11 km
Te circumference of the Wabha Crater, which was formed either by a meteorite
impact or the result of volcanic activity in the area tens of thousands of years ago
3
HARRAT LANDSCAPES The Wabha Crater and Wadi Al Lith are two of the most fascinating of Saudi Arabia’s many volcanic – or Harrat – landscapes. At 11 kilometres in circumference and 400 metres in depth, the Wabha Crater is often called a cross between the Grand Canyon and Death Valley – in miniature. A white salt bed of sodium phosphate crystals lies at the bottom, while the crater itself stands out against the black lava flows of its surroundings. Opinion differs as to the forming of the crater. Some say it is an impact crater from a meteorite hit while others ascribe a volcanic origin with the crater shape forming due to an eruption that may have caused an underground explosion. The other major volcanic
landscape – Wadi Al Lith – is in Taif near Jeddah, a valley formed by ancient volcanic activity and now supporting considerable animal life. The crater pools on the valley floor are home to an abundance of fish, while there are sheep, goats, cows, donkeys and even several species of birds in the wadi.
AT 400 METRES IN DEPTH, THE WABHA CRATER IS OFTEN CALLED A CROSS BETWEEN THE GRAND CANYON AND DEATH VALLEY
THE FARASAN BANK
A coral shore 100 kilometres wide and 800 kilometres in length, the Farasan Bank is a natural feature that includes two large islands, Farasan and Qummah. Te Farasan Islands are largely low, flat-topped masses of coral that emerge for a few metres above the water. While the landscape above water is flat and unspectacular, the true beauty of the Farasan Islands is underwater. An abundance of colourful coral reefs, rays, dolphins, dugong, sea turtles and whale sharks can be found here, resulting in a paradise for scuba divers and snorkellers. Aquatic birds also abound and seasonal visitors include the spoonbill, western reef egret, striated heron, osprey, sooty falcons, pink-backed pelican, saunders little tern, crab plover and flamingos. Te only place to stay on the island is Farasan Hotel, so advance booking is a must. Te hotel arranges land tours, overnight guided sea trips, fishing and snorkelling.
the centre, as well as of Wadi Dila some 3,000 feet below. On a clear day, the sparkling waters of the Red Sea are also visible in the distance. Part of the same geological fault
as the Great Rift Valley in Africa, the Asir Mountain range offers an abundance of sporting activities, such as mountaineering, hiking, mountain bike riding and rock climbing, as well as paragliding and hang-gliding. For more information on
professionally supervised paragliding – as well as training – in the Asir National Park area and in other places in Abha province visit Fun Flying:
fun-flying.net
JABAL QARAQIR PLATEAU Rising abruptly from the sandy coastal plain, Jabal Qaraqir Plateau is a spectacular sandstone site dissected by deep canyons, making this protected area one of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Saudi Arabia. Located approximately 80 kilometres south of Tabuk under the lava escarpment of Harrat Ar Raha, the plateau includes majestic red and yellow sandstone canyons. The main canyons contain perennial streams and permanent pools, creating a mini ecosystem full of aquatic life. Archaeological sites here include the ruins of the Roman temple of Ar Rawafah with inscriptions and petroglyphs. There are also many opportunities for viewing wildlife, as well as hiking, rock climbing and biking trails.
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