DESERT EXPEDITION
Global Goals Covered
Highlights
Work on citizen science projects in the mountains and wadis of the Northern Emirates
Be an archeologist for a day in the Sharjah desert
Learn wilderness survival and navigation training
Celebrate with a beach party at a wonderful glamping site
Camp under the stars in three stunning and unique campsites, with your friends
This 5-day adventure sees us travel through the interior of the UAE, starting in the desert, before moving into the wadis and mountains and ending our nomadic journey on the coast of the Arabian Gulf.
The start of the trip has us arrive in M’leiha, where we learn all about the importance of the location for human life and migration many thousands of years ago. We will meet with and learn from scientists and field-workers who will set the scene for why the Hajar mountains have been so integral to human, animal and plant life over the millenia.
From M’leiha, we will take this knowledge and use it in the wadis and mountains, learn all about the local wildlife, learning how to collect data, and creating a database for scientists to use going forward.
We will also be having a lot of fun along the way, camping in beautiful locations, learning survival skills and even having a party on the beach at a stunning glamping site on the coast.
An Overview
Starting in M’leiha, widely believed to be a key hub for the ancient migration of humans from Africa to Europe, this expedition will take you from the desert, into the mountains, and through some of the stunning wadis of the UAE.
The start of your trip in M’leiha will set the scene. We will interactively learn how and why humans and animals made this part of the world their home thousands of years ago, due to the unique nature of the mountains of the region. From seeing caves where ancient humans sought shelter, to learning how they made tools and weapons, this knowledge will allow us to head out into the mountains from M’leiha to find our own path.
Once in the Hajar Mountains, we will journey in the footsteps of the M’leihans, learning all about the animals, plants and geology of the region in various citizen science projects, including BioBlitz work, camera trapping and interacting with farms still employing ancient watering techniques to this day. Whilst here we will also learn how to survive in this environment, learning shelter-building, navigation and other essential skills.
Our journey will culminate by moving out of the mountains and to the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, where we’ll find our oasis; a wonderful glamping site where the camps of previous days will be replaced by beautiful tents, pools, a wonderful beach and plenty of fun with our friends. The perfect way to celebrate all our hard work and everything we achieved.
Pre Trip Activities
The level of support we offer our clients varies depending on their requirements. We can meet with students and parents to advise on all aspects of the trip, including kit lists, preparation, what to expect and how to get the best out of the experience. We can also work with the school or parents when it comes to students with specific dietary and allergy concerns so that all concerned parties are comfortable knowing that important issues have been addressed prior to departure. If you inform us of what level of support you require, we will ensure you receive it.
This Trip Is Best For
Students who are:
Excited to learn about their immediate natural environment, and who want to understand how to better preserve it for the future
Looking forward to camping with their friends in beautiful campsites away from the city
Ready to learn new skills and have a lot of fun along the way
The Itinerary
On day one we will leave together as a group from school and head on the roughly 2-hour bus journey to M’leiha. On arrival, we will settle into our well-equipped campsite, which is nestled at the base of a ridgeline of mountains, overlooking endless sand dunes.
Once settled in to our site, we will start our activities, which include learning all about M’leiha, how ancient humans made tools, why fossils are so numerous at the site, and even visiting some of the caves of the area.
We will reconvene at our campsite in time for sunset, where the dunes will change colour in a mesmerizing way as the sun disappears behind the eye of M’leiha rock formation. Dinner and stargazing will follow shortly after, before we head off to bed for the night.
A relaxing start to the day will allow us to have a camp breakfast at a reasonable time, before needing to pack up our belongings ready for our own expedition into the mountains that made life so perfect for the M’leihan people.
A mid-morning short drive to the wadis will see is leaving the desert behind, changing scenery quite dramatically as we move into the wadis. Sand will give way to rocks, dry river beds, date palms and more.
Eventually we will arrive at our campsite, so that we can settle in and unpack. Depending on the time we can begin the reason why we are here (or have lunch first). Our science guides will introduce us to the wadi and teach us all about the citizen science techniques we will be employing during our time here. Once we know what we are doing it will be time to get stuck in! We’ll work in teams collecting data, knowing that what we are collecting will help us and others get a better understanding for the health of the local ecosystem, and what factors may be challenging it.
Our day will end back at camp, with dinner, a debrief on the day and a few games amongst the group to finish things off.
After breakfast we will pack up camp ready for our next journey. Before heading off, though, we will visit a local date farm, where we will get the chance to see how farmers are still using techniques once used by the people of M’leiha, thousands of years ago to successful farm the area of themselves. Technology may have improved, by the concepts remain.
After a morning here it will be time to drive to our final campsite for the trip, in the mountains. A roughly 2-hour drive will see us arrive in the mid afternoon, where our guides will teach us all sorts of survival techniques and methods, including shelter building, navigation and lots more. Not only will we learn important techniques to keep us safe, but we’ll get a lot better at working together in teams for the good of the group.
By evening, it will be time to settle into camp, have dinner and get some rest for the morning.
Our last day in the mountains will ignite our inner David Attenborough, as we learn from our science guide why traps are used, how they help in nature conservation, and what data they can collect. But it’s not just learning; we will get the chance to set our own traps, hoping to capture or film the elusive Caracal or Blanford’s fox. The chances are slim we will record a sighting, but you never know.
We will head to the coast after this, arriving in time for a late lunch at our final, and beautiful destination. Our glamping site will be our last home, allowing us to let our hair down, relax and enjoy all the facilities it has to offer. From the beach to the pool, and lots of group games and teambuilding, this afternoon will allow us to celebrate everything we have achieved in the Northern Emirates over the previous 3 days.
Evening will see us enjoy dinner on the beach before bed.
After breakfast, we’ll have time to reflect on everything we have done on the trip, looking back at some of our achievements, and making plans for how we will integrate everything we learned into our daily school lives once back in the classroom.
Before we know it, it will be time to head back to school, ready to meet our parents and enjoy a well-earning rest after the incredible week we’ve enjoyed in the mountains. It’s been a pleasure.
Heath And Safety
Health and sanitary conditions will generally be of a good standard when it comes to camping. The campsites are well equipped, with only the mountain campsite being basic. There will be dedicated toilet facilities, high quality food preparation and all relevant first aid and general safety needs available. Students will be briefed on how to use the facilities.
Healthcare in the UAE is excellent. We will never be far from a clinic or hospital should the need arise. It is important that students are covered with the correct health insurance.
All of our guides are first aid trained. We have with us at all times a full and well-equipped medical kit. The contents of this can be shared with you prior to departure.
We have standard operating procedures in place, as well as risk assessment strategies, in order to mitigate any risks linked to this trip.
Students are required to provide us information on dietary requirements, allergies and their health insurance before departure. All allergies and dietary requirements can be taken into consideration and managed.
FAQs
What’s the accommodation like?
Students will stay in tents throughout the trip, and there will always be toilet facilities available. The standard of camping is generally good, and full facilities are available, aside from the mountain campsite, where we stay for one night. Even here we will have toilet facilities.
What is the weather like?
The UAE is a hot country and even in the winter it can be hot during the day. Our trips are created to avoid the hottest parts of the day and we will be ensuring that everyone is well hydrated and protected from the sun. Temperatures in the day will be around 30°C or more but will drop below 20°C at night
What clothes should I wear?
Light clothing is best for daytime, along with sun protection such as a hat. Some extra layers at night will help. Comfortable shoes with good grip for walking are required. We will provide a full kit list before the start of the trip.
How fit do I need to be?
A basic level of fitness is required for the hikes on this trip. Hikes are not long and can be completed by students of all fitness levels.
Health and safety?
The trip leaders on this trip are all first aid trained. The trip has been fully risk-assessed and covid protocols will be in place. Nearest health facilities are earmarked and locations known for any potential need in the unlikely event.
Spending Money?
Everything in terms of the trip is covered in the cost. You may want to bring between 100 aed for some snacks when we have time, although these opportunities will be limited.
Is the food and water safe?
Food and water are absolutely safe as it will be provided to you by our staff , or by the highly competent staff at the places we visit. Make sure to clean your hands thoroughly before eating and only drink water provided by your guides. We also cater to any allergies or specific dietary requirements
Inquiries?
If you have questions about this trip, would like to know more or thinking about booking this trip with us, then please contact us at: