Finally...our first camping experience! @Jebel Sham, Oman.
We had zero experience in camping and despite attempting to camp since couple of months ago, we have not succeeded. Either the campsite was too windy and deserted, or it rains on the day we wanted to camp. The closest thing we did was to camp in our backyard in December when the weather is really cooling.
It is summer now and summer in Dubai is not mild so to speak. Daytime temperature can go up to 48 degree celcius and the sun is scorching hot! I was not expecting to camp in summer but we chanced upon a few blogs sharing their experiences camping on Jebel Sham and we checked the weather. It's 18-24 degree celcius up there and sounds like a good option to escape the heat in Dubai.
The drive from Dubai to Jebel Sham takes about 4.5 hours via Mezyad Border Crossing near Al Ain. We made a mistake driving via Hatta Border and it took us 7.5 hours to reach Jebel Sham, do not make the same mistake as us if you are driving from Dubai.
Another thing to note is that there is a few ways up to Jebel Sham when using google map, the best way is to past by Al Hamra Shell Station and make your way up from there. The road are mainly paved and only a section is sandy/rocky road but it is much easier than using alternative road (we learn it the hard way).
From Al Hamra Shell Station, we estimate around 1 hour to reach Jebel Sham Resort and most of the hiking trails starts from there. Look out for the red flag along the way.
* Do remember to apply for Oman e-visa prior to expedite the queue at the custom.
Some notes on Oman- visa, currency, etc: https://blessedlittletravelers.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-short-trip-to-oman-jewel-of-arabia.html
To side track a little, we made a mistake going the long way from Dubai so we did not manage to camp on our first day. We ended up staying at Jibreen Hotel which exceeded our expectation. It is a small hotel and old but really clean and comfy. Comes at a very reasonable price too. We paid OR20 for a triple room.
And the next morning we continue our journey.
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| Pretty Jebel Sham awaits us, it is also known as the Grand Canyon of Oman... |
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| As mention, part of the road up to Jebel Sham is sandy/rocky as shown. |
Kids were really excited once they spotted some wild goat roaming around, they quickly ran after them.
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| Finding their lamb-ie friend. |
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| Many wild goats around...and I love the blue sky! |
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| I am flying! |
We were just sitting around having our lunch and some locals stopped by and pass us some fresh dates, they even gave us their plate. Such hospitality...
After lunch, we explored the area and found a place for camping. Remember the trail I mention opposite Jebel Sham Resort, there are plenty of camping spot there and the view is amazing. Imagine the Grand Canyon just in front of you and you can wake up watching sunrise beyond the canyon... once in a lifetime experience!
There are quite a number of people setting up tents around the same area so it is not scary at night. However, it is very very windy up there and the place we set up tent is made up of rocks so we weren't able to pin the tent down, we manage to secure the tent to our car's wheel so do bring some ropes etc. Even after securing the tent, our tent were still swaying at home.
It is no exaggeration that Jebel Sham is referred as The Grand Canyon of Oman, there are parts of the mountain that resemble the Grand Canyon especially when the sun rays shines on them, rendering them orange/red.
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| The man who droves us all the way from Dubai! Kudos! |
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| This looks very much like the Grand Canyon, right? |
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| Setting up our tent. |
Some people make do without tent and just sleep in their sleeping bag. They make some bonfire to keep them warm. Might work now in summer but definitely not in winter.
When the sun set, kids played with wild goat for a bit then we played Uno before sleeping. Board games would be nice to keep everyone occupied as well :)
And the next morning a nice view awaits us. It gets pretty hot by 7 plus when the sun rise , so we start packing up and drove back to Al Hamra town.
We found this coffee shop just located where the Shell station Al Hamra is, the breakfast there is so good and very cheap too!
When the sun set, kids played with wild goat for a bit then we played Uno before sleeping. Board games would be nice to keep everyone occupied as well :)
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We found this coffee shop just located where the Shell station Al Hamra is, the breakfast there is so good and very cheap too!
It was a good experience and I guess not too bad for a first timer like us. Jaclyn and Justin loved it so much, a good exposure for them I would say, to be more outdoor and enjoying the nature!
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