Saudi Arabia - Arabian Desert Endemics 2028

23 Apr 2028 - 03 May 2028 (11 days)

USD4,595 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Robert Williams

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Tour Price (Per person): USD4,595 (GBP3,507 * EUR4,009 * AUD6,641)

Single Supplement: USD580 (GBP443 * EUR506 * AUD838)

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.

Top Birds

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.

Top Mammals

Desert Hedgehog; Striped Hyaena; Sand Cat; Arabian Oryx. 

Habitats Covered

Desert scrub, dry watercourses, farmland, tidal lagoons.

Expected Climate

Hot and dry throughout. 

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

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.

Accommodation

Very variable. Modern & comfortable in large cities to more basic/rustic in remote areas.

Ease of Birding

One of the most enjoyable & prolific birding destinations in the Middle East. Many species are approachable & provide good visuals in open conditions.

Photographic Opportunities

Good to excellent. No dedicated hides. Many species are approachable, habitat & lighting are often conducive.

What our clients say about us

Glen Valentine
MW, Indonesia - Remote West Papuan Islands Cruise II 2025

This was a great tour and exceeded all my very high expectations. Having both Glen and Dušan as leaders was like having two olympians on your high school basketball team. As usual, the vehicles were too small for me, but Glen kindly allowed me to ride in the seat with the most legroom when possible. I have subsequently found out that I am definitely an outlier as far as client size is concerned. The tour was well planned, the schedule and guides flexible enough to work around complications, and the logistics aside from a glitch picking us up at the airport well executed.

Lev Frid
JM, Guyana - Birds & Wildlife II 2025

Despite the heat and humidity, Guyana is a magical place with gorgeous rainforests and savannahs and lots of beautiful birds and the wonderful giant anteater. Lev Frid was a wonderful guide full of great enthusiasm. I especially appreciated his patience in helping everyone get a good view of the birds. He is a joy to travel with. Our local guide was also great and a lot of fun to be around and so helpful as well in identifying the different birds. Also a special shout out to Leroy, who helped us on the last full day of birding; he was great. The drivers Renford and Devon were awesome as well.

Robert Wilcox
MB, Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola II 2025

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.

Stephan Lorenz
HL, Bolivia - Remote 2025

The trip was run superbly from start to finish. The logistics, despite some difficulties imposed by weather conditions and countrywide fuel shortages, were impeccable and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Stephan did a superb job in ensuring that we all saw as many of the species as possible. He is an accomplished guide and I enjoy traveling with him.

Robert Wilcox
JM, Guatemala - Specialities of Central America 2026

Tour was wonderful. Loved everything. Very well organised and super localities. Anna is a superstar, she was invaluable

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Route Map

Tour Route Map