Sir Bani Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the largest natural island in the Emirates is also the site of one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves, the 4,200 ha Arabian Wildlife Park. Established in the 1970s careful conservation, re-vegetation and ecological management has made it the home of more than 10,000 free roaming animals and millions of trees and plants. The world’s largest herd of Arabian Oryx, varieties of antelope and gazelles, giraffes, different types of deer and sheep roam free as do predators such as hyenas and cheetahs. These are among its 30 species of mammals and more than a hundred indigenous species of birds that are part of the amazing collection of wildlife here. The aim of the park is to have only indigenous animals. All the animals within the park are indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. Non indigenous species are being removed along with human interferences such as roads and old irrigation pipes. Sir Bani Yas Island is located 250 km southwest of Abu Dhabi and 9 km from Jebel Dhanna the crossing point. The island offers a range of nature based activities that include many interesting ways to see the wildlife such as the world’s first zero emission buses, purpose built viewing platforms, cruising and sailing itineraries on the Arabian Gulf, 4×4 nature and wildlife drives accompanied by naturalists and guided nature and wildlife walks.
Nature & wildlife walks are accommodated on the eastern side of the island. Small groups of no more than seven persons walk through the bush for 1.5 hours with a special guide and learn about the flora and fauna as well as to observe Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Axis, Urial and Red Deer feed, gather in family groups, play or lie in the shade of toothbrush trees that form a major part of the park’s vegetation. However the walk is subject to weather conditions. A guided Wadi Walk in a dried up riverbed is another way to catch the wildlife. This takes walkers through the naturally formed salt domed hilltops in the middle of the island. The banks of the dried up river and geological formations contain ancient fossils and minerals. The Arabian Wildlife Park endeavours to provide an authentic environment for the free roaming wildlife resulting in an exceptional experience for visitors.
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas located within the Arabian Wildlife Park offers the dream getaway for wildlife enthusiasts. Accommodation comprises of some of the coziest yet luxurious Abu Dhabi villas in one and two bedroom configurations and equipped with pools overlooking the desert wilderness. Stay in one of exceptional resorts Abu Dhabi to experience a unique wildlife sanctuary offering both land and ocean based experiences while enjoying the comforts of Anantara hospitality.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.