Abu Dhabi Week explores the wilds of Sir Bani Yas
Our stomach is rumbling because we’re up before breakfast, but we soon forget our hunger at the sight of a herd of adorable sand gazelle trotting towards us, their noses expectantly twitching. Perched in our open-sided safari truck, we have a perfect view of these gorgeous animals, with their smooth coats, long eyelashes and dainty hooves – we’re in love already.
We’re just a few minutes into our early morning Wildlife Drive on Sir Bani Yas and we’ve spotted baby reef sharks from the beach, some greater flamingoes enjoying their breakfast in the mangroves and our herd of inquisitive gazelle. We can’t wait to get further into the Arabian Wildlife Park and perhaps spot some hyenas or cheetahs.
Sir Bani Yas Island was originally developed as a wildlife reserve in 1971 by the founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The aim was and is to ensure the survival of Arabia’s endangered species, and expert teams from Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) have since taken up that mantle.
Our guide Andy, fresh from the wilds of Scotland, is positively brimming with information about the island, its history and current inhabitants. As he launches into yet another round of interesting facts about our cute, four-legged friends – and their cousins the mountain gazelle – we’re lapped by an enormous male ostrich enjoying his morning constitutional.
It’s not just the animals we’re here to see though, and as we venture further inland we begin to realise why Sheikh Zayed himself fell in love with this place. We climb into a collection of technicolour mountains, which Andy explains are made up of a combination of six or seven different types of rock from gypsum to sulpher and copper. The light playing off the surrounding slopes, particularly as the sun rises early in the morning, is a sight not to be missed and one we’ll remember forever.
The recently introduced family of hyenas obviously feel quite at home here too, for as we turn another corner we spot the entrance to their lair. Just a little further on and we come to the back door, complete with its own makeshift garbage chute displaying last night’s leftovers. We never knew hyenas were so house-proud.
The highlight of our drive is still to come as we meet two young cheetahs – brothers Gibbs and Gabriel. They’re enjoying a well-earned rest in the shade when we find them, but Andy goes on to tell us that the two young boys quite regularly clock speeds in excess of 75kph when chasing young gazelles. They look far too fluffy and adorable to us until a yawn from Gabriel flashes his huge white fangs – we’re suddenly glad not to be a gazelle.
Before we head home to the ranch, or the lodge to be more precise, there’s time for a quick drive up to Sheikh Zayed’s old majlis. We can see why this spot was chosen as the view is simply breathtaking. Andy tells us that on a clear day you can see the curvature of the Earth from up here, and we can well believe him as the whole island rolls out in front of our eyes.
We drive back past the giraffes’ recently expanded home near the old palaces in residence. These majestic animals have been on the island for 40 years, and four of the original group – given to Sheikh Zayed as a gift from the Kenyan government – still remain.
There are even two gorgeous little babies that have recently joined the fold, a boon for the island’s breeding programme and a bonus for visitors who are now able to watch them frolicking around their enclosure from the island’s handy new viewing platform.
After two hours out on safari we’ve worked up a healthy appetite, but we’ve just got time for a quick breakfast before our next guide arrives to take us on a snorkeling adventure.
Ted is a South African native who has been a resident of Sir Bani Yas for about a year and, as we soon discover, he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. A quick drive out to a secluded beach and we can see why. Stretched out in front of us are miles of white sand, covered with a layer of crystal clear water; even from the beach we can already see small shoals of fish skirting around the warm currents close to the beach.
We’re not great in deep water, even though we’re confident swimmers. But Ted is quick to allay any fears we might have, talking us through the route we’re going to take around the reef, step by step. It’s important for him to do this as the currents off the island are fairly strong and it’s easy to get tired.
Feeling far more at ease, we start to wade out into the beautiful water where we get our snorkel and flippers on. Our faces finally underwater and it’s as if we’ve stepped into another world. Admittedly, the corals of the Gulf are not as vibrant or varied as some that you may have seen off the coast of the Caribbean or Australia, but the abundance of marine life is no less impressive. Within minutes, we’ve spotted angel fish, grouper and some gorgeous little striped guys we’ve forgotten the name of. A big fat grouper even takes to following us for a while, which is kind of fun.
While Ted whizzes about underwater with his snazzy new waterproof video camera, he’s quick to keep us updated with the different types of fish we’re seeing. As we let ourselves float over the coral, we’re careful not to damage it, which is easier said than done at times due to the current.
Elated and a little bit exhausted, our swim around the reef is over far too soon. We can’t wait to get back to the island to try the boat snorkel next time – now that we’re feeling a little more confident. Ted’s adamant, “You have to come back again, then you might even spot the dolphins we saw last night on our sunset cruise!”
Did you know?
- Sir Bani Yas Island became an island some 5,000-10,000 years ago – before that, it was part of the mainland
- Sir Bani Yas Island has a long history of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age with the last residents leaving around 110-120 years ago
- To date, some 36 archeological sites have been found on the island with some of the oldest remains dating back to 600 AD
- The name Sir Bani Yas originates from the Bani Yas tribe who first inhabited Abu Dhabi 250 years ago
Get active at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
- Sailing: There is a diverse range of sailing experiences for all ages on the island. Those attempting sailing for the first time can take a one-hour introductory sailing lesson under the watchful eye of a skilled instructor, while seasoned mariners will have the opportunity to hire their own sail boat
- Cruises and Charters: A catamaran is available for cruising around Sir Bani Yas. If you are lucky you might spot our friendly dolphins, or the endangered dugongs or sea turtles. Voyages include Sunset Cruise, Cruise Around the Island, Activities Cruise and Private Charters
- Mountain Biking: Explore the rugged landscape of the island via pedal power. Buggies are available for small children to ensure biking is a family affair
- Nature & Wildlife Walks: There´s no better way to explore the nature of Sir Bani Yas Island than on your own two feet. The island offers a variety of hiking experiences for all ages and fitness levels. Feel a sense of achievement after reaching the top of the salt-dome hilltops where you´ll be greeted with 360-degree island views
- Kayaking: Explore the bird sanctuaries and large mangrove areas on the north-eastern side of Sir Bani Yas Island by kayak. The quiet waters will provide an appreciation of the abundant avian and marine life in this protected location
- Archery: Archery is a long-cherished tradition of Arabia. Sir Bani Yas Island offers training and equipment for beginners and enthusiasts to practise archery under expert guidance
Coming soon to Sir Bani Yas Island …
- A new watersports centre, adjoined to the existing resort, is under development. It will offer diving certification and day trips out to the neighbouring islands where shipwrecks and a wealth of sea life can be observed
- Stables are also under construction. This brand new horse riding facility will offer lessons and tours around the island for guests
