What we’re about
Do you feel stranded in a concrete jungle of a city? Do you miss nature? Do you crave for adventure? Do you enjoy active holidays more than lazy hotel resorts on a beach? If you answer YES to any of those questions you’ve just found a right place and the right company :) In search of possibilities to spend time outside the city, we created this space for all like-minded people who would like to join us, and since adventure in a group is always more fun, help us make our own holidays a more amazing experience! We don’t mind missing a night out in clubs to get up at 4 am in the morning to go hiking. We enjoy carrying our rucksack rather than a Gucci bag and prefer swapping Louboutin stilettos for hiking shoes. And finally – we prefer walking a few kilometeres uphill than cruising along Sheikh Zayed Road in an air conditioned Porsche (well, most of the times anyway).
Join us on Facebook: Trekkup Dubai and Instagram #trekkup.
See yah soon!! xx
Upcoming events
67
Bananarama | Journey Across Sierra Leone and Liberia + Guinea Conakry
Dubai International Airport, 1 Airport Avenue, Dubai, AESierre Leone and Freetown, Liberia and Monrovia - freedom country and freedom town - two destinations where slavery and emancipation take on a whole new meaning, with one being the site of African resettlement from Europe and the other from America, these are lands of searing heritage.
Sierre Leone’s Freetown, with its vast beaches along the peninsula, lively surfing culture, chimpanzee sanctuary among the rainforests, and nearby islands with decaying slave fortresses, or another with butterfly colonies and pygmy hippos!
Bunce Island, where trading in gold, ivory, cane wood, and slaves in the tens of thousands was launched from a fortress all the way across the Atlantic to the Americas, where the vast majority of the slaves of the Antebellum south came from. Today it’s a ruin of old stone and rusty cannons but the memories of this place continue to haunt.
Just a little bit American and kind of West African, Liberia is unlike anywhere you’ve been before, with mountains to climb, world’s most beautiful beaches to surf and swim, vast parks full of untouched wildlife, city scenes out of the American south, and founded as the homeland of freed American slaves, it’s a step off the map into Africa’s last frontier!
Monrovia is a scene of stately ruins, like the Hotel Ducor and it’s famous swimming pool, or the Masonic Temple’s peeling paint, broad streets of plantation-style mansions and Antebellum architecture, a marked contrast to Freetown’s Portuguese influence. You’ll even find a few speakers of “Pidgin” English, if you listen carefully!
Let’s go!!
Day 1 :: Arrival + Firestone, The Rubber Tree Forests
Liberia is the only country that has never been either a colony or a protectorate; it was founded by Krio, freed slaves who returned to Africa from the US, hence the name "Liberia: the country of freemen". Krio make up 5% of the population and control a large part of the economy and politics; they are considered the creators of the nation and the modern economy. 80% of the population speaks the Krio language, which is a form of "Pidgin" English.
Immigration clearance and proceed to on a rough road through a spectacular rubber plantation forest called Firestone, the largest contiguous rubber plantation in the world, located in Harbel, Liberia, which first opened in 1926. In the mid-1990s, former Liberian President Charles Taylor's soldiers, many of whom were children, raided the Firestone plantation for fuel and supplies. Firestone pulled its executives out and left the plantation, and many of the company's Liberian workers were later killed. After the civil war, the company revived its operations and is now back on track. After a tour of the plantation and the surroundings, head to our ecolodge for overnight stay.
Day 2 :: Libassa + Monrovia
Leisure morning in tropical idyll setting. For curious, exploration of the site in a search for Pangolins - live a dream of Liberia's wild and unspoilt nature. Later in a day, its time to head to Monrovia city.
Check in to hotel, start exploring Monrovia, we’ll pass by many curiosities including the Temple of Masonic Lodge, the most significant symbol of the Krio culture and the abandoned Ducor Palace Hotel (or what remains of it), a former luxurious hotel with a swimming pool overlooking the ocean. We ll also learn about the Mende people and the Bundu Mask in the forests outside the city. Head back to our hotel in the evening for dinner and rest.
Day 3 :: Crossing to Sierra + Tiwai
Check out from hotel and head to Sierra Leone on slightly better roads towards the border.
Bye bye Liberia!
Further on the boats to Tiwai Island for some monkey jumping, bird calls, and maybe a crocodile or two. If we’re really lucky, we’ll spot the elusive Pygmy Hippo!
Day 4 :: Tacugama via Bo
After binch beans and some coffee, we’ll head out to the second capital of Sierre Leone, the bustling Bo before moving on to Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary, home to many chimpanzees who have become injured and need help returning to the wild. We’ll drive into the hills for a panorama of the city and charming sunset.
Day 5 :: Bunce and Tasso Island
Bunce Island, made famous for being the last stop on the slave trade before being sent off to the Americas. The island was declared a national monument in 1948. A major European commercial fort was built here during the slave trading era, serving as a meeting place for European traders and African merchants. Over 50,000 slaves—women, children, and aged men—were transited to the Americas. The trading of slaves, gold, ivory, and cane wood was prevalent during the 1800s, and many slaves sent to South Carolina and Georgia were traded on this island. See and feel the island by touching the history yourself.
Day 6 :: Banana island + Freetown City Tour
Morning set out towards Kent for Banana Island, where we spend half day swimming and getting to know the local community, explore the Portuguese influence, and learn the ways of the Krios peoples of this former slave island.
After lunch, return to the city, start with visiting the National Museum and the Big Market, which operates daily. It is a covered market selling a range of crafts, bric-a-brac, traditional medicines, and mystical items.
Day 7 :: Crossing to Conakry
Bye-bye Sierra Leone!
Early in the morning crossing to Guinea Conakry, check in to hotel, city tour.
Day 8 :: Isles de Los
We will end up our trip with idyllic escape to Iles de Los, tropical paradise of 3 islands, for some swimming, relaxing or just playing beach football with the kids.
Day 9 :: Departure back to Dubai
Its time to head to airport for return flight home, Bye Bye West Africa!
Grade: Easy - available for everyone.
Activities: Trekking, boating, swimming, sightseeing.
Accommodation & meals: hotels and lodges - double sharing, meals excluded.
Cost: 9,200 AED excl. flights. Cost valid until DEC 10th.
Flights, approx. 5000 AED:
Day 1 DXB-ROB Ethiopian
Day 9 CKY-DXB Emirates
Specifically excluded: flights, visas, restaurant meals, single room supplement.
Visas:
Sierra Leone: E-visa 85 USD
Liberia: Pre-arranged visa 110 USD
Guinea Conakry: E-visa 85 USD
See yah in West Africa x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup8 attendees
Mafi Ghaddafi | Journey Across Libya feat. Ghadames
Dubai International Airport, Dubai, AEFirst appearing in a hieroglyphic inscription of Ramesses II, Libya – part of the Maghreb region – is one of the Africa’s largest nations with a landscape that is a true feast for the senses. Home to a stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline, pristine beaches and azure waters, Libya was also once home to great ancient civilisations of the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans.
Its historical legacy offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, and one of this country’s crown jewels is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Leptis Magna. Once a bustling Roman city of the Carthaginian Empire lining the Mediterranean coast, its grand arches, amphitheatres, and column-lined streets will take you on an immersive journey through time as you meander some of the best-preserved, and most impressive, ancient ruins in the world.
As captivating for history buffs as it is for explorers, Leptis Magna is distinguished for being the most famous Roman city in Africa. Yet that’s only the start of the treasures this North African gem has to offer the most curious of explorers.
With a landscape that is 90 percent desert, Libya’s raw nature brings with it an unforgettable adventure across the Saharan wilderness, curated to the rhythm of desert vibes as we journey to the ‘pearl of the desert’. Once inhabited by indigenous Berbers and Tuaregs, the oasis city, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, of Ghadames is a true sanctuary in the heart of Libya’s wilderness.
A trading city unique for its charm, character, and self-sustaining agricultural practices, Ghadames’ architecture demonstrates a curious blend of Islamic and Berber styles, resulting in an aesthetic and atmospheric beauty unique to this region with its crowded network of whitewashed houses and covered streets.
Distinguished for being one of the oldest cities in the pre-Saharan region with varying ethnic groups living in separate quarters, Ghadames brings with it the captivating aura of multicultural diversity, historical and cultural significance hard to find elsewhere.
And with captivating experiences woven together by the warm hospitality of the locals, this adventure will leave a lasting impression on your mind, your heart, and your taste buds; bringing you home with unforgettably beautiful memories infused with flavours of an exquisite cuisine that runs as deep in composition, and texture, as Libya’s roots.
Let’s go!
DAY 1// HELLO TRIPOLI!
Welcome to Libya’s capital! After clearing the airport, we will head straight to an exploration of modern Tripoli taking in key sites including Algeria Square with its imposing mosque converted to a cathedral, Martyrs Square, and the hub of Tripoli.
DAY 2// LEPTIS MAGNA
A truly spectacular tantalising feast fit for history buffs and explorers alike, Leptis Magna is home to the triumphal Arch of Septimus Severus, the Hadrianic Baths complex, the Palaestra (athletic ground), the Nymphaeum (Temple of Nymphs), the huge Imperial Forum, the Basilica, the Arches of Tiberius and Trajan, and a spectacular amphitheatre set against a gorgeous backdrop of Mediterranean Sea, the Sanctuary of the Divine Emperors, and the Market with unique kiosks which, at the time of construction, were a groundbreaking design in the Roman world.
DAY 3// QASR AL-HAJ – YEFREN
Today, we journey into the Berber heartland of the Jabal Nafusa. Our first stop will be at Qasr al-Haj to visit the most beautiful Berber granary qasr (castle) in Libya, seeing for ourselves why explorer Dan Cruickshank chose this imposing 13th Century circular fortress as one of ''The World’s 80 Greatest Treasures''.
DAY 4// GHADAMES
Renowned for its distinctive architecture, we visit the various small squares, the old mosque, and a madrasa (Quranic school), see the fruit and vegetable gardens and explore the ancient irrigation system. And that’s all before lunch in a beautifully decorated traditional house where we will sit on the floor and eat with our hands from communal dishes.
DAY 5// KABOW – TORMISA
Today we leave Ghadames, heading back into the Jabel Nafusa to visit another ancient qasr at Kabow before driving to the abandoned village of Tormisa with its stunning cliff top views. From here we continue to Gharyan to visit a troglodyte house and the pottery stalls for which the town is famous. Tonight, we sleep in Tripoli.
DAY 6// DEPARTURE
Grade: Easy, available to everyone.
Accommodation and meals: 3-4 star hotels, double sharing. Meals excluded (one meal D3 & D4 included due to logistics).
Cost: 7450 AED excl. flights until DEC 18.
Specifically Excluded: flights via ISTANBUL, restaurant meals (one meal D3 & D4 included).
Flights: Turkish approx. AED 3000.
Visa: E-visa included in trip budget.
See yah in Libya x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup2 attendees
All Charms of Ancient Persia | Journey Across Iran
Dubai Airport Departures Terminal 2, Al Qusais, Dubai, AENot many places on regional travel map have that much to offer as Iran. Despite having a reputation of a shady destination due to international sanctions and local politics, this massive neighbor is a gem for any traveler with variety of climate, topography, ancient history or cousin. Let’s leave the politics to politicians and visit two of Iran top destinations!
Isfahan - often compared to Rome or Athens of the region, is a home to the most majestic collection of buildings and bridges of Islamic world. Perfect proportions, lavish decorations, stunning lights, were known here for centuries. We will stroll through the bazaars, walk the bridges and admire mosaic arches with all little secrets they hide within.
Yazd - Secluded ancient oasis in the middle of the dessert has been a center of silk and carpet trade for centuries. Remote location of 7 days desert ride, kept it away from major wars and preserved in original state. Today, Yazd is famous for a labyrinth of old city narrow streets, some renovated and converted into cafeterias or hotels along blue dome mosques, bazaars and courtyards. Ancient Persia at its best!!
Persepolis – was founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., it was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site.
DAY 1 / TUE :: ISFAHAN
Meeting at DXB Terminal 2 at 8:00 AM for a direct flight 10:00 AM.
Arrival, Immigration formalities. Afternoon and evening visit of Zayande river for beautifully lit up bridges. Dinner, overnight in hotel in Isfahan.
DAY 2 / WED :: ISFAHAN + YAZD
Start early morning with visit in Imam Jameh Mosque complex, Aligapu Palace. In the evening drive to Yazd. Dinner and overnight in traditional hotel in Yazd.
DAY 3 / THU :: YAZD
Visit Amir Chakhmagh Square and wind around old city streets, lunch on one of city rooftops. In the afternoon Dolat Garden and tallest wind tower in the world, Zoroastrian tower. In the evening go back to old city for beautifully lit up mosques offering now completely different ambience. Dinner and overnight in traditional hotel in Yazd.
DAY 4 / FRI :: SHIRAZ (Persepolis)
Morning drive to Shiraz, after lunch visit Naqsh-e Rustam and Persepolis.
DAY 5 / SAT :: SHIRAZ
Drive back to city for pink mosque and quick look at bazaar before heading back home. Return to DXB T2 at 14:50.
Level of difficulty: easy, available for everyone.
Activities: Cultural immersion, sightseeing and getting amazed!
Accommodation & meals: all included - traditional hotels (4 stars, double sharing rooms), local foods.
Requirement: daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera. No shorts in Iran, ladies need scarves.
Cost: 7300 AED all inclusive of flights - cash payment during briefings only. Cost valid until DE 18.
Specifically excluded: e-visa. We will apply on your behalf, you ll need to visit consulate for payment and issuance of paper visa.
VISA:
No more passport stamps in Iran.
Most nationalities are visa free or eligible for E-visa.
UK USA CAN passports visa lead-time min. 45 days.
For more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Iran.
It is sole responsibility of trip participant to assure admission to country of destination.
See yah in Iran x
Trekkup Crew
Whastapp 050 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup3 attendees
Skiing Weekend in Shymbulak, Kazakhstan
Airport Terminal 3, Dubai, AEAlmaty in Kazakhstan is a dream place for skiing, as the proximity of mountains to the airport is very close here. We will spend our weekend on slopes of Shymbulak, a ski resort on the outskirts of Almaty, which will optimize the time we spend on slopes, moreover during the weekends, slopes are lit up, so nothing should stop us from doing most of it.
Shymbulak is located in the upper part of the Medeu Valley in the Zaiilisky Alatau mountain range, at the elevation of 2,200 masl. The resort area is about 25 kilometers south of Almaty city by the Medeo road. It is popular for its mild climate, large quantity of sunny days and great amount of snow through the winter (from November till May).Almaty hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games, bid for 2014 Winter Olympics, considered a bid for 2018 Winter Olympics, but decided to bid for 2022 Winter Olympics instead; Shymbulak was a venue for the Alpine Skiing events (both speed and technical), and would have been for the latter.
Ski area information:
There are three ski lifts, which cumulatively reach Talgar pass (3,200 metres) above the sea level, the highest point of the ski resort. The total length of the lifts is 3,620 metres. There are 3 stations of them; the first one is Intersection Station (2,260 metres above the sea level)(9-minute trip), then 20th Prop Station (2,630 metres above the sea level) (16.5 minutes) and Talgar pass Station (3,200 metres above the sea level). There is also Snow-Park for the fans of snowboarding.
The resort offers a ski and snowboard school.
The weather here varies from 20 °C in summer to −7 °C in winter and the snow base is about 1.5 to 1.8 metres.
After skiing activities: The Medeo outdoor ice skating rink is designed as a huge speed skating training place. It is located at the altitude of 1691 mtrs, which is the highest in the world for such facility.
Activities: skiing, optional skating at the highest open skating rink on the planet, optional sightseeing.
Grade: variety available on different slopes.
Accommodation and meals: 4 star hotel in the city, double sharing. Lunches are excluded due to ski trips dynamics.
Cost: 2360 AED until DEC 18th. excluding flight.
Specifically included: 3 nights accommodation in double sharing room, 2 days ski passes, 2 dinners, transfers.
Gear rental + ski instructor available at extra fee.
Specifically excluded: Any costs related to visas, lunches, entry fees if any.
Visas: cost not included in trip budget:
At the time of writing 60 nationalities are visa free: EU, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
Other Passports: Visa support available.
Evisa based on LOI at 220 USD for certain passports such as Algeria, Egypt. Pakistan passports - visa support not available.
It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.
See yah at the slopes x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup6 attendees
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