Desert Experience
We woke up early that morning. We had everything ready to go, our "desert safari" was about to begin and we couldn't wait. We went there early May, so the heat was not that heavy. We stuffed our things in the back of a rented Land Cruiser and set off to meet the other families who were going too.
The drive there was smooth, first we reached Sealine, only to de-inflate the tires (I still don't know why), and we kept going. The landscape was amazing. For me, it was something I had only seen in books, never in my life I would imagine I could be dune-bashing in the Arabian Desert! There was nothing there but sand. After choosing a good spot to camp, in front of the sea and with the Saudi border in our horizon, the whole caravan unloaded the cars and a shade was built. The kids ran to the sea as soon as they got down, throwing their shirts on their way, forgetting all about sunblock. Some of them started to collect clams, and when a little icebox was full, one of the kids threw them back to the ocean claiming their families would be worried.
We all prepared a light lunch and ate under the shade. After resting a little bit, I too ran to the sea. The water was not too cold, not too warm. It was refreshing. I could feel little crabs under my feet every time I stepped, and there were lots of seashells, hermit crabs and snails. After a while, I went out of the sea, laid down and fell asleep. After about half an hour water was reaching my feet, the tide was growing. I started walking along the seaside, that is one of the things I enjoy the most. The place was alone, peaceful and beautiful, the sea whispering to the rhythm of the waves, it was perfect.
When the sun was coming down, we prepared everything for the big BBQ. Time was passing by so slow, you would think it was endless. The moon was high on the sky, a beautiful full moon lighting up our camping site. We made a big bonfire, we burnt marshmallows and ate them, and when the fire was going down, the kids started throwing paper and carton to it. They where jumping and dancing, the adults were sitting down, chatting, or just staring at the sky, at the bonfire or at the moon reflection on the sea.
Tired from all of it, we went to sleep inside our tents. It was hard to sleep, mosquitoes were having a feast! And as soon as the sun came up again, the tents started to get really warm and we had to get out. We stayed there until noon, we swam again, some of the kids and I went crab hunting with a pair of tongs we used for the BBQ, whenever we caught one we put it on the pail, and in the end we set them free. Sandy, sweaty, tired but really happy, we stuffed the car again with all of our things plus garbage bags, and after making sure the place looked better than when we arrived, we left. The drive back home was also smooth, we were all chatty at the beginning, but all of us passengers on the back seats fell asleep.
If I had the chance, I would definitely do it again. With the right weather and a good amount of ice, trust me, it is amazing!
it will be nice trip for a 3 days. never been there before,if any plans in the future ill be inn.
contact 4344499
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mai lain pa!
Chichi..Can u provide some details of the operators..Thanks..
you can always contact tour operators...
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mai lain pa!
Read your experience and it seems to be a thrilling adventure..Are u planning another trip of sorts in near future..Please do let me know if i can join in the next trip..Cheers!!
"This way to the Inlandsea is a good one for first-timers. A 4x4 is definately required and if you made it through the first bit at the Sealine resort the rest is not much more difficult. After the first part you can almost do it with a normal car - almost :)
http://www.gps-tour.info/en/tracks/detail.12675.html
As a first experience for desert driving i definately recommend this route and from there you can get more experienced.
A convoy of 2-3 cars (or more) is a must, just in case you get stuck or have a problem with the car.
Have fun, the arrival at the destination is awarded with some nice views."
We actually went in the desert, not along the sea. But yes, it is the same, that's how you get there.
The area you see on the pictures is if you go along on the beach from Sealine. However you can only do this when the tide is low! Also you really have to know the area to do this as there are many places where there is bog-sand and then you will need to come from behind. There are many area where there is this bog-sand. Specially when you really go deep into Udeid. If you get stuck in one of these areas, you will see you car slowly but surely sink into it! At all times do not try to go alone. Have someone with you who knows the area. The only safe area you can go alone is near the Sealine resort.
Aisha-Taweela
I have no idea, as you can see, we were following a leader, who had the GPS, we didn't have it... on our right hand, across the sea, we could see KSA. That's all the info I can recall as to where we were.
Donosa, where is the above picture taken exactly!
Thank you
Tam
You mentioned some really useful points to remember while going on such trip.
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Whenever I find the KEY to SUCCESS...Someone steals it.
Yes to go to the desert and spent a day/night is one of the fantastic things to do here in Qatar and unfortunately not many expat take advantage of it. There are many areas to discover. North/South/East & West. However make sure that you never go alone. Cos if you get stuck...... Also have extra supplies of water with you. A spade to dig you out. To look at the sky is the most amazing thing. All those stars. Specially on a no-moon night. The whole sky is lit up with millions of stars. One never imagined there could be so many of them. As for camp fires, when you go to the south/Al Udeid, you will need to bring wood with you as there is none to find around but when you go towards Zikrit you will find lots of wood on the beach. Try to find the beauty of this country. Go and spend your weekends in the out-doors. Now we are in the summer and camping might be a bit hot and the sea is hot and there is the risk of jelly fish. But come the fall...... and winter in the dessert. But never go alone. Have a working phone with you and a gps. (this is for when you need help you can tell them your position) No road signs out there!
Aisha-Taweela
...if you tag along too :)lol
Why don't you guys just rent a 4 wheel over a weekend? That way ur bf will not have issues with his car getting messed up in the desert.Actually thats a serious concern if the car is new ;)
Life is Beautiful...Indeed!
For the first timer who wish to visit the place, you need to have a good driver. Do not go there if theres a sand storm, you might get in trouble.
thank you lifeisbeautiful for the offer.... maybe i will convince my bf to go with you instead...heheheheheh
i had experienced of driving there also recently, it was evening and im driving Prado when suddenly the car turned in the water.,.everybbody was so quiet when the car was turning waiting for the next thing will happen. i didn't step on the break coz i know it will stop by itself.
it was a really tremendous experience for us specially to me charged to my driving experienced!!!
yeah .... search on the forum would be helpful for sure. Thanks anyways.... cheerz
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Whenever I find the KEY to SUCCESS...Someone steals it.
I have NO IDEA! sorry, we went with a guy that was like a guide, he knew exactly how to get to and from there...
But search on the searchbox here, you might be able to find a guide or something!
Can someone tell me the exact location of Khor al Udaid.... directions from Sealine ... or the coordinates?
Would like to go there someday.
Thanks in advance.
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Whenever I find the KEY to SUCCESS...Someone steals it.
I know, that's why we picked up our rubbish and the one that was left behind by others before us!!
Sandflies, oh yes, we got that, got the bumps for like 3 weeks, not all of us tho... just actually 6 out of 25 people got them.
Beautiful anyway =)
camping/ duning in the desert at least once while you're here is a must. Just wish there wasn't as much garbage as there is.
you are lucky going to mt.buller bleu, us 'the plebs' have to be happy with going to inland sea.
Mount Buller [webcam] is Here... I really need to sleep, it's 02:20 AM here.
i been to inland sea for overnight camping many times, we never get any experience of 'sandflies'.
what about the sand flies ? i read they may cause some nasty disease ... i am reluctant to take the kids there at night for this is the period of the day when they are active ..
ans where is Mt.Buller bleu?
Khor Udaid !!
been there a billion times.
Very adventerious experience. Make sure u go there who knows the route especially after the dark.
Infact, last Friday was there the whole night, did BBQ smimming etc with frnds.
Beautiful view and SEA.
Driving to Mt Buller tomorrow, much nicer...
safe driving everyone, i am sure you guys aware the car insurance not covering any 'mishap' happening during the dune trip.
when do you plan to do it again? maybe we can join.....
driven there lots of time (Still cannot go on my own)a good place to spend the weekend.
Tires are deflated inorder to have more surface on the sand and not sink in.
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never experinced any body here who can take to atrip to khor udaid
Drac said:
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nice reading..
gosh..i feel tired and sleepy right now! :)
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...the experience of desert safari/camping/dunebashing is truly amazing and one of the must dos while at Doha. You should not miss the opportunity.Try and convince your bf to do it. Btw,I have a 4 wheel drive and I don't mind going to the desert anytime ;)lol
Life is Beautiful...Indeed!
I used to go there and the place is really fantastic!!!
Its Khor Al Udeid right ?
from sealine u go straight....
* i could not read ur full story ! :)
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tEaCh Me RuLeS, i'Ll TeAcH hOw To BrEaK iT ..
rMs..!!
i was thinking of doing it as well, but my boyfriend doesnt want to use his 4X4 jeep in sand dunes :(... how i wish i could do the same thing...thats is a nice thing to do here...