Desert Tour from Manama: Tree of Life & Oil Well

Four stops into Bahrain's desert: an oil well, a tree that has stood 400 years, camels at close range, and potters at work.

A half-day desert tour from Manama visiting the Tree of Life, the first oil well in the Arabian Gulf region, Bahrain International Circuit, a camel farm, and ancient pottery workshops, with hotel pickup and a local guide speaking English and Arabic. The tour runs four hours and suits all fitness levels. Children from age 2 are welcome with an adult. Pickup from the airport or remote areas outside Manama center incurs an extra charge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half day desert cultural tour

• Drive through AWALI Village
• Drive through WEST RIFAA area
• Photo stop at Bahrain International Circuit
• Visit first oil well in Arabian Gulf
• See Tree of Life in desert
• Visit Zallaq Camel Farm
• Explore Dilmun civilization burial mounds
• Attend Pottery Makers workshop
• Visit Roman Catholic Church in Gulf

The experience

The tour leaves Manama and heads into the desert to the first oil well drilled in the region, built in 1932 on the west side of the Arabian Gulf. From there you drive to the Tree of Life, a 400-year-old tree standing alone in the middle of the desert with no visible water source: a stop where most travelers pause to photograph. A photo stop at Bahrain International Circuit, the first racing circuit built in the desert, comes next, followed by a visit to Zallaq Camel Farm where you see the animals at close range and can walk through the endurance village.

The second half of the morning takes you through history. You pass Awali Village, home to the National Oil Company of Bahrain, and West Rifaa, the political capital, then stop at a pottery workshop where craftspeople still work using methods that trace back to Dilmun civilization. The tour also includes the region's largest and newest Roman Catholic Church. Throughout the four hours, you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide providing live commentary in English or Arabic, bottled water included.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Manama. Pickup from the airport or areas more than ten kilometers outside the city center costs extra. The tour does not operate during Formula One race weekends when the circuit is closed, and there is no pickup from the port. This is a shared tour, though you can arrange a private version by contacting the operator directly.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at selected Manama hotels.
• professional local guide speaking English and Arabic.
• transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• live commentary on board.
• face mask.
• local fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except FridayDepartures at 08:30 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 to 96 years) · Child (2 to 10 years)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Bahraintours Guide

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to move through Bahrain's landscape without arranging your own transport. The guide handles the stops and the timing, and the shared format keeps the cost low. A private version is available if you prefer a dedicated guide and vehicle.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 10 years).

What is the Tree of Life and why is it in the middle of the desert?

The Tree of Life is a 400-year-old tree standing alone in the desert with no visible water source nearby, making it one of Bahrain's most photographed natural landmarks. The tour includes a photo stop there.

Can I see camels on this tour?

Yes, you visit Zallaq Camel Farm where you see camels at close range and can walk through the endurance village on the same grounds.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs four hours. Specific start times are not listed in the tour details, so confirm the departure time when you book.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Manama. Pickup from the airport or areas more than ten kilometers outside the city center is charged separately.

What happens at the pottery workshop?

The pottery workshop is staffed by craftspeople who still work using traditional methods that trace back to Dilmun civilization, over 4,000 years ago. You watch them work and learn about this ancient craft.