There are so many beautiful hiking spots all over UAE to explore with the weather cooler during winter months making it a perfect outing for the whole family.
Al Rabi Fort
Things that are good to know:
There are various groups that organize hikes.
If you’re a beginner I absolutely recommend using these until your more confident, experienced to do one on your own.
https://linktr.ee/eccadventures (I used them this time)
First hike location:
Mt. Al Rabi, Khorfakkan
My experience:
With so many fabulous hikes to choose from. I decided to choose a beginners hike with a 2.5 to 3 hrs duration. I signed up for Al Rabi hike for a small fee of 100aed. Closer to the date a whatsapp group was initiated by ECC Adventures. We were given a proper brief with timings, what to expect, what to carry, what to wear and GPS location with meet up time.
We drove down to the meet up point (ADNOC petrol pump, 1 hr 20 minutes drive) where we all got to know each other picked up any last minute snacks, water and used the washroom before we head to start point. We were a group of 22 people. We then drove up to the start point. Highly recommend using the allocated parking at the bottom of the hill instead of the slope as the police issues fines for parking in non designated areas.
Start point
Johan briefing us
We walked toward the fort and waited for a brief. There were 4 experienced hikers from ECC Adventures who placed themselves at the start, in between and behind to make sure we were all fine. They were equipped with extra water, first aid kit and walkies.
Johan from ECC Adventures briefed us on what to expect on the trail like the elevation, obstacles (thorny bushes), no dangerous animals or snakes, the pace and must knows for new hikers, how we will be climbing 2 summits and our way down trail. Was truly helpful to have an idea of what we were about to do and what to expect.
We started off and the view was just so beautiful will cold winds. The trail is already created with stone steps, it was easy to follow. We could stop in between for a breather or sip of water. Ni-Ni from ECC Adventures advised us to go at our own pace, enjoy the view and the moment. And that’s what we did!
We got to see some local thorny shrubs, lizards, donkeys, beetles .On our way upwards we had a chance to rest for 15 minutes have a quick snack before we continued toward the first summit. Getting up to the first summit was a moment of achievement, the view made it all worth it. We headed downwards towards the second summit, this one was much faster. We rested for a few minutes and had a light snack, hydrated ourselves before we go downhill.
First summit
Second summit
First 800mtr climb of my life
We got a brief from Johan what to expect, to stay attentive as it’s a slippery way down coz of loose mud and stones, to keep distance f
rom each other just in case. He was absolutely right! That’s exactly what we experienced.
The downhill climb was a slow and painful one for me as I went straight downwards my toes were killing me and quiet sore. Only to learn the best way to head downhill is alternating sideways. The sun was above us but thanks to the cold winds it was still pleasant and comfortable. We used the donkeys trail to head downwards for a change of scene. You can always use the same trail to go back down. But you would tend to find a lot of other hikers climbing upwards as you descend. This wasn’t the case on the donkeys trail. It was steep, and you could go down at your own pace. When we finally made it down to our start point it was an achievement with ECC Adventures team giving us a high five on our accomplishment. Will I ever do it again? Absolutely! I never felt so alive and I’m already planning my next one 😊
What I recommend:
If it’s your first don’t ever go alone. Pick an easy trail for beginners not longer than 3 hrs
Pack light fruit bars, sugary, salty sweets, and a fruit.
Pack 3 small 500ml bottle of water per person.
There are no toilets on the whole trail.
Wear the right shoes (hiking specific to avoid slipping) and light clothes with a jacket
Load up on sunscreen
Wear a hat for additional protection from the sun
you can take kids on beginner and short trails
If you are an experience Hiker this might help https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-navigation-app
I do hope this blog post was helpful in giving you all the information you’re looking for. Feel free to drop any additional question as a comment below. Make sure you’re following us coz I will be sharing my hiking experience here as I explore UAE. Until then stay safe.