Just forty minutes’ drive from the city centre is the large suburb of Al Wathba Salt Lake, which is located along the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain highway.
Al Wathba has become a very interesting site in the last few years, with the Al Wathba Nature Reserve and an expanding residential development right on the border of the desert.
Would you like to schedule your next road trip to this recently found national treasure? Continue reading as Vigor Tourism take you through every aspect of this enigmatic lake!
The Al Wathba Salt Lake.
This emerald-green stretch of water is located in the middle of Abu Dhabi’s desert and can be reached from the city in about forty minutes by car. To some extent, this lake is man-made. The pipes and other subterranean structures that channel the waterbody were installed by humans. Water is fed into the waterway via these pipes.
But these salt deposits are naturally occurring. These originate from “Sabkha,” or salt flats, which are naturally formed as a result of the coastal region’s dry weather. These formations, which resemble lily pads or mushrooms, are actually enormous salt buildups.
These pads provide interesting stepping stones in between the water, however they are susceptible to breaking or disintegrating at any point from weight and pressure. Additionally, the pads are slick.
Interested in Lakes? You might wanna visit Al Qudra Lake as well!
Location
Al Wathba Salt Lake is located next to Al Wathba South in the Al Bihouth neighbourhood of Abu Dhabi. The well-known Fossil Dunes are not far from the lake. Take the E65 or E30 route to the Al Wathba Long Salt Lake site. Then, use the plus code 5G52+HX Abu Dhabi to navigate Google Maps directions.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi's Long Salt Lake?
As was already established, during the warmer months, Long Salt Lake’s water tends to evaporate. November through March is the ideal time of year to visit.
Since this is the busiest time of year for tourists in the area, timing is crucial. Without a question, as the day wears on, the lake gets busier and busier. Visitors travel from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
For the best picture and to avoid crowds, we suggest going right after sunrise.
It’s also a good idea to go on a sunny day. The colours of the sea are significantly affected by cloud cover and wind. It is more difficult to notice the salt bergs below when there is wind blowing because it creates ripples on the surface.
Activities Available at Long Salt Lake:
Experiencing the Fossil Dunes
You can travel to the closest landmark, the Fossil Dunes, if you intend to stay put or spend the whole day along the lagoon’s edge. Another gift from nature are the dunes, although you must see them from a distance and avoid touching them. The natural dune may sustain irreversible harm as a result of this.
Geologists estimate that the formation of these dunes occurred more than four million years ago. They tower over the sand bed and the fierce gusts, giving off an air of menace. When the calcium carbonate in the sand solidifies due to ground moisture, the sand becomes hard and the winds work on it to create dunes.
See the Sun Rise and Set
Watching the sun rise in the morning and set in the evening is perfect from this location. Several Abu Dhabi families camp here over the course of the evening. It’s a perfect location for barbecuing, spending time with loved ones, and getting back to nature.
Picnic
Bring your picnic baskets and your children to the Al Wathba Salt Lake for a getaway into the surrounding wilderness. The whole day will be purposefully spent with adults lounging about as the children playfully run, walk, or jump up and down the brackish formations, enjoying the time of their lives.
Check out the Al Wathba Reserve.
The trenches are quite close to Abu Dhabi’s first wetland, a protected area. The greatest location to enjoy the area’s native flora and fauna is this man-made reserve.
Approximately 37 plant species, 250 bird species, and numerous marine species can be found in the Reserve, which was established in 1998. Between September and April, you may see the flamingos that migrate across the area.
Go on a Safari in the Desert
Abu Dhabi’s desert area, which is near the artificial trenches, is the perfect place to go on an exciting desert safari. To get the most out of the trip, make sure you make your reservations with a reputable desert safari company.
Places to Stay Close to Al Wathba Salt Lake Long
One of the most opulent desert hotels in the area is Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Hotel and Spa, which is only 32 miles from Long Salt Lake Abu Dhabi.
The boutique resort offers one, two, or three-bedroom hotels with private pools in addition to its 99 suites. Free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, a spa and fitness facility, a 24-hour reception, and an electric car charging station are just a few of the facilities available.
awesome