Take a walk on the wild side at Dubai’s largest zipline park, Aventura. Located in Mushrif Park, Aventura is a brilliant way to explore Dubai’s wonderful native forests which have been designed with a challenging combination of swaying sky bridges and zip line pathways that cut through.
How to get there: via Mushrif Park - Gate 1. Google Maps link here. At the gate, visitors will have to pay a AED 10 municipality fee via NOL card. If you don’t have a NOL card, you may purchase one there and then; however, recommended to bring a card.
My wanders began with a ground school where all aspiring Tarzans and Janes, myself included, first watched a brief safety video, then were suited up in a harness and lanyards. A coach walked me through the steps on how to clip and unclip the lanyards. Then I made my way to my chosen circuit, Explorador.
There are 6 circuits in total which vary in levels of difficulty. So entry is based on your height and age, and brave kids as young as say 4 years old can play the easier challenges. As I was walking in I could see people flying down the other zip lines like stunt doubles for Spiderman and all I could think was what did I sign myself up for?
The circuit I had chosen, Explordador, has 17 challenges in total, and is only one level difficult below the Thriller circuit which looked too ambitious for myself, a beginner. Let it be known I do have a fear of heights. I’m comfortable going up tall buildings and elevators and all, but I’m not going sky diving anytime soon.
But here’s the thing, you freak out, you hold on to your safety lanyards for dear life, then you go for it. In seconds, you’re just flying between tree tops and landing zones, Tarzan style, above this lush flora and fauna. It’s energizing and puts you completely outside of your comfort zone. It took me perhaps about 2 hours to cover the entire circuit, and by the second zip line, I had eased up on my death grip on my lanyards.
There was always an escape route that I was told I could use if I wanted to. But going through 1 challenge would boost my confidence levels up so much that I was so curious to see what the next challenge would be like. It’s a steep learning curve. It’s also so peaceful and quiet, and the only thing you’ll hear is birdsong, and probably me screaming occasionally. I’m definitely going to go again and next time, go a level up to the Thriller circuit, and just soak in the adrenaline of it all.
Highly recommended activity to do solo, on an adventurous date, or with friends.
Website: www.aventuraparks.com. Park timings are Monday to Friday: 2PM until 9 PM; Saturday, Sunday & School/Public Holidays: 10AM until 9 PM; Closed on Tuesdays. Admission prices vary according to the ticket type purchased. There are add-ons such as gloves rental/purchase, unlimited water, and a handy earth bag. Visit the website for more information.
Bonus: Fazaa cardholders are entitled to a 30% discount on adventure park access, when purchased on site, and upon presentation of a valid card/account.