05
Wadi Nawan
603km
20km
Driving 4WD, EASY WITH TRICKY BITS
Best for NATURE LOVERS
Recommended for SPLASHING AROUND IN WADI NAWAN WATERFALL
Hidden waterfalls, inviting blue pools and lush greenery make Wadi Nawan an excellent spot for nature lovers. The area is home to giant desert rose trees and with wildlife aplenty, it is a photographer’s dream. The diverse landscape is perfect for a day trip or an overnight camping expedition, where you can enjoy a swim and a picnic beside the wadi’s natural waterfall.
Turning off Highway 246, the route begins with a relaxing drive past many mango farms. If you are lucky, you might even be offered one to try. The path changes to gravel track and the beautiful backdrop of Wadi Nawan makes for a welcome reprieve from the busyness of everyday life.
Watch out for camels as you weave through the rocky landscape towards the waterfall. The (seasonal) pools and surrounding greenery are a real oasis, and you can enjoy a dip or take advantage of the smooth sheltered terrain, which is perfect for a picnic. The route then continues for approximately 6km past a forest before reaching a fork. Turning right, the track will take you uphill towards some magnificent desert rose trees and the more adventurous can benefit from the ambitious climbing and hiking trails. Turning left at the fork will take you towards a paved road and the Nawan Dam where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. From here you’re just a few kilometres from the main road should you wish to head home.
Wadi Nawan Waterfall
While this year-round waterfall is easily accessible, you might just miss it as it is hidden at the edge of the mountain. During the wetter months, the pool beneath is a pleasant place to cool off from the sun and the smaller pools above are fun to splash around in. The running water and vegetation attract plenty of wildlife so be careful of food (and rubbish) if you decide to set up camp or have a picnic.
ARABIAN GOLDEN-WINGED GROSBEAK
Found in forested wadis or areas of dense scrub, the Arabian golden-winged grosbeak (Rhynchostruthus percivali) is categorised under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as a Near Threatened Species. Deforestation, ubranisation and hunting are considered to be the main factors behind the bird’s decline and while populations are estimated to be low, sightings have been reported in the Al Bahah and Taif areas in recent years. In Saudi Arabia, the distinct bi=rds are typically resident in juniper forests, with the juniper fruit thought to provide the main bulk of their diet.
Desert Rose Trees
A brief detour off the main track will lead you to some incredible desert rose trees. For inexperienced drivers, this short, yet steep drive might be intimidating. However, it’s worth persevering as this route offers fantastic photo opportunities. These desert rose trees stand at approximately 2m tall and their bright pink roses contrast spectacularly against the vast mountain landscape. The desert rose is a drought tolerant plant which may account for its immense size on the Jabal Shada al Asfal mountain.
Don’t miss the marvel just beyond; erosion has carved what looks like faces into the granite rock. For more information on Jabal Shada al Asfal and its unique rock formations, go to to Route 6.
Nawan Valley
From November to April, Wadi Nawan enjoys a high amount of rainfall, and the area is popular with visitors and wildlife alike. Wadi driving during this period can be exhilarating but also challenging as it’s easy to get stuck when the area becomes flooded. Always ensure you check the weather before setting off.
Nawan Dam
Comprised of a network of waterways, the Nawan Dam is both a flood defence and a source of water for much of the area’s agricultural land. During wetter months, the size of the dam is quite remarkable and the water’s edge serves as the perfect spot to relax and admire the sunset after a busy day of driving.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR CAMERA READY AS THIS FERTILE WADI IS THE IDEAL PLACE FOR WILDLIFE SPOTTING. ALONG THE ROUTE, AND CLOSER TO THE WATER, YOU’LL COME ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF ANIMALS INCLUDING COWS, CAMELS, BIRDS, BABOONS AND REPTILES. THE TREES ACROSS THE VALLEY ARE ALSO LITTERED WITH BIRDS’ NESTS SO IF YOU ARE INTO BIRDWATCHING, A PAIR OF BINOCULARS ARE A MUST. SOME ENDANGERED SPECIES HAVE REPORTEDLY BEEN SEEN IN THE AREA.
