Tree of Life tour from Manama: Desert secrets in 4 hours

Stand at the base of a tree that survives the desert with no visible water source.

A four-hour desert tour from Manama south to the Tree of Life, an ancient acacia that grows in the middle of the desert without known water sources, plus three other Middle Eastern firsts: the region's first animal sanctuary, oil well and international racing circuit. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with a local guide in English or Arabic, all monument fees and bottled water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit desert landmarks and sanctuaries

• Travel south into the sacred desert
• Visit the Tree of Life
• See the first animal sanctuary in Middle East
• Explore the first oil well
• Visit the first international circuit in Middle East

The experience

The Tree of Life is the centerpiece: a well-matured acacia believed to be centuries old, standing alone in the desert. The mystery of how it survives without any known water source is what gave it its name. The tree belongs to a family of acacias that can withstand harsh desert environments and live for many years, which is why it has endured where almost nothing else can.

The tour also takes you to the Middle East's first animal sanctuary, an oil well that marks where humans first drilled into the desert, and the international racing circuit that was the region's first. Each stop shows a different way the desert has been understood or used. A local guide leads the route and explains what you're seeing at each site. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport yourself. The guide speaks English or Arabic.

The whole tour runs four hours. You'll travel by private vehicle, and the operator provides bottled water for the heat. All monument fees are covered in the price, so there are no extra charges at the gate.

What’s included

• Local guide in English or Arabic.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• all monument fees.
• bottled water.
• private vehicle transport.

Before you book

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

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by FARHAT TOURS AND TRANSFERS SPC

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Manama gets you to remote desert sites without needing your own transport, so you can focus on the sights rather than navigation.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Tree of Life and why does it grow in the desert without water?

The Tree of Life is a well-matured acacia believed to be centuries old, standing alone in the middle of the desert. It belongs to a family of acacias that can withstand harsh desert environments and live for many years without any known water sources, which is the mystery that gave it its name.

What other sites does the tour include besides the Tree of Life?

The tour visits three other Middle Eastern firsts: the region's first animal sanctuary, the first oil well drilled in the desert, and the first international racing circuit built in the Middle East.

Does the tour include hotel pickup, or do I need to arrange my own transport?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price, so you don't need to arrange transport. A local guide will meet you at your hotel and return you there at the end.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs four hours from start to finish, including all stops and travel time between sites.