Joanna James
Abu Dhabi holidays are amongst the most popular. This nation is loved for its allures of shopping, dining, and entertainment. But head out to the wetlands and Sir Bani Yas Island to be awed by the rugged terrain and exotic wildlife. Here's a list of national parks in Abu Dhabi.
Located on the eastern edge of Abu Dhabi, the Mangrove Park is a serene oasis that easily makes one forget they are in the capital city. The Park, made up of over seven square miles of mangrove forest, is a treat to explore by kayak. Do so at high tide and you will be able to manoeuvre your kayak through channels that open up between the mangrove plantations. While making your way through this dense forest, look out for crabs, herons and flamingos.
Head over to the Eastern Mangrove Marina and you will find plenty of tour operators offering guided kayak tours of the swamps. You could join a tour or even rent a tandem or single kayak for a quiet private tour of the wetlands.
Visit Sir Bani Yas Island Wildlife Reserve to be awed by the exotic desert wildlife living there. The island, which has transformed into a desert oasis, is a beautiful reserve today, surrounded by the Persian Gulf. Some of the best luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi are located on Sir Bani Yas Island. And guests of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort and its sister resorts located on this island have plenty of activities to look forward to. This is because apart from enjoying time on the beaches and exploring the depths of the ocean, the island is home to a vivid variety of marine life. It is also popular for wildlife safaris and is home to a thriving population of the Arabian Oryx, giraffes, ostriches, some cheetahs, and other desert animals.
Apart from jeep safaris, you can choose a guided walking tour of Sir Bani Yas Island's interior. The tour covers the eastern edge of the island. And it is quite a thrill for the entire family. You will be pleasantly surprised by giraffes wandering alongside you. Heading out to the mangrove forests will reward you with sights of the osprey, as they dive in search of food.
Bird watchers will find this place a paradise. The wetlands are home to a huge population of pink flamingos and over 250 types of birds. While you explore the wetlands and their fascinating inhabitants, here's a fun fact. The marshy land came into existence quite by accident. It happened when a water treatment plant, located close by, accidentally let out a flood of saltwater to the plains located 25 miles on the southeast corner of the city. Once reeds started to sway in the breeze, the flamingos appeared, hunting for saltwater shrimp in the pools. You can tour the reserve in buggies or via the walking trails.
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