Tree of Life, Southern Region Travel Guide

4.2 (5047)

Witness the enduring mystery of Bahrain's Tree of Life, a 400-year-old symbol of resilience in a harsh desert landscape. A must-see natural wonder.

The Tree of Life (Shajarat-al-Hayat) is a remarkable, approximately 400-year-old mesquite tree standing alone in Bahrain's desert. Its survival in the harsh, arid environment without any apparent water source has made it a symbol of resilience and mystery, attracting visitors from around the world.

A brief summary to Tree of Life

Dirt Road to Tree of Life, Jebel Dukhan, BH

Monday 6 am-10 pm
Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
Thursday 6 am-10 pm
Friday 6 am-10 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tree of Life.

Visit during the cooler months (October to April) to avoid the extreme heat of the Bahraini summer.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as shade is limited in the desert.
Consider hiring a taxi or renting a car, as public transportation to the Tree of Life is limited.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Jebel Dukhan or the Bahrain International Circuit.

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Getting There

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Manama and are a convenient way to reach the Tree of Life. A taxi ride from Manama to the Tree of Life takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Expect to pay around 11-17 BHD for a one-way trip from Manama. Some drivers may charge around $70 USD for a round trip with waiting time. Taxi fare from Bus Station, Manama, Bahrain to Tree Of Life costs around Dinar10.000.
Public Transport

To reach the Tree of Life using public transport, take a bus from Manama to Isa Town terminal. Bus lines 17 and 18 may serve this route. From Isa Town, hire a taxi to complete the journey to the Tree of Life, approximately 8 km south of Isa Town. The bus fare is minimal (approximately 0.20-0.50 BHD), but the taxi fare from Isa Town will add to the total cost.
Driving

Driving to the Tree of Life from Manama takes approximately 45 minutes via the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. Follow signs towards Jebel Dukhan. Once near Jebel Dukhan, look for signs directing you to the Tree of Life. The final stretch involves driving on a dirt road. A 4WD is generally not required, but caution is advised. Parking is available near the site.

Discover more about Tree of Life

In the heart of Bahrain's southern desert, about 40 kilometers from Manama, stands the Tree of Life, or Shajarat-al-Hayat in Arabic. This solitary Prosopis cineraria tree, also known as a Ghaf tree, has thrived for around 400 years, an enigma in an otherwise barren landscape. Reaching a height of 9.75 meters (32 feet), the tree's enduring presence has transformed it into a symbol of resilience, hope, and Bahrain's ability to thrive in adversity.Scientists and visitors alike have long been puzzled by the tree's survival. With no visible water source nearby, theories abound. Some suggest its roots plunge as deep as 50 meters (160 feet) to tap into underground water reserves. Others propose it extracts moisture directly from sand grains or benefits from humidity carried by the breeze from the sea, over 13 kilometers away. Mystical explanations claim the tree stands on the site of the biblical Garden of Eden, nourished by a supernatural spring, or that it's protected by Enki, an ancient Sumerian god of water.Local folklore is rich with stories attributing the tree's longevity to divine or mystical sources. Archaeological discoveries of 500-year-old pottery near the tree add to its mystique. Today, the Tree of Life is a major tourist attraction, drawing approximately 65,000 visitors annually. Visitors can explore the area around the tree, discover remnants of an ancient village, and appreciate the stark beauty of the desert landscape.