Joanna James
Abu Dhabi is undoubtedly more than a city filled with fantastic architectural marvels and a rich cultural heritage. It is also home to an impressive range of wildlife species that make it an ideal spot to visit for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. From mangrove forests to wildlife reserves to desert habitats, here are some of the best places to visit in and around Abu Dhabi if you want to experience the region's wide variety of wildlife.
This park is an ideal place to visit for those bringing their kids along with them. The zoo is home to hundreds of animals like a Siberian bear that weighs over 300 kg, and a pair of majestic white tigers. There are also plenty of fun and interactive activities to enjoy like feeding the hippos and sharing a meal with elephants; these make for some interesting experiences that teach children to care for animals. Additionally, the park also has an aerial play area with over 50 obstacles for children to try.
This is the largest island in the region and features a large conservation area that is home to cheetahs, giraffes, oryx and various other species. A visit to the island will guarantee you more than just incredible wildlife sightings; it also features several archaeological sites such as a Christian monastery that is over 1400 years old. The island is also home to vibrant coral reefs at the Al Mahara Diving Centre which are home to various marine life species. This is an ideal spot if you’re interested in exploring life below the waters through a diving or snorkelling session. If you plan on staying at the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, you’ll have plenty of opportunities provided by the resort by which you can explore the wildlife on the island.
The Mangrove National Park is a part of the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas and takes up over 75% of the mangrove forest area in the UAE. You can visit the mangrove forest via a kayaking tour and you’ll be rewarded with the sight of various plant species and bird species like flamingos and herons. It remains protected by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi as it features several habitat environments like salt marshes, algal communities and mudflats.
This mangrove park is the perfect spot to visit if you are an avid bird-watcher and photographer. With a reputation as a great education and leisure destination, it has plenty of lush landscapes and several viewpoints from which visitors can explore the scenery. There are three walkways, a floating platform for observing the marine life below the water and a viewing platform with a higher vantage point.
What was once a coastal salt flat called Sabkha is now a wetland reserve that features a blend of natural and manmade lakes that are home to several species of animals. Located just a 30-minute drive from the centre of Abu Dhabi, it is now one of the prominent tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi and features two pathways for leisurely strolling. Visitors will have the chance to spot over 250 bird species and various aquatic animals at the lakes.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
