November 2021

Our day trip in a nutshell: a scenic day trip from Dubai to Swifah Trail blends mountain hiking with coastal views and fresh air. Continue to Khor Kalba Mangrove Park and Kalba Bird of Prey Centre for a peaceful nature escape and close encounters with wildlife.

Itinerary

Our route for the day took us from Dubai to Khor Fakkan for the Swifah Trail hike, then on to Khor Kalba Mangrove Park, followed by the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre, a relaxing stop at One Degree Winter Cafe, and finally back to Dubai.

It made for a long but rewarding day on the road, meaning an early start and a late return home, with plenty of memorable stops in between.

Total distance driven: approximately 360 km.

Bird of Prey Centre

At the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre, bird shows are usually held on weekends (Fri–Sun) at  11:00 and 15:30. Tickets can be purchased on arrival. However, it’s a good idea to come a bit early, as shows can fill up. Schedules can change seasonally, check their official page before heading to the centre. The entrance fee for the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre is:

  • Adults (and children 12+): around AED 15–15.75
  • Children under 12: free entry

 Mangrove Park

Khor Kalba Mangrove Park is a protected nature reserve on the east coast of the UAE, home to one of the oldest mangrove ecosystems in the country and a rare environment where coastal mangroves meet mountains and tidal creeks. It’s a quiet nature escape where you can explore mangrove forests up close, learn about the ecosystem, and enjoy wildlife watching .

  • Adults: around AED 15–20
  • Children (usually under 12): often free or reduced price

Below you can read a report of a one-day trip, capturing the highlights, route, and experiences along the way.

Swifah Trail

Today we celebrated our wedding anniversary with a wonderfully full and varied day out—one of those days that feels both energizing and deeply satisfying. 

We started with a scenic drive out of Dubai toward Khor Fakkan, where we took on the Swifah Trail. 

The hike gave us a chance to stretch our legs, breathe in the mountain air, and enjoy some quiet moments together surrounded by rugged landscapes.

Lunchtime 

After working up an appetite, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved lunch at the Coffee Address in Hay Al Aharg, located in the old souk (area) in Khor Fakkan. 

The restaurant turned out to be a great spot for lunch and coffee, and the area offers several other lovely dining options worth exploring.

Rumailah farm

After lunch, we still had a little room left for dessert. We decided to stop at the Rumailah farm (a roadside drive-through farm) for a refreshing milkshake—simple, fresh, and unexpectedly delightful. What a lovely concept. 

Mangrove Park

From there, we continued to Khor Kalba Mangrove Park, designed for low-impact eco-tourism, with a visitor centre and an elevated boardwalk that lets you walk through the mangroves without disturbing the habitat. 

It’s especially known for its rich birdlife, including herons, flamingos (seasonally), and other coastal species, as well as marine life in the surrounding waters. Watching the wildlife there felt almost meditative.

Kalba Bird of Prey Centre

One of the highlights of the day was our visit to the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre. 

The show was both impressive and educational, giving us a close-up look at these magnificent birds in flight—definitely something we’ll remember for a long time. 

Sundowner 

Before heading back, we stopped at One Degree Winter Cafe for a relaxing break and a final chance to soak in the surroundings.

Cozy diner 

We wrapped up the celebration in the best way possible: with a cozy dinner and pizza at Carluccio’s, reflecting on a day well spent together.

It may sound like a packed itinerary—and it was—but every stop added something special to the day, making it all absolutely worth it.

Kalba Bird of Prey Centre