For Karachiites with an adventurous spirit who want to explore something beyond the usual beaches and hill stations, a hidden natural treasure awaits just a few hours from the city. Located near Keti Bandar in the Indus Delta, Hajamro Creek offers a unique blend of marine life, mangrove forests, and eco-tourism potential right here in Sindh. When people think of travel, they often imagine sandy beaches, dolphin or whale watching, or scenic mountains and meadows. While many prefer going abroad to destinations such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka, or Dubai. What many don’t realize is that similar experiences can be found much closer to home. Hajamro Creek is one such place, offering an immersive encounter with nature in Pakistan’s coastal belt. One of the creek’s biggest attractions is its population of dolphins, particularly the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. Recognizable by the distinctive hump beneath its dorsal fin, this species inhabits warm, shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths. These dolphins are social animals, often seen in small groups, and rely on echolocation to hunt fish and crustaceans. However, because they live close to human settlements, they remain vulnerable to pollution, fishing nets, and habitat degradation. 

According to consultant ecologist Rafi ul Haq, two dolphin species have been recorded in the area: “Both humpback and bottlenose dolphins have been reported in Hajamro Creek.” Beyond dolphin sightings, the creek offers a range of nature-based activities. Boating through dense mangrove channels, fishing in calm waters, kayaking, bird watching, and even sport fishing provides visitors with a serene and memorable experience. The area falls under the supervision of the Sindh Forest Department, which has developed a wooden walkway to facilitate visitors while protecting the fragile ecosystem. Hajamro Creek is also home to multiple species of mangroves, locally known as Tumr. These mangroves play a critical role in maintaining coastal ecology. When their leaves fall and decompose, they become a key food source for fish, which in turn sustain local fishing communities. Early mornings at the creek are particularly rewarding for bird watchers, who encounter a remarkable variety of resident and migratory birds. Shehzad Sadiq, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sindh Forest Department, highlights the area’s potential: “There is tremendous scope for eco-tourism here. The mangrove forests are visually stunning, and the biodiversity is exceptional. What’s needed now is for institutions with expertise in eco-tourism to step forward and take the lead.” For local fishermen, life revolves around seasonal fishing cycles. When water levels drop and fish disappear, boats remain idle and incomes vanish. Promoting responsible eco-tourism during these lean periods could provide an alternative source of livelihood. Many small fishing boats, though unsuitable for long-distance travel, can be safely adapted for guided boat rides, angling trips, and dolphin-watching excursions. Globally, dolphin-watching tours can cost hundreds of dollars, while simple boat rides often come at a premium. If similar small-scale, regulated, and environmentally responsible tourism initiatives are introduced at Hajamro Creek, they could generate sustainable income while preserving the ecosystem. In essence, Hajamro Creek is more than just a scenic destination. It is a lifeline for local communities, a wildlife sanctuary, and a powerful example of how conservation and tourism can coexist. With thoughtful planning and institutional support, this hidden gem of Sindh could become a model for ecotourism in Pakistan – benefiting both nature and people alike.