The route begins with a stunning overview of the wadi you’re about to explore. As you descend into the valley, you’ll see a village perched at the foot of the mountain. From here, an established track through the wide plain will take you deeper.

Low-lying shrubs indicate that water flows through the wadi, but depending on the time of year, it can take quite a while to find it. Once you do, however, the discovery of this hidden oasis is a refreshing reprieve. As searching for this secret spot can take some time, it is recommended that you spend a night camping on the flat land that surrounds the pools.

  Al Jadir Village

Seen initially at a distance, your mountain descent will allow you to get a good look at this wadi village. The single-story buildings are haphazardly spread throughout the foothills at the base of the mountain. If you look closely, you’ll notice that most of the buildings are smallholdings with pens for goats, sheep and chickens.

  Wadi Stream

The location of the wet areas on this route is wholly dependent on the season. With rainfall more likely between November and February, your search for water will be easier in these months. Once you finally find the wet areas of the wadi, you won’t be disappointed. A stream flows through some sections, seemingly disappearing and reappearing further along the route. There are also some deep pools along the way that are teeming with fish and frogs.

MONKEY TROUBLE

The sight of adorable troops of baboons, including tiny babies clinging onto their mothers, is a common sight across the region. However, their cute appearance can hide a dark side. With development increasingly encroaching on their natural habitat, they have been known to injure people as well as raid homes and farms.

  Viewpoint

This is an epic wadi drive, 34km long and full of twists and turns that make this trip slow going. Towards the end of the route, as you make your way up the side of the mountain, take time to stop and appreciate the incredible views of the wadi you have just conquered.

DRIVING DIRECTION

This route is easily navigated from the main road, with plenty of places to stop and explore on foot.

  1     Highway 205 eventually meets a T-junction. Turn right and continue on the paved road.

  2     Take a sharp right, following the road past several heritage villages.

  3     The paved road turns into an off-road track leading you through the remainder of the route.

  4     Continue straight to explore Wadi al Laith or take one of the tracks to your left to set up camp and explore other wadis.

  5     Once you have completed the route, you can take a left and head out towards Route 16, or continue in Wadi al Laith until you meet the main road.