The desert is the other half of any trip to Qatar, and the drive to the inland sea, Khor Al Adaid, is its most famous outing. In the far south-east of the country, near the Saudi border, tall dunes roll right down to a tidal inlet of the Gulf, and the sight of sand meeting water is unlike anywhere else. This full-day tour picks you up in Doha in an air-conditioned 4x4 and heads south, letting the air out of the tyres for the dunes. The day includes dune bashing, the roller-coaster ride over the sand that is the heart of any safari, sandboarding down the slopes, a camel ride and time at the inland sea itself. Water and insurance are included, and the tour is run by a local operator with an English-speaking guide. November to March is the best season, when the desert is warm rather than scorching.
How it works: pickup is from your hotel or a chosen address, with a 7am start for a day of about eight hours. Groups are very small, and cancellation is free until 24 hours before. The package name promises a barbecue meal, so confirm what is served when you book.
What to expect: dune bashing is bumpy and steep, so it is not for anyone who is pregnant or has back or heart problems; tell the driver if you want it gentler. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a layer for the evening breeze.
Making the most of it: go early in your trip so you have a buffer for weather. Keep the evening free, as you will be tired and sandy. Shorter half-day safaris exist if a full day is too much.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group 4x4 day trip with dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride and the inland sea.
Best time
November to March, when the desert is comfortably warm.
How long
About eight hours from a 7am pickup.
Tips
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a layer, and skip dune bashing if you have back problems.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to see the dunes and the sea together.
- Families
- Older children love it; dune bashing is rough for very young ones.
- Couples
- A real adventure and some of the best photos of the trip.
- Pair with
- A quiet evening, then Souq Waqif the next night.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What is the inland sea?+
Khor Al Adaid, a tidal inlet in south-east Qatar where tall dunes meet the sea.
What is included?+
Dune bashing, sandboarding, a camel ride, the inland sea, an air-conditioned vehicle, pickup, water and insurance.
How long does it take?+
About eight hours, starting at 7am.
Can I cancel?+
Yes, free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the tour.
When is the best season?+
November to March, when temperatures are mild.
