HISTORIC SITES

Azraq is a unique wetland, located in the heart of the arid Eastern Desert, which takes its name from the Arabic word for ‘blue’. A migratory stopover for birds from three continents, Azraq is becoming increasingly popular for bird-watching. From the walkways and hides, visitors get the chance to observe birds close at hand, including local, migratory and occasional rare species.

The Azraq area also has a rich cultural history due to its strategic location and water resources. It was used as a station for pilgrims and camel trains and Lawrence of Arabia was stationed in Azraq Castle during the Arab Revolt. The local people are also unusually diverse, coming from three different ethnic origins, Bedouin, Chechen and Druze; each of which has distinctive beliefs and traditions. Bedouins have lived a nomadic life style in the area for generations, whereas the Chechens are descendant of settlers from the Caucasus and the Druze stem from Arab tribes in Syria and Lebanon.

Many interesting archaeological sites lie within easy reach of Azraq Lodge, including the famous but misnamed ‘desert castles’: Qasr Amra, Qasr Kharana and Azraq Castle. Qasr Amra is one of the best preserved Umayyad bath houses in the world and a World Heritage Site. Its interior walls are covered in lively frescos dating back to the 700 AD. There are also many dramatic desert landscapes to discover, including moon-like plains of black basalt and white valleys of chalk.

Places to stay at Azraq Wetland Reserve:

v  Azraq Eco-lodge

A converted 1940’s British military field hospital, located at the edge of the Eastern Desert, only a short distance from the Azraq and Shaumari nature reserves. It has an authentic period atmosphere, combined with a modern twist, and provides comfortable and characterful accommodation from which to explore the Eastern Desert.

There are 16 fully equipped 1940’s style rooms, air conditioned with private bathrooms and terraces, overlooking Azraq Village and sand flats of the Azraq Basin. The rooms can accommodate up to 40 people at full capacity. All the staff members are from local Bedouin, Chechen, and Druze communities and the kitchen and restaurant are under the management of a local family, who provide home-cooked Chechen food. The Lodge is open all year.

Things to do at Azraq Wetland Reserve:

v  Exploring

The best way to explore the wetland is on the board walk trail. Stroll past tall reeds and open pools and observe the visiting birds or catch a glimpse of water buffalos wallowing in the shallow water.

v  Bird Watching

With the restoration of the marshland, several species of birds have returned to breed in Azraq, such as the Hoopoe Lark, Cetti’s Warbler, the DesertFinch and the Marsh Harrier. About 280 bird species have been recorded in Azraq, most of which are migratory, such as the Ruff, Avocet, Little Stint and Little Ringed Plover. Several birds of prey stop to drink and hunt at the pools as well, including the Honey Buzzard and Montagu’s Harrier. From our rustic bird hide, made of local mud brick and overlooking a large stretch of shallow water, you can observe many birds according to the season.

v  Handicraft Workshops at Azraq Eco-Lodge

Visit the workshops at the Eco-lodge, where women from the local community produce finely painted ostrich eggs, silk-screened t-shirts, and range of other hand-crafted items.

v  Night Safari At Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Visitors to Azraq Lodge have an opportunity to take a safari into the nearby Shaumari Wildlife Reserve to see the living results of the international rescue efforts undertaken to save these endangered animals. Safari tours through the Oryx enclosure are available aboard RSCN vehicles.

v  Shopping

Browse through the Nature Shop at the reserve’s Visitor Center and find truly original gifts and souvenirs. This shop contains nature crafts produced by the local people at the reserves. It is open for visitors daily from 8.00 am to 4.00 PM.

v  Dining

Enjoy authentic local cuisine at the Azraq Lodge’s Chechen Kitchen. Eating at the lodge is an exquisite experience; the kitchen is managed by a local Chechen family, who continue to cook their ancestors’ tasty homemade recipes; visitors will quickly succumb to the delicious and traditional delights that they conjure up on a daily basis.

v  Conference & Workshops

Hold small conferences, workshops, and retreats for in the Azraq Lodge conference room. This room is equipped with slide and overhead projectors, flip charts, data show, computer, and video.