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NATURE & OUTDOORS

The best adventures to have in Saudi

Trek through colossal mountain passes, camp in the desert with the Bedouin tribes or get a sky-high view of Arabia on an adventurous Saudi trip...

Vast, rolling desert dunes, gigantic massifs cleaved through by hiking trails and Red Sea coral reefs teeming with unique marine life — adventurous travellers have no shortage of options in Saudi.

Explore the Kingdom’s extraordinary landscapes from the skies on a hot air balloon or a paragliding tour. Get hands on with its sheer rocks on a hike or a climb in the dense desert. Familiarise yourself with the animal life birding in the southern forests or diving in the Sinai wrecks. These outdoor adventures all expose a new side to Saudi, far beyond the strictures of the city bounds…

Hiking

Amber and ochre crags dominate the skyline within Wadi al Disah, underlined by stacks of thick green brush and rustling palm leaves. Far from the endless deserts that permeates popular expectation, this 15km trail cuts through the sky-scraping sandstone massif Jebel Qaraqir. Rest under date trees that shade deserted corners of the passage, or cool off in secluded fresh water springs from the north easternly city of Tabuk, following the steady stream that cuts a path through the mountain pass. Alternatively, head west of Jeddah to al Wa’bah to roam the rim of a volcanic crater with views of its ombre, crystalised central flats.

Mountain biking

Setting out to the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi’s modern capital, travellers can take to a biking path that starts in the city bounds. Take your wheels to the Wadi Hanifah Path for a relaxed roam between some of the capital’s leafy parks and tranquil waterways, leading out towards a slightly more strenuous route. The Wadi Loop, headed into the rougher terrain that surrounds the city, is a biking route offering visitors an elevated view over the city. Though the off-roading here is limited, the Arabian heat and soft sands still provide cyclists with some challenge once they leave the paved Wadi Hanifah Path.

Snorkelling and diving

Saudi has been making significant investment into the revitalisation of its Red Sea coast and its coral reef, building an ideal destination for divers. Setting sail from Yanbu, some 200 miles north of Jeddah, divers and snorkellers can expect excellent visibility.

Clear waters expose critters like green turtles and striped Red Sea clownfish, as well as offering a chance to spot marine goliaths like whale sharks, sailfish, great barracudas and dugongs. Experienced divers should also head to the international hub of Jeddah for a chance to explore the shipwrecks scattered in the passage between Saudi and eastern Africa.

Camping

Spend the night amid the lunar landscapes and sprawling desert scrub camping in Moon Valley, an hour’s journey from Jeddah. There are a number of established camps and campsites close to Moon Mountain. It’s an ideal vantage point — exposed to the white rock and endless sand of Saudi in the dawn, to the arching Milky Way come nightfall. Enjoy a night of traditional Bedouin resting, dining and discussing the lifestyle of the nomadic tribes native to the desert.

In the eastern reaches of Saudi, another unique spot presents the perfect opportunity for campers. Pitch up at the edge of al Asfar Lake alongside the local outdoorsmen, all drawn to the expansive lake hidden between billowing dunes.

Hot air balloon flights

Soaring above and in between the jutting desert rocks that define the AlUla skyline, hot air balloon rides offer sightseers a unique vantage over Saudi’s most intriguing region. 200,000 years’ worth of historically significant sights can be spotted from the skies, including the iconic Nabatean carved tombs that plunge from the golden sands at Hegra. You’ll have to plan carefully to catch this vantage. Balloons can only overlook the oasis during the AlUla Skies Festival, planned for 10-20 April in 2024, when more than 150 baskets overhang the oasis. Helicopter tours are also available during this period.

Climbing

Scrambling strategically up the sharp cliff crags smattered around the new Neom region of Saudi, climbers have more than 100 vertical routes to choose from. Divided into three zones — A, B and C — Neom’s sport and traditional rock-climbing routes vary in difficulty. None stray lower than an intermediate level. Climbers who are slightly less confident when manoeuvring vertiginous cliffs should opt for the sports climbing routes in Zone C, largely intermediate level.

It’s tough terrain, but adventurous travellers will be rewarded at the peak with panoramic views. South of Riyadh, in Wadi Al Akhu, there are a number of other craggy climbs available. Its sandstone snares are prone to producing loose stone and wearing a helmet is strongly advised.

Birdwatching

40 individual forests encircle the south westerly city of al Bahah. Exploring from a base in the “garden of the Hejaz”, travellers intrigued by the Arabian Peninsula’s unique and fascinating birdlife can get quickly immersed. Species exclusive to the Gulf can be found in al Bahah. For eagle-eyed spotters these could include the supremely rare Arabian Magpie, the saffron tail of the Arabian Grosbeak or curious and sociable Arabian waxbills.

Guided trips run from al Bahah, or birders can take their binoculars on a clearly marked forest trail. It’s also possible to spot the famously tamed falcons before they’re wrangled and trained. It’s easiest to spot them in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, north of Riyadh, which has its own breeding programme.

Paragliding

Launching off a perch 3000m above sea level, the tandem gliders taking flight from Jabal Sawda’ aim straight for the slopes of the Sarawat Mountains. Paragliding from the highest point in the country, travellers can take in verdant valleys of the inner mountain range, characterised by dense juniper trees and unique flora. Easily accessible from Abha in the kingdom’s south west, trips from the paragliding launch point let travellers graze the mountain winds for around 15 minutes. Flights are dependent on local conditions, and only available from April to October owing to weather restrictions.

Stargazing

Caravans guided solely by the stars have traversed the Arabian desert for millennia — the Bedouins have passed sky gazing knowledge down from generation to generation, tribe to tribe. Learn from their nomadic expertise on an overnight stay with the nomads currently settled in Khubayb Al Reem, easily accessible from Riyadh. Alternatively, if travelling during the winter, visit the tribes that straddle the border between Saudi and Jordan in Jabal Al Lawz. The Bedouins guide their camels and herds by the direction of the stars and planets plainly visible to the naked eye, making them ideal teachers for travellers interested in engaging with the rich history and culture of Saudi. For the ultimate stargazing experience, head to Gharameel in AlUla, where a rawi (local storyteller) will explain the different constellations in the night sky as you enjoy a fireside meal under the stars. Nothing says Saudi quite like that.

Practical information

Visas

It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).

Getting there & around

With plenty of direct flight links from the UK to Riyadh, it’s really easy to get to the Saudi capital. Saudi’s national airline SAUDIA flies to Riyadh three times daily from London Heathrow, while British Airways also offers a regular service from Heathrow with daily flights to the capital. If you’re travelling from the US, SAUDIA offers direct flights to Riyadh from both New York City and Washington, D.C. The Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) operates several bus routes in the city, while taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem offer even more flexible ways to navigate Riyadh. Due to launch in early 2024, the Riyadh Metro will transform the city’s public transport network further, with six Metro lines and 85 stations planned.

Local customs

To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.

Weather

You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit Riyadh is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime and rarely exceed 30°C. Summer months in Riyadh can get extremely hot, with temperatures often above 40°C between June and September.

FAQ

Is English spoken in Saudi?

Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.

What is the currency of Saudi?

The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.

What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?

We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.

What’s the time difference in Saudi?

Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.