*** ----> A night to remember in Sakhir camping under the starry sky! | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

A night to remember in Sakhir camping under the starry sky!

TDT | Manama                                                        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

As the winter season settles in, Bahrain's camping enthusiasts flock to Sakhir to embrace the joys of outdoor living. From mid-November to March, families and friends gather to experience the thrill of camping under the starry sky.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to spend a chilly night with my family in a tent in Sakhir, immersing myself in the camping culture. I witnessed the dancing flames of the campfire, indulged in deliciously grilled meats, played games with my loved ones, and even slept inside the cozy confines of the tent.

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Tents are available in various sizes and price ranges, catering to different needs. Rental prices range from BD35 to BD150, depending on the duration of the stay and the size of the tent. Each tent is equipped with essential amenities such as a separate toilet, a kitchen, an ample supply of firewood, chairs with tables, and comfortable seating arrangements.

Now, you might be wondering how these tents in the middle of the desert manage to have electricity. Each tent comes with its own generator, running on gasoline and providing power for an extended period.

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Desert

The camping site in Sakhir is located 15 kilometres away from the Zallaq highway, nestled amidst the vast expanse of the desert. To avoid getting lost, visitors are advised to keep an eye out for the iconic Tree of Life, which serves as a prominent landmark near the camping area.

However, the journey to the campsite was not without its challenges. The roads leading to Sakhir were riddled with potholes, and the absence of streetlights made driving a bit arduous. Upon arriving at the campsite, my first order of business was to kindle a fire and warm myself up.

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I then embarked on the culinary adventure of cooking marinated meats, such as kebabs and chicken tikka, over the glowing coals. It took about an hour to prepare the feast for everyone to enjoy.

After a delightful meal, I settled into a chair in the open area, gazing at the star-studded sky and the mesmerizing moon. It was around midnight when my cousins and I decided to engage in some lively games, including card games and Throwball. Of course, no camping experience would be complete without sharing spine-chilling ghost stories.

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Warmth

Exhausted from the day’s activities, I retreated to the warmth of the tent for a quick nap. Meanwhile, my companions indulged in some shisha outside. When I woke up at 6 am, I was greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the sunrise.

It was a captivating moment, witnessing the transition from the nighttime desert to the vibrant morning landscape. As I stepped out of the tent, I finally had a chance to explore the surroundings. The nighttime had obscured my view, but now I noticed an array of food trucks and 24/7 cold stores operating within tents.

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As I bid farewell to the camping area, the drive back was clearer, although a touch chaotic due to the morning rush of departing campers. My night in Sakhir was an unforgettable experience, filled with warmth, laughter, and the magnificence of nature. The allure of camping in this picturesque desert oasis continues to captivate adventurers year after year.