Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre
Do you love wildlife? Great let us introduce you to a wonderful place called Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Reserve. What is so good about this place? Well, its beautiful enough to make you fall in love with its beauty. Here you will have the privilege of seeing 300 various nocturnal and wild animals belonging to various species. This place is just perfect for those who love spending their time in nature.
A Brief Overview Of Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre
If you are in Sharjah, this place is a must visit. It is a beautiful location filled with lovely animals. Here you can see them up and close and also learn about their behaviour patterns. This place attracts a lot of tourists and we trust that you are going to love this place too. If you love photography then this the place to take beautiful pictures.
The reserve covers more than 12 square kilometres. Here you will find exhibits are located outdoors and indoors. At this reserve you will be shown how the UAE protects endangered species from becoming extinct. You will also see how the animals are fed and how their medical needs are taken care of. You will find animals such as desert Lynx, Tahr, Wolves, Striped hyena, Arabian Leopard etc.
The reserve has replicated natural habitats of each animal so you can get a glimpse of how they actually live. The indoor park consists of animals such as large scorpions, snakes, lizards, and hedgehogs.
Tickets And Timings
To enter inside Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre the Entrance fee is 15 AED for adult, children under the age of 12 years can enter without paying. On Saturdays and Sundays the reserve stays open from 11 in the morning to 6.30 in the evening. On Fridays the park opens at 2pm and closes at 6.30 pm. From Tuesdays to Thursdays the park opens at 9am and closes at 6.30 pm.
Activities To Enjoy Close To The Reserve
Here is a list of activities near the conservation Centre that you can enjoy. Have a read.
Angling
This is an activity that even newcomers are going to enjoy a lot. You are going to have a lot of fun fishing for yellow tuna, dorado, sailfish, and marlin. You can hire the services of tour operators to take you to these places.
Dune Bashing
If you are the adventurous type, then you can indulge in some dune bashing, We can assure you that it is hours of fun and you are going to be thrilled. You will also get the chance to se the famous marine fossil dunes.
Hiking
If you wish to explore the Kalba district properly then you should go for a hike. You will be treated to scenic locations along the way. You also have the option to hire guides who will take you over some other areas.
Camping
Well, when you are treated to a scenic location such as Kalba, you do want top stay there a bit longer. So, why not camping? The area has numerous camping spots that you can avail. The camping sites are completely free, take your camera with you and capture some of the beauty of the place. Don’t forget to check the Hatta Mountain tour that offer similar kind of expereince.
Kayaking
Explore the mangrove forest in Kalba while being seated on a kayak. You will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of Arabian Kingfisher, fish, crabs, and turtles.
Places To Visit Nearby
Here is a list of some places to visit near the Conservation Reserve.
Prey Centre
This a fabulous venue to wat a falcon show, conducted by bird trainers. The show happens two times in a day and it is a must watch. You can see birds such as vultures, falcons, eagles, buzzards, and owls.
Hamad Al Qasimi
This used to be an old house, but now it is a fabulous museum that you will love visiting. This has valuable collections that depict the Islamic culture very well. The entry fee for adults is AED5 and children do not have to pay anything.
Qurm Nature Reserve
This is a beautiful mangrove forest and here not only can you see different varieties of plants and trees, but you can get to see different turtles. You can also sit at the coffee shop and get to see different birds. This place has a distinct charm of its own..
Tickets And Timings
For Adults the Entrance fee is 15 AED, children under the age of 12 years can enter without paying. On Saturdays and Sundays the reserve stays open from 11 in the morning to 6.30 in the evening. On Fridays the park opens at 2pm and closes at 6.30 pm. From Tuesdays to Thursdays the park opens at 9am and closes at 6.30 pm.
Conclusion
To sum up things, this reserve is ideal for kids and adults as it offers a unique experience where do get to rediscover the beauty of nature. The tour guides at this place are very friendly with children and will explain every single detail to them with great patience. If you want to encounter pleasant weather, then you should visit during the winter months. If you want to visit in a big group, then you can avail the buggy rides. Now that you are armed with the right information you can start planning your trip. Have fun!
