14
Wadi as Sayl
599km
12km
Driving EASY, SANDY TRACKS
Best for NATURE SPOTTING
Recommended for A PEACEFUL WEEKEND AWAY
The highlight of this wadi is its variety of wildlife. As you make your way along the route, the dry, dusty plain becomes increasingly lush and wet, and the area brims with wildlife. Goats, camels and cows roam in and out of the tall reeds, exotic birds swoop for water and the buzz of honey bees fills the air.
The dusty start of this route is a stark contrast to what awaits you as you head further into the wadi. As you make your way past the farms and old stone ruins that pepper the lower hills, you’ll notice greenery start to overcome the sandy tracks.
Eventually, the sand darkens and shallow puddles begin to appear. Depending on the time of year, the volume of water in the pools and flowing sections of stream vary. But the further you move through the wadi, the more extensive the water gets and what starts as a few sections of greenery develops into fields of reeds and willowy trees.
The end of the route is abrupt as you meet boulders blocking your path. Take to foot for a beautiful hike that follows the water as it makes its way out of the wadi.
Wadi as Sayl (Wadi Nimaar)
The joy of travelling through Wadi as Sayl, commonly known as Wadi Nimaar, is the slow reveal of its beauty. What starts as a classic wadi bash as you race across the sandy tracks slowly evolves into a more leisurely exploration of the many pools and streams. A paddle through the crystal-clear waters is a must on this route, and there are plenty of places to set-up camp so you can make the most of your time in this idyll.
HONEY VEHICLES
The adapting of trucks into beehives is a common sight in this area of the Kingdom. These so-called ‘honey vehicles’ are migratory and move between wadis where there is an abundance of pollen. The flora in this area makes it a popular spot to find these apiaries, so you may be lucky enough to spot some tucked into the low-lying hills that surround the wadi.
Wet Wadi Hike
The adapting of trucks into beehives is a common sight in this area of the Kingdom. These so-called ‘honey vehicles’ are migratory and move between wadis where there is an abundance of pollen. The flora in this area makes it a popular spot to find these apiaries, so you may be lucky enough to spot some tucked into the low-lying hills that surround the wadi.
DRIVING DIRECTION
An easy track to follow, this wadi route takes you through a mixture of water, sand and lush vegetation. Be sure to bring your hiking boots for some out-of-the-car fun.
1 From Highway 267, drop down into the wadi and follow the sandy track.
2 When the track splits, keep right to explore Wadi as Say.
3 Once you reach the end of the route, park your car and explore the wadi on foot. There’s some excellent hiking to be had.
