BH
Tree of Life
A lone mesquite tree, more than 400 years old, growing in the open desert of southern Bahrain
A lone mesquite tree, more than 400 years old, growing in the open desert of southern Bahrain
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
In September 2026 the US raised its advice to “reconsider travel” for this region because of tensions involving Iran. Flights and tourism are operating normally, but airspace closures and cancellations can happen at short notice, so keep plans flexible and travel insurance in place.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
The tree stands inside a low fence, with a shaded information area nearby. Visit at sunrise or sunset, when the desert light is softer.
There are no streetlights, so leave before it gets fully dark.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Oil Well No. 1, near Jebel Dukhan, first produced oil in 1932, the first discovery on the Arab side of the Gulf. A small oil museum stands nearby.
Photo: Ryan Lackey, CC BY 2.0
The motor-racing circuit at Sakhir opened in 2004 and hosts the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix. Track days and driving experiences are offered on other days.
Photo: United Autosports, CC BY-SA 2.0
Large Dilmun-era burial mounds at A’ali, on the way back towards Manama, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is also known for its pottery workshops.
Photo: Step, CC BY 2.0
Formerly the Al Areen Wildlife Park, this reserve in the south of the island protects Arabian oryx, gazelles and birds.
Check opening times before you go.
Photo: > ange <, CC BY-SA 2.0
There is nowhere to eat at the tree. Bring water and snacks, or eat in Awali, Riffa or back in Manama.
In winter, some visitors bring a picnic for sunset.
The tree is about 40–45 minutes by car from Manama. Drive south past Jebel Dukhan; the final stretch is on a paved road.
There is no public transport, so rent a car, hire a taxi for the trip or join a tour. Many nationalities, including UK, US, EU and Australian citizens, can get a visa on arrival or apply in advance for an eVisa through Bahrain’s official eVisa portal. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Check current rules before you travel.
Bahrain uses the Bahraini dinar (BD), pegged to the US dollar at about BD 0.376 per US$1. Hotels and restaurants are moderately expensive, but taxis and local food are good value. The Tree of Life is free to visit.
Prices are approximate.
Desert, oil and racing.
Visit the A’ali burial mounds and potteries, then the first oil well and the oil museum. Stop at the Bahrain International Circuit, and reach the Tree of Life for sunset.
There are no shops at the tree; bring water.
Avoid midday visits from May to September.
Drive carefully at dusk; there is no lighting.
Do not climb the tree or carve into it.
Quick answers for planning time in Tree of Life.
More than 400 years; studies suggest it was planted around 1582.
It is a drought-tolerant mesquite, and its roots are thought to reach deep groundwater, but the exact source of its water is not known for certain.
No, it is free to visit.
By car, taxi or tour; it takes about 40–45 minutes and there is no public transport.
At sunrise or sunset between November and March.
Planning a wider trip? Our Bahrain travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.