Running water has a magical allure. Therefore, this should not come as a surprise that Wadi Shawka pools for years have been attracting hikers and outdoor lovers to enjoy a path where waterways have carved through the mountains. So, pack your backpack now and set off for an incredible adventure!
SET OFF FOR A TRIP ON A WEEKDAY
It would be remiss not to write an article about Wadi Shawka pools that are associated with hiking and scrambling through the mountain ponds in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
The water, following the path of least resistance, has made it easier to penetrate into the heart of the mountains, creating an incredible hiking scenery.
The trail is busiest on weekends, especially in the autumn, winter and spring. If you hike through Wadi Shawka pools on a weekday it is a completely different and rewarding experience. When the summer days are long, and the weather makes it impossible to hike during the day, begin your hike in the afternoon. Take a headlight just in case the sun sets before you finish.
Winter season offers another perspective on Wadi Shawka pools. After rain falls, it invariably turns green and beguiles with many streams and waterfalls.
Depending on the time of year and the frequency of rainfall, the water level in the pools changes occasionally – it might be much less in the summer however I have never seen it dry yet.
HIKING THROUGH WADI SHAWKA POOLS
While off-roading in 4×4 will get you almost to the point where the first pool is, it’s best to explore the trail on foot. In case you do not have 4×4 car, you can park it in this area: 25.102020, 56.059887 and continue to follow the road. The road until this point is a dirt track.
Nowadays, due to extreme amount of trash left behind in this area, the road leading directly to the pool was blocked by piled up stone fence, preventing cars going inside valley, close to the ponds. From this point it is still about 1 km walk until reaching Wadi Shawka pools.
Once you get to the first (25.094586, 56.065940) you have two options to go through: either swim or go by land – there is a path on the right side of the pool that require a little bit of scrambling skills. The first pool is the biggest and deepest which makes it the most popular spot, often occupied by people having picnics around, jumping from heights or swimming in it. As you follow the trail going through a narrow passage between mountains filled with shallow, refreshing, clear water for approximately 3 km, you will eventually reach a charming lush oasis at the end.
The hike has very low elevation gain but in some places might be little tricky to find a right way through. It is not a loop, so the way you went through is the way you have to come back with.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Before venturing in such an unusual territory for hiking, it is important to dress appropriately to the weather and pick your footwear wisely, as you might step on a river stone and easily slip. That is why you need a footwear with a good grip. Additionally, since we are in the United Arab Emirates, it is absolutely mandatory to check the weather, as there is a risk of flash floods.
Wadi Shawka offers more hiking trails and other outdoor activities that you can read about more here: Ultimate Guide to Wadi Shawka.
If you would be interested in taking part in an organized trip to Wadi Shawka pools, I strongly recommend to check Adventurati Outdoor.
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 Shawka pools helpful and it gave you an idea where to head to next weekend. Enjoy!
