Qatar Desert Safari and Inland Sea

In the far south-east of Qatar, near the border with Saudi Arabia, the sea pushes deep into the desert to form Khor Al Adaid, known as the Inland Sea. Reaching it means crossing high, soft dunes in a 4x4, and the drive itself, climbing, sliding and pausing on the crests, is half the fun.

Most tours stop near Sealine Beach for camel rides and sandboarding, then cross the dunes for a paddle in the calm water with the desert rising behind. Half-day trips return in time for lunch; overnight trips stay at a desert camp with dinner by the fire.

Allow five to six hours for a half-day trip. The dune drive is bumpy, so it is not suitable for pregnant travellers or anyone with back problems; for them we arrange a gentler visit to Sealine Beach.