Qatar
A UNESCO-listed ghost trading city, then the only natural mangroves on the Qatari peninsula
Qatar
A journey through northern Qatar, far from Doha's towers: Al Zubarah, a fortified 18th-century trading city abandoned after decades of regional conflict and now a UNESCO-listed archaeological site, one of the best-preserved in the Gulf, then the Al Thakira mangroves, the country's only natural mangrove forest, explored by kayak through a maze of channels between sea and desert.
When
Nov to March
Price
From 2 300€ excl. flights
(based on 2 people sharing)
How long
4 nights
Ideal length
Days 1-2
The first chapter unfolds at Al Zubarah, founded in the 18th century by merchants from Kuwait and quickly becoming one of the Gulf's most important trading posts thanks to the pearl trade, before being destroyed and gradually abandoned at the turn of the 20th century. The archaeological site, one of the best preserved on the Arabian Peninsula, reveals the complete layout of a fortified merchant city with its souks, dwellings, and restored fort still overlooking the surroundings.
Day 1
The fort and the trading city's remains
A visit to the restored Al Zubarah fort then a walk through the excavated foundations of the souks and merchant houses, with a stop at the site's interpretation centre.
Day 2
Barzan Towers and the northern desert
A visit to the Barzan watchtowers, built to monitor caravans and the coast, then an excursion into the country's northern desert aboard a 4x4.
Days 1-2
The road to Al Thakira, on Qatar's north-eastern coast, home to the country's only natural mangrove forest, a rare ecosystem of grey mangroves that filter salt water and shelter herons, egrets, and fiddler crabs. The contrast between this green maze of aerial roots and the surrounding desert, visible within a few minutes' drive, illustrates on its own the unexpected diversity of Qatari landscapes.
Day 1
Kayaking through the Al Thakira mangroves
A kayak outing through the narrow channels of the Al Thakira mangroves, in search of herons and fiddler crabs, in the country's only ecosystem of its kind.
Day 2
The Al Khor corniche and fish market
A stroll along the corniche of the port town of Al Khor, a visit to the morning fish market where local fishermen's catches still arrive, before the return to Doha.
Other trips built in the same spirit — more to draw inspiration from.
5 nightsDoha to the Inland Desert
One of the Middle East's finest museums, then a 4x4 expedition to the Inland Sea
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3 nightsQatar: Al Wakrah and the Pearl Route
A restored fishing port that was, before oil, the Gulf's natural pearl capital
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