The wild coast of the Qatari peninsula of Zekreet unfolds its sandy coves over some 12.4 miles (20 kilometres) from north to south. Devoid of dunes, the peninsula faces the Hawar archipelago (Bahrain), made up of thirty-six small desert islands, only the largest of which is inhabited. The area is distinguished by its unusual landscape of white cliffs, which are the result of the erosion of layers of sandstone and soft limestone. Nearby, the Brouq Nature Reserve is home to sand gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa marica) and red-necked ostriches (Struthio camelus camelus). Located 56 miles (90 km) from downtown Doha, the Zekreet Peninsula is only accessible by four-wheel drive cars. In winter, it is a popular camping spot for Qatari residents.