Time to go hiking in the UAE but where would you go, which company would you choose and are you fit enough? Read on for answers to all these questions. Just pack your boots!
We know people who LOVE hiking in the UAE with Chris of ECC Adventures
Why? Because Chris is the founder, Program Director and one of the Lead Guides for ECC Adventures.
Not only is he qualified with a very well established and recognized outdoor instructor body, he’s also got a Wilderness First Responder certification too.
But all the guides who leads treks with ECC Adventures have these certificates, so that’s very reassuring. We know people who’ve gone on numerous trips with them and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Chris and his team at ECC Adventures.
Plenty of hiking in the UAE but what would be best for me
That depends on how much time you have and your hiking ability. You can choose from easy half day hikes and treks to more challenging overnight trips.
Some of the regular trips featured by ECC Adventures
The 7 Summits or Al Bidya trail
This 7-summits/Al Bidya hike is a combination of two entry-level hikes, ideal for beginners and families with children.
The Seven Summits trail begins at the Big Flag in Fujairah then continues across seven summits or forts, representing the seven Emirates that make up the UAE.
You finish the loop where you started at the beautiful gardens, an ideal spot for a quick snack after the hike. This is roughly a 2 hour trail and you walk about 4 km.
The Sidr Trail
Reflect along the Sidr Trail as you take in its quiet waterways, bountiful shade, and teeming life.
As your eyes scan the white and green speckled waters of this Wadi it’s likely you’ll come across the hardy garra fish, toads, and other tiny wildlife. This is roughly a 4 hour trail and you walk about 8 to 9 km.
The Sunrise Trek in Al Aqa
Al Aqa, or “The Pearl of the East Coast”, strikes the perfect balance between land and sea.
As you set off in the early hours, you’ll certainly energize your typical morning routine as you keep up the pace and endurance on this challenging ascent.
Forewarning, the exhilarating ridge trail isn’t for the faint of heart as you will be exposed to some heights on the steep edges along the way.
The trail’s proximity to Sandy Beach and Snoopy Island lends itself perfectly to a post-hike swim.
After the hike, you’ll have certainly earned that little extra time for some sun and relax! This trail is about 3 km but still takes almost 4 hours, there is an elevation gain of 320 meters.
Where to find out which hike would suit me and which days
Go to the ECC Adventures HOME PAGE. Have a look at all the trips on offer, select your date and you’re set.
They can even offer customised private treks for special events if you like. Just contact them via the link below. Please mention you heard about them from Monica at DoinDubai.
SPECIAL DISCOUNT ON ALL TRIPS TILL 30th NOVEMBER
ECC Adventures have kindly offered all our readers a special 20% DISCOUNT ON ALL TRIPS booked by 30th November.
Just use the code DOINDUBAI20 when you check out at the payment page for your booking.
More than just taking a hike
ECC see it as their responsibility to nurture and share a love of the outdoors. They aspire to instill self-confidence through challenging participant’s limits and teaching environmental knowledge and ethics in order to continue preserving outdoor spaces. They fulfill this mission via a range of activities including:
- Recreational outings
- Soft/hard skill workshops
- Ecological programs
- Leadership/team building workshops
- Cultural and historical educational sessions
- Integrated instructional programs
- Wellness development
So take a walk on the wilder side but on the safe side with ECC adventures this winter in the UAE. Thank you for sharing this post.
Disclaimer
This post was written in conjunction with ECC Adventures, but the views are all my own. The company was recommended to me by a close friend who regularly goes on trips with the ECC Adventures.
More ideas for trips within the UAE
More ideas for trips within the UAE include a trip to Sir Baniyas Island Abu Dhabi or Qasr al Sarab also in Abu Dhabi.
