مخيم ولك الووو
مخيم ولك الووو: A Desert Escape in Sakhir
The Tree of Life: A Desert Miracle
Witness the miracle of Bahrain's Tree of Life, a 400-year-old mesquite thriving in the desert without any visible water source.
The Tree of Life, or Shajarat-al-Hayat, is a 9.75-meter-tall mesquite tree standing alone in Bahrain's desert. Thriving for over 400 years without an obvious water source, it's a symbol of resilience and a major tourist attraction.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Tree of Life
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem are readily available in Manama. A ride to the Tree of Life takes approximately 35-40 minutes. Confirm the fare with the driver beforehand; expect to pay between 12-18 BHD (approximately $30-$48 USD) for a one-way trip. The driver will drop you off at the parking area near the tree.
Public Transport
While there's no direct public transport, you can take a bus from Manama to Isa Town terminal. From there, a taxi to the Tree of Life will cost approximately 8-12 BHD (about $21-$32 USD). A bus ticket to Isa Town costs around 0.5 BHD (approximately $1.30 USD). Bus schedules are available at bahrainbus.bh.
Local tips
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Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the desert heat and catch the best light for photos.
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Bring water and sun protection, as shade is limited.
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Be respectful of the tree and its surroundings; avoid climbing or damaging it.
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Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Jebel Dukhan for panoramic desert views.
Discover more about Tree of Life
In the heart of the Bahraini desert, not far from Jebel Dukhan, stands the Tree of Life, a remarkable symbol of endurance. Known locally as Shajarat-al-Hayat, this 9.75-meter-tall *Prosopis cineraria* tree has thrived for over 400 years in a barren landscape, with no apparent source of fresh water. Planted around 1583, the tree's survival has baffled scientists and captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike.
Numerous theories attempt to explain the tree's longevity. Some suggest its roots, reaching depths of up to 50 meters, tap into underground water sources. Others propose it extracts moisture from sand grains or benefits from the sea breeze. Local legends attribute its survival to mystical forces, claiming it as a remnant of the Garden of Eden or blessed by the Sumerian god Enki.
Regardless of its secret, the Tree of Life has become a national symbol of resilience, drawing approximately 65,000 visitors annually. The surrounding area also holds archaeological significance, with artifacts dating back 500 years discovered nearby. Visitors can explore the site, take photos, and ponder the mysteries of this enduring desert sentinel. A visitor center offers shade and information about the tree and its surroundings.
A brief summary to Tree of Life
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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