09
Jibal Salma
464km
50km
Driving MODERATE MOUNTAIN TRACKS
Best for SPECTACULAR VIEWS
Recommended for A HIKE IN A CRATER
Perfect for off-roaders who want to explore some of the country’s lesser-known volcanic landscapes, this memorable day trip combines the rocky cliffs of Jibal Salma with an extraordinary volcanic crater. Take your hiking boots – and your camera – because if a trek to the bottom doesn’t take your breath away, the views most certainly will.
Only 85km from Hail, the cascading mountains of Jibal Salma make for a scenic getaway. Blending volcanic terrain with fertile oases, the route offers up some stunning scenery and the chance to enjoy leisurely picnics atop picturesque mountaintops and tree-lined valleys. The upper path is a straightforward wadi drive, whereas the route below winds steeply through the mountains. Whilst the drive can easily be accomplished in a day, those wanting to spend time exploring Al Hatima crater should consider spending the night.
An Ni’ayy Farm Village
Best viewed from a higher vantage point, this unique village sits in the middle of a large volcanic bowl. Black, rocky mountains surround the basin and while a handful of trees and houses line its periphery, the centre is largely empty. If the weather is good, venture into its muddy interior for a drive around
AN ABANDONED VILLAGE
In 1984, people in the village of Tabah reported seeing cracks in the ground. These 500m fissures caused significant damage to buildings and for their own safety, residents were moved to the new Tabah village 1km away. Because the original settlement sat within a volcanic crater there were concerns as to what caused the tremors and fissures. However, geophysical investigations revealed that they were the result of groundwater withdrawal, where a decline in underground water levels caused a shift on the surface. The old Tabah village still stands today and the cracks are still visible in many of its abandoned homes and buildings.
Antrah Spring
In wetter months, a waterfall flows down the red escarpment and has carved a beautiful crevice into the rock face. A large tank has been built at the base of the spring to collect every drop of this precious resource for the villagers. For views of the village, take the track up the escarpment on your left.
Al Khalid Valley
This area gets its ‘super valley’ title from the multiple wadis which merge here. The imposing red mountains contrast dramatically with the black gravel floor and the terrain alternates between huge boulders and darker, angular rocks. This collision of colours offers up some fantastic photo opportunities and it’s worth stopping above the valley to appreciate its magnitude. From here, the sandy track appears to wind towards the mountainous landscape and disappears into the distance.
FARM & RUINS
This picturesque farming area houses the mudbrick ruins of a former settlement. Where buildings have crumbled, green palm trees sprout out of former roofs, doorways and windows. There is a modern farming settlement close by and those travelling with little explorers will need to be careful of the open well. Close by, enormous round boulders stand on top of each other creating a unique rock formation.
Jibal Salma
Renowned for being one of the ‘twin peaks’ alongside Jabal Aja (Route 8), Arabian folklore tells a story of two star-crossed lovers who were killed at their summits. Formed mainly of granite rock and reaching over 1,500m in height, the mountains of Jibal Salma are surrounded by a volcanic landscape.
Jadah Oasis
This beautiful oasis is one of the highlights of the route. As you make your way down the mountain, you emerge on top of a narrow valley lined on either side by vivid green palms. A structure has been erected above the valley providing shade and the perfect place to sit and take in the spectacular mountain views. The sandy track at the bottom will take you further into the wadi and between the trees.
Al Hatima Crater
Easily accessible by a compacted sand track, this natural wonder is an absolute must-visit. Likely the result of a historic eruption, the huge volcanic crater dominates the area. The brilliant white patch of sodium phosphate crystals in its centre dazzles against the muted tones of the barren landscape, and the views from the crater edge are utterly breathtaking. The area is popular with hikers and if you do decide to venture down into the crater, make sure you are well equipped – the climb back up is a lot more challenging than it looks.
DRIVING DIRECTION
This exploratory off-road route combines wadi and mountain trails with volcanic terrain. While the main track offers a straightforward drive, there are plenty of options to make the route more challenging. Ensure you take care when driving close to the crater’s edge as the ground can be unstable.
1 The route begins in An Ni’ayy Farm Village, approximately 85km from Hail. From here, follow the tarmac road to your right towards Antrah Spring. Once you’ve finished exploring, take the track on the right leading up into the mountain.
2 At the junction, veer right for a wadi drive and to visit Al Khalid Valley, or continue through the mountains towards Jadah Oasis. The track is steep in places and alternates between hard sand and concrete.
3 Follow the gravel track back up into the mountains and continue past the trees at Jadah Oasis.
4 Veer left to continue on the main route. The last stretch involves navigating a steep concrete road down the mountain to the sandy plain below.
5 The route finishes back on the main road but it’s well worth heading South to visit Al Hatima Crater and the village of Tabah.
