October is the launch of camping season, but after talking to the pros, Sarah Riches discovers there’s more to it than just buying a tent.
Tent, check; sleeping bag, check; barbecue, check! You’re now ready to camp, right? No, so slow down, there’s more to camping than simply buying a tent – even when you invest in the easy pop up kind…
Campers in the know are aware where to buy the best equipment and where to camp once they’ve got it. Sleeping outdoors might seem simple, but experienced campers know the value of a fold-up chair, what to do if your car gets stuck in sand, and everything else including how to handle a scorpion.
Patrick Horend from Germany is one of the organisers of the online meetup group, AD Adventurers. He says, ‘Scorpions are not common – I see one about every eight times I go camping. They’re especially rare in dry river beds or the mountains of Oman, but you might find them in the shade underneath your tent in the morning. Cover it with sand and it’ll usually scuttle away. If you’re bitten and you can catch it safely, take it to hospital with you.’
Scorpions aren’t the only danger – so it’s important to brush up on first aid and general safety tips. Howard Middleton-Jones, a desert survival expert and former royal naval reserve, says, ‘Preparation is key. If you’re not experienced in driving off-road in the desert, then hire a local guide. If you’re driving, tell someone where you’re going and bear in mind you may not always have a GPS signal, so study the area before you go and take a compass and maps.’
But be aware that your car can let you down. Mahdi Abu Ghazaleh, from Jordan, is the organiser of the online meet up group, MAG Adventures. He says, ‘In case your car breaks down or gets stuck in sand, carry a tow rope, shovel, spare tyre – as well as a basic tool kit. Take extra fuel, too.’
If you’re a camping newbie, it’s advisable to go with friends or as part of an organised group first, says Patrick. ‘If you’re going with friends, drive in a caravan of a minimum of three cars,’ he advises. ‘Better still, join an off road club and go two or three times with them to get the lay of the land. Make a note of pretty spots.’
Determined to go it alone? Then this handy guide has everything you need…
Safety dos and don’ts
DO
• Charge your mobile
• Check your equipment
• Ensure your car is in good condition, including tyre pressure and fluid levels
• Pack layers and warm clothing
• Be prepared for the temperature to rise and drop, and for rain and wind
• Tell friends where you are going and what time you expect to be back
• Wear strong shoes to prevent snake bites and scorpion stings
DON’T
• Go alone – go in a few cars in case one breaks down in the desert
• Camp on private beaches or farms without consent
• Pitch your tent at the base of sanddunes, as you might get run over by dune bashers
• Leave your barbecue grill in sand, in case someone steps on it
• Leave food around at night, which could attract insects and animals
Checklist
There are endless camping gadgets – such as UV lights which reveal scorpions – but if you’re on a budget or new to camping, you just need the basics…
Tent
The Oztrail festival 15 (Dhs795, Adventure HQ) and Oztrail tourer swift pitch tent (Dhs1,195, Adventure HQ) are easy to set up, transport, and pack away. The latter has large windows and front door for ventilation.
Sand pegs
Supa pegs (Dhs7 each, Adventure HQ), so you can pitch in the dunes.
Sleeping bag
Oztrail kennedy camper (Dhs95, Adventure HQ).
Air bed and pump
Oztrail single air mattress (Dhs95) and Oztrail double action hand pump (Dhs60, both Adventure HQ).
Campbed
The Oztrail aluminum stretcher bed (Dhs350, Adventure HQ) gets you off the ground to create space in your tent. Rubber feet help it stay stable and it’s easy to transport.
Head torch
Princeton tec vizz headlamp (Dhs275, Adventure HQ).
Camping stove or barbecue
The Weber go-anywhere charcoal barbecue (Dhs410, Adventure HQ) has plated steel legs which double as a lid. It also locks, making it easier to transport.
Firewood
Four bundles is enough for a winter’s night (Dhs15, Iranian market, near the fish market, Mina Port).
Matches or a lighter
Take kindling or paper to help light it
Cool box
Coleman 70qts Xtreme cooler (Dhs345, Adventure HQ).
Food
Sweet potatoes wrapped in foil travel and cook well
Water
5l per person, per night – plus extra for washing
Insect repellent
Para’kito gel protection roll on (Dhs95, Adventure HQ) is a roll-on mosquito repellent suitable for the body and face.
Passport or Emirates ID
In case you end up going close to the UAE border or to Oman
Tow rope
The Oztrail snatch kit four piece (Dhs580, Adventure HQ) is an ideal starter recovery kit as it comes with shackles, gloves, a storage bag and a snatch strap – an elastic rope to pull your car out of sand if you get stuck.
Camping chairs and a fold-up table
They’re worth the hassle
Energy supply
The goal zero sherpa 50 (Dhs1,270, Adventure HQ) is a lightweight power supply that quickly recharges from an electric wall socket, car or the sun. Light and easy to pack, it keeps laptops and tablets charged on the go.
Pocket knife
Leatherman wave (Dhs525, Adventure HQ).
Rubbish bags
First aid kit
Sun protection
Toilet rolls
Mahdi advises, ‘A good tent should be small, flexible and easy to put up and take down; before you buy one, ask in the shop if you can return it if it’s difficult to put up. It should also be water-resistant, as the desert can get misty. The material shouldn’t be too thin, as this makes the interior hot when the sun beats down.’
Patrick adds, ‘You can buy inflatable mattresses from Carrefour. Buy a pump too, to make life easier. Carrefour sells tents for Dhs60 but they are sweaty and provide no insulation when the temperature drops – which it can do, at night in the desert or in Oman’s mountains. Instead, buy a three-man Coleman tent from Carrefour which comes with a separate rain cover for about Dhs270; it’s a good brand, suitable even in desert storms and a lot cheaper than Adventure HQ.’
Adventure HQ, Level two, Dalma Mall, Mussafah, www.adventurehq.ae (02 445 6995). Carrefour, Marina Mall, Breakwater, www.carrefouruae.com (800 7 3232).
Where to camp
If you’re looking for desert spots in the UAE, head to Liwa Oasis in the Empty Quarter or the area around Big Red. The Big Red is a dune that’s easily spotted from the Dubai-Hatta Road (E44) or Oman Road (E66), 45 minutes’ drive from Dubai – but bear in mind it’s also a popular dune-bashing spot. If that sounds too risky, camp on the beaches on the coast of Fujairah. Fossil Rock in Sharjah is another sandy area which is ideal for inexperienced off-roaders and campers, as it’s easy to access and the sand is compact so your car is less likely to get stuck – it’s on Google maps. Alternatively, explore Wadi Bih and Wadi Naqaubi in Ras Al Khaimah, which offer hiking opportunities.
Want to explore Oman? Take it easy and camp on the beaches around Dibba, close to the south border of Musandam. Alternatively, the outskirts of Al Buraimi, on the Oman side of Al Ain, have attractive wadis such as Wadi Madbah. Wadi Bani Awf, south of Muscat, is another option – it’s on Google maps.
The fifth edition of UAE Off-Road is a comprehensive guide to camping spots, including directions, maps and GPS coordinates. It costs Dh125 from Virgin Megastores in Al Wahda Mall (02 445 3327). Alternatively, why not search ‘10 top UAE camping spots’ on www.timeoutabudhabi.com instead.
Glamping
Can’t do without a loo or your morning cuppa? Then try glamorous camping, or glamping
If you’re not prepared to forfeit creature comforts, spend a night at a campsite by a beachside lagoon on Sir Bani Yas, an island between Abu Dhabi and Qatar. Watertaxis depart for the island from Jabel Al Dhanna on the mainland daily 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. The journey takes 15 minutes. You’ll be collected and driven to the campsite, which has tents for three people, mattresses and a barbecue, fire wood and charcoal in a nearby firepit. Tongs, plates and cups, drinking water and camping chairs are also provided. There is also a mobile bathroom with toilets, lights, a mirror and running water 100m from the camp – so all you have to take is a sleeping bag. You can’t take food onto the island and lunch is not included, but you can eat at one of its three resorts. Pre-order a barbecue (Dhs100) for dinner, which includes kebabs, salad, dessert and soft drinks. Pre-book the campsite (Dhs275 per person, per night), more if there’s a big group of you. The price includes the ferry to and from the island, transport to and from the camp and breakfast. When sharing the same mattress and tent as their parents, children six and under are free while seven-12 year olds get 50 per cent off. Al Mahara Diving Center, www.divemahara.com (02 643 7377).
Banyan Tree is a resort made up of 31 tents with canopies for a ceiling and real walls – so it has all the luxuries of a hotel room, including air con, with the feel of a tent. Set in a peaceful nature reserve, you can spot gazelles, camels and oryx from your private pool deck. From Dhs3,870 per night, including breakfast for two adults and two under 12s. Ras Al Khaimah, www.banyantree.com (07 206 7777).
Camping pals
Online meetup groups host regular camping trips; join them for free to find out when the next ones are. Most are not for profit, so they suit all budgets – AD Adventurers, for example, asks for about Dhs40 each, which goes towards basics such as charcoal. Car pools are common. Among the best are Abu Dhabi Hikers, UAE Weekend Lovers, UAE Camping and other Misadventures, UAE Off Roaders and UAE Trekkers, which camps every weekend. Almost 4 x4 provides valuable tips for new off roaders at monthly drives.
Oryx 4 x4 is hosting trips on October 17 in Sweihan, off the E20, half way between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and October 31, which is expected to be in Al Khatim, the desert area off the E22 beyond Baniyas City (Eyad Harb, leader, 050 123 4066).
The adventure company Noukhada hosts camping trips suitable for groups of six to 40 pals in the mangroves behind Eastern Mangroves by Anantara. Tents and cooking equipment is provided, but that’s it – there are no toilets or showers and you need to take food, water and a sleeping bag. Pack light, as you kayak to the destination. Dhs450 per person, per night. www.noukhada.ae (02 558 1889).
