23 Apr 2028 - 03 May 2028 (11 days)
USD4,595 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Robert Williams
Tour Price (Per person): USD4,595 (GBP3,491 * EUR4,015 * AUD6,565)
Single Supplement: USD580 (GBP441 * EUR507 * AUD829)
Pricing notes : 2x Internal flights included in tour cost.
23 Apr 2029 - 03 May 2029 (11 days)
USD4,700 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Lisle Gwynn
Tour Price (Per person): USD4,700 (GBP3,570 * EUR4,106 * AUD6,715)
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.
This tour group was very eclectic but really worked well together. The leaders including the van driver did an exceptional job.
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.
Our local guide was very nice; however his English language skills could be improved. The accommodation was very nice. I have told many people about Rockjumper. I value the time and effort spent in ensuring our trips are memorable. I can’t sing the praises of the office staff enough. Thanks so much. I’m already looking for my next trip with you. Katy
What a great experience! Everything was as you told us in the pre-departure literature, so we were well-prepared. Rob was an excellent tour leader. His vast experience in conservation, core knowledge of birds and bird behavior, and his enthusiasm was generously shared with the group. He modeled proper trail behavior and made sure that everyone “saw the bird”. The local guides were top-notch and took good care of the group. I also learned so much from the better birders in the group. Highly recommended!
Note that some of the comments I made regarding the Thailand extension apply to the main Thailand tour. I liked the sequence of sites visited; it ensured the Spoonbill Sandpiper was seen early on and then designed to minimize travel. Staying multiple nights at one site is always appreciated and seemed to be done as much as possible. The guides made special efforts to see bird species sought by the group; we saw more bird species than I expected. The drivers were excellent and also one of them, Jaime, was a good birder who helped the guides track down some species; it was an asset to have internet while in the vehicles. The drivers also produced an excellent video of the trip - a nice touch; they also did an excellent job with mid-morning breaks. I especially enjoyed visiting a hide all morning early on in the trip - it gave us a chance to see some elusive species but also several species very well. One morning was spent looking for a rare duck; I would have rather spent the time looking for a variety of Thai species. Quite a bit of birding was done along roads - it might have been better to bird trails etc. if they are available and afford good views of birds pointed out. Food was excellent (Uthai selected great dishes for the group) and accomodations were good. It was an enjoyable trip with rewarding looks at many of the bird species seen.
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