Exploring the wonders of Doha: Desert Tour, Camels, Sand Surfing & Falcon Experience

Doha is a fascinating city that combines modern luxury with centuries of culture and tradition. There are plenty of ways to explore the sights and sounds of this beautiful Middle Eastern city, and the surrounding Qatari desert too. From desert tours to camel rides, sand surfing and even falcon experiences, there’s something for everyone in this diverse and unique destination.

Desert Tours

A popular activity for both visitors and locals in Doha is to take a tour of the stunning desert landscape. A great way to do this is to join a guided tour that takes you out of the city and into the sand dunes. You can expect to gaze at stunning views of the sand sea and the nearby mountain ranges, get tips for desert offroad driving in 4x4s and buggies, and learn about Qatar’s ancient nomadic roots. If you want a truly unique experience, you can even take a tour of the desert in a hot air balloon. That way you’ll get stunning 360° views of the desert plus stunning views of Doha city. Or why not try sand boarding or dune bashing – both highly exhilarating activities that are great fun for adventure seekers.

Camel Rides

Another popular activity that visitors to Doha often like to try are camel rides. This type of traditional transport is still used widely by Qatari families today, to explore the desert sites further away from the city centre. The traditional way of riding camels is with Bedouin guides or personal camel herders, who take you through the desert while they tell legends and tales from ancient times. It’s common in Qatar for tourists to try camel riding as part of their sightseeing tour itinerary, although be aware that this type of activity can get booked up months in advance during peak times. Fortunately, there are plenty of companies offering guided tours with camel rides, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one if you plan your trip well.

Sand Surfing & Falcon Experience

Sand surfing is one of the more thrilling activities that you can do on a Doha desert tour. By climbing the sand dunes on a specially designed surfboard, you can feel like you’re back in your teenage surf days – and get some added adrenaline rushes too! If you’re up for it, you can even try dune snowboarding which (you guessed it!) involves hitting the slopes on a snowboard instead of a surfboard. Finally, what would be a desert tour without a falcon experience? This unique activity involves getting up close with the amazing falcons that are found in the Middle Eastern deserts and seeing first hand how important they have historically been to Arab culture. You’ll often find it included in special packages for couples looking for a romantic outing together, or as part of a nature-focused tour.

The Best Way To Enjoy These Activities

The best way to get the most out of these activities is to book onto a guided tour as early as possible before your trip, as this makes organizing all of them at once significantly simpler. You can easily search online or ask your hotel or hostel staff where they recommend going – just make sure that you choose a good quality tour operator who uses experienced guides, so as not to miss out on any details or stories about Qatar’s history and culture along the way. An excellent way to find the perfect Doha Desert Tour is through Get Your Guide, which lists activity providers from all over the country. With lots of reviews and ratings, it should be easy for you to select the perfect fit for your needs – as well as any other activities and experiences that you plan on doing during your stay in Qatar. Overall, we think that exploring the Qatar desert is an absolute must-do when visiting Doha – and no matter whether you’re venturing into this fascinating landscape alone or with a group of loved ones, there will be lots of amazing stories and memories to take back home with you. And don’t forget to look out for some hidden surprises along the way too!

An Insider’s Guide to the Wonders of Doha

If you are traveling to Doha, the capital of Qatar, you are in for an amazing experience. Doha is a city that blends tradition with modernity, offering breathtaking architecture, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural experiences. While there are many popular tourist spots, here are some hidden gems that will give you an authentic taste of the city.

Local Attractions

The Souq Waqif is a traditional Arabian market that offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. The narrow pedestrian alleys are lined with small shops selling everything from spices and perfumes to textiles and souvenirs. Make sure to check out the falcon shops where you can see these majestic birds up close. The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit for art lovers. This museum showcases contemporary art from the Arab world and beyond.

Dining Spots

If you want to experience the local cuisine, head to Al Adhamiyah Iraqi Restaurant, where you can try delicious Iraqi dishes like Masgouf (grilled fish) and kibbeh (spiced meatballs). A great spot for coffee lovers is Flat White Specialty Coffee, which serves a unique blend of coffee that is roasted in-house. For a more upscale dining experience, visit the Torch Tea Garden, located on the 21st floor of The Torch hotel, offering a panoramic view of the city.

Cultural Experiences

The Museum of Islamic Art is a spectacular building that showcases Islamic art from all over the world. The museum has a vast collection of rare and unique artifacts, including textiles, ceramics, and glassware. For a truly immersive cultural experience, visit the Katara Cultural Village, a venue dedicated to art, music, drama, and traditional Arab culture.

Local History

Doha’s Pearl Monument is a tribute to the city’s history as a pearl-diving hub. Pearling is deeply embedded in Qatar’s cultural heritage, and the monument serves as a reminder of the once-booming pearl industry. Another must-see is the Al Koot Fort, which was built in the 1880s to serve as a police station and prison. It now houses the Doha Museum, which showcases the city’s history and heritage.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique experience, visit the Sheikh Faisal Museum, which houses a collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. You can also see antique radios, televisions, and cameras, as well as rare coins and stamps. Another great off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to take a desert tour. You will get to experience Doha’s awe-inspiring sand dunes and scenic landscapes. Try sandboarding, camel riding, and end your trip with a falcon experience.

Doha is a city that has something to offer everyone. With this insider’s guide, you can experience the city’s hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.