Zerzura Experiences - Mleiha’s Desert Oasis
Zerzura - a mythical ‘oasis of little birds’ hidden in the vast expanse of the Sahara, born of Arabian legend. What a fitting name for the journey we undertook with Zerzura Experiences, where we felt as if we’d drifted to an oasis - not amidst the endless Saharan sands, but right at our doorstep, deep within the heart of Mleiha National Park in Sharjah.
In this desert, cradled by UNESCO World Heritage fossil rocks from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic ages, we embarked on an adventure as rare as uncharted treasure. Joined by five fellow Travel Counsellors, we felt like the luckiest travellers in the UAE, exploring this natural wonder just before Mleiha would close its gates only to be opened to those with permits. Soon, this desert - like a precious gem - would be encased, exclusive, and fiercely protected.
Our journey began with a hint of the extraordinary, as Zerzura Experiences, the sole purveyors of the Mleiha National Park, welcomed us into a world steeped in tradition and wonder. They didn’t just take us back in time; they held the very soul of the desert, guiding us through ancient relics and timeless stories that lingered in the shifting sands, etching unforgettable memories into the sands of our minds.
The day began with a warm welcome in the cool comfort of a private 4x4, whisking us away from our office to Mleiha. Whether you’re traveling from a hotel, an emirate, or your home, Zerzura ensures every guest arrives in style. As we pulled up to the campsite, the desert’s magic began to weave itself around us. We were greeted with cold towels, fresh refreshments, and a boho-chic lounge that felt like a desert mirage - stylish, pristine, and shaded from the sun’s embrace. Every detail spoke of care, from the hospitality to the sterile-clean helmets we’d soon be wearing.
In the heart of the desert, our hearts began to race. It was time to take on the dunes! With adrenaline dancing through our veins, we strapped ourselves into dune buggies for the first time, ready to carve trails in the sand. Dune bashing, as it turns out, is pure freedom - the dunes rushing by in a sandy blur and our laughter echoing into the vastness. We were so immersed in the thrill that when it was time to leave, we nearly refused!
Returning to camp, we were welcomed with another round of icy towels, fragrant Arabic coffee, and dates - a timeless token of Arabian hospitality. But our adventure wasn’t over. As the sun dipped lower, painting the horizon in hues of gold and rose, we met Dash, a Peregrine Falcon with wings like poetry and a gaze as sharp as the desert wind. Dash’s caretaker, Ibrahim, invited us to learn about the art of falconry, and in the quiet presence of these birds of prey, we felt connected to an ancient desert tradition.
The real magic unfolded as night descended. Transported further into the desert, we saw a flickering glow on the horizon - torches, fairy lights, and the silhouette of an elegant dining setup, seemingly conjured from a dream. With the gentle breeze, the luminous moon, and the vast silence of the night surrounding us, it was a “pinch-me” moment. Beneath a sky bursting with stars, we feasted on Arabic cuisine, and each bite felt like a page from an old story.
The evening was a symphony of experiences: a graceful Tanoura dancer twirled to the beat of Arabic music, and we couldn’t help but admire the thoughtful touch of sustainability in every detail, from wooden cutlery to eco-friendly plates. Amid this elegance, our host shared Zerzura’s future vision - plans to extend the magic of Mleiha with overnight glamping sites, where guests would soon be able to sleep under the starlit sky, enveloped by desert serenity.
As the final notes of the music faded and the torches began to dim, we were left with a deep sense of fulfillment. The desert stretched out into the dark, ancient and endless, holding secrets in its sands. We departed with more than just photographs; we carried within us the spirit of Mleiha, the hospitality of Zerzura, and a unique privilege few have shared. Soon, this protected park will be exclusive to those holding permits and will welcome clients booking their Desert Experience through Zerzura experiences, but we had glimpsed it in its untouched splendor - raw, timeless, evocative.
We left with gratitude and awe, knowing that Zerzura had gifted us more than just an adventure. They had given us a story to treasure, one we’d tell time and again - a tale of oasis and stars, of ancient sands and boundless skies, of a connection to the past, and the promise of journeys yet to come.
