Khor Kalba, a Sharjah exclave on the Gulf of Oman, is one of the oldest mangrove forests in Arabia and home to the Arabian collared kingfisher, found almost nowhere else. Guided kayak tours run through the creek in the cooler months. Allow half a day.
Why it matters
Khor Kalba is an old, undisturbed stand of mangrove on the UAE's east coast, tucked between the mountains and the Gulf of Oman. It is best known for the Arabian collared kingfisher, a rare bird found at a few sites on this coast. A reserve protects the area, and access is through guided tours rather than open paddling.
Paddling and watching
Kayak tours run through the tidal creek between the mangroves and are quiet and slow, the point being the birds, the crabs and the silence. Go in the morning in the cooler months; the operator will set the tide slot. Keep to the guide's route, do not touch the roots and bring a hat, water and a waterproof bag.
On a coast trip
Kalba sits between Khor Fakkan and Fujairah, so it works as one stop on an east-coast day, with a beach at Khor Fakkan and the Al Bidyah mosque further north. From Dubai, allow a long day or overnight stay: the drive is about two hours.
What to bring and how to behave
Wear a hat and light long sleeves, bring water and a dry bag for your phone, and keep your voice low: the kingfishers and the herons are shy and the point is to see them. Your guide will brief you on the route and the tide. Do not trail a paddle through the roots, do not approach nests and take your rubbish back with you.
The east coast can be humid even in winter, so mornings are more comfortable than afternoons. Combine the paddle with a swim at Khorfakkan beach and a late lunch on the waterfront for a full day.
Questions people ask
What bird is Khor Kalba famous for?+
The Arabian collared kingfisher, a rare species found at only a few sites on this coast.
Can you kayak at Khor Kalba?+
Yes, on guided tours through the creek in the cooler months.
Photo: Angela Manthorpe, CC BY-SA 4.0
