I tend to keep off popular places. Therefore, the idea of the trip to Wadi Sena was not met initially by me with a big excitement. Somehow, I imagined it as another road in the valley between the low mountains (many of them in the United Arab Emirates not differing much from one another). And due to the weather being more suitable for camping nowadays in the higher part of mountains, I prefer to choose locations at high altitude. The idea of Wadi Sena I had in my mind was quite the opposite. Little did I know I was very mistaken! Not only about the altitude but about the whole vibe of that place.
INCONSPICUOUS MOUNTAIN ROAD
The off-road trail of Wadi Sena starts at the bottom of the mountains, at the side of tarmac road, nearby Al Halah village (25.506787, 56.167508). Besides a clear road marked on Google Maps, there is another trail that starts several dozens of meters earlier (25.508714, 56.168441) and may be more suitable for hiking. Both of the trails of Wadi Sena meet at the beautiful flat area full of green trees in the heart of the mountains.
The routes that quite quickly and comfortably climb up to around 600 meters above the sea level are going to take you through a breath-taking scenery. Make sure to gaze into your rear mirror reflecting the amazing views of sharp mountain range of Hajar Mountains meeting the turquoise of the Arabian Sea way off in a distance.
The road quality of Wadi Sena is very good – it is well paved dirt track, attended quite often, as I assume – I counted at least 10 cars passing nearby that night. The 4×4 car is recommended. You will find many places with plenty of space to set up a perfect camp. Bear in mind that on weekends you will not be the only visitor for sure, therefore it is better to go earlier to book a better spot.
WADI SENA AS LONG-TIME GATHERING LOCATION
Because of plenty of amazing outdoor opportunities, Wadi Sena naturally attracts a lot of people. Many of them just searching for a place for gatherings away from the city, have in fact no co clue about outdoor etiquette. Prepare yourself mentally to see a lot of trash being blown away by wind across the mountains. Please, take an extra bag and – as much as you can – collect whatever comes your way. Wadi Sena is such a stunning location and it is really disturbing to see the garbage in the place it does not belong to!
OPTIONS TO CONTINUE THE ROUTE
Initially, looking at the map I spotted a few lonely settlements among the route and villages situated deep inside the mountains. At this point: 25.495778, 56.132551 you will have a choice to take left or right – left is going to lead you to Wadi Sidr and possibly towards Dibba – Masafi road direction. Right – you will drive through the villages and farms – the route full of geological and cultural diversity that will allow you to exit the mountains to Gragrah – Ghub road.
CHARMING VILLAGE IN THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS
The unique features of this charming mountain village (25.498200, 56.133145), made me slow down and admire every single house and garden. Seems like trapped in time, full of small beautifully decorated houses, very typical only for this area. Beautifully blooming flowers in the colors of pink, orange, white and yellow. Many different kinds of trees awaiting to bear their fruit. Occasionally, you may even come across goats and camels roaming around. The rock formations around range in all colors of Earth. The area around Wadi Sena is a real paradise for geologists.
A VERY UNIQUE VIBE OF WADI SENA
This area of Wadi Sena has so much to offer. It is a different off-road trail with a different vibe that I cannot yet exactly describe but it is close to the warm feeling of home. Maybe because these small charming houses in the mountains, that are so well taken care of – you just feel so inclined to enter any of them and bath in the afternoon sun relaxing at their verandas.
If you are interested to see other mountain villages in the United Arab Emirates, you can check there articles: This Is Why You Should Go to Jebel Yanas Right Now!, Breathtaking View From Highland Villa, Hidden Oasis Under the Red Mountain or nearby Wadi Tayyibah – Serene Walk in Greenery.
Make sure to check spectacular drone footage from half desert road in Dubai in my recent video:
REMEMBER:
- Do not leave any garbage behind, including food. Even organic waste can take months to biodegrade and meanwhile it will attract animals. It may not only make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind but also it may make them sick. Additionally, have always a bag ready to collect trash left behind by other inconsiderate people – at the end you are saving the nature.
- Hike or camp over gravel and rocks. In some areas the vegetation can take years to grow back.
- Leave natural and historical items where you find them. Don’t move them or bring them home with you.
- Minimize cooking over campfire, use the stove instead – as less impact on the wilderness.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover around United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all questions you could have about off-roading in the UAE.
You can get it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UrKZdo
I hope you found this article about Wadi Sena helpful and it gave you an idea where to head to next weekend. Enjoy!
