Introduction
The sands and wilds of the Middle East hide a number of natural wonders. Perhaps best-known is the Dead Sea in Israel, Palestine and Jordan, which lies more than 400 metres below sea level.
Elsewhere, Wadi Rum in Jordan is a surreal desert landscape with huge mountains looming out of the sand. The Jeita Cave Grotto in Lebanon extend for more than 5 miles underground and include one of the biggest stalactites in the world and a huge subterranean hall, whilst Oman's Musandam Fjords are sometimes likened to a desert Norway but were formed tectonically rather than by glacial erosion.
Rub' al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia is one of the largest deserts in the world whilst the Al Wahbah Crater is a vast depression that makes you catch your breath and the Jabal Qarah Caves are also spectacular.
The Bu Tinah Island Archipelago in Abu Dhabi is a mix of reefs and mangroves that is home to a wealth of wildlife, whilst far away from the mainland but belonging to Yemen, Socotra Island has unique flora and fauna such as the red-sapped dragon's blood tree.
These are just a handful of the options available though. You can also tailor-make your natural world holiday in the Middle East by adding a city stay or other excursion; talk to a destination specialist to see what we can do for you.
