Al Thakira Mangroves

Qatar is largely desert, which makes the mangrove forest at Al Thakira genuinely surprising: a stretch of grey mangrove growing in shallow tidal flats on the north-east coast, forming channels that kayakers can paddle through at high tide. The trees survive on salt water, filtering it through their leaves, and the shelter they create supports crabs, fish nurseries and birdlife - herons, flamingos in the cooler months, and waders along the flats. Guided kayak trips run from the shore, and dawn and dusk are when the birds are most active and the light is best.

What you actually see

• Kayaking the channels - paddling through mangrove tunnels at high tide.
• Birdlife - flamingos in season, herons and waders on the flats.
• The tidal flats - crabs and fish nurseries at low water.
• Al Khor town - the fishing town and its corniche nearby.

When to go

The cool months from November to March are comfortable and bring migratory flamingos. Trips must be timed to the tide - high water is needed to paddle through the channels, and operators schedule accordingly. Dawn trips are the best for birds and light.

Honest expectations

Access to the water depends entirely on tide, so booking a fixed date without checking tide times risks a disappointing paddle over mudflats. The mangroves are small by global standards - this is an hour or two, not a wilderness expedition. Summer heat makes it unpleasant. Litter along parts of the shore is an ongoing problem.

Nearby

Al Khor, the Purple Island archaeological site and the north-east coast.