Filled with history and culture, Wadi Saham is an ideal hike for beginners looking to push themselves. You’ll set off from Saham, a rural village overlooking al Hayl dotted with small farms and crushed firebush (apparently due to camels using them as quick bed-stays).
As you reach the edge of the mountain ridge, a small, traditional pass gives way to spectacular views, overlooking the al Hayl area below. Low rugged mountains span the horizon, graced with flat plateaus and canyons carved within the various sediment walls. After rainfall, the area becomes lush with greenery.
As we discuss the cultural and environmental aspects of the region, we will come across a few more farms and petroglyphs that date as far back as the Bronze Age. Finally, we’ll arrive at al Hayl castle which, depending on the day, will either serve as a stopping point with convoys back to the trailhead or a rest spot before we retrace the trail.
- 7:00 AM – 7:15 AM: meet at ADNOC Service Station | Fujairah Entrance, convoy to the trailhead
- 8:15 AM: Begin hike
- 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Finish hike
Some incline/decline on narrow trail. Loose rocks.
[Beginners add 2, Experienced hikers subtract 2 to difficulty]
N.B. Itinerary starting times serve as a guide only and is subject to change due to seasonality variations experienced the UAE. Start 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.
- 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).
