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Welcome to Wadi Isfay, and it’s neighboring 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!
Challenge Options:
Intermediate+ (8/10)
Trail Type: Loop
Distance: 7.8 KM
Elevation Gain: 514 M
Trail Time: 4.0-5.0 Hours
Details:
- 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]
N.B. Itinerary details serve as a guide only and is subject to change due to seasonality variations experienced the UAE. Meet up times corresponding to each event can be found under Upcoming Dates below and will be confirmed at least 24 hours before the start of the hike.
Meeting Point: ADNOC Service Station | Tayba (656)
Upcoming Dates
10/27/2024
Sunday, October 27, 2024
6:00 AM Meet-up
Adult: AED 275
12/22/2024
Sunday, December 22, 2024
7:00 AM Meet-up
Adult: AED 275
What's Included
- Experienced and certified mountain guide (English speaking)
- Outdoor education, Assistant Guide/s
- First Aid
What to Bring
- 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).
I joined ECC in 2022 and have been a season pass holder since then. The trails they offer are unique; after your first hike, you’ll want to keep going back again and again….and again. 😂 I never thought hiking would be possible in the UAE, but ECC has made it happen—and it’s incredibly fun!
Their experienced team not only guides you on the trails but also teaches you about the local flora and fauna, along with interesting bits of history.
Kudos to ECC! To more trails next season!
Thanks to ECC Adventures, I have been able to see and appreciate the many hidden treasures dotting the UAE landscape. Highly recommended for nature enthusiasts.
My recent hiking experience at Wadi Al Abadlah with ECC Adventures was nothing short of extraordinary. The trail was offering a perfect blend of challenging ascents and relaxing meanders through serene valleys. Our guide, Stephen and Karen were incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating facts about the local flora and fauna while ensuring our safety at all times. Their passion for the outdoors was infectious, and made the entire group feel at ease, even during the more strenuous sections of the hike. Overall, the hiking adventure was a transformative experience that rejuvenated my spirit and reignited my love for nature. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fun and unforgettable outdoor adventure. See you on next trails soon.
I have had the pleasure of joining a number of hikes and Chris and team never disappoint. What an amazing way to enjoy nature in the UAE, knowing that you can do so safely with your family. Many of the hikes are family friendly and the children enjoy the experience immensely.
My first hike with ECC Adventures was nothing short of spectacular. The stunning landscapes of the UAE, combined with the professionalism and dedication of the ECC team, made this an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend ECC Adventures to anyone looking to explore the beautiful hiking trails of the UAE. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a complete novice like myself, ECC Adventures ensures a fantastic and safe adventure.
Thank you, ECC Adventures, for making my first hike such a positive and enriching experience! I look forward to many more adventures with you in the future.
It was my first and it exceeded my expectations. Thank you Chris for driving us safely 🥰 to Ems for making the walk fun and enjoyable and to Stephen for carrying my extra bottle of water. You guys are so awesome. My next hikes will definitely be with you.