attractions OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Nature’s kingdom
With its mountains, forests, volcanic landscapes, spectacular diving all around its coastline and, of course, its deserts, Saudi Arabia is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast
The first geographical element that comes to mind when you think of Saudi Arabia is desert and, while the vast Arabian Desert does dominate much of the country’s landscape, there is much more to Saudi Arabia’s landscape than dunes and dust. Much more. There are, for instance, mountain ranges to the south of the kingdom
that boast verdant forests and staggering canyons, while the coastline on both sides of the country is dotted with some of the most immaculate coral reefs in the world. So whether it's rock climbing, trekking across mountain trails, scuba diving or a desert safari, there are countless ways to enjoy the kingdom’s outdoors.
TIPS TOP
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Hiking
Te wilds of Abha province provide some of the best hiking trails in Saudi Arabia. Hikers here can enjoy the cool mountain air while taking in the expansive mountain vistas, valleys and canyons - all accom- panied by the call of myriad birds. With the abundant wildlife in the area, sighting animals such as the Hamadryas baboons is not uncommon.
Some of the most popular hiking trails can be found in the Al Soudah region and on Jebel Al Helah near Mohayl village.
Caving
Jebel Garah Mountains, 13 kilometres east of Al Hofuf, are home to a series of impressive caves. Tese limestone systems rise above the date palm orchards and maintain a constant temperature. Ghar Al Hashshab, or 'cave of the arrow-maker', has towering canyons and labyrinthine interiors.
Snorkelling
Te Red Sea’s waters are clear and offer an abundance of fish, making it ideal for snorkelling. Obhur Creek near Makkah and Al Khobar in the Eastern Province are the two most popular
resorts for snorkelling in Saudi Arabia. Both have
accessible snorkelling sites a few metres from the beach. Te Rabigh District, 150 kilometres north of Jeddah along the Jeddah- Yanbu highway, is another excellent location.
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PROTECTED AREAS Saudi Arabia’s National Commission for Wildlife Conservation & Development (NCWCD) looks after the preservation of more than 100,000 square kilometres of wild flora and fauna in the kingdom, a huge part of which is in the mountainous Asir province. The region’s abundant wildlife includes the elusive Arabian leopard, whose numbers are gradually rebounding after it became a protected animal in the kingdom. Many of the protected wildlife parks have camping
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