Welcome to Wadi Esfai (Isfay) Trail, and it’s neighbouring village, Wadi Isfini!
Officially located in southern Ras Al Khaimah, the area extends from the village of Sifuni close to Mleiha, bordering the Fujairah highway (E84), and joined through to Wadi Shawkah. With high levels of winter rainfall, the valleys transform with the blooming of regional vegetation, sculpted by the flash floods of nature's raw power. The area boasts a unique combination of water sources, mountainous terrain, verdant trees, and wild herbs, creating a picturesque setting that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
Wadi Isfini, derived from "Al-Safi" meaning flat stones on the ground, is a living testament to the region's cultural and educational richness. The Mazari tribe, the traditional inhabitants of Wadi Isfai, who have thrived in this rugged terrain for generations. The wadi is not only a living testament to their heritage but also a sanctuary for biodiversity, with the discovery of the Meharia breithaupti moth, adding a touch of scientific significance to its rich tapestry. Residents relied on cultivating palm trees, wheat, corn, and livestock. The region was once teeming with wild animals, a reflection of its unspoiled beauty.
Trail Info
The trail enters at the end of the local neighbourhood, and follows the wadi towards the regional dam. The further in you get, the greater the elevation becomes, until you look back and see the “grand valley” below, reminding you why this trail is Intermediate+ to Advanced.
Not being a set commercial trail, we follow game trails and natural gradients along the mountain to reach the top, where an off road has been built by the local inhabitants who have place their home upon the mountain. We then follow the ridge line back, with a mix of scrambling, sitting and hiking at greater loss of elevation from the way up. Be careful! This trail is short but it is non-the-less wild and is meant for those looking for the challenge!
N.B: Please see the tentative itinerary for this trail including scheduled dates, below. Kindly note that details such as elevation, meet up times, location, trail info etc., serve as a guide only and that ECC Adventures has the right to cancel or change these dates and itinerary as required without any prior notice.
Final details related to each event will be confirmed with those who have booked online, at least 24 hours before the start of each hike via a WhatsApp group chat created closer to the time of the hike. So, please ensure that you receive the most-up-to-date itinerary before joining the hike.
Example itinerary:
- 6:00 AM: Meet at the ADNOC| Taybah (656) Mleiha Sharjah gas station, convoy to Wadi Isfay once check in has been completed
- 7:00 AM: Park, begin the trek
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Finish Hike
Steep ascent, slippery areas, length of the trail, sun exposure, loose rocks, hazardous species, unmarked trail, slight bouldering.
[Beginners add 2, Experienced hikers subtract 2 to difficulty]
- Experienced and certified mountain guide (English speaking)
- Outdoor education, Assistant Guide/s
- First Aid
- Hat
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- 1-2 liters of water (DEC – MAR) | 2-3 liters of water (for the rest of the months).
- Salted snacks and/or fruit for a few hours of hiking with a little extra.
- Hiking boots or trainers with good grip/not worn out.
- Shorts or comfortable hiking pants/leggings.
- T-shirt light pullover for sun protection/warmth in the morning/evening.
- Trekking poles (optional to help with balance or mitigate fatigue).
