In the foothills of the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, lies a new mountain attraction set to ignite the fire in belly of adventure-seekers.
Guests at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah, can now enjoy a night’s sleep in one of the camp’s nine recycled cabins, which have been fully kitted out to give guests a night of comfort.
Sport360 tried out the new lodgings first hand, with an overnight stay in one of the eco-friendly rooms, before doors open to the public on 3rd March. The camp’s cabins, each comfortably fit three people (two adults and a child) thanks to a bunk bed set up with a double on the bottom.
Bunk beds: The cabins fit three people and provide basic equipment
Like any true adventure into the Great Outdoors there’s a real sense of remoteness here, every cabin window has it’s own stunning views of the surrounding wadi and the only sounds are those of the mountain goats echoing through the mountains. Despite the remote location, the cabins aren’t completely off the grid, which we’re thankful for.
Each has a washroom with a toilet and hot shower, while the main room has a fridge and a kettle. Basic essentials are provided such as bowls, cutlery, loo roll and warm blankets on the beds. On the outside, each cabin has it’s own seating area, complete with BBQ.
The lack of WIFI at camp offers us a welcome break from scrolling through our phones, although we couldn’t resist posting a picture or two on social media from a walk through the nearby wadi before dinner. There is an on-site shop for guests to buy snacks and beverages, however visitors will need to bring their own food for cooking on the BBQ.
Camp at night: Guests can take part in various survival experiences
The lodging has been developed especially for smaller groups and has strict safety protocols and social distancing measures in place – the ideal experience for the growing number of travellers who want to escape the everyday of the pandemic world and reconnect with nature.
Guests can also enhance their stay with thrilling instructor-led survival courses or activities such as mountain biking and climbing as well as self-guided and instructor-led hikes. There are e-bikes parked at the camp reception, which can be rented out and ridden around the camp, although we’ve opted to explore the surrounding area on foot.
Camp at night: Guests can take part in various survival experiences
The following morning we awake early for breakfast before heading out to a brief survival course, where we learn how to tie suitable knots to build a temporary shelter using just a tarpaulin and some rope. Guests have the option to take part in longer, more exhilarating survival courses run by UK experts trained at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, with half-day (3 to 4 hours), 8-hour and 24-hour options available, designed for adults and families; team building activities for corporate companies; and instructor courses for outdoor enthusiasts.
Prices start at 450 AED per night per cabin on weekdays and 650 AED a night on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the unique accommodation is designed to host up to three adults, or two adults and one child, with basic self-catering facilities, including a private BBQ on a private outdoor terrace to prepare meals.
The on-site shop provides further amenities such as snacks and firewood that can be purchased as and when needed. The camp is also dog friendly, welcoming up to two dogs per cabin with an extra charge of 50 DHS, with owners asked to keep their pets on a leash and accompanied at all times.
For bookings and further details please visit www.beargryllscamp.ae