07
Talat Sayhan
538km
70km
Driving MOUNTAIN ROUTES AND WADI TRACKS – 4WD REQUIRED
Best for MULTI-TERRAIN DRIVING
Recommended for EXPLORERS
Taking you up the mountain’s craggy peaks and down its rocky valleys, this route through Jabal Aja is rich in natural beauty. Wild donkeys and camels can be seen roaming the rugged landscape and where Acacia trees lace the red, sandy plains, you’ll not only capture some stunning imagery, but you’ll be taken on your own Arabian safari.
Close to Hail, this route is an excellent day trip for those looking to get out of the city and explore the mountains. A mix of concrete roads, sandy tracks and smaller dunes, the drive up into Jabal Aja is relatively straightforward. Marginally steep in places, the road twists and turns as it makes its way up to a plateau. Here, the barren landscape, broken up only by small green and yellow shrubs, resembles a vast rocky plain, usually synonymous with wildlife safaris. In fact, predators like the cheetah were once indigenous to the Hail area, albeit a very long time ago. Either way, don’t forget your camera; the area is home to some incredible flora and fauna, and the elevated route provides infinite mountain views.
Camel Valley
This magnificent wadi, surrounded by red craggy cliffs, is notable for its excellent picnic spots and transient camel farms. If you arrive early in the morning, you’ll see camels in huge numbers being herded through the valley. The soft gravel tracks lead to a designated picnic spot where you’ll find plenty of space to fire up a barbecue. The area is sheltered by the mountains and large Acacia trees provide ample shade. Depending on the weather, the flat terrain can be a good place to set up camp.
IRRIGATION IN THE DESERT
Over 3,000 years ago, tribesmen developed technology that redirected water from underground springs and routed it overland to irrigate farms and oases, and to supply households with water. Still used across the Arabian Peninsula today, these channels are built from stone and use shafts to regulate water flow.
Wadi Hayyah
The rugged red and black terrain stretches as far as the eye can see in this picturesque valley, and the wadi floor is abundant with trees and shrubs. The sand and gravel track changes to concrete as it traverses briefly back into the mountains before descending on a forest of date palms. Here you can walk amongst the trees to explore the remnants of some old mud dwellings. A pleasant place to stop for a picnic, this spot also offers many hiking opportunities and a chance to visit the sparkling seasonal pool close by.
PERFECT CAMPING SPOT
A night in the desert is an amazing experience and finding the perfect spot is crucial. When looking to bed down, a few things can make your night more comfortable. Make sure the ground is as flat as possible, pitch your tent away from established tracks and look for natural shelter from the sun and wind like a rocky outcrop or a sturdy tree.
Fort
Comprised of two separate buildings, one more of a ruin and the other surprisingly intact, this mudbrick fort blends seamlessly into its mountainous surroundings. Inside the building you’ll find impressive columns holding up a thatched palm roof. Various doorways lead off to individual rooms and the larger room at the back features the remnants of some shelving with elaborately patterned borders. With the owners long since gone, the only inhabitants now are wild donkeys.
Naylat Valley
The valley on this side of the mountains boasts much softer sand. Ideal for camping, the low-lying dunes are also perfect for those looking to test out their off-road skills. The sandy expanse is punctuated by bulbous rocky outcrops and the afternoon light is perfect for photographing the more unusual rock formations.
DRIVING DIRECTION
Approximately 23km from Hail and beginning close to a petrol station, this off-road route combines elevated mountain tracks with conventional wadi bashing.
1 Take a right off Highway 70 and follow the road into Al Wudayy and out into the mountains.
2 As you approach the wadi entrance, the road turns to track. Alternating with rock and a sandy gravel track, the route weaves through the mountain before reaching a plateau.
3 Follow the winding track back down the mountain.
4 At the T-junction, turn left and continue through the wadi. You’ll pass some striking black hills on your right.
5 Follow the track around to the right and continue through the valley.
6 Turn right for Wadi Hayyah. The route takes you briefly into the mountain before reaching a green oasis and hiking routes. To continue on the main route, go back the way you came and then turn right at the top of Wadi Hayyah.
7 Turn right for some scenic photo opportunities. Again, you’ll need to return the way you came to continue on the route.
8 Take a right down the track to explore Naylat Valley and the Fort.
