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Jabal Shada al A’la
593km
30km
Driving 4WD, EASY TO ADVANCED MOUNTAIN DRIVING
Best for ALTITUDE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Recommended for MULTIPLE DAY ADVENTURE
Jabal Shada al A’la is the highest peak in the Shada mountain range. It is characterised by its rare rock formations and from a distance appears almost blue in colour. Rising 2,202m above sea level, the highest peak provides some stunning scenery and allows for a multitude of outdoor activities such as climbing, camping and hiking.
This route begins 50km from Al Bahah and at the mouth of the wadi you will be able to spot Jabal Shada al A’la’s peak in the distance. Once the paved road turns to track, continue for 2.5km before turning right in the direction of Al Malalih. The village, although difficult to access, is worth a stop and the viewpoint offers up some great photo opportunities. Terraced fields and stone-walled water catchment tanks are a familiar sight as you get closer to the mountain. In arid countries like Saudi Arabia, such water harvesting methods are vital for the villagers and they also help to redirect floods in the rainy seasons.
The rest of the route makes for a stunning drive and there is the opportunity to explore some of the mountain farming areas, including a coffee plantation. Note that the drive does involve a steep ascent and descent, as well as options to traverse some unestablished paths, which can be challenging for inexperienced drivers.
Al Malalih Village & Viewpoint
The high altitude and road inaccessibility makes Al Malalih village difficult to reach. If you are keen to explore the dwellings – both old and new – you can stop the car at the viewpoint and travel the rest of the way on foot. From the village, the views are truly spectacular as the jagged mountain range stretches all the way down to the Red Sea.
If you decide to stay in your car, the viewpoint offers equally impressive panoramas with twisting valleys, terraced fields and the occasional wildlife appearance. It is the perfect place for a well-earned rest before you make your way down to the valley.
Jabal Shada al A’la
Jabal Shada al A’la is the highest peak in the Shada mountain range rising 2,202m above sea level. While it offers year-round cool temperatures, the altitude means the mountain is often engulfed in fog. If you’re lucky enough to have clear skies, you will be treated to mesmerising vistas of the winding valleys, picturesque settlements and dramatic rock formations – their distinct geological structure the result of years of weathering.
NATURE CONSERVATION IN SAUDI ARABIA
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rich in important biodiversity and serves as a migration route for several key animal species such as falcons, houbaras and curlew birds. The Saudi Wildlife Authority was founded in 1986 and is focussed on preserving and restoring the country’s wildlife and natural ecosystems. They have established protected areas and implemented legislation across the country to ensure that human activity does not interfere with migration seasons or degrade the natural environment.
Mountain Farming
Numerous farms extend across the mountain slopes, taking advantage of the area’s large precipitation rate (November to April are considered the wettest months). A centuries-old irrigation system channels the rainfall into the valley and farms, promoting the rich vegetation you see along the route. The farms in the area produce some of the country’s best Arabica coffee beans and plantations harvest fruits such as mangoes, apricots and olives. The Al Bahah Region is also known for producing the most expensive honey in Saudi Arabia.
SAUDI ARABIA’S JABAL SHADA AL A’LA ATTRACTS HIKERS AND CLIMBERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD DUE TO ITS VARIED TERRAIN, ALTITUDE AND RICH BIODIVERSITY. ANYONE ATTEMPTING TO CLIMB IN THE KINGDOM WILL NEED TO OBTAIN THE CORRECT LICENCE AND ENSURE THEY ABIDE BY THE REGULATIONS LAID OUT BY THE SAUDI CLIMBING AND HIKING FEDERATION.
WWW.CLIMBING.SA
Shada Mountain Reserve
Protected by the Saudi Wildlife Authority, the 68km2 area is home to a vast amount of flora and fauna, including juniper and wild olives, as well as many herbal plants and grasses. The reserve is also abundant with wildlife and there have been recorded sightings of baboons, wolves, caracal and the endangered Arabian leopard. While the cooler climates make for pleasant climbing conditions, just be wary if you are camping overnight.
