Secret Nature Spots to Discover in Abu Dhabi

Go beyond Abu Dhabis cityscapes and explore a colourful world of wildlife, natural beauty and thrilling adventure
Go beyond Abu Dhabi's cityscapes and explore a colourful world of wildlife, natural beauty and thrilling adventure | © Jochen Tack / Alamy Stock Photo
Sofia Vyas

Abu Dhabi is known for its man-made marvels, but its natural attractions set it apart. Step just beyond the city limits to explore savanna-like wildlife reserves, serene mangroves and fossilised sand dunes.

Many people consider the United Arab Emirates to be little more than a desert, but a visit to its capital, Abu Dhabi, proves that the country’s varied landscapes are as unforgettable as any. The emirate is home to the majestic Rub’ al Khali desert (also known as the Empty Quarter), the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass, where you can summit dunes hundreds of metres high. In Liwa Oasis, watch preening flamingos flock to the wetlands. Abu Dhabi’s coastline is equally impressive; here you can kayak through tranquil mangroves or catch boats to wildlife-rich islands – you might even catch a glimpse of a cheetah. Whichever you choose to explore, these secret spots will change how you think of the desert.

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Destinations Unlocked:

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Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Liwa Oasis and Tel Moreeb

The Rub’ al Khali desert spans 650,000sqkm (251,000sqmi) from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen. On its outskirts, surrounded by honey-coloured sand, is Liwa Oasis – a village area with dense date palm groves, camel farms and traditional forts. Tel Moreeb – considered one of the world’s largest sand dunes – looms above it. This incredible 300m-high (984ft) dune attracts off-roading enthusiasts from around the country to race to the top in the annual Moreeb Hill Climb event, part of the Liwa International Festival. Climbing Tel Moreeb on foot is not for the faint of heart, but if you can make it to the top by sunset you’ll be rewarded with the best view in the emirate. If you’d rather not work up a sweat, there are plenty of desert safaris that include a visit to the dune.

The Rub’ al Khali desert, or Empty Quarter, is the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world
On the outskirts of the Empty Quarter lies Liwa Oasis. This pocket of date-palm groves and traditional forts is watched over by the 300m-high dune known as Tel Moreeb

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a tranquil slice of nature, where more than 4,000 flamboyant greater flamingos migrate during autumn and spring. With 3km (2mi) of self-guided trails, you’ll be able to delight in the incredible bird life from the hide and other viewing points, plus there are plenty of informative signs to help you identify lizards and interesting wildlife. In keeping with the preservation of the delicate ecology of the reserve, there is no cafe on site, so you’ll need to bring your own refreshments, especially in the warmer months.

Sir Bani Yas Island

Admire a cheetah dozing beneath a tree and watch giraffes stroll through a savanna-like landscape on Sir Bani Yas Island, home to the Arabian Wildlife Park where more than 17,000 animals roam free. Make the most of the island with an overnight stay in one of the luxury resorts. On a wildlife safari you’ll spot hyenas, caracal and the Arabian oryx – a species that was previously extinct in the wild – while kayaking expeditions into the surrounding waters offer the chance to encounter turtles and dugongs. Don’t miss a guided walk to notable sites across the island, including surreal rainbow-coloured wadis and a Christian monastery thought to have been built around 600CE.

A wildlife safari or guided walk is the best way to experience the beautiful, surreal landscapes of Sir Bani Yas Island
Wave hello to the inquisitive Arabian oryx on your excursion, before stopping for lunch at Amwaj at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

Mangrove National Park

Although this ecological park is right in the middle of Abu Dhabi’s islands, kayaking along its many channels feels as though you’re miles from civilisation. The best time to visit is the morning, when the mangroves thrum with the activity of herons, flamingos, crabs, fish and more. There are wooden walkways throughout the reserve, but kayaking is the best way to get a closer look at this indigenous forest and the wildlife that inhabits it.

Fossil Dunes

These ancient rock formations in Al Wathba were whipped into shape by the elements over thousands of years after calcium carbonate hardened the sand. Experts believe they could have formed as far back as the last ice age. The fossil dunes are most memorable at sunset, when you can watch the light transform the landscape into something Mars-like. The view changes once again after dark when the 1,700 formations are illuminated from below. Make sure to stick to the designated trails to help protect the fragile structures from damage.

These ancient fossil dunes have been shaped by the winds of millennia. There are 1,700 to be explored, but stick to the designated paths to ensure their protection
Believed to have been formed as far back as the last ice age, these fascinating formations are transformed into dramatic Mars-like landscapes as the sun sets

Explore the Coast

The beaches in and around Abu Dhabi are the best in the UAE. With the city’s southern coastline almost entirely undeveloped, you don’t need to venture far to find gentle waves and clear waters. Visit Saadiyat Beach for white sand and an unobscured horizon over water that wouldn’t be out of place in the Caribbean. Lounge in luxury for the day on Zaya Nurai Island, with its quiet beaches, breezy palms and hammocks over the shallows. Or escape the city altogether and head to peaceful Mirfa Beach in Al Dhafra – it’s a little over an hour’s drive from the city and the small town nearby offers picnic supplies and traditional tasty karak (sweet, spiced tea made with evaporated milk).

The southern coast of Abu Dhabi is famous for its incredible beaches, from the quiet allure of Mirfa to the bustling boardwalk of Corniche
Whether you want to get involved in activities with the locals or lounge in the lap of coastline luxury, you’ll find your dream beach in Abu Dhabi

Discover cultural and natural wonders on your next trip to Abu Dhabi. Click here for more information and to book your visit today.

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