In a desert country with scorching temperatures such as Bahrain, a tree over 400 years of age that is still standing, surrounded only by dunes and drawing water from the subsoil, must be the most apt symbol of the population’s resilience, resistance and survival. So it is no wonder that the Tree of Life has become something approaching a place of pilgrimage for every visitor to this country.
Significance and natural context
The Tree is a specimen of prosopis cineraria, known as Ghaf in Arabic, a species that is well able to withstand high temperatures and, particularly, to live without much water. In fact, this species can withstand up to 8 months of drought without drying out.
Its presence in an area is evidence that a water table exists, from which the tree draws the little water it needs to go on surviving century after century.
In the particular case of Bahrain’s Tree of Life, it has been calculated that it is over 400 years old; it was planted in 1583, and is 9.75 metres tall, whereas the normal height of these species is no more than seven metres.
This specimen stands on a hill surrounded by sand dunes everywhere you look, and tolerates an average temperature of 41º.
In the light of this, lots of scientific studies have been undertaken to try to understand how it remains standing. Most have concluded that it is irrigated by an underground stream three kilometres away, although other studies talk about the humidity borne on the breeze from the sea, over 13 kilometres away.
The Tree’s centuries of heroic survival have drawn many visitors and residents of Bahrain to attribute mystical powers to it, and to claim that it is a survivor from the Garden of Eden. Another legend tells that it is protected by the ancient Sumerian god, Enki.
The Tree’s location, and how to visit it
The Tree of Life stands on a hill in the heart of the Sakhir desert, about 35 kilometres to the south of Manama, Bahrain’s capital city.
You can drive directly to the hill on which the specimen stands; it is protected by a wall and a barrier, as this spot has become one of the country’s main tourist attractions, and is estimated to receive around 50,000 visitors a year.
The best way to reach it is in a hired vehicle or a taxi, as it is about 25 minutes from the capital, and the area is not served by buses or any other type of public transport.
You need to know that the nearest town is around 12 kilometres away, in the direction of the coast, but around the Tree there are encampments, snack bars and bars, so you can enjoy being there, especially at sunset, with a good coffee and a sweet treat.
Recommendations for your visit
The Tree of Life has now become a tourist attraction in its own right, so there are always crowds of tourists and local people, especially at sunset, when it is at its most beautiful.
The average temperature in this area is 40º, so we recommend you plan your visit for either early morning or in the evening, avoiding the middle of the day when it is hottest and most stifling, given that it is surrounded by nothing but desert.
For years, the Tree has been protected by a wall and a barrier to protect it from damage, but you can see it close up and take lovely photos, so have your camera ready.
For moving around this area, we recommend that you wear suitable footwear for the desert sand, and light clothing that covers the entire body to prevent being burnt by the strong sun.
Although there are a few cafés and encampments where you can obtain food and drink, you need to remember that the nearest town to the Tree of Life is a 15-minute drive away, so we recommend you carry everything you are likely to need in your backpack.
