Wadi Showka in RAK
Wadi Showka in RAK is known to be one of the most popular places for hikers in UAE. It is known for its beautiful landscape as well as natural pools that are frequented by residents as well as tourists alike.
There are different routes and trails along this area. Depending upon your fitness level and interest, you can choose different routes.
This is an absolute plastic-free area. If you get caught throwing trash, the fine can be up to AED 2,000. It is better to keep all trash in your bag and dispose of it responsibly after the hike.
1. Showka - Pools
This is going to be an easy hike with trekking over mostly flat terrain, and anyone with a basic fitness level should be able to do it.
The first pool is small and you can either walk through it or bypass it and continue the hike to reach the second pool, which is relatively deeper. You will need to either swim through it or turn back a little bit and climb a small hill to bypass it. Pool depth and water levels change with weather and season, so assess the conditions before entering water.
4X4s or AWDs with good ground clearance are needed to reach the final location at RAK. If you don’t have one, you will either need to find a ride with a driver who does, or stop a couple of kilometres before the final meeting point and continue with appropriate transport.
Total distance: approximately 9 km, around 2½ hours of total walking time at a slow/normal pace.
Mandatory list of items
- Water.
- Food.
- High-energy snacks such as chocolates.
- Cola or another sugar drink.
- Sweater for winter season.
- Extra socks, as you may go into water.
- Proper hiking shoes and proper clothing.
- Hat and sunscreen.
- Light, knife, GPS/offline map and extra battery.
Location map and access
Pin 1 is the most popular landmark in this location. You can set your navigation in Google Maps using this pin and reach here from any part of UAE. There are different routes in this area, so do not get lost.
Open Wadi Shawka Pools in Google Maps
Pin 2 is your next point. You can use your sedan car to drive up to here based on road conditions. There is a privately operated camp nearby, so it is easier to locate and travel using your car. Pin 3 is the point where you can find the first pool in the trail. If you travel ahead, you might find more pools. Depending on your energy level, you can explore around and return by the same route.
Description: plan this as a day trip
Watch the Wadi Showka video on YouTube.
Start early morning and try to get to the starting point before sunrise. Remember, this is a day trip. Even if you start a little late, it is highly recommended to reach the starting point before sunlight becomes intense. Pack your bag the day or night before so you only need to get ready and start the car.
Make sure all necessary items are in the car before leaving home. The listed items are mandatory for beginners; if you forget something, you may be able to buy it on the way at a gas station or supermarket. Fill your car with fuel before leaving, because the roads are not very clear and it is easy to get lost. For beginners it is highly recommended to group up and travel together.
Hiking is physically challenging, so make sure you are fit enough to travel a few kilometres without difficulty. Once you reach the destination, park where safe. Always travel in a group: in case of physical injury, another person can support.
Beginners should set GPS and track their movement all the way up and down, because the different routes can look similar and it may be difficult to distinguish the return line. Assess time and physical condition throughout the hike; sunset makes the area very dark. Avoid unacceptable risks, especially climbing steep hills or mountains for selfies. Some pools can be deep, so assess before entering.
You can hike as much and as far as you want, but keep in mind you have to return all the way back. Assess your physical condition and your team’s condition before continuing. Carry emergency lights: if you fail to return on time, you may end up in pitch-black night. Hiking is risky; travelling in a group makes it much less risky.
2. Showka - The Dam Loop
The Shawka Dam Loop is a wonderful 10 km loop located in the Shawka Dam area, Fujairah, about two hours from Dubai. The route is well used by bikers and walkers, so expect good gravel roads or well-trodden tracks. You’ll get a glimpse of desert life and agricultural life.
Starting at Shawka Dam, generally follow the MTB track. Start from the car park near the dam and head southeast to follow a shallow wadi. Expect wonderful scenery and wildlife, with a good chance of seeing camels, goats, donkeys and a variety of birdlife. There are many open stretches with no shade, so use usual sun protection and carry adequate water depending on the time of year.
Open Shawka Dam in Google Maps
Download the GPX file for the 10 km Shawka Dam Loop.
Safety and leave no trace
Check weather and road conditions before leaving. Never enter a wadi during rain or flash-flood risk. Wear footwear with grip, carry sufficient water, stay with your group and follow the route that matches your experience. Protect Wadi Showka by taking out every piece of rubbish and respecting wildlife, farms and local access arrangements.
