There’s nothing more important than being well prepared before you head out t o experience life under the stars. Here’s your guide to getting desert-ready…

 

WHERE TO SET UP CAMP

The Qatari desert is full of wonderful places to head out and explore, and the options available might be a bit overwhelming when deciding on where to go and what to see. You can either go for the beaches on the north or western coasts, or dodge that busy area for a bit of peace and quiet and head out to the gravel plains which are home to some of the most beautiful flowers in the country.

Located north of Dukhan, the Ras Abrouq peninsula is a favourite spot for weekend campers who come to enjoy the golden sands and pretty limestone scenery. The place is full of wildlife with plenty of animal sightings including hedgehogs, kangaroo mice, and the sand gazelle.

An hour’s drive from Mesaieed is Inland Sea (Khor al Adaid), Qatar’s most famous and popular camping destination. The country’s southernmost point, the area is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles. The scenery there is breathtaking with towering sand dunes soaring from the water’s edge.

At the opposite side of Qatar is Umm Tais National Park which has some of the most beautiful sandy beaches, and it’s where Doha’s kite surfers can be found on the weekend. Offshore, a few small islands surrounded by mudflats can be reached by vehicle when the tide is low, where you can find nesting turtles and stunning mangroves. While you’re in Umm Tais don’t forget to check out the pearling city of Al Zubara, which is only a few kilometers away. ✤

 

 

WHERE TO BUY YOUR GEAR

 

OLX POWERED DUBIZZLE

We just can’t get enough of this super useful website, and you’ll be happy to know that OLX also offers somewhere you can buy quality new and used camping equipment including tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, state-of-the-art torches and lanterns, and so much more! You’re guaranteed to find everything you need for a great price too.

Visit www.olx.qa/en/ for more information.

CARREFOUR

A favourite hypermarket amongst many, but did you know that Carrefour has more than just food? Yes, there’s an awesome collection of safe and simple camping goods, ranging from twoperson tents to a cool foldaway dining table and set – perfect for that barbecue under the stars! GO: Visit Carrefour at various locations in Qatar.

Visit www.carrefourqatar.com for more information.

SOUQ WAQIF

Yes, there’s more to this labyrinth of shops than just souvenirs and trinkets; amidst the Falcon souq are a few shops selling hiking/camping gear that would be worth checking out. You’re guaranteed to find some little treasures to help with your desert camping trip.

THREE TO SEE: DESSERT DWELLERS

 

 

You’re likely to encounter desert life in the form of plants and animals on your adventure. Here are just some that you can expect to find in the Qatari desert…

TRUFFLES

Though they’re not easy to find, wild truffles can be discovered in certain desert areas of Qatar. Usually found after the heavy winter rains, around March or April each year, these truffles like to hide amidst the sand under bushes and it is quite a common sight to see whole families methodically combing an area in search of their prize. The truffles are brownish in colour, with a fungus type appearance and can sometimes be up to four inches (10cms) in circumference.

THE GREY MANGROVE

Qatar is home to the Avicenna Marina, also known as the grey mangrove or white mangrove tree, communities of which form several forests around Qatar’s shores. These mangrove swamps are home to a wealth of life, including a species of sea slug that was found in 2007 by a member of the Qatar Natural History Group. The largest area of mangroves – and the oldest – can be found in Al Thakira and Al Khor.

LIZARD

Dhabs, or spiny-tailed lizards, there are more than 15 species of these gentle giants distributed from North Africa to India, some of which reach a bulky 65 cm. All are characterised by an elaborate suit of armour, consisting of a tail adorned with dagger- sharp spines and a head that would not look out of place on the end of a medieval battering ram. They are usually only spotted at a distance through the shimming Arabian heat-haze, which is a pity, for there are relatively few people who have had the chance to study the amazing mechanics and colours of the dhab from close up. ✤