2009-02-20_Abu_Simra

Umm Bab to Abu Samra and the Echinoderms

Friday, February 20, 2009

 

  • A drive along the beach thru a mix of hard pack and sand from Umm Bab to the Saudi border at Abu Samra with a few stops along the way.
  • From Abu Samra you can either head back to Doha along Salwa Road or continue on to the Echinoderm site.
  • Allow about 4.5 hours traveling time with 2-3 hours standing for a total trip time of about 7-8 hrs. We should be back in Doha before 5 PM.
  • If you decide not to continue to the Echinoderm site you should be back in Doha before 3:00 PM
  • Four wheel drives with a full tank of petrol are required.

 

Highlights

 

  • Interesting landscape...the Gulf on your right and mountains on your left.
  • Marine birds, abandoned farms along the coast
  • Driving your 4x4 thru the different conditions along the beach
  • Lunch break at an abandoned villa on the water. There is shade, beaches and a long jetty into the gulf with a geo-cache hidden there. The last time visited, there were flamingos just off shore in the bay and some locals with their falcons picnicking at the site.
  • After lunch you have a choice to head back to Doha or continue on to the Echinoderm site.
  • Collecting echinoderms (you will need the equivalent of a pick and hammer)

 

Itinerary

 

9:00 AM Meet at the Mobil Petrol Station on Salwa Road

Note:

  • Allow +- 30 minutes to drive from Doha (e.g.the Ramada) to the Mobil petrol station.
  • Salwa Road is a ‘no go’ (under construction) to the west of the industrial roundabout so follow the diversion signs. Or an easier route…
  • To get to Salwa Road past the closure, follow the road (Al Waab Street) in front of the Villagio Mall/Hyatt Plaza until you see the yellow diversion signs. Follow the diversion signs and they will lead you to Salwa Road.
  • Follow Salwa Road to the unmarked exit for the Mobil Petrol Station which is located just beyond the station
  • Fill up with petrol here and there is a grocery store there as well.

 

9:30 AM Leave for the coast at Umm Bab.

Note:

  • Follow Salwa Road to exit for Umm Bab. Allow +- 30 minutes drive from the Petrol Station to the Umm Bab exit and another +-45 minutes to get to the coast.
  • The exit to Umm Bab is a temporary one (small sign) before the actual signed (exit No. 42) which you will find out too late that the access to Umm Bab is closed.
  • Follow the highway past Umm Bab all the way to the QP jetty where we will assemble before heading down the beach.

 

10:30 AM Leave for Abu Samra

Note:

  • We will be driving along the beach on hard packed track as well as sand until we reach an abandoned villa and jetty where we will stop for a lunch break. There is jetty, shade and beaches here. Last time we visited, there were flamingos in the bay & some locals picnicking with their falcons there.
  • Allow 1.5 hours to get there from Umm Bab

 

12:00 PM Lunch Break

 

1:30 PM Leave for Salwa Road & Abu Samra Roundabout

Note:

  • Once at Salwa Rd. you have to travel west to the roundabout at Abu Samra. Allow +-30 minutes to get to the roundabout.
  • From the roundabout you can either head back to Doha or continue thru the desert to the Echinoderm site.
  • Allow another 1.5 hours to visit the echinoderm site and drive thru the desert to connect to Salwa road further up towards Doha.
  • If you choose to go back to Doha, allow +-1 hour to get to Doha..

 

2:30 PM Arrive at the Echinoderm site

Note:

  • Drive onto the area with the Echinoderms
  • For those who have the energy, there is cache hidden on top of the mountain with a nice overlook towards Abu Samra. Allow +-1 hour for a hike.

4:00 PM Leave for Doha

Note:

  • Drive thru the desert towards Doha & connect with Salwa Rd.

 

5:00 PM Arrive in Doha