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NATURE & OUTDOORS

5 wild experiences to have in Asir National Park

The south-western province of Asir is a hidden treasure of peaceful mountains and stunning sceneries. And beneath the foggy clouds that hug this secret corner of Saudi lies Asir National Park...

Words by Leena Al-Ali

Asir National Park was established in the 1980s and is Saudi’s first national park.

The jagged mountain ranges of Sarawat that run through the park and the mix of high elevation and immense rainfall support the growth of juniper trees and wildlife among the mountains. The park is vast covering almost 6,500 square kilometres and extends from the Red Sea and includes the flat coastal plain and Asir escarpment. It starts only a short drive outside of the central city of Abha and is a gem to locals and tourists alike. For those keen on exploring Saudi above the clouds, hiking among junipers and marvelling at birds and baboons, head down to Asir.

Take the cable car up Jabal Sawda

Jabal Sawda (which means ‘black mountain’ in Arabic) is a focal point of Asir. The mountain is the highest peak in Saudi at approximately 3,000m above sea level and is a part of the Sarawat mountain ranges ranges that runs down the length of the western side of Arabia through the provinces of Jazan and Mecca. The mountain is a a 30 min drive from the central city of Abha. The cool weather makes the area a natural delight for those wishing to escape the summer heat in other Saudi provinces. The mountain is adorned with thousands of juniper and acacia trees, complementing the fluffy clouds that await you at the peak. Due to the amount of precipitation the region gets, the mountain ranges are bursting with a variety of flora and fauna. The jagged mountains were once used for protection and towns were built within the escarpments to be shielded away from Ottoman threats in the 18th century.

Although the climate in the region is fantastic year round with temperatures in the range of 15 to 25°C, aim to visit during the summer months for a chance to get a clear view of the mountains. Wintertime in Asir is characterised by white sheets of snow and fog that can obstruct your view of the lush mountain tops. Be sure to head to the mountain early in the morning to prevent queuing as the spot is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Asir. Dress in warm layers when visiting the mountain and opt to pack a picnic to better enjoy your time taking in the views. Tickets to the top of the mountain are 100 SAR.

Enjoy birdwatching

Asir National Park is home to over 300 species of birds. A twitcher’s delight, make sure to head out to the mountains during the summertime to spot a plethora of Saudi’s glorious bird species. If you are lucky, you might spot the Asir magpie, an endangered but beloved Arabian bird known for its distinct black and white feathers. The mountains in Asir are the only place in the world where the Asir magpie can be found. Keep an eye out for griffon vultures, birds with large sweeping wings that fly to the highest of peaks to nest and lay their eggs, or the African olive-pigeon, a yellow-beaked marvel. The cool and foggy nature of the park makes it a common destination for migratory birds to pass through. Bird varieties such as the tawny eagle and little-rock thrush can also be found throughout.

Camp out for the night

To get up close and personal with the wildlife of Asir, opt to camp out in the park. Although the park is open for all to roam, it is recommended to camp out with a dedicated tour group in order to be better prepared for the rainy and cold climate. Explore trails between the emerald trees and settle down between the jagged escarpments to take in the beauty around you. Sleep peacefully enveloped in the foggy clouds of Asir and continue your journey the morning after by watching the rich sunrise between the mountain ranges. You may encounter mountain babboons, monkey-like creatures with unique red bottoms, on your journey to set up camp. The baboons are very territorial and like to steal food if they can get their hands on it, so its advised to be careful around them.

Lace up for a hike

A trip to the Asir province would be incomplete without a hike throughout Asir National Park. The options are endless, as the park spans over 6,000 sq km of protected land. The park is abundant with wildlife that love to remain elusive among the junipers, while a plethora of endangered bird species can be spotted here. Expect to spend your entire day at the park and dress accordingly in layers to account for the sharp drop in temperatures as you hike your way towards the foggy clouds. While searching for wildlife on your hike, make sure to also pay attention to the sounds around you. A light knocking sound may be indicative of a nearby Arabian woodpecker in the trees above.

Go mountain biking

For the brave and experienced, opt to explore the mountains and terrain of Asir National Park by mountain biking. The rocky terrain and high elevation makes mountain biking in Asir a challenge that is duly rewarded by the mountain vistas of Jabal Sawda and acacia trees beyond. Be sure to reach out to local authorities and Asir National Park officials prior to trekking in order to access trails that are safe during your season of choice. It is advised to bring your own mountain bike and explore the emerald beauty of the mountain ranges during August for the best conditions, although activity companies are starting to offer guided experiences.

Road cycling is becoming more popular here, too, as the area has a very high concentration of climbs classed as difficult. The routes follow the scenic but challenging roads which twist and turn in a short space, in places where even driving a car can be a challenge.

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 Saudi, it’s really easy to get to the country. 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. SAUDIA also operates twice daily flights to Jeddah from London Heathrow and daily flights from London Gatwick. If you’re travelling from the US, SAUDIA offers direct flights to Riyadh from both New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as direct flights to Jeddah from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

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.