11
Hiswah
700km
45km
Driving EASY, MIX OF PAVED ROADS AND SMOOTH OFF-ROAD TRACKS
Best for AN EASY DRIVE
Recommended for PAIRING WITH ANOTHER ROUTE
The beautiful views out over a lush nature reserve, along with mountainous panoramas, make this a relaxing off-road trip. For those wanting something a bit more challenging, the numerous tracks that radiate off the main route can turn this easy drive into a real Saudi adventure. With options to head off into the mountains or bump your way along a seasonal wadi, this is a route that can be made to measure.
There are tracks on this route owned by Saudi Aramco which are strictly prohibited. Avoid these areas and do not take any photographs close by.
The start of this route takes you above terraced farms and wooded areas. If you take the track on the left, approximately 2km from the start point, it will lead you up the mountain where you will have fantastic views of the cactus forests and valley below.
Back on the main track, you wind your way through the mountains above the beautiful Raidah Nature Reserve. Eventually the paved road gives way to an easy off-road track towards Wadi Marabah. The track out of the wadi is straightforward and you’ll find donkeys and families of camels meandering through the shrubbery.
With suggested photo stops to admire villages and some ruins along the way, the off-road track eventually gives way to a paved road taking you towards Rijal Alma. At the end of the route there are further ruins for you to check out.
Cactus Forest
Cactus farming of prickly pears has become increasingly popular across the Kingdom as the succulents can grow in even the driest of conditions and can be used in a variety of ways. However, this particular cactus forest is not farmed. The cooler, wetter climate has created the perfect environment for the prickly pears to flourish and they have taken over this area and turned it into an impenetrable wilderness.
SAUDI ARAMCO
The history of this oil company is a huge part of Saudi Arabia's story. Founded in 1933 with a Concession Agreement between the Kingdom and the Standard Oil Company of California (SOCAL), they began drilling in 1935. Oil was finally struck in 1938 and the future of the country was secured. Rapidly expanding under the new name of Aramco (the Arabia American Oil Company), its operations moved into distribution and the development of the longest pipeline in the world, the Trans-Arabian. In 2022, Aramco was recognised as the most valuable company in the world. Its infrastructure is spread across the country and Aramco tracks, like the ones found on this route, are common.
Raidah Nature Reserve
Managed by the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, this 9km2 reserve is serviced by several waterways making it thick with vegetation such as juniper and banana trees. The fertile landscape, bolstered by a hunting ban, attracts a wide range of indigenous creatures including gazelles, baboons and even the Arabian caracal. It is worth checking with the authorities if you wish to enter the area as it is not always open to the public.
Wadi Marabah
The view of the wadi from above is quite spectacular as the mountains come to an abrupt halt and the flat, grey valley dramatically cuts through the mountains ahead of you. The route takes you down to the wadi bed for a brief drive before heading back into the mountains. If you are looking to vary your route, drive further into the wadi where you'll find seasonal pools and areas of vegetation. It's an ideal add-on for drivers looking to extend their outing.
Hiswah
There are a few villages dotted along this route but Hiswah is notable for its unique painted buildings that line the road. Despite no longer being inhabited, the row of houses have all been whitewashed and are covered in geometric shapes, reminiscent of the interiors in Rujal (Route 9). With the simple patterning continuing out onto the road, this pop of colour is particularly eye-catching against the uniform landscape that surrounds it.
