Winter has arrived, heralding the perfect season to embrace the great outdoors and the enchanting landscapes of Saudi Arabia. The open road beckons, while the deserts and parks of Riyadh and its environs transform into a magical wonderland this time of year. With vibrant flora in full bloom and the crisp, clear desert skies free from the oppressive heat, it’s an invitation to explore.
To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and fun-filled family adventure wherever your journey leads, here are some road-trip and desert excursion tips for you to consider.
Prepare Your Vehicle and Gather the Essential Tools
Before embarking on your journey, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is in top shape. Start by checking your tire pressure. Depending on the terrain you’ll be traversing, different tire pressures may be necessary for optimal traction. Ensure you have a spare tire, a gas canister for longer drives, jumper cables, extra coolant, a tow rope, and a sand shovel. When heading into the desert, traveling in a group is advisable for safety. Don’t forget the small but important details, including torches, toiletries, first aid kit, cooking utensils, and safe fire-making tools.
Prioritize Safety
Prior to hitting the road, take the time to plan your route in advance. It’s wise to have a map on hand, especially when traveling to places that are farther from the city and might not have reliable online navigation. Packing a comprehensive first aid kit is essential, and don’t forget to include items like car sickness pills (particularly if you have kids). Make regular stops to stretch your legs and stay hydrated. Ensure that young passengers are securely strapped in, and try to depart early to avoid the rush-hour traffic, allowing you to enjoy a lovely desert sunrise.
Satisfy Your Snack Cravings
It’s essential to have an ample supply of water, even if the weather isn’t scorching. Experts recommend at least one gallon per person to err on the side of caution. You’ll find a wide variety of thermos and insulated bottles in most Riyadh stores, allowing you to savor your favorite drink while on the road. When it comes to sustenance, pack non-perishable foods, such as dried fruits, healthy bars, crisps, biscuits, and baked goods. For storage, consider the extensive selection of fantastic cooler boxes available in various shapes and sizes at local and camping stores.
Infuse Creativity into Your Entertainment
Travelling with young children or teenagers, especially on longer journeys, can be challenging. To keep them engaged, it’s wise to plan some activities and games. Prepare activity packs with coloring sheets, crayons, and their favorite small toys. Another great idea is to provide a selection of their preferred audiobooks to listen to, or you can involve your child in creating a playlist for the trip. Embrace interactive games like “I Spy with My Little Eye” or “I Saw It First,” which are guaranteed to bring lots of laughter and fun to your journey.
Enjoy the Desert Safely and Sustainably
Be Prepared for the Cold: While daytime temperatures are mild, desert nights can be quite chilly. Layer up and relish the warmth of a desert bonfire.
Find or Create Shade: If there are no trees available, set up shades, canopies, or tents to provide shelter from the sun.
Check the Weather: Always consult the weather report and camp on higher ground. Winter in Saudi Arabia can bring unexpected rain, and camping near water may lead to sudden flash floods.
Safe Fire Building: If you plan to have a campfire, which is often a highlight of camping, do so responsibly using the proper equipment and in a designated area.
Practice Leave No Trace: Leave your camping site as pristine as you found it. Collect all your trash and dispose of it properly. Show respect for the desert environment and practice wildlife awareness. Avoid chipping away at rocks or picking indigenous flora to take home, as these are integral to the indigenous habitat you are visiting.
The distinctive landscape of Saudi Arabia offers a unique opportunity to create cherished memories with family and friends. There’s nothing quite like sipping Arabic coffee under the starry sky, surrounded by majestic dunes. Where will you explore this winter?
WHERE TO GO
KHARARAH NATIONAL PARK
40 minutes away from the DQ
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qdN5MXS7r7y7mhXE8
Just a 45-minute drive from Riyadh, Khararah National Park welcomes visitors to a vast oasis surrounded by red dunes and the enchanting “Lake of Liquid Light,” a natural formation resulting from winter rains. Families can revel in camping, dune trekking, sandboarding, and swimming in this picturesque location.
RED SAND DUNES
40 minutes away from the DQ
The dramatic, sprawling red-hued dunes offer mesmerizing sunset views and an unforgettable camping experience. Immerse yourself in the true essence of Arabia amidst the sweeping sand dunes, tranquility, and stillness.
AL THUMAMA NATIONAL PARK
50 minutes away from the DQ
Al Thumamah National Park, a premier tourist attraction in the city, offers a myriad of camping facilities and organized adventures. Experience the thrill of quad biking and rock climbing in a breathtaking locale, complete with open-air BBQ spots. It’s the perfect getaway for adventure seekers.
RAWDAT AL-KHAFS
1 hour and 10 minutes away from the DQ
Located just over an hour away, Rawdat Al-Khafs is a charming oasis that might make you forget you’re in the desert. A winter meadow adorned with tiny flowers and grasses offers a refreshing touch of green and an ideal picnic spot for nature enthusiasts. Organized campsites nestled among indigenous wild Sidr trees provide a serene camping experience.
EDGE OF THE WORLD
2 hours and 30 minutes away from the DQ
Located about 90 km north of Riyadh, the famous Shuaib’s View, also known as The Edge of the World, provides majestic vistas of the Fihrayn Mountain and the Tuwaiq Mountain Range. Given its rugged terrain, it’s recommended to venture in groups and with a certified agency or guide. Don’t forget to explore Acacia Valley on the way, a haven for butterflies, birds, and lizards—a perfect spot for camping.
WHERE TO BUY
Camping and outdoor gear, tools and supplies
Al Rimaya
A wonderful selection of camping and outdoor equipment- here you can find everything from gallon water containers and cooler boxes, all kinds of outdoor equipment and clothes, cooking, fire making and safety equipment as most importantly an array of car gear: from tow ropes and gas canisters to air compressors and desert car recovery kits.
Al Sanidi
Al Sanidi is your ultimate camping superstore. With an extensive selection of tents in various sizes and styles, traditional camping mats, and a plethora of Arabic coffee pots with matching ornate coffee cups, it’s a camper’s paradise. You’ll also find multi-colored sandboards, outdoor shower and toilet cabins, compact camping ovens, and even solar panels. An absolute one-stop shop!
Advsto
Advisto is a smaller but incredibly well-stocked adventure store that caters to sports enthusiasts. They carry a remarkable selection of international brands for hiking shoes, running socks, sports glasses, and sports apparel. You’ll also find a fantastic assortment of sporting accessories and hiking equipment. To top it off, there’s even a climbing wall for you to try. This store is a hidden gem for adventure seekers.
