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 (GBP3,537 * EUR4,057 * AUD6,662)

Single Supplement: USD580 (GBP446 * EUR512 * AUD841)

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

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.

Dušan Brinkhuizen
JR, Jamaica - Island Endemics I 2026

I was very pleased with the birding. I saw all 29 endemics and a total of 42 life birds. The leaders are great at finding, luring in and identifying birds. I appreciated that the focus was very much on the birding. The food and accommodations were excellent and appropriate. I wonder if we should have spent our last night near the coast but am not sure how that would have affected our birding success.

Dušan Brinkhuizen
EH, Jamaica - Island Endemics I 2026

Great lead

Stephan Lorenz
SR, Bolivia - Remote 2025

Thanks Stephan for a fantastic tour. The stay at the Monastery was especially memorable.

Robert Wilcox
ED, Guatemala - Specialities of Central America 2026

This tour group was very eclectic but really worked well together. The leaders including the van driver did an exceptional job.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map