A retreat from the bustling city of Dubai leads you to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the serene Flamingo Lake Dubai. This shallow, natural lagoon hosts a flamboyance (the collective term for a group) of flamingos, along with a variety of other migratory birds.
The area of the Flamingo Lake is 6.2 square kilometers. The lake is located exactly at the mouth of the Dubai creek. This Flamingo Lake is a result of one of Dubai’s ventures for developing an eco-friendly habitation for nature enthusiasts, wild life photographers and avid tourists who are nature lovers. A day or two away from the buzzing city into the laps of nature is a wonderful getaway.
History
The history of the Flamingo Lake Dubai, which is a part of the Ras Al Khor Sanctuary dates back to 1985 when the sanctuary was established to protect the flora and the fauna in that region. Soon came up the popularity of the Flamingo Lake with the coming on of tourists from all over the world to watch the beautiful birds.
Things to know about Flamingo Lake
- The best time of visiting the lake is between November and March.
- The weather is mild and temperature is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
- This is the time when flamingos come to the lakes to feed and breed.
- It is obvious that you would have an awesome sight of these stunning birds in and around the lake during that time.
- Respect the environment and keep the place clean.
- Do not feed fishes and birds.
- The peak season is from December to February. So to get away from the crowd of avid visitors you may visit the lakes in the early mornings and during weekdays.
Timings
The timings for entry to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is as follows:
- October to March the timings are 7.30 am to 5.30 pm.
- April to September the timings are 6 am to 6 pm.
The Flamingo Lake Dubai are open from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm during winter while during the summer they are open from 6 am to 6 pm. The feeding time for the flamingos are at 10 am and 4 pm. The best timings for seeing the flamingos areearly to mid-morning or sometime during the sunset.
Flamingos mainly migrate during the night when the sky is cloudless and there is wind blowing to aid in their flight. They usually travel 600 kilometres in one night. They prefer the nights for fear of the predator birds. During the winter flamingos come and take refuge in the marshy habitats of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Entry Fees
- There are no entry fees for Flamingo Lake (Ras Al Khor Sanctuary).
Things to do at Flamingo Lake Dubai
- There is a great choice to explore the place when you are at Flamingo Lake. You can spot a good number of wild animals as well as birds here. The pink flamingos, the black swans, the colorful ducks waddling in the water, the waterfowls all have their habitats in the shallow creeks of the lake. This makes it a favorite hub for nature lovers as well as birdwatchers and photographers.
- This is a family friendly destination where you can picnic as well as have a barbecue night in the open under the starry sky. The place has a captivating ambiance, serene and quiet, far away from the city where you can enjoy a magical communion with Nature. Be careful to respect the environment and leave the place clean.
- You may go for short walks or cycling if you are a health enthusiast.
- The Love Lake nearby with its beautiful natural setting and romantic ambiance is a must visit place.
- You may enjoy camping under the starlit sky or spend time stargazing in the clear pollution free atmosphere.
Nearby Places to Visit
1. Dubai Dolphinarium
- Dubai Dolphinarium is an air-conditioned indoor space where dolphins exhibit their skills at juggling, dancing, singing, playing ball and so on.
- You may interact with these playful creatures by dancing, kissing, hugging and playing ball.
- Swim with the dolphins in the water under the supervision of guides who are trained in dolphin behaviours and their way of living.
- The location is Creek Park, gate 1.
- This place has four dolphins and four seals also.
- It is 10000 square feet glass enclosure where the dolphins carry on all sorts of activities.
- This place is a wonderful family friendly place for adults and kids.
- The unique bird show here is also a very well known one where you can see a lot of the avian species like hornbills, toucans, macaws, cockatoos, parrots and so on. You may interact with them and feed them.
- Children can enjoy on the trampolines and watch film shows.
- It is equipped with the latest sound systems and sound effects.
2. Love Lake
- The Love Lake nearby is a man-made lake near the Flamingo Lake in the Al Qudra Lake region.
- The shape is unique and artistic with two heart shaped lakes intertwined.
- The park near the lake is set up with bio degradable amenities.
- The place is wonderfully decorated with heart shaped structures and a wonderful hub for photographers.
- It is a great place for couples as well as for spending time with friends and family.
- The ambiance of the place brings in multitudes of visitors every day to this special lake.
- It is a good idea to visit the place between November and March.
- The Love Lake area has a badminton court, a swing high up in the trees and a long track for walkers who are looking to find some activity.
- The area around the lake is also a wonderful place for picnics and barbeques. You only have to keep the place neat and clean abiding by the environment friendly rules.
Bonus Tips
If you like such places, then try visiting Dubai Fountain lake ride, Kayaking in Dubai, and many more.
How to get there?
- Take the Dubai Metro to the Creek Metro Station
- Take a taxi or bus from Creek Station to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
- You can follow the signs to reach the Flamingo Lake Dubai thereafter.
- If you are travelling via car, you need to take the Sheikh Zayed Road and ride towards Abu Dhabi. Then take the Al Qudra Road and drive for ten kilometers, till you reach the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Then follow the signs to reach Flamingo Lake.
Conclusion
The Flamingo Lake is a stunning tourist destination in Dubai that presents the city’s commitment to making the city an ecofriendly destination for all. The birds, animals, insects and reptiles in their habitats add to the attractions of photographers and nature enthusiasts. Tourists who are looking for a serene retreat on a weekend getaway flock to the calm and quiet ambiance of the place. Flamingo Lake is easily accessible from Dubai within a very short time. The cooler months of the year make the stay very much enjoyable and memorable too.
