Chibayish Marshes أهوار الجبايش
Reed villages, water buffalo and boat rides in the Mesopotamian Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Reed channels, water buffalo and floating villages of the Marsh Arabs. Visitors travel by mashoof boat and can stay in a traditional reed guesthouse.
Al-Chibayish lies in the Central Marshes, where the waters of the Euphrates spread into lagoons and reed beds. Marsh Arab families here still build houses and large guesthouses, called mudhif, from woven reeds, in a style that appears on Sumerian clay tablets thousands of years old.
The marshes were largely drained in the 1990s and much of the area was reflooded after 2003. In 2016 they were listed by UNESCO with Ur, Uruk and Eridu. A visit means a ride in a mashoof boat through the reed channels, water buffalo, birdlife, fresh fish and, on our tour, a night in a traditional reed house. Water levels change from year to year, so the boat route is planned on the day.
Visit with our tour: Ur Ziggurat & Al-Chibayish →
Travel tips
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and a light layer: mornings on the water can be cool.
- Reed-house stays are simple. Tell us about any dietary or comfort needs in advance.
Questions & answers
Where is Chibayish Marshes?
Chibayish Marshes is in Nasiriyah & Ur, Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. The map on this page shows its location.
How can I visit Chibayish Marshes?
Chibayish Marshes is included in our Ur Ziggurat & Al-Chibayish tour (2 days / 1 night). You can book it on WhatsApp, and we arrange the guide, transport and any permissions.