Joanna James
While Qatar may not be as vast as its Middle Eastern neighbours, the country is home to some truly fascinating natural wonders. Regardless of the duration of the stay, here are 5 such attractions every visitor must explore during a getaway in captivating Qatar.
With a depth of nearly 40m, the Dahl Al Misfir Cave is one of the lesser-known natural wonders in Qatar. Believed to have been formed nearly five hundred thousand years ago, the cave dates back to the mid-Pleistocene. The sinkhole's opening is protected by a fence so that visitors can experience it from a safe distance. The bottom of the cave can be reached via a gate which leads tourists down to the depths of Al Misfir. Those who dare to explore the interior of the cave will notice the phosphorescent glow of every surface thanks to the gypsum deposits inside the cave.
Also called the 'Inland Sea', Khor Al Adaid is a UNESCO World Heritage of truly magnificent proportions. The massive tidal bay is one of the most breathtaking sites in all of Qatar drawing thousands of visitors to its pristine confines yearly. The area also offers visitors views of neighbouring Saudi Arabia which is visible over the sand dunes surrounding Khor Al Adaid. Some of the best things to do during a tour of Khor Al Adaid include fishing and photography while overnight camping and dune bashing facilities are also available. The best way to reach the Inland Sea is on a 4x4 vehicle with a guide as it is difficult to navigate the area on your own.
Travellers based at Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli or any of the best hotels in Qatar can sign up for a tour of the Ras Abrouq Rock Formation with a local tour operator. Accessible off the Dukhan Highway, the venue can only be reached on a four-wheel drive. The towering limestone columns and the awe-inspiring rock formations are not all there is to marvel at in the venue as the iconic Murwab Fort, and a breathtaking beach is also found here. Other highlights in the area include the East-West/West-East sculpture by Richard Serra.
Tipped to be one of the best places to catch the sunset in Qatar, Purple Island is also home to its own mangrove forest. Unlike the landscapes surrounding Al Thakira Mangroves, Purple Island's estuary is situated close to a stunning beach where fishing and boating activities are available. Birdwatchers will not be disappointed with the winged beauties they spot on the island.
Often considered one of the top kayaking locations in Doha the Al Thakira Mangroves are a lush estuary that winds its way through thick canals and extends over a large area. As the biggest and oldest mangrove forest in all of Qatar, no trip to the country would be complete without a kayak ride across this expanse renowned for its bird populace.
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