The starting point of this route is a sandy track just off Highway 40. If you are heading south on the Highway, the turning is just before some powerlines. A short stretch of paved road soon turns into desert track as you head out into the red-orange sands of the Ad Dahna Desert.

  Ad Dahna Dunes

The Ad Dahna dune field is made up of longitudinal dunes. Also known as ‘seif’ dunes from the Arabic word for sword, they have two slip faces that look sharp as they rise out of the desert plain. Their low height makes them perfect for drivers new to the terrain, but be cautious as the intermittent rainfall can cause water to pool at the base of some of the dunes.

  Wadi al Muzayri

Connecting to the dunes of Ad Dahna, you can take a drive out from the main route to explore Wadi al Muzayri. This seasonal wadi is full of rocks and desert shrubbery so the drive will be slow. Be on the lookout for camel herds grazing on the greenery or resting among the shrubs. This wadi is remarkably clean and flat so ideal for pitching your tent for the night.

DESERT TOUGH

With over 25% of the world’s land covered by deserts, wildlife and humans alike have had to adapt to survive in this harsh environment. With an average of only 25cm of rainfall per year, vegetation growing in the desert has become drought tolerant, growing thick, waxy leaves and stems that lower evaporative loss. It’s not just the sun that’s a threat to desert plants, animals also survive by grazing on the greenery. Cacti protect themselves by producing glochids, the prickly spines that cover them. Some cacti are even toxic to animals if ingested.

  Rawdat Khuraim

Although this rawdat is green all year round, when it’s been raining heavily, meadows of wild flowers and thick grass blanket the floor. A popular spot for locals, you’ll often find people camping or enjoying a picnic in the wooded glades.

LAKESIDE CAMPING

With a bit of planning, this route is perfect for an evening of lakeside camping. There are two seasonal lakes located along the route where adventurers can set up camp or park their RV for a relaxing evening spent around the campfire. The desert can get cold at night, so remember to pack extra blankets and warm clothing.

DRIVING DIRECTION

A straight route across sandy desert tracks, you’ll find a combination of desert, wadi and rawdat terrain.

  1     From Highway 40, turn right onto the clearly marked track that heads into the desert.

  2     Spend some time at Ad Dahna Lake before heading towards Wadi al Muzayri.

  3     As you approach the end of the track, consider turning off and exploring other routes. A trip out to Rawdat Khuraim is highly recommended.