The Middle East Green Travel
Guide
The Middle East: An Overview
Let this Middle East green travel guide inspire you to immerse yourself in arguably one of the most extraordinary and fascinating destinations in the world.
The Middle East is a land of expansive deserts, historic monuments, ancient cities and deep cultural significance. Personally, I’ve only been to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. However, my experience there shattered all preconceived notions I had as a result of what the media portrays. The Middle East is more than meets the eye. While I myself didn’t think there would be many opportunities for nature-based travel or what I consider ‘green travel’, researching this remarkable destination proved me wrong.
Overall, the Middle East has 7 World Heritage natural sites. What’s more, many of them do not even account for the panoramic deserts and oases, the exceptional hiking trails, the unspoiled beaches, or the highly diverse marine ecosystems of the region’s underwater world. Indeed, the options available for nature-based activities in the Middle East blew me away!
Of all the destination green travel guides we have on Intego Travel, I enjoyed putting together this Middle East green travel guide the most.
BE IN AWE
When to visit the Middle East
The first thing to remember when planning a trip to the Middle East is that it’s hot, almost year-round. I suggest travelling during the winter months of Dec to Feb to avoid the unbearable heat of summer. Of course, this means that these months are high season.
In general, prices will be sky-high, most accommodation will be booked in advance and transportation will be crowded. If you prefer to avoid this mayhem, you can choose to travel during the should season. It runs between March to May and Sep to Nov. But, keep in mind that the holy month of Ramadan generally happens between the months of April-May.
Keep reading our Middle East green travel guide for more information on what to expect, and which green travel experiences this outstanding destination offers!
What to expect when visiting the Middle East
The first thing to keep in mind is that countries in the Middle East tend to be very conservative. Please be mindful of the local customs and dress appropriately, especially as a female. Some cultures require females to cover their hair.
I suggest you do further research into the customs of the specific countries you will visit, so you can adapt accordingly.
For the purpose of this Middle East green travel guide, we have included 17 countries in total. The following section offers you a summary of some of the natural highlights within most of the countries. I have excluded countries for which I couldn’t find specific nature-based attractions.
✦ Cyprus
In Greek mythology, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess. According to legend, she emerged from the sea, floating on a clamshell. Inevitably, Cyprus is not only home to pristine beaches like those in Cape Greco, but also beautiful canyons, gorges and lush, green forests. There are popular hiking trails in Avakas Gorge and Troodos National Forest Park. You can also go camping in the forest park.
✦ Egypt
Home to the World Heritage Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley), Egypt seems to be one of those countries that has a little bit of everything. There are expansive deserts like the Western Desert, award-winning and community-owned hiking trails, and world-class diving.
Some of the best diving spots are found in Ras Mohammed National Park; Sharm El Sheikh, with its famous wreck dives; Dahab, with its blue hole diving; and Marsa Alam. Here you can spot dolphins and dugongs.
In terms of hiking, Egypt recently opened the Red Sea Mountain Trail: 170km long hiking trail! If you’re up for a challenge, you can also try the Sinai Trail, which is 220km long.
✦ Iran
Although Iran may not have the most positive image in the eyes of the world, I’ve read a few blog posts from travellers who visited. Apparently, it is one of the most fascinating and hospitable destinations to visit.
If you’re into mountaineering, Sabalan Mountain offers an unforgettable experience. Mount Damavand also offers a less challenging mountain climbing experience.
Finally, there are two natural World Heritage sites in Iran: the Lut Desert and the Hyrcanian Forests. Both of these remarkable places offer trekking opportunities. Just be mindful that the Lut Desert is considered the hottest place on earth! So, please come prepared.
✦ Iraq
Home to the World Heritage site the Ahwar of Southern Iraq, Iraq offers some remarkable opportunities for trekking. Particularly, in the canyons of Rawanduz, located in the northeast of Kurdistan. You can come across impressive waterfalls and lush green, breath-taking views.
✦ Israel
Another Middle Eastern country with a wide array of options for nature-based travel. You can go hiking, horse-riding and cycling in several reserves. For example, Makhtesh Ramon Nature Reserves offers all three options!
The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, En Avdat National Park, and Timna Park are also home to some fantastic hiking trails that snake through some unique sites. You can also spot some desert creatures in the Hai-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve. And if you’re a bird lover, the Agamon HaHula Park is the place for you.
✦ Jordan
Jordan has a little bit of everything! From forest walks to swimming in the Dead Sea, to scuba diving, to desert explorations. There are also many places of highly cultural value. You can combine both hiking and cultural knowledge by hiking to the lost city of Petra.
You can also explore the rolling dunes of the World Heritage Wadi Rum desert. There are several nature reserves too where you can hike and observe wildlife. They include the Dana Biosphere Reserve, the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve and the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve. Finally, Aqaba offers some world-class diving spots with wrecks and sunken planes!
✦ Lebanon
Home to the World Heritage Qadisha Valley and the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Lebanon offers visitors some fantastic hiking and trekking trails.
✦ Oman
Oman offers some amazing opportunities for nature-based travel. For example, you will have the chance to explore vast deserts like the Rub’ Al Khali and Sharqiya Sands. Moreover, in the Musandam Peninsula, you can enjoy fjord-like landscapes.
Or, you can head to Wadi Shab to take in the aquamarine colour of the region’s river. Other beautiful beaches for diving include those in Daymaniyat Islands, and Ras Al Jinz also offers the chance to see nesting turtles.
✦ Qatar
Enjoy a 4×4 desert safari in Khor al Adaid or explore the beautiful mangroves forest in Al Thakira.
✦ Saudi Arabia
The land of deserts, beautiful beaches and remarkable diving! Enjoy the Empty Quarter, An Nafud Desert, the beaches in the Farasan Islands, and Yanbu diving.
✦ Turkey
Turkey is home to two World Heritage-listed sites: Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia and Hierapolis-Pamukkale. Although both of these include man-made structures, you can’t miss out on the natural beauty of their locations.
The Rock Sites, in particular, have some amazing rock sculptures shaped by erosions. In Hierapolis-Pamukkale, you can enjoy the special salt lakes. And, if you’re up for a challenge, why not hike the 500 km long Lycian Way?
✦ United Arab Emirates
The UAE seems to be a country that is ambitiously progressing several sustainable tourism projects. And it’s not surprising, considering that the UAE has a lot of biodiversity. Sir Bani Yas Island, the Al Qudra Desert & Lakes, and the Desert Conservation Reserve are home to this biodiversity.
✦ Yemen
And finally, Yemen is home to another World Heritage-listed natural site: the Socotra Archipelago. Some consider it the most alien-looking place on Earth. From this photo trip published in The Atlantic, it’s easy to see why.
GO BEYOND
10 green travel experiences in the Middle East
For this Middle East green travel guide, I’ve included some tips on what I would consider to be the best experiences for the sustainable traveller on a visit to the Middle East.
1. Visit the Buyukkonuk Village in North Cyprus, where you can witness first-hand life in an eco-villge that aims to counteract mass tourism.
2. Go scuba diving in the multiple breath-taking diving sites of the Red Sea.
3. Hike Egypt’s Red Sea Mountain Trail and support local Bedouin tribes.
4. Do go chasing waterfalls in Iran’s Rawanduz canyons.
5. Go mountain biking in Israel’s Ramon Nature Reserve.
6. Explore the rolling dunes of the World Heritage Wadi Rum desert.
7. Dive the sunken planes and shipwrecks of Aqaba.
8. Swim in the turquoise rivers of Wadi Shab.
9. Kayak the mangrove forests of Al Thakira.
10. Explore the Socotra Archipelago.
Middle East green travel guide:
11 eco-friendly accommodation options
I didn’t want to finish this Middle East green travel guide without including some options for eco-friendly accommodations. I haven’t stayed at the below accommodations but after doing research, I consider them some of the most eco-friendly ones.
Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive! I’m sure there are other places that could be featured in this Middle East green travel guide. So, I invite you to do your own research to find a place that suits your needs.
✦ Egypt
1. Basata EcoLodge (South Sinai, Egypt): Built in 1986, the Basata Ecolodge was the first of its kind in Egypt. Since the beginning, the ecolodge aimed to run their operations sustainably. They use local and biodegradable building materials like clay, bamboo and natural stones. All the recyclable materials are sent to a recycling plant. They also incorporate energy and water saving measures.
2. Adrere Amellal (Siwa, Egypt): Visiting the Adrere Amellal is like stepping into a different world. One that is does not depend on air conditioning, electricity or room service. Instead, the Adrere Amellal aims to preserve the natural beauty of its surroundings. The building itself is done with local and natural materials. The ecolodge also uses fruits and vegetables from its own organic gardens.
✦ Iran
3. Ariz Castle (Baqerabad, Iran): The Ariz Castle is Iran’s largest historical and rural eco-tourism resort. The castle was built hundreds of years ago using raw materials. It is located in the heart of the desert.
✦ Dubai
4. Al Maha (Dubai): I had doubts about including this accommodation option in our Middle East green travel guide. For one, it is referred to as a luxury resort & spa. However, the reason why I included it is because of its contributions to conservation. The Al Maha helps monitor and control human impacts on the fragile flora and fauna of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The resort’s guides accompany guests and educate them on the conservation of the species within the reserve.
5. Jumeirah Al Naseem (Dubai): In all honesty, the only reason I included the Jumeirah Al Naseem is because they are home to the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. Since 2004, the project has rescued and released over 1,600 sea turtles!
✦ Jordan
6. Feynan Ecolodge (Jordan): Described by Forbes Magazine as “a shining start among the green lodges worldwide”, the Feynan Ecolodge offers the most developed eco-experience in Jordan. The Feynan Ecolodge has been voted as one of the best 25 ecolodges in the world by Nat Geo. They also have a partnership with the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature in Jordan. This is an NGO dedicated to the protection of Jordan’s natural landscapes.
✦ Israel
7. Desert Shade Eco-Camp (Mitzpe Ramon, Israel): The Eco Camp is your portal to the heart of Israel’s deserts. The Eco Camp has several types of accommodations. The Eco-Tents, in particular, are constructed using recycled materials. Because they are on the edge of Israel’s nature reserve, you have easy access to the desert trails found in the area.
✦ Lebanon
8. Taanayel Ecolodge (Tannayel, Lebanon): The Taanayel Ecolodge was built to promote sustainable tourism in the region of Taanayel in Lebanon. The owner uses his ecolodge as a way of allowing guests to experience the region’s authentic way of life.
✦ Oman
9. Souly Ecolodge (Salalah, Oman): The Souly Ecolodge has evolved from a few traditional Bedouin tents to more modern bungalows. The complex was built with local and natural materials. They make the effort to minimise their environmental impact by using energy-saving light bulbs. Oh, and they also have a solar array that helps provide part of their electricity needs.
✦ Turkey
10. Six Senses (Muğla, Turkey): The Six Senses is committed to both sustainability and wellness. Their complex is designed with green roofs and living walls. By providing guests with reusable glass bottles, the hotel has been able to save over 65,000 plastic bottles! They also work with the local community through education and green projects. Finally, they have their own organic farms and gardens, which help them progress their farm-to-table project.
✦ Yemen
11. Socotra Ecolodges (Yemen): I didn’t want to include one specific ecolodge from Socotra because it seems that the few options available have a low environmental impact. While some hotels are run by the local Yemeni Women’s Union (hello, social impact and gender equity!), others are run by local families. One, in particular, has a nursery for the young endemic Socotri plants. There is also the option of eco-campsites.