Заповедник дикой природы Шаумари

Altitude: 520 meters above sea level

Group size: seven persons per car

Description: Your professional nature guide will meet you at the gate to the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in converted Land Cruiser safari vehicles. The tour begins with a brief about the reserve and what to expect on your journey through the desert. Midway through the safari, you will stop for a picnic and enjoy a hot cup of tea while taking in the beautiful semi-desert landscape of Shaumari. The reserve is an amazing place where you will learn about Shaumari’s unusual desert habitats and conservation history.

Oryx Safari Trail brings you close to one of the region’s most magnificent (and endangered) wild animals: the Arabian Oryx. This large white antelope, with its long, pointed horns, is an icon of Arabia and is thought to be the origin of the mythical unicorn. While touring Shaumari, you may also see the Persian Onager, another critically endangered species breeding successfully in the reserve. While we cannot guarantee that you will see any big animals on your trip, you will experience the special character of the Eastern Desert, with its surprising variety of vegetation and subtle colors.

During your tour, you will learn the basic principles of animal tracking and practice reading tracks. Your guide will also provide an overview of the reserve’s vegetation, pointing out different kinds of native plants and herbs and their uses.

In addition to the safari, guests will also see falconry displays and the Oryx breeding enclosure.

Description: Arabian Oryx Biking trail brings you close to the Arabian Oryx; one of the most magnificent and endangered wild animals at Shaumari Wildlife Reserve. The biking tour begins with w brief about what to expect on your journey through the desert. While getting close to the endangered wild animals you will learn about the basic principles of animal tracking and practice reading tracks. Your guide will also provide you with an overview pf the reserve’s vegetation, pointing out different kinds of native plants and herbs and their uses.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Level of Difficulty: Легкий

Required Gear: comfortable shoes, bottle of water, a hat in the summer

Season: Spring, summer, fall, and late winter

Description:

The circular trail starts off at the Visitor Center then passes by the picnic and children play areas. As you reach the Wadi’s entrance gate, RSCN’s tour guide will take a few minutes to introduce you to the reserve and what to expect along the trail.

As you enter, you will be taken by the beauty of the distinctive desert scenery and biodiversity. Shaumari is home to more than 190 registered species of plants. Hence, the route is filled with flora that makes a tapestry of colors and textures. Perennial or annual, some of these plants are plantago, peganum harmala, artemisia, achillea and tamarix, retama and hordeum, while many are ideal for grazing and/or human consumption like chubaisa mauve, mountain spinach (atriplex hortensi), and ferula.

By the time, you get to the fenced enclosure, the first thing that will grab your attention is how mesmerizing are the long antlers of the White Arabian Oryx! Further down in your trail you will begin to notice small birds chirping. After a brief stop at the Rehabilitation Unit for Confiscating Animals, your journey ends where you’ve started it; at the Visitor Center.