Beach Style
Where
Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Jebel Ali and Oman
In Brief
Beach style camping is the best therapy for city beach bunnies as well as a necessity of watersports lovers. Nothing better than waking up at the break of dawn, throwing a couple of logs into the fire, and heading out to catch a wave or paddle out before you even brush your teeth!
Plus
Easy peasy for kids or larger groups. Spots are generally well accessible but consider at least one off-road vehicle within your posse to bail you out of trouble – also saves you trips when offloading gear. Of course, you get to enjoy the beauty of safe water without sharks and dangerous currents that are mainly prevalent in open oceans and seas.
Minus
What you see is what you get —sand, saltwater, reef for snorkelling if you know where to camp. Make sure you know exactly where you are going and pack enough (fill is as desired) to keep you going not only around the campfire in the night, but next day on the water. Oh, and yes, the sand get everywhere.
Essentials
Tents, sleeping bag, tent rain cover, mattress, mat for around the fire, fire-starter kit and firewood ( It is recommended that you find out more about the stuff you need to bring, since you will not find it on the beach – be prepared, cooking kit with reusable utensils, head torch, camera, bin bags, first aid kit, Sun protection
Awesome Extras
Pack in: Hammock, Surf/paddle/snorkel equipment, music instrument
Enjoy: water and underwater sports, beach bunny activities (volleyball, Frisbee, shell searching)
Inland Style
Where
Ras Al Khaimah, Oman and Dubai (off Al Qudra)
In Brief
Inland camping involves mainly desert, sand, rocks and off-road awesomeness. Do not expect easy entry and be prepared to be flexible with your time, especially if you are queuing up at border posts on Thursday afternoons. The reward, however, of waking up in a wadi or at a climbing crag is worth all last night’s drama.
Plus
Gorgeous views of pristine landscapes especially if camping remotely in dunes or wadis. Every inland spot has specific flora and fauna to admire and observe in its natural habitat. Enjoy dramatic temperature changes – as soon as the desert goes dark, heat is gone and temperatures can drop as low as a couple of degrees above 0 in winter.
Minus
Camping and day trips or trekking outings will not be kind to your feet. Make sure you have feet relief and skin recovery options on hand. Also, you are in nature, and there is the danger of being bitten by snakes, scorpions and other creatures. Be aware of imminent dangers in areas you are visiting.
Essentials
Tents, sleeping bag, tent rain cover, mattress, matt for around the fire, fire-starter kit and firewood (be ready not to find anything around), cooking kit with reusable utensils, head torch, camera, bin bag, first aid kit, anti-mosquito spray and post bite relief remedy, Sun protection
Awesome Extras
Pack in: Shower system, binoculars, specific equipment for your extra-camping activities (sandboards, trekking equipment, etc.)
Enjoy: Flora and fauna around you, trekking and exploring your camp area.
Words + Photos By: Vanda Turcerova
