There is no better way to learn about the culture and landscape of Saudi Arabia than to immerse yourself in it and adding a desert safari to your itinerary is the perfect way to get started.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a desert safari involves driving in a jeep through undulating sand dunes with pit stops at campsites – it’s one of the best ways to learn about Saudi culture and what the Kingdom has to offer travellers.
Embrace the joy of quad biking over spectacular dunes, riding a camel to your glamping site, starting the day with yoga and watching the sun rise and set across the desert in undisturbed surroundings.
There are lots of Saudi desert tours to choose from, but we’ve done the hard work for you and picked our favourites, along with some tips on which provider to choose and where to stay.
1. Quad biking and camel riding in the Riyadh desert
There is no better place to kickstart your quad bike adventure than the dunes and rocks of Al Thumama desert. Located north of Riyadh, it offers immense scope for outdoor adventure. Getting to the desert and booking activities there by yourself can be daunting, so opt for one of the small-group safaris operating in the region that offer pick-up from your location and drop-off after the tour in air-conditioned vehicles. Quad bikes, helmets and refreshments are all part of the safari tailored to explore the desert.
English and Arabic-speaking guides are available for these safaris, which typically last around four hours. The camel rides are fairly short, so you don’t have to worry about covering a lot of ground on camelback. Try Saudi Arabia Tours for a stress-free experience.
2. Jeddah desert safari tour
If you are travelling to Jeddah, take some time away from this cultural hub to explore the surrounding desert. While getting there is half the fun, the other half is the adrenaline rush you get through quad biking and dune bashing. Visit Bedouin-esque camps and sip some Arabic tea and coffee and then use the caffeine high to go rock climbing and hiking – it could end up as the highlight of the day. The sand is all yours; whether you bottle up some grains as a souvenir, explore until your feet demand a rest, stargaze at night or strum a guitar around the fire, make the best of your desert safari. Saudi Arabia Tours offers a package that includes everything you'll need for a fun time.
3. Hot air balloon rides in AlUla
Once a well-kept secret, the heritage site AlUla is on the radar of every person blessed with a sense of adventure. This intricate tapestry of history with its rock formations and hidden geographical secrets is best seen from a unique vantage point. Hot air balloon rides over AlUla are a magnificent experience; the beauty and vastness of this incredible region are what bewitches travellers. If you like to stay cosy, pack a light jacket or wrap to wear on the balloon ride as it can be quite a bit cooler far above the desert heat. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be standing in the basket throughout the ride.
4. Local cuisine and photography tours
Once you’re back on solid ground after your balloon ride, drive through AlUla’s Old Town to get a feel for its heritage and try the local cuisine. Tomoor AlUla is a great stopover for a taste of Saudi coffee and delicious pastries. Photography tours are offered from Dadan, which takes you through the oasis and into the desert through the valleys. You’ll also get to see the famed Elephant Rock and the nearby Nabataean site of Hegra is unmissable.
5. Take a walk on the wild side
The Nofa Wildlife Park and its bird centre are a novel way to encounter wildlife in the desert. Horse riding, local fauna, baby ostriches, rabbits, and baboons inhabit the sanctuary. It’s a hit for the whole family but especially exciting for kids, and all just a short journey from the Kingdom's capital, Riyadh.
6. Journey to the Edge of the World
Popular with hikers, the Edge of the World trail is around 90km from Riyadh. Stunning views of the Fihrayn and Tuwaiq Mountains and sunset are the biggest draw here. You’ll need to rent a jeep or a sturdy four-wheel drive to vroom across the roads near the escarpment. Guided hikes and tours are recommended, and you can trek up the cliff tops in time to watch the sunset. Visits to the bat cave are an option but if you are squeamish about the flying mammals, you’d be wise to skip it.
7. Explore the landscape around Riyadh on foot
There are plenty of popular hiking trails such as the Hidden Canyon – walk through desert sands and climb up rocky cliffs. The Camel Trail is another beloved footpath, just a short drive away from Riyadh. Back in the day, the route was used by traders who’d travel with their camel caravans up and down the Tuwaiq Mountain.
8. Experience a Bedouin camp in Riyadh
Head out in the evening on a safari for a traditional desert camp experience, where conventional camps are set up in the dunes. Try some traditional coffee and dates, learn how to make spice-infused coffee the Saudi way and join sessions that walk you through traditional palm frond weaving. Bedouin bread is made at the campsite and allows you to savour the local food.
Picking a tour operator in Saudi Arabia
- Tour guide Abdullah Alturki shares his local expertise and insight on curated desert safari tours. Look him up for special tours on Tripadvisor.
- Leading tour operator Saudi Arabia Tours offers various luxury desert safaris, Riyadh and Jeddah city tours, and historical excursions.
- Organiser of the AlUla Skies Festival in 2023, Hero Balloon Flights Saudi, offers private hot air balloon rides where a private vehicle will pick you up in the early morning. On arrival at the takeoff site, you are offered coffee and escorted to the balloon. There’s also the option of shared flights where you’ll be joined by a group of adventure-loving people. Note that refreshments are not served during the holy month of Ramadan.
- Dunes & Dates Travel Co. organises the Bedouin Camp Experience in Riyadh and it includes dinner, stargazing, and traditional dance. They are noted for their Saudi adventure and food tours.
- Riyadh Hiking operates a popular Edge of the World tour throughout the week.
- SJH Tours offers outdoor desert camping in Tabuk and desert dune bashing.
Where to stay
If old-fashioned camping or modern glamping isn’t your jam, there are plenty of luxury hotels to check into. The Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, St Regis Riyadh, and Ritz-Carlton Riyadh are all excellent options in the capital. Jeddah boasts the Shangri-La Jeddah and Rosewood Jeddah, while in AlUla, you can stay at the stylish accommodations provided by Caravan by Habitas AlUla and Banyan Tree AlUla.
