Sara Sami is an avid traveller, photographer and trip organiser who has garnered a following by documenting her adventures. From exploring off-grid locations in the GCC to witnessing the Northern Lights, her love for adventure and the joy of discovering untamed experiences across the region and the world know no boundaries. Edwin D’Souza tells her story.
Sara, who goes by @agirlfrombahrain on Instagram, is an inspirational Bahraini who has spent the past 38 years on the island. “As a kid, all I wanted to do was create art,” Sara shares, explaining how design opened up a world of creativity for her.
At the University College of Bahrain (UCB), she further cultivated her creative talents and her passion for art soon blossomed into multiple roles – photographer, graphic designer, artist, traveller and trip organiser. These interests, though seemingly distinct, were intricately connected through her love for exploration and creativity.
Her passion for travelling began during her college art trips, where she experienced the joy of discovering new cities and cultures. This wanderlust has remained a constant in her life, fueled by the freedom she feels while on the road, exploring places beyond Bahrain.
In recent years, Sara has embraced road trips and camping, a discovery she made during the COVID-19 lockdown when international travel was restricted. “I found myself exploring the deserts of Saudi Arabia, and that’s where I fell in love with camping and the sense of calm the desert brings,” she shares. What began as a necessity during the pandemic turned into a newfound love for the open road, and she now seeks the thrill of journeys without fixed destinations.
When it comes to planning trips, Sara strikes a balance between spontaneity and careful research. “Google Maps is my best friend,” she laughs, explaining how she uses it to find off-grid locations, such as low-light areas ideal for stargazing or abandoned villages that intrigue her.
While her passion for global travel is evident, Sara has a particular fascination with the GCC. The diverse landscapes, she says, are what drive her interest. From the cool mountains of Abha in Saudi Arabia to the lush, rainy vistas of Salalah in Oman, Sara is constantly amazed by the variety the region has to offer. “Who knew I’d be wearing a jacket in the middle of August in the Gulf?” she exclaims, recalling a recent trip to Salalah.
As a trip organiser, Sara has ventured to around 15 countries, each with its own unique experiences. One of the most memorable was witnessing the Northern Lights in Finland. After several nights of waiting with no success, she had given up hope, only to be surprised by the mesmerising lights dancing across the sky on her last night. “It was truly a magical experience,” she says.
For those who have already explored parts of the GCC, Sara promises fresh and raw adventures. She organises untamed camping experiences for those willing to forgo modern comforts and embrace the challenges of sleeping in tents. For anyone seeking a unique adventure, Sara highly recommends Abha, Saudi Arabia. “It’s a 14-hour drive, but it will reveal a side of Saudi Arabia you never imagined.”
As for Bahrain, she recently designed an outdoors map of Bahrain for local enthusiasts and plans to organise more trips around the island.
Looking ahead, Sara continues to seek out off-grid locations for her next adventures, balancing adrenaline-fuelled treks with peaceful hikes. Her dream trip? Organising a group expedition to Iceland, where she once journeyed solo. “It’s a landscape photographer’s paradise, and the chance to see the Northern Lights again would be amazing.”
Sara’s adventures serve as inspiration for women to explore solo travel and for everyone to delve into the world of travel that may lack tangible luxuries but offer experiences of a lifetime and images that are etched into your mind forever for a life well lived. As she continues to push her limits and explore new worlds, she hopes to inspire others to do the same.
Follow Sara using the handle @agirlfrombahrain on Instagram.
