23 Apr 2028 - 03 May 2028 (11 days)
USD4,595 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Robert Williams
Tour Price (Per person): USD4,595 (GBP3,519 * EUR4,006 * AUD6,620)
Single Supplement: USD580 (GBP444 * EUR506 * AUD836)
Pricing notes : 2x Internal flights included in tour cost.
Embark on an unforgettable bird-watching expedition through the biologically rich south-western corner of Saudi Arabia. This focused journey explores a remarkable variety of habitats, from Red Sea coastal wetlands and lowland farms to dramatic escarpments, wadis and the cool highlands of the Asir Mountains. Over the course of the tour, we expect to encounter an exceptional diversity of species, including many Arabian Peninsula endemics, regional specialities and a strong African influence rarely encountered elsewhere in the Middle East.
Beginning in Riyadh, we travel south by air to Al-Bahah and the spectacular Asir highlands, birding through key mountain localities such as Tanomah, Al Namas and Abha. These upland forests and escarpments offer prime opportunities for iconic species including Asir Magpie, Philby’s Partridge, Arabian Serin, Yemen Thrush, Yemen Warbler, Arabian Woodpecker and Arabian Scops Owl. From here, the route descends to the lowlands and Red Sea coastline around Jazan, where wetlands, farms and coastal habitats provide outstanding birding for waders, herons and seabirds, including Crab-Plover and an impressive variety of gulls and terns.
A highlight of the tour is an excursion to the Farasan Islands, with a dedicated boat trip offering excellent chances for marine and island specialists, while birding around Sabya and Al-Sadd Lake adds further diversity, including possibilities for Arabian Golden Sparrow and nocturnal species such as Nubian and Plain Nightjar. Timed to coincide with optimal conditions in the region, this itinerary showcases Saudi Arabia’s richest avifaunal zone, where African and Middle Eastern bird communities intersect, delivering a rewarding and scenic birding experience from start to finish.
Philiby's & Arabian Partridges; Yemen Warbler; Arabian Woodpecker; Arabian Wheatear; Arabian Golden Sparrow; Yemen Thrush; Asir Magpie; Arabian Serin; Arabian Green Bee-eater; Crab-plover; Streaked Scrub Warbler; Arabian Scops Owl; Gambaga Flycatcher; White-eyed Gull; Nile Valley & Arabian Sunbirds; Greater Hoopoe Lark; Desert Lark.
Desert Hedgehog; Striped Hyaena; Sand Cat; Arabian Oryx.
Desert scrub, dry watercourses, farmland, tidal lagoons.
Hot and dry throughout.
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.
Birding is undemanding but a few long travel days, low food diversity & some basic accommodations are taxing.
Very variable. Modern & comfortable in large cities to more basic/rustic in remote areas.
One of the most enjoyable & prolific birding destinations in the Middle East. Many species are approachable & provide good visuals in open conditions.
Good to excellent. No dedicated hides. Many species are approachable, habitat & lighting are often conducive.
Bobby, our guide, was a solid & knowledgeable leader. His demeanor tends to be quiet & reserved, which worked for this group but may not work with all group dynamics. The lodging for this trip was a bit more rustic than I expected. The local guides used on this trip were excellent & offered additional intel into sightings or hot spots to explore. The group got all endemics possible & overall was a very good trip.
The guides continued their superb and tireless efforts to find bird species during the extension to the main tour.
Stu is a personable, helpful, and organized guide and was a pleasure to travel with. He was ready to help not only with finding and identifying birds, but also with little problems that popped up during our trip, as they so often do. Our local guide was likewise consistently friendly and helpful. My main concern is that on this trip, as on past Rockjumper trips, there doesn't seem to be any effort to vet the physical ability of potential group members, and as a result those of us who are prepared for the experience are held back by those who are physically not ready for it. I know that trips are rated on the website in regards to the level of exertion required, but this does not seem to help -- I have been on multiple tours with people who are not physically capable of maintaining a steady level of exertion while birding. This is not fair to those of us who are.
The tour structure and arrangements were first class. Leaders were very good and quite knowledgable. I thought Paul was energetic a d really on the birds. Would gladly travel with him again. It was great fun and we got nearly every endemic on the trip. Great fun!!
I had a wonderful time. Thanks!
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