Go Birding with Saudi Birding
Arabian Endemics Tour
2025 Dates: April 18 - 26, 2025 (full)
2026 Dates: March 26 - April 3, 2026; September 4 - 12, 2026
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Arrive: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh the day before the start of the tour
Depart: Leave via Riyadh late evening on the last day of the tour or the following day
Transport: Economy SUVs or minivan depending on the number of participants and space requirements
Itinerary: Read writeup about this tour HERE.
Climate: While the coastal plains along the Red Sea coast can be hot and humid with a heat index during the day reaching around 110° F (43° C), the weather in the highlands will be cooler and much more pleasant with the temperature rarely exceeding 86° F (30° C). There is also the chance of heavy mist and thunderstorms, especially during the summer.Expect hot but dry days around the central region of Riyadh.
Physical demands: There will be light to moderately strenuous walking at most of our birding stops
Participants: Max group size 8
Tour Cost: $3200 USD per person*; single-room supplement of $450 (* estimated based on current prices)​
Deposit: 20% to reserve your spot
2025 - 2026 Socotra Tours
Dates: October 28 - November 4, 2025 (4 spots available); March 17 - 24, 2026 (pending official flight schedule) (full)
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Arrive: Abu Dhabi International Airport in the UAE the day before the scheduled flight to Socotra
Depart: Leave via Abu Dhabi International Airport late evening on the last day of the tour or the following day
Transport: 4x4s with local drivers
Accommodation: Camping at various locations around the island with the final night at a hotel for freshening up before travel
Itinerary: Read writeup about this tour HERE.
Climate: During the late winter months, the weather in Socotra should be clear and dry. It will be warm by day but not intolerably so and cooler at night and in the mountains.
Physical demands: There will be light to moderately strenuous walking at most of our birding stops
Participants: Max group size 8
Tour Cost: $3650 USD per person*; single-room supplement of $500 (*estimated based on current prices)​
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Price inclusive of visa fee, round-trip flight from Abu Dhabi to Socotra, ground transport, local drivers and guide, seabird cruise, permits and entry fees, shared lodging in Hadiboh, camping gear and bedding, meals and snacks, and tipping of local support​
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Price does not include international airfare, UAE transit visa (if needed), meals and accommodation in Abu Dhabi, and traveler's insurance
Deposit: 20% to reserve your spot
August 2027 Eclipse Tour
Dates: August 1 - 10, 2027 (4 spots available)
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Arrive: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah by 5:00 AM on the first day of the tour
Depart: Leave via Jeddah late evening on the last day of the tour or the following day
Transport: Economy SUVs or minivan depending on the number of participants and space requirements
Itinerary: Read writeup about this tour HERE.
Climate: While the coastal plains along the Red Sea coast can be hot and humid with a heat index during the dayreaching around 110° F (43° C), the weather in the highlands will be cooler and much more pleasant with the temperaturerarely exceeding 86° F (30° C). There is also the chance of heavy mist and thunderstorms, especially during the late summer.
Physical demands: There will be light to moderately strenuous walking at most of our birding stops
Participants: Max group size 8
Tour Cost: $3500 USD per person*; single-room supplement of $450 (* estimated based on current prices)​
Deposit: 20% to reserve your spot
Terms and Conditions
What's included: Domestic flights; hotel accommodation in a single room, double room, or shared apartment; ground transportation to and from the airport and the various stops along our birding itinerary; all meals as well as light snacks and drinks throughout the day; access to the Raidah preserve in Abha and Hegra in Al Ula (northwest extension only); bird guide and driver
What's not included: International airfare and excess baggage costs; travel insurance*; Saudi eVisa; Saudi SIM card with data (recommended)**
* Basic medical insurance is included with the Saudi eVisa. However, I recommend a traveler's policy to cover other unexpected situations, such as cancellations, lost or stolen items, emergency evacuation, personal liability, etc. By completing the booking form below, you accept full responsibility for insuring your trip and personal items and full liability should you choose not to.
** Check with your mobile provider first to see what data roaming they offer
Cancellation: You can obtain a refund of your deposit, minus a $30 cancellation fee, up to 90 days before the start of the tour.
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For more information, click HERE to contact Saudi Birding. Interested in joining one of the Arabian Endemics Tours? Complete the booking form below.
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To help you prepare for your visit, please read the following post: "A Thousand Welcomes to Saudi Arabia": Discover the Thrill of Saudi Birding.​
Remote Guiding
In lieu of custom tours, I also offer a consulting service for those visiting on their own for a flat rate. With that, I will draft a customized itinerary, in consultation with you, geared towards maximizing the success of your visit. Your custom itinerary will come replete with GPS coordinates, birding maps, advice on locating tricky species, as well as other site details to ensure safe and productive stops. In addition, I will also help with logistics and planning, including arranging visits to preserves, like Raidah in the Asir Region. Lastly, I will provide ongoing support during your visit via WhatsApp so that you don't miss a single target species, as I did for Andrew Spencer of the Cornell Lab's Macaulay Library and his birding companions during their February 2022 visit. Check out Andrew's testimonial.
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For more information, contact Saudi Birding HERE.
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Your Guide
I have over fourteen years of experience with the avifauna of the Arabian Peninsula, having birded extensively throughout Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Bahrain. I am skilled in identifying Saudi birds by ear as well as sight and, as the regional reviewer for eBird with a network of contacts across the country, will use the most up-to-date information for tracking down our target species. Finally, with my strong grasp of Arabic and knowledge of Saudi culture, I will enrich your experience of this intriguing and often misunderstood country and ensure you have a safe, secure, and enjoyable visit.
What better way to experience Saudi Arabia than with someone who knows the country well, can introduce you to the charms of its culture, and can find its amazing birds?