Exploring Bahrain: Finding The Tree Of Life

The Tree of Life, or Shajarat-al-Hayat, is a 9.75-metre-tall tree located in the heart of the Arabian Desert, approximately 40 kilometres outside of Manama, Bahrain's capital. It is a popular tourist attraction, with approximately 65,000 visitors every year, due to its age and the fact that it is the only major tree in the area. The tree is believed to be over 400 years old, and its resilience has puzzled locals and scientists alike, as it is not certain how it survives in an arid environment with little to no rainfall.

To get to the Tree of Life, it is recommended to travel by car. Car rental companies such as Budget Rent-a-Car and Sixt offer affordable options, with prices starting at $14 USD per day. The drive from Manama should take less than 40 minutes, and Google Maps and street signs can help with navigation. It is important to note that the road to the tree includes a bumpy, sandy dirt road, so a 4x4 vehicle is ideal. Additionally, joining a full-day or half-day tour of Bahrain or the desert is an option, with prices ranging from $70 to $140 USD.

The Tree of Life's location

The Tree of Life, known locally as Shajarat-al-Hayat, is located in the southern region of Bahrain, an island nation in the Middle East. Bahrain is situated in the Persian Gulf, with Saudi Arabia to the west and Qatar to the east.

The tree itself is in the heart of the Arabian Desert, approximately 40 kilometres outside of the capital city of Manama. It is about a 40-minute drive from the city. To get there, you can rent a car or join a tour. If you opt for a rental car, you can find affordable options at outlets on the outskirts of Manama and at the airport. Keep in mind that temperatures in Bahrain can get extremely hot, so it's best to avoid visiting during the summer months.

The Tree of Life stands alone on a hill in a barren landscape, about two kilometres from Jebel Dukhan, the highest point in Bahrain at 134 metres. Jebel Dukhan translates to 'Mountain of Smoke' in Arabic. The tree is not easy to find, as it is located in vast stretches of desert and sand. It is recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle or something similar to travel through the desert, and be cautious of soft sand traps.

• Head east on the Zallaq Highway, which becomes the Al-Muaskar Highway.
• Turn right at the intersection where you see a sign for the Tree of Life.
• Before reaching the steep hill, turn right again.
• Follow the signs to the Tree of Life.
• Take the dirt path at Well 371.

The GPS coordinates for the Tree of Life are 25°59'38.4"N 50°34'59.2"E.

How to get to Bahrain

Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, just off the coast of Saudi Arabia. If you're travelling from outside the Middle East, you'll likely need to catch a connecting flight from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to reach Bahrain International Airport.

Getting to the Tree of Life

Once you've arrived in Bahrain, you have a few options for getting to the Tree of Life, which is located around 40 kilometres outside of the capital, Manama.

Renting a Car

Renting a car is a popular option for visitors to Bahrain. Companies like Budget Rent-a-Car and Sixt have outlets at the airport and in Manama, and prices can be as low as $14 USD per day, plus insurance. The drive from Manama to the Tree of Life should take less than 40 minutes, and Google Maps, along with street signs, can help you navigate. Keep in mind that a 4x4 or similar vehicle is recommended for travelling in the desert, and be cautious of soft sand traps.

Organised Tours

Full-day and half-day organised tours of Bahrain often include a stop at the Tree of Life, along with other attractions like the Oil Museum and the Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort. These tours can be a convenient way to see multiple sights without the hassle of driving yourself. Prices typically range from $70 USD for a half-day tour to around $140 USD for a full day of exploration.

Uber or Private Taxis

Uber is available in Bahrain, and you can also organise private taxis. However, due to the distance from Manama to the Tree of Life, most drivers will expect you to pay for their waiting time and guarantee a return journey.

Best Time to Visit

Bahrain experiences extremely high temperatures during the summer months, with peak temperatures in the desert exceeding 45°C. Spring and autumn are also quite warm, with temperatures rarely dipping below 27°C. Therefore, the best time to visit is during the cooler winter months, when temperatures are more manageable at around 21°C.

Regardless of the time of year, it's recommended to avoid the midday heat in the desert and plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon. Sunset at the Tree of Life is especially beautiful, with stunning colours dancing on the sands.

Car rental in Bahrain

Renting a car is a great option for getting to the Tree of Life in Bahrain. Here is some essential information about car rental in Bahrain.

Car Rental Companies

There are several car rental companies operating in Bahrain, including well-known international brands such as Sixt, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz. These companies have multiple locations across the country, including in the capital city of Manama and other popular destinations such as Riffa.

Vehicle Options

Car rental companies in Bahrain offer a range of vehicles to choose from, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, vans, and even minibusses. When selecting a vehicle, consider the size of your group, your luggage requirements, and the type of roads you will be driving on. For example, if you plan to drive in the desert, a 4x4 vehicle might be a better option.

Driving in Bahrain

It's important to familiarize yourself with the driving rules and regulations in Bahrain before getting behind the wheel. Driving in Bahrain is done on the right side of the road, similar to the United States. All road signs are posted in both English and Arabic, making navigation easier for visitors. The speed limits vary depending on the type of road, with city speeds at 60 km/h, highways at 80 km/h, and expressways at 120 km/h.

Age and License Requirements

To rent a car in Bahrain, you must be at least 18 years old, although the age requirement may vary by company and vehicle type. Most companies require the driver to have held a valid driver's license for at least one or two years. International visitors are required to have an International Driver's Permit in addition to their regular driver's license.

Insurance and Border Crossing

When renting a car, consider purchasing additional insurance to reduce your liability in case of any incidents. If you plan to cross the King Fahd Causeway into Saudi Arabia, you must notify your rental agency in advance and purchase the necessary insurance, as this policy does not extend across international borders.

Booking Tips

To get the best rates, it is recommended to book your rental car in advance, preferably at least one day before your trip. Off-airport rental locations tend to be cheaper than airport locations. Additionally, consider using price comparison websites and taking advantage of discounts or promotions offered by the rental companies.

Local Laws and Driving Tips

It is illegal to smoke while driving in Bahrain, and there is a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving, with a legal blood alcohol limit of 0 mg. Be mindful of speed cameras and sensors on the roadways. Gas stations and parking lots are readily available, and most accept major international credit cards.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can easily navigate the process of renting a car in Bahrain and make your way to the Tree of Life and other attractions across the country.

Tours of the Tree of Life

The Tree of Life in Bahrain is a popular tourist attraction, with around 65,000 visitors every year. This mysterious, ancient tree stands alone in the barren desert, with no obvious water source to explain its survival.

There are various tour options available to visit the Tree of Life, with many combining visits to other nearby attractions. Here is a selection of tours you can take:

• Full-Day Bahrain Guided Tour: This tour includes a traditional Bahraini lunch and visits to other sites such as the Oil Museum and the Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort.
• Half-Day Desert Tour: This tour takes place in the morning or afternoon and usually includes a visit to the Oil Museum.
• Desert Secrets: This tour appears to focus solely on the Tree of Life, but the details are unclear.
• Nature Flora and Fauna Trip from Manama: This tour appears to have a nature focus and may visit other natural sites in Bahrain.

If you are unable to find a tour that suits your needs, you can also organise a private tour or hire a private driver/taxi to take you to the Tree of Life. Uber is available in Bahrain, but most drivers will only travel to the Tree of Life if you pay for their waiting time and guarantee a return journey to Manama.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that Bahrain has extremely high temperatures during the summer months, so it is recommended to visit during the cooler winter season. Even then, it is best to avoid the midday heat and plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon.

Getting to the Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is located in the southern region of Bahrain, around 40km from the capital city of Manama. It is not easy to find, as it is located in the vast desert, so it is recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle and be vigilant for soft sand traps.

To get to Bahrain, you will likely need to fly to Bahrain International Airport, which is less than 5km from Manama. If you are not travelling from the Middle East, you will probably need to catch a connecting flight from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. From the airport, you can rent a car or join an organised tour to get to the Tree of Life.

The Mystery of the Tree of Life

The Tree of Life, or Shajarat-al-Hayat in the local language, is a Prosopis cineraria tree that stands at almost 10 metres tall and is over 400 years old. It is a local icon and a symbol of endurance and resilience. Despite the harsh desert conditions, the tree is abundant with green leaves, and its roots are full of water.

Scientists have studied the tree and found that it has an impressive root system that extends 50 metres deep in search of water. However, the exact source of water remains a mystery, with various theories being proposed, including the idea that the tree stands on the site of the biblical Garden of Eden.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Tree of Life are often struck by the sight of this majestic, sprawling tree standing alone in the vast desert. There is a perimeter wall surrounding the area, with informational plaques and a shaded information area. The tree is free to visit, and there is a ranger posted there to watch over it.

It is recommended to use caution when driving to the site, as GPS may direct you onto a soft sand road where many vehicles get stuck. It is best to stick to the main road and follow the signs to the Tree of Life.

Best time to visit

Bahrain is known for its hot climate, with peak temperatures in the desert exceeding 45°C during the summer months and around 37°C in Manama. Therefore, it is not advisable to visit during June, July, or August unless you can tolerate extremely high temperatures.

Spring and Autumn are also best avoided as temperatures remain high, rarely dipping below 27°C from April through to November.

The ideal time to visit the Tree of Life is during the winter months when temperatures are more comfortable at around 21°C. Rainfall is also minimal at this time of year. However, even in winter, it is recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Sunset is also a beautiful time to visit, with the colours dancing on the sands.

No matter the time of year, it is important to bring plenty of water and food as there are no vendors or facilities at the site.

Frequently asked questions