Did you know the Zakher Lake which is a man-made Lake in Al Ain desert area, on the Abu Dhabi- Al Ain truck road is also known as Lake Tilapia?Nice name, for that matter, but it owes it to fact that the lake breeds a lot of Tilapia fishes. This can be rightly termed as a picnic spot because in the desert, out of nowhere, is this sparkling blue lake which was also known as Zakher Pools, earlier on. This lake is made up of ground water and even spill water in the desert area.
This has been made into a picnic area with tables and with some shade on top and some public toilets. The natural surroundingsare just right for fantastic photography.
Things to do at Lake Zakher
- The area is one of the best spots for bird watching in the UAE. Stilts, herons and flamingos can be traced here. Lake Zakher is the optimum habitat for migratory and wintering birds.
- The sunset here is mesmerizing, therefore photography is a must at this place.
- This is also good for picnicking as well as for barbequing and camping. A separate area is allocated for barbequing.
- The Zakher Lake is a great place for unwinding with family and friends after a hectic week at work.
- The Lake is located in the desert area, near the Jebel Hafeet mountain, so that you get to see a very picturesque view of the mountain from here.
- Bathing is not advisable at the lake because of the presence of poisonous creatures.
- Although being too near to the desert area, it would be too hot in summer.
- The place is good for kids to play around on the sand, but care must be taken so that they do not go too near the lake.
- The serenity and the tranquility cast a spell on visitors and it can serve as a wonderful retreat.
- It could be called a tourist’s paradise only if the waste materials gathered by the picnickers were not left at the place. So, when barbequing and picnicking at the Zakher Lake, it is the tourist’s responsibility to keep the place clean.
- Free parking is available.
How to Reach?
The Zakher Lake is located in the outskirts of the Garden City of UAE, Al Ain. It takes 30 minutes by car to reach the place taking the Abu Dhabi- Al Ain Truck Road. It should take around two hours to reach the place from Dubai.
Map Address
You can also check this map address on Google map.
Places to visit nearby Zakher Lake
1. Al Ain Oasis
The Al Ain Oasis is a peaceful retreat to the bosom of Nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Al Ain is a natural paradise known for its shady oases and palm trees lining them. Here, at the Al Ain oasis, there are some 150000 trees of hundreds of varieties. Besides, there are orchards,bearing fruits. The place is watered by its old system of watering and irrigation, the Falaj system which has come down over the years. Besides the oasis, there are mosques, watch towers, fortified buildings of the past that lets you delve into the old days of this place.
2. Jebel Hafeet Mountain
The Jebel Hafeet is 1200 metres above the sea level and it is the third highest mountain in the UAE. The Jebel Hafeet mountain in the outskirts of Al Ain is a photographic destination. The mountain offers rock climbing and hiking on the mountain trails, through its rugged topography. The burial site is at the foot of the mountain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tombs tell it all, about the earlier inhabitants, who resided here long ago. Stargazing at night on the mountain is a magical experience for all tourists.
3. Jebel Hafeet Tombs
The beehive shaped tombs at the Jebel Hafeet foothills date back to some 5000 years. If you take a trip to the mountains and enjoy hiking or rock climbing there, visiting the tombs afterwards would be a good thing to do. Set some time out for a special visit to these tombs and learn some special information like these tombs had very small entrances and they contained the dead bodies of five people at the most. Archaeologists have found beads and local stones here in different shapes and potteries from Mesopotamia. Daggers and spears belonging to the 2000-1000 BCE are also to be found here.
4. Hili Archaeological Park
Hili Archaeological Park is a beautiful garden as well as an archaeological site. The monuments here date back to 2000 BCE. The circular tomb catches the fancy of the visitors to this place. The entrances are decorated with animal and human statues. The fossils found in this archaeological museum dates back to 5000 years. The entry time is 4 pm to 11 pm for all. The entry is free here.
5. Al Ain Zoo
With kids around and having spent a few hours bird watching, visiting the Al Ain Zoo can be a great option for a kids’ day out. This is a zoo that has won many accolades for its outstanding species of animals. Some of the exquisite ones happen to be Arabian Oryx, Springbok Gazelle, White Tiger, Sable Antelope and the Barbary Sheep. This Zoo is covered under our Al Ain city tour. You can feed the giraffes here. You also get to learn a lot about preserving wildlife. Watching the sunset here is a magical experience, so that you might as well wait till the sunset before you walk homewards!
Conclusion
The lake Zakher is a wonderful place to halt while on your way down Al Ain Abu Dhabi Truck Road. You can even plan a day out and spend some time in the serenity and tranquility of the Zakher Lake. This brilliant birdwatching paradise, with its wonderfully picturesque views of Jebel Hafeet is sure to bring you an engrossing experience to be cherished forever!
