings there are salt domes, quiet coastline and the rare feeling of nature with no crowd around it, all of it set to your own pace with a guide who reads the land as you go.
Planning more family days in Abu Dhabi? See the family excursions guide on gett.travel.
- Arabian oryx, giraffes, gazelles and free-roaming cheetahs
- An open jeep safari across the Arabian Wildlife Park
- A protected island far from the city crowds
- Coastal drive and boat crossing to the reserve
- Itinerary and pace shaped to you
- 01
Morning departure
Your chauffeur collects you early from your Dubai or Abu Dhabi hotel, the long coastal drive west an easy prelude as your guide sets up the island's story.
- 02
West to the coast
The road traces the Gulf towards Jebel Dhanna, roughly two and a half to three hours from Abu Dhabi, the landscape thinning to desert and salt flats as the city falls away behind you.
- 03
Crossing to the island
From the mainland jetty a short boat ride carries you over to Sir Bani Yas, where you transfer to an open safari jeep for a quick briefing.
- 04
Into the wildlife park
Your jeep eases through the savannah in search of oryx, giraffes and gazelles, your driver tracking the reserve's cheetahs and pausing wherever the sightings are best.
- 05
Salt domes and coast
Between the animals there is time for the island's salt domes, ridgelines and quiet shoreline, and for photographs without anyone hurrying you on.
- 06
Return to your hotel
You recross to the mainland in the afternoon and settle in for the drive back, reaching your hotel by evening.
- Private guide for the full day
- Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off
- Chauffeured air-conditioned car
- Open jeep game drive with a naturalist driver
- Bottled water on board
Not included
- Island and reserve admission tickets
- Boat crossing ticket to the island
- Meals, personal spending and gratuities
- It is a long full day with a few hours' drive each way
- The cooler months from October to April suit the safari best, with more active wildlife and a more comfortable open jeep ride
- Comfortable shoes, a hat and sun protection are worth bringing
- Bring a camera or zoom lens for the wildlife
- Island and boat tickets are arranged separately on the day
- The reserve suits families; mention young children when you book
Can I visit Sir Bani Yas privately from Dubai?
Yes. The day collects you from your Dubai or Abu Dhabi hotel and runs entirely for your own group, with a guide and chauffeured car door to door.
How long is the day?
Around nine hours in all, leaving early in the morning. Much of it is the scenic drive each way, with the island safari at its heart.
What animals might we see?
The Arabian Wildlife Park is home to Arabian oryx, giraffes, gazelles and cheetahs among others, all roaming freely, though as with any safari sightings are never guaranteed.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the open jeep drive works well for families. Tell us the ages when you book so the day is paced gently for younger travellers.
Is Sir Bani Yas a good day trip from Abu Dhabi?
Yes, and it is shorter from Abu Dhabi than from Dubai: the drive to the Jebel Dhanna jetty runs about two and a half to three hours, then a short ferry carries you to the island for the jeep safari. The drive, crossing, safari and return all fit into one private day.
What is the best season for the Sir Bani Yas safari?
The reserve runs the safari year-round, but the cooler months from October to April make the open jeep drive more comfortable and tend to bring better wildlife sightings, since midsummer heat can leave animals less active during the day.
Does the guide speak Russian on the island crossing, where does this safari actually start from, and how do we book it?
The naturalist guide leads the jeep safari in English and Arabic, and a Russian speaker can be arranged if you mention it while enquiring. This one does not begin at a simple hotel doorstep, a chauffeur collects you from Dubai or Abu Dhabi for the long coastal drive west, then a short boat crossing carries you over to Sir Bani Yas before the open jeep takes over. Book through the WhatsApp button or the enquiry form on this page, there is no online payment, we confirm the early 07:00 departure and boat timing by direct reply.
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