19 Apr 2028 - 27 Apr 2028 (9 days)
USD4,300 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Robert Williams
Tour Price (Per person): USD4,300 (GBP3,235 * EUR3,717 * AUD6,347)
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*
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 Jeddah, the route takes us through Al-Baha, Tanomah, Al Namas and Abha before descending to the lowlands and coastline around Jazan. Along the way, we target iconic species such as Asir Magpie, Philby’s Partridge, Arabian Serin, Yemen Thrush, Yemen Warbler, Arabian Woodpecker and Arabian Scops Owl in the highlands, while the farms, wetlands and Red Sea coast offer outstanding opportunities for waders, herons and coastal specialists including Crab-Plover and a variety of gulls and terns. Birding at Al-Sadd Lake adds further diversity, with chances for nocturnal species such as Nubian and Plain Nightjar and the possibility of Arabian Golden Sparrow.
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.
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.
Both Andre and Uthai were remarkably tireless and effective in finding and identifying birds, including some of the most elusive species in Thailand. They also did a great job of organizing the logistics of the trip. Our meals were already prepared when we arrived at restaurants and all of the hotel arrangements were handled smoothly. We probably will not consider going on another standard Rockjumper trip. Birding steadily from dawn to after dark was a bit much, especially for 22 uninterrupted days. This pace is appropriate for most serious birders so I don’t fault the guides, but we plan to shift to a style of traveling in which we can set our own schedule. We might consider one of Rockjumper's relaxed tours, but we're not concerned about long hikes and muddy trails as long as the schedule allows for a little down time to read, reflect and recover.
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.
While the birding was more difficult, the guides knowledge on where to search for some of the key species. Helped the group find a number of very interesting species of birds.
We saw all 19 endemics as well as all of those where splits may be likely in the future. Dušan is a tireless guide. Never gives up for the best view. Our local guide, Alcides, has astonishing eyes and ears and knows every inch of his island! Cannot imagine a better local guide. Also, wish to put in a good word for our driver to and from the airport, Carlos. Please keep Carlos on board. Great trip. My shortest birding trip and, I learned, too short for me—could have stayed longer.
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