The world’s first Bear Grylls Explorers Camp opened in Ras Al Khaimah in October 2020. Adventurers are equipped with all the survival tips and skills to ensure enjoy that adrenaline rush. And now, the camp has taken the experience a notch higher and has launched an overnight stay. While the accommodation is nothing five-star, it certainly is a one-of-a-kind experience as this is the world’s first Bear Grylls-branded accommodation. Here’s what to expect when you’re here.
Stay In Recycled Cabins Atop UAE’s Highest Mountain
Guests can stay in nine recycled and redesigned cabins, which will offer the ultimate mountain setting for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for remote and curated experiences in the new era of travel. Set in an expansive, open, and stunning natural environment, the lodging has been developed especially for smaller groups and has strict safety protocols and social distancing measures in place – the ideal experience for the growing number of travellers who want to escape the everyday of the pandemic world and reconnect with nature. Guests can also enhance their stay with thrilling instructor-led survival courses or activities such as mountain biking and climbing as well as self-guided and instructor-led hikes.
Starting at AED 450 per night per cabin on weekdays and AED 650 per night on weekends (Thursday, Friday and Saturday), the unique accommodation is designed to host up to three adults, or two adults and one child, with basic self-catering facilities, including a private BBQ on a private outdoor terrace to prepare meals. Upon checking in, visitors will find their cabins made up and equipped with plates, bowls, cutlery, mugs BBQ tools and toilet paper, while the on-site shop provides further amenities such as snacks and firewood that can be purchased as and when needed. The camp is also dog friendly, welcoming up to two dogs per cabin with an extra charge of 50 DHS, with owners asked to keep their pets on a leash and accompanied at all times.
Once settled in, guests have the option to take part in an exhilarating survival course run by UK experts trained at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, with half-day (3 to 4 hours), 8-hour and 24-hour options available, designed for adults and families; team building activities for corporate companies; and instructor courses for outdoor enthusiasts. Participants will be exposed to practical and extreme survival techniques necessary to survive some of the toughest terrain in the wilderness. While the agenda thrives on the element of surprise, activities may include learning how to make a fire in the wilderness, building emergency shelters, as well as practical instruction on how to use a knife for survival, navigation techniques and extreme weather survival.
The camp also appeals to those who want to switch off, connect with nature and have an exhilarating outdoor experience away from the crowds. Raki Philips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), added: “Ras Al Khaimah continues to emerge strong from this period of disruption. The destination’s resilience is a result of the world-class safety protocols in place, a robust sustainable tourism growth plan as well as an identity that perfectly aligns with current traveller sentiment for remote experiences in open environments. The new Bear Grylls branded accommodation camp signifies not only another first, but an important step in strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s recovery strategy and that of the UAE tourism industry as a whole. We look forward to welcoming visitors locally and from around the world and providing them with a stunning setting in which to enjoy this amazing setting.”
The Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah follows strict social distancing measures and also provides sanitisation kits. Guests are required to wear a mask at all times in the common areas and around the camp. All cabins are cleaned and sanitised after each use and have round-the-clock security. Children are welcome, with those 8 years old and above able to join in the variety of activities on offer.
Deets
Where: Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, Jebel Jais
Price: AED 450 per cabin on weekdays, AED 650 per cabin on weekends
Contact: +971 56 501 5831