Wadi Shawka
Wadi Shawka
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Shamindra C
Dubai, United Arab Emirates53 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
The dam was largely empty given that we have had so little rainfall in 2020. The first hour (depending on how quickly you climb the steps - 51 floors as per IPhone count) is the most challenging part of the walk. Once you reach the top, the rest of the walk is relatively easier although you do get some loose stones to test your balance / agility.
We started at 3pm and came down at 5.30pm. Captured some lovely sunset pictures. There are places to rest / sit along the way. Perfect for winter weather and for those with a sense of outdoor adventure. Sadly no sign boards to give some directions.
The car park has toilets (not the best) and a camping area. There is a small shop too.
We started at 3pm and came down at 5.30pm. Captured some lovely sunset pictures. There are places to rest / sit along the way. Perfect for winter weather and for those with a sense of outdoor adventure. Sadly no sign boards to give some directions.
The car park has toilets (not the best) and a camping area. There is a small shop too.
Written December 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JourneyWithUss
Dubai, United Arab Emirates865 contributions
Jan 2021
We visited the Wadi Shawqa in January when the weather in the UAE is delicious (I would not advise visiting in the summer months between May – September as you will burn to death!)
There was plenty of space for parking and there were lots of people there enjoying the hike. Everybody was really friendly and talking to people on the way up the stairs as they passed each other etc – it was a great experience!
The stairs have been newly re-built and are very safe & sturdy (albeit a bit steep). The steps take you to the top of the mountain and you can follow various different trails on the way down. Some of them require rough walking on rocks but it's not steep at all and poses no danger, just make sure you wear comfortable shoes and aren't too scared of heights!
There are some great views and photo opportunities from the top. Top tip to remember to take water with you (and any snacks if you can't go too long without food) as the hike itself can take up to 2-3 hours.
Overall we had a great day and would visit again soon!
Instagram: @journeywithuss
There was plenty of space for parking and there were lots of people there enjoying the hike. Everybody was really friendly and talking to people on the way up the stairs as they passed each other etc – it was a great experience!
The stairs have been newly re-built and are very safe & sturdy (albeit a bit steep). The steps take you to the top of the mountain and you can follow various different trails on the way down. Some of them require rough walking on rocks but it's not steep at all and poses no danger, just make sure you wear comfortable shoes and aren't too scared of heights!
There are some great views and photo opportunities from the top. Top tip to remember to take water with you (and any snacks if you can't go too long without food) as the hike itself can take up to 2-3 hours.
Overall we had a great day and would visit again soon!
Instagram: @journeywithuss
Written February 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Husni T
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates182 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
The closer you’re to the top the better the view. My first attempt with friends, could only reach half way to the top. Though we managed to get a better snaps after few stops running out of breath. Advice is, great to have a proper exercise before deciding to conquer this mountain! Come early in the morning for a better color of the surroundings and lightings people tend to spend night around and begin to climb whenever the light appears.
Written March 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NICHOLAS T
Dubai, United Arab Emirates5,632 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
There are some great walking trails around Wadi Shawka, with something suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities.
We opted for the approximately 10 kilometer round walk. It was quite difficult in parts - steep ups and downs and loose under foot. It was well worth it though - the views of the surrounding mountains and down to the dam were spectacular. We were also treated to a close encounter with some friendly donkeys.
There is plenty of parking and toilets at the start of the walk area although it was very busy when we were there, on the national holiday.
A lovely spot to visit about one hour’s drive from
Dubai.
We opted for the approximately 10 kilometer round walk. It was quite difficult in parts - steep ups and downs and loose under foot. It was well worth it though - the views of the surrounding mountains and down to the dam were spectacular. We were also treated to a close encounter with some friendly donkeys.
There is plenty of parking and toilets at the start of the walk area although it was very busy when we were there, on the national holiday.
A lovely spot to visit about one hour’s drive from
Dubai.
Written December 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Passionate explorer
Dubai, United Arab Emirates333 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
A very nice place for a day outing as a family. A place great to do mountain hiking, off Road experience in mountains, lots of stones around, camping can be done but Barbeque limited areas. There is also a dam . The only thing is the Facilites are non. Small cars, SUV or wheel drives can go, road is non metaled but good to drive.
It’s a great experience to have with out of city, fresh air, natural place etc.
It’s a great experience to have with out of city, fresh air, natural place etc.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KrissSantes
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates182 contributions
Feb 2021
Wadi Shawka is a nice and safe place for family hiking. 1 hour drive from Al Nadha Sharjah, we arrived 645AM...should have started earlier. There was a thick fog on the Maleha highway so be cautious on those early morning drive when you hit one.
The parking near the playground/coffee shops get easily full early morning but there is enough down the Traditional Village parking. The parking in the dam is closed.
After 2 rest stops of the concrete stairs going the mountain peak, we took the trail on our right. Loose rocks but manageable even with our 4 year old. Cooked simple breakfast along the trail and enjoyed the sunrise, the view of the mountains. Then, a little bit of hiking again.
Rest of the family went back to the playground for badminton while I took the stairs up again. It is easier to walk on trails than the steps but this is the safest way to the top. Nice views when you reached there and more flatter grounds to cover.
We have BBQ in one of the sheds in the foot of the mountain opposite the Heritage Village gravel parking. Do not make fire or BBQ directly on the ground, the Municipal Inspector when to our place and made sure we follow rules and clean up. There is also a pond near this spot with small fishes.
There are trashes you can spot from time to time, water bottles, masks, plastics..please do not add and clean after your mess. There are municipal cleaners but they cannot cover everything.
Don't doubt, visit and enjoy nature.
The parking near the playground/coffee shops get easily full early morning but there is enough down the Traditional Village parking. The parking in the dam is closed.
After 2 rest stops of the concrete stairs going the mountain peak, we took the trail on our right. Loose rocks but manageable even with our 4 year old. Cooked simple breakfast along the trail and enjoyed the sunrise, the view of the mountains. Then, a little bit of hiking again.
Rest of the family went back to the playground for badminton while I took the stairs up again. It is easier to walk on trails than the steps but this is the safest way to the top. Nice views when you reached there and more flatter grounds to cover.
We have BBQ in one of the sheds in the foot of the mountain opposite the Heritage Village gravel parking. Do not make fire or BBQ directly on the ground, the Municipal Inspector when to our place and made sure we follow rules and clean up. There is also a pond near this spot with small fishes.
There are trashes you can spot from time to time, water bottles, masks, plastics..please do not add and clean after your mess. There are municipal cleaners but they cannot cover everything.
Don't doubt, visit and enjoy nature.
Written February 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Escape To Find Peace
United Arab Emirates677 contributions
Oct 2020
Go early in the morning. Dont visit right during the afternoon you will get burned during summer.
Climbing the mountain is a must if you visit the Wadi Shawka Dam. It is challenging! All you need is a good health.
Kids can play in the small kids' area here. Wear hiking friendly dress and shoes.
Take enough water too. Wear a cap or hat or take your sunscreen with you.
There is a toilet and a small snack shop at the entrance. However, it remains close most of the time (when I visited and also the same experience when our friends made a visit).
The weather is perfect now and you can take a torchlight if you are going to take somewhile trekking or hiking any further.
Climbing the mountain is a must if you visit the Wadi Shawka Dam. It is challenging! All you need is a good health.
Kids can play in the small kids' area here. Wear hiking friendly dress and shoes.
Take enough water too. Wear a cap or hat or take your sunscreen with you.
There is a toilet and a small snack shop at the entrance. However, it remains close most of the time (when I visited and also the same experience when our friends made a visit).
The weather is perfect now and you can take a torchlight if you are going to take somewhile trekking or hiking any further.
Written November 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thks_sl
Sri Lanka100 contributions
Feb 2021
Good place to visit with family during the cooler season of UAE. There is a BBQ area and ample parking but need to go early. It will get crowded later in the day specially in weekends.
Towards the dam you will find the steps to go up hill. There is a hiking trail starting to the right from few meter up in the steps. This will take you around the mountains in terrain just little more than 10 kms in total. Hike is not too difficut. You can do it with family and kids except few areas of moderate climbing. Spectacular view at the highest point is a bonus whoever reach there. Good workout too. Start early in the morning and carry enough water.
Towards the dam you will find the steps to go up hill. There is a hiking trail starting to the right from few meter up in the steps. This will take you around the mountains in terrain just little more than 10 kms in total. Hike is not too difficut. You can do it with family and kids except few areas of moderate climbing. Spectacular view at the highest point is a bonus whoever reach there. Good workout too. Start early in the morning and carry enough water.
Written February 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NICHOLAS T
Dubai, United Arab Emirates5,632 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
This was a lovely break from the city - it felt like being in a completely different country.
There is plenty of parking, although the lower car park is gravel rather than tarmac. We went on a Friday and the shops and restaurants were closed but there is a nice park which is ideal for a picnic. The toilets were also closed, which was not ideal.
The dam and mountains are stunning - almost moon like rocks. We climbed to the top of one of the mountains behind the water. It was a short but challenging climb. The steps are man made and relatively gentle but the heat was pretty brutal. However, the views and compete silence made the climb more than worthwhile. There were also a number of other tracks which we could have taken but the up and down was enough for a summer’s day. Advice would be to make sure you are wearing sun cream, comfortable shoes and clothing and take plenty of water...
There is plenty of parking, although the lower car park is gravel rather than tarmac. We went on a Friday and the shops and restaurants were closed but there is a nice park which is ideal for a picnic. The toilets were also closed, which was not ideal.
The dam and mountains are stunning - almost moon like rocks. We climbed to the top of one of the mountains behind the water. It was a short but challenging climb. The steps are man made and relatively gentle but the heat was pretty brutal. However, the views and compete silence made the climb more than worthwhile. There were also a number of other tracks which we could have taken but the up and down was enough for a summer’s day. Advice would be to make sure you are wearing sun cream, comfortable shoes and clothing and take plenty of water...
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin H
Dubai, United Arab Emirates140 contributions
Dec 2020
We took advantage of the great weather and visited Wadi Shawka for the first time. Great day out and some lovely views and not too busy on a weekday, A bit of a slog up the steps they have on the first hill - and next time will divert around to go further and explore a lot more. Once you get past the first hill with the steps we pretty much had the mountains to ourselves and we will be back!
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It’s.me.Stevie.G
Dubai, United Arab Emirates159 contributions
Hi all :)
Dogs are allowed right?
It’s.me.Stevie.G
Dubai, United Arab Emirates159 contributions
Yes they are FYI
AhmadMorshedi
Dubai, United Arab Emirates9 contributions
guys can i take my Civic to Wadi Shawka !
Adil N
Dubai, United Arab Emirates3 contributions
Yes surly you can till hills cant go on hills with that for sure
must52
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Is there bathroom facility available for man and woman ??
