Al Thakhira Mangroves
الذخيرة
Qatar's largest mangrove wetland, where visitors can paddle kayaks through the waterways and spot flamingos and herons.
Al Thakhira lies near Al Khor, about 60 km north of Doha. Gray mangroves grow across the shallow bay, making it Qatar's most important mangrove reserve. The best way to explore is on a guided kayak trip through the green channels at high tide. In winter you may see herons, egrets and flamingos, and at low tide there are plenty of fiddler crabs on the mudflats. Several kayak rental operators are based in the area, and a trip takes about 1 to 2 hours. There is no public transport, so you need to drive or hire a car. It can be combined with Purple Island in Al Khor on the same day. In summer it is hot and there are many mosquitoes, so bring sun protection.
Opening hours
Open all day; kayaking depends on tides
Nearby sights
- Purple Island (Al Khor Island)
- Lusail Stadium & Lusail City
- Place Vendôme Mall, Lusail
- Barzan Towers & Umm Salal Mohammed Fort
- The Pearl-Qatar
- Katara Cultural Village
- Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque (State Grand Mosque)
- Education City Mosque (Minaretein)