Doha North Qatar Tour: Review of Mangroves & Zubara Fort

Thinking about checking out the North of Qatar from Doha? You know, one of those private tours where you get to see the mangroves, the historic Zubara Fort, and a few other spots along the way? Well, I did just that, and I’m here to tell you all about how it went. Getting out of the city and seeing a different side of Qatar was very welcome, that’s for sure, and I am hoping my experiences give you a little feel for whether it’s the right trip for you.

Why Choose a North Qatar Tour?

So, you may well be wondering, why head north when you’re in Doha? A fair question, actually. Doha is pretty impressive, but there’s much more to Qatar than just the city. The North holds a bunch of history and some really cool landscapes. You get a peek into Qatar’s past, particularly around Zubara Fort, which played a really big deal back in the day. The mangroves are almost unreal, a dash of green that stands out so beautifully against the desert backdrop. If you want a break from the city’s glass and steel and get a feel for the country’s story and scenery, then this tour is that what you need.

Booking the Tour: What to Expect

Booking was, basically, fairly straightforward. I found a handful of tour companies offering the same or very similar trips online. I went with one that had okay reviews and seemed flexible with pickup times. Price-wise, it was like, middle of the road. Remember to confirm exactly what is included. Lunch, for example, was extra on mine. Most of the tours provide hotel pickup and drop-off, which is useful, and the vehicles seem to be air-conditioned SUVs, a total must when you remember just how the weather in Qatar can be.

My Experience: The Drive North

The drive up North takes around about an hour or so, could be a little longer depending on the traffic situation leaving Doha, which is a consideration, really. Getting out of the city you very quickly realize that the landscape changes a fair bit. It’s desert, sure, but it’s varied, very. Sometimes flat and stony, another time rolling dunes. I noticed some farms, too, which was really fascinating, that. The guide told me quite a lot about the area as we drove. It added some color to the scenery, actually.

Al Khor: A Coastal Stop

Our first stop was Al Khor, this older fishing town. There’s like, a harbor where you can see dhows, the typical wooden boats. It’s more of a quick photo op rather than spending heaps of time. You could take some quite attractive photographs there, it seems, especially of the boats bobbing away in the water. I got a sense of what Qatar was, in a way, before all the skyscrapers, a very good experience to start with.

The Purple Island (Bin Ghanim Island) Mangroves

Okay, this was the real surprise, in my opinion. I’d seen the pictures, of course, but didn’t really clock the mangroves up close. The island’s also known as Purple Island, and it’s very green with these mangrove trees growing in the shallow water. My guide knew his stuff, it seems, pointing out crabs and fish. You can, too, walk among the mangroves. So, wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a little wet or sandy. The contrast between this greenery and the desert landscape is a head turner.

Al Zubarah Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The highlight for loads of people, and for good reason, is Al Zubarah Fort. It’s an impressive structure, made of these thick walls. From a distance, you do get a sense of how rugged this used to be. Inside, they have exhibits on the history of the fort and the area, some interesting information. Climbing to the top of the walls offers quite a good view of the surrounding area, this great photo opportunity that will surely give anyone the possibility to be creative. Take your time here, and really try to think about the history the fort is telling you.

Lunch: Options and Recommendations

As I noted earlier, lunch may not be included. Mine wasn’t. The guide took us to a local place in a nearby town, really very down to earth place, which actually added a bit to the authenticity for me, in fact. I had grilled fish, which was pretty yummy. Be sure you have communicated exactly what you’re looking for with the tour company beforehand. There is obviously the other option of packing something up, too. This may suit families particularly.

What to Bring With You

There are a few important things to bring that I would like to recommend, just so things stay relaxed. Sunscreen is vital. It is extremely easy to burn, even when it does not seem so hot, remember. A hat and sunglasses would, also, be right. Water, that you will absolutely need, the weather can be deceptive in the dry heat. Comfy shoes are just great. You want to have good footwear to get about in at the mangroves and the fort without discomfort. A camera is, of course, very essential too. You don’t want to not be able to get photos and capture all that is interesting.

Is a Private Tour Worth It?

Whether the private tour is worthwhile boils down to what you are really hoping to get out of the trip, basically. A group tour is easier on the pocket, very possibly, that’s a given, however you might feel squeezed. Going private gave us the flexibility to take things slowly. Plus, our guide really seemed to be paying attention to our questions. If you really like having that individual time and the freedom to shape the tour to suit then, for certain, splash out on a private tour.

Final Thoughts

My North Qatar tour was, overall, really good, and a lot better than good, it was great actually. The mangroves are quite something, very peaceful. And it really is hard to beat checking out Zubara Fort if you want a peek into Qatar’s history. If you are cool with an hour or so in the car, then it gives an awesome change from the bustle of Doha. A highly suggested trip if you are trying to see a completely different view of Qatar. That’s really that.

• Mangroves Magic: The contrast of green mangroves against the desert is seriously impressive.
• Historical Hub: Al Zubarah Fort delivers a good insight into Qatar’s story.
• Worth the Extra?: Going for a private tour can give more wiggle room to take the day at your pace.