Bahrain nature tour from Manama: Oil history and wildlife

A 137-meter desert peak, a tree that survives without water, and animals saved from extinction

This four-hour nature tour from Manama explores Bahrain's oil heritage and wildlife through four stops in the Sakhir Desert: Jabel Al Dukhan (the country's highest point at 137 meters), the Tree of Life (an Acacia believed to draw water from underground sources), Al-Areen Wildlife Park (established in 1975 to protect native species), and a photo stop at Bahrain International Circuit. Hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide in English or Arabic, all entry fees, bottled water and private vehicle transport are included. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bahrain's nature and wildlife

• Photo stop at Bahrain International Circuit
• Visit Al-Areen Wildlife Park
• See the Tree of Life
• Visit Jabel Al Dukhan

The experience

Jabel Al Dukhan stands at 137 meters above sea level in the middle of the Sakhir Desert, the highest point in Bahrain, and the tour makes it your first stop. From there you move to the Tree of Life, an Acacia that has puzzled visitors for decades because it thrives in the desert with no visible water source nearby. The tree's survival in such harsh conditions is what earned it its name and keeps it one of the country's most photographed landmarks.

Al-Areen Wildlife Park takes up the bulk of the tour. Established in 1975, it was Bahrain's response to the rapid decline of native animal populations across the region. The park lets you explore at your own pace and see animals in settings closer to their natural habitat. A brief photo stop at Bahrain International Circuit, the ultramodern motorsport facility in the desert designed by German engineer Hermann Tilke, rounds out the itinerary and connects the tour's two themes: Bahrain's modern engineering and its commitment to preserving what came before.

Your local guide speaks English or Arabic and handles all entry fees. The tour runs four hours total, includes bottled water, and uses a private vehicle for transport between stops. Hotel pickup and drop-off are built in, so you don't need to arrange your own way to the desert.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Manama hotel.
• local guide in English or Arabic.
• entry to all four stops.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• private vehicle transport between attractions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday and SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by FARHAT TOURS AND TRANSFERS SPC

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or a ride to reach the desert. The tour collects you and handles the full route, which matters if you're staying in Manama without transportation of your own.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

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

The Tree of Life is a mature Acacia in the Sakhir Desert that has become famous because it thrives without any known water sources nearby. Acacias are able to withstand harsh desert environments and live for many years, which is why this particular tree has endured and become a landmark.

What animals will I see at Al-Areen Wildlife Park?

Al-Areen Wildlife Park holds native Bahraini species that the country has protected since 1975 when the park was established. The park was created because Bahrain recognized the rapid decline of wild animal populations in the region and took early action to ensure their survival. You explore the park at your own pace.

How high is Jabel Al Dukhan?

Jabel Al Dukhan stands 137 meters above sea level and is the highest point in Bahrain, located in the middle of the Sakhir Desert.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from your Manama accommodation are included in the tour price. A local guide meets you and handles all transport by private vehicle.