ABU DHABI: If you thought summers were only about being cooped up inside air-conditioned walls, think again. You could be cliff-jumping into pools of turquoise waters, hiking above the clouds, scrambling through luscious green gardens, swimming through caves and more – right here in the region.
UAE Trekkers (an adventure travel company) is organising an array of expeditions in Oman that are appropriate for the summer months. You will not only get a respite from the scorching the UAE heat, but will also get to soak up the famous scenic beauty of the sultanate. Amira Subaey, media relations manager of UAE Trekkers gives you the low down on these weekend escapades:
Snake Canyon
When: August 3-5
Snake Canyon is a real wadi adventure. It is a long and winding gorge with giant pools of water, expansive caves and high cliffs. You’ll be climbing, sliding and dangling down huge rock faces into pools of refreshingly cold water.
Alistair Seivewright, a British expat in Dubai who recently undertook the trip, said he was not sure if he could handle the adventure. “I had never done abseiling before but the group leader, who was IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) certified, made it easy for me. All the ropes and safety equipment were made by the best manufacturers. The trekking, jumping into the pools and the abseiling made it a challenging, enjoyable and very rewarding weekend,” he said.
Jabel Akhdar
When: August 10-12
If you’re new to trekking, this is a great place to start. In this trip, considered relatively easy, you will explore Oman’s mountains whose peaks rise above the clouds while the temperature drops dramatically. You will also traverse across wadis, dams and plateaus where you will find abandoned villages, alpine flora and blooming pomegranate trees. The chilly nights will make you wonder if you are really in the middle of summer.
Jebel Shams
When: August 17-19
At 3,000 metres above sea level, Jabel Shams is the highest mountain on the Arabian Peninsula. The way up is rocky and steep with ridges to cross. This trip is for avid adventure seekers as the climb is long and requires a great deal of stamina. There are plenty of sheltered spots to rest and admire the views from above the clouds.
“There’s always a buzz of excitement and a whiff of anticipation as to whether everyone will reach the summit. It’s such a fun weekend, full of camaraderie and the hike never disappoints,” said British expat Milly Larner.
The trips cost Dh900 per person. Transportation and visas can be arranged at extra cost by UAE Trekkers.
For more information and booking, contact www.uae-trekkers.com or email uaetrekkers@gmail.com
