Saudi Arabia for Nature Lovers
The Natural Wonders of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a diverse destination but one of its greatest features is its abundant nature that can be experienced through a variety of exciting activities. This emerging Middle Eastern country isn’t just one big desert. Visitors to the Kingdom can connect with the natural environment and an array of wildlife all across Saudi Arabia’s sprawling landscape and will likely be transformed by their experience. Whether scuba diving in the Red Sea or camping under the desert sky, travelers can immerse themselves in nature in a multitude of ways. Here are some of the best idea for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Saudi Arabia in 2023.
Dive the Red Sea
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea is full of magnificent sights and wonders guaranteed to impress nature lovers. After all, this final frontier of diving is home to colorful coral reefs, shipwrecks and more than 1,200 species of fish, 20 percent of which are only found here. Visitors will want to head to destinations such as Jeddah and Umluj to get up close with the Red Sea.
Explore the Al Wahbah Crater
A two-hour drive north of Taif and about four hours from Jeddah is where visitors will find the Al Wahbah Crater, a natural wonder on the western edge of the Hafer Kishb basalt plateau that’s more than 800 feet deep. It’s recommended to visit this otherworldly attraction early or late in the day and during the cooler winter months as sizzling temperatures can make the hike quite grueling.
Tour the Roses of Taif
Taif, Saudi Arabia’s City of Roses, is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting expansive fields of blooming fruits and flowers and scenic mountains and valleys. Visitors can take in all of this beauty while hiking, camping, dune bashing or enjoying a camel ride. Rose seekers will want to plan their visit during the harvest season between May and July.
Discover Umluj
Drawing comparisons to the Maldives, Umluj is a phenomenal destination to soak up the sun and hit the reset button by the Red Sea. Visitors can lounge on its stellar beaches, go island hopping, take a boat tour and even peer below the water’s surface to take in stunning coral reefs and a plethora of marine life.
Hike to the Edge of the World
For a truly breathtaking experience set amidst nature, travelers can hike to the Edge of the World, taking in glorious desert valley views from the cliffs of Tuwaik Mountain. In addition to jaw-dropping scenery, visitors may uncover some snails and even marine life fossils at this one-of-a-kind attraction.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over AlUla
AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a can’t-miss destination, especially those with a passion for nature. Taking to the sky above is one of the best ways to enjoy its unique rock formations and landscape. “It’s just incredible what’s there,” Daniel Ponzo, an Italian-Swiss expat based in Jeddah and the managing director of Zahid Travel Group told the country’s official tourism website. “What you see in terms of color of the rocks, color of the sand, shape of the rocks—it’s just unique. It’s one of the ultimate beauties of the world.”
Embark on a Desert Adventure
Whether hiking, biking, off-roading in a 4×4, sandboarding or hopping atop a camel, there’s no shortage of fun ways to experience Saudi’s alluring desert. After all, the country is home to the largest sand desert on earth. Natural attractions like Jabal Abyad and its nearby sister peak Jabal Bayd as well as the UNESCO-recognized Al Ahsa Oasis are all but certain to wow first-time visitors.