Hiking and camping, however, is not so offbeat in the UAE with its so many ardent campers. So how about a date with the starry night before the winters bid adieu?

Shawka is what you would call the offbeat of the offbeat, owing to the isolated nature of the place with not many campers venturing into these rough and challenging terrains. Wadi Shawka trail is in Ras Al Khaimah, a place abundant with the beauty of the raw and real nature. 

Get Set, Go

If you are into some serious camping (and that you should be), then equip yourself with all the necessities from potable water to blankets, camping light, sheets, refreshments and of course the tent. You are heading to a place with not many shops at reach. You could also grab some firewood on the way to light up an awesome campfire, moreover, it is going to be cold in there.

The distance to the trail from Dubai is around 143 kilometres. Setting off to the place with a 4x4 might be more of an adventure, revving up your engine through the uneven offroad trail. Well, you could reach the place without a 4x4 as well. Need not worry about the route as GPS knows exactly where the place is, you just have to type ‘Shawka Dam’ and there you go. 

A Sandy Welcome Note

Undulating chains of small mountains and steep hills start surrounding you as you near the place, with some lonesome palm trees scattered around. You might also find small ponds and natural springs that are full of water throughout the year. The offroad trail at Shawka is no doubt a treat to the many offroad enthusiasts who come here.

Heightening up the excitement of the risky venture, you might also come across wandering camels, goats, donkeys and flocks of birds. 

Pitch a tent

Shawka is not a place merely to visit and return, but one that lures you to stay in its comfort for hours. The silent and isolated aura that surrounds this place is too good, that it tempts you to pitch a tent in here. Camping is going to be made even more ecstatic as the sky above darkens to bring out hundreds and thousands of stars up in there.

The dam has a wide wadi area nearby with some blue and green to complement it, opening before you a serene spot to pitch your tent.

Spend the night in its wilderness, walk around the place, get cozy inside the tent, gaze at the stars and wait until you witness a breathtaking sunrise!