Karting & Desert Tour in Bahrain: 15-minute race plus landmarks

Drive a kart yourself, then ride through Bahrain's desert landmarks

A private 5-hour activity in Manama combining a 15-minute go-kart race at Bahrain International Karting Circuit with a guided desert tour in a Nissan Patrol. You drive 9 HP karts, visit the Tree of Life and the site of Bahrain's first oil discovery, and tour the circuit's welcome center, with pickup and drop-off anywhere in the kingdom.

Step-by-step itinerary

Karting and desert guided tours

• Visit Bahrain International circuit welcome center
• Experience 15-minute kart racing session
• Tour first oil discovery site in Bahrain
• Guided tour of Tree of Life

The experience

The day splits between two things you do yourself and two you see with a guide. You start at Bahrain International Karting Circuit, where you get 15 minutes behind the wheel of a 9 HP kart, not a spectator moment, but your own racing session. After that, a licensed guide takes over the route in a Nissan Patrol (2019 or newer), and you move through the desert to the Tree of Life, a solitary landmark that has stood for centuries without a clear water source, then to the first oil well drilled in Bahrain back in 1932. The circuit's welcome center rounds out the stops, and you're free to customize the route to other open attractions if something else catches your interest.

The Patrol handles the terrain and the heat. You bring comfortable shoes for the kart area and a moderate fitness level for the activity itself. A multilingual guide speaks English and Arabic, and the operator picks you up and drops you off anywhere within the kingdom: hotel, airport, wherever you're staying. The package includes water, coffee or tea, and all entrance fees, so there are no surprises at the gate. Groups run private only, with a minimum of two people, and children from age 3 can join.

What’s included

• Admission to Bahrain International Karting Circuit and all other attractions.
• 15-minute go-kart racing session with a 9 HP vehicle.
• guided desert tour in a Nissan Patrol.
• multilingual licensed guide.
• bottled water and coffee or tea.
• pickup and drop-off from any location within Bahrain.
• fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 to 50 years) · Senior (51 and older) · Youth (6 to 12 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Bahrain tour

Is this one for you?The 5-hour pace includes active driving time in the kart and desert riding in the Patrol, so you'll need moderate fitness and comfort with both racing and vehicle travel. The private format means you set the speed and can adjust stops on the fly, which suits a first afternoon in Bahrain or a free day when you want to mix speed with landmarks.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years); Child (3 to 5 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Tree of Life and why is it famous in Bahrain?

The Tree of Life is an ancient neem tree standing alone in the Bahrain desert, remarkable because it survives in an arid landscape with no visible water source nearby. It has become one of Bahrain's most recognizable natural landmarks and a frequent stop on desert tours.

Do I actually drive the go-karts, or do I just watch?

You drive the karts yourself for 15 minutes in a 9 HP vehicle at Bahrain International Karting Circuit. This is a racing session you participate in, not a demonstration.

Can I change the tour stops if I want to see something else?

Yes, you can customize the route to other tourist attractions as long as they're open and it's still a private tour. The operator allows last-minute changes, so if another site interests you more, let your guide know.

What is included in the price, and are there any hidden costs?

The tour includes admission to all attractions, the 15-minute go-karting session, a multilingual licensed guide, bottled water, coffee or tea, pickup and drop-off anywhere in Bahrain, and a fuel surcharge. There are no hidden fees.

Is this tour safe for someone who has never driven a go-kart before?

The operator prioritizes safety and uses 9 HP karts, which are entry-level vehicles. You'll get your 15-minute session at the circuit, and the activity is open to children from age 3, though a moderate fitness level is recommended for the overall tour.