Matt's Big Adventure: Liwa Campimg

Matt: Just back from a great weekend Dune Bashing and Camping in the Liwa Desert: Liwa is the name of a vast, almost barren desert region, that extends from the southern part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, all the way to the border with Saudi Arabia; and south of Al Ain, all the way to the border of Saudi Arabia and Oman (at the village of Um Azumool, the most southerly village in the UAE). In the past, Liwa was a lot larger than today, and it was also known as the Bu Fallah desert. This name came from the Bu Fallah tribe, which was, and still is, the largest tribe in the area.

This is a massive area, getting lost here is not an option, you could be lost for days and that would spell trouble in the heat. Sensibly we hired a guide. So nine 4x4's in convoy ventured into the arid landscape.

The dune here are huge and so the going was slow, many times we had to stop tug, push or dig the cars out of the sand - which was extremely soft in places. The Pajero's proved themselves once more - although the experience of the drivers helps immensely. I would watch the guide car climb it's way up incredible dunes and mutter to myself, there is no way we can make it up there in this - but with a little thinking and planning - we'd always make it!! It's all about reading the dunes, measuring speed and using momentum, it's such a thrill to make it through some of the tougher stuff. I did get stuck once, I grounded the Pajero on a ridge with all wheels off the ground, I didn't have enough momentum to clear the ridge, but I managed to push the car out myself, with Fiona driving.

We drove for hours through the impressive sandscape and made camp in a sheltered bowl. Where we put up tents, built a fire and chowed down on a bar-b-que!! More driving ensued the next day.. Warning: Don't drink too much knowing you're going to have a very bumpy ride the next morning!! :-)

Here are a few photos:
The Convoy letting the tyres down.