Need a weekend escape that pushes you outside your comfort zone? If the wild has always intrigued you, the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp is just what you need.
Tucked away in the adventure-prone Jebel Jais summit of Ras Al Khaimah, this is perhaps the only place in the UAE that offers a truly transformative experience. Think mountains, survival, community and the chance to connect with yourself and nature like never before.
Under the helm of the iconic and legendary Bear Grylls himself, this one-of-a-kind survival camp blends adrenaline-pumping adventure with practical life lessons. Of course, you can always count on the guidance of instructors hand-picked and trained to a fault.
A three-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, one wouldn’t imagine getting away from the city in such dramatic fashion. Set amid the rugged Hajar Mountains, the raw terrain is equal parts beautiful and challenging, forcing you to slow down, switch off, and reconnect with nature in the most primal way.
Of course, with Jebel Jais being the highest point in the UAE, there’s also the promise of cooler winds while you battle the elements. This also makes it perfect for any time of the year, so there’s zero excuse to not push yourself!
What’s on the Bear Grylls Camp agenda?
This isn’t the usual glamping in the desert or barbeque camping in the hills situation. It’s all about learning those all too important skills that could one day save your life.
On a less dramatic but equally poignant note, the camp also helps you cultivate the confidence to know you can rely on yourself. Many of the instructors come from highly regarded British Forces backgrounds. Their skills are further honed by Bear Grylls over decades of exploration, military service, and television adventures.
Choose from a variety of course options according to your comfort level. The Primal Survival Course is a whole day long, while the Essential Survival course is just 4 hours. The Wild Survival Course at six hours is perhaps one of the best ways to explore all of Jebel Jais like a true adventurer.
So what can you expect?
The team has designed a series of engaging, hands-on challenges that will test both your attitude and ability. Over the course of the camp, you will traverse rocky terrain and the steep mountain passes of Ras Al Khaimah.
Whether it’s starting a fire using nothing but a flint, building a shelter from the natural materials around you, or navigating unfamiliar terrain with a map and compass, the tasks can get daunting and exciting as you progress.
Given the current landscape globally, some of the skills you’ll pick up at the Bear Grylls camps are more relevant than ever. For instance, treating trauma in remote areas. If adventure is in your DNA and going MIA is a regular occurrence, this is an absolutely crucial skill to have.
From abseiling to hiking, Via Ferrata to archery and beyond - there’s something interesting around the corner for anyone who dares.
Bespoke package options, amenities and more
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Looking for something a little more exclusive? Bringing that quintessential UAE vibe, the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp can always customise the experience. Private groups can take on tailored challenges, designed to suit specific age groups, fitness levels, or team goals. Next team outing? Birthday party with a twist? Family reunion? There’s a survival course in the UAE for everyone!
The camp offers 16 simple cabins designed to accommodate up to three guests. Again, luxury is not on the menu here, but there will be everything you need to survive in the wild.
On arrival, each cabin will have a survival box stocked with essential utensils and a BBQ set. Meals are served camp-style, with dinner and breakfast provided to keep you fuelled and ready to go!
The camp is open to a wide age range, although participants must include at least one adult over the age of 18 and one child between 8 and 17. Fostering community and collaboration between generations, it’s a unique opportunity to benefit from different perspectives in real time.
What’s a survival course without the scars of glory? Fortunately, over here, you walk away with less painful and more long-lasting mementoes of your victory. Each participant is awarded a Bear Grylls Explorers Camp badge, a neck tube, and a certificate marking their achievement. Although that arguably doesn’t compete with knowing you can survive on almost nothing, something not many in your circle would be able to boast.
As with all outdoor activities, the camp is weather-dependent. But rather than seeing this as a limitation, it’s embraced as part of the learning. Adapting to unpredictable conditions – be it wind, rain, or heat – is all part of the survival mindset. And if adjustments need to be made, the team does so with safety and authenticity in mind.
While Jebel Jais does stand tall for its record-breaking attractions like the Jais Flight, or offers up adrenaline rushes with Via Ferrata - the Bear Grylls Camp stands apart by offering something more meaningful.
It forces you to believe in yourself and to be able to not just survive but thrive in a world and climate away from the comforts of city life. It’s a rare reminder that with the right tools and mindset, you can adapt to almost anything.
At its core, the Bear Grylls Camp is way more than just a weekend getaway. So whether you’re a solo adventurer looking for a physical and mental reset, a family or friend group seeking a bonding experience, or an HR officer searching for a team-building challenge, the camp offers something uniquely meaningful for everyone.
Details:
For more information, call 04 815 7333
