Road Trip Guide through Saudi Arabia’s Desert Landscapes
Stunning sand dunes, amazing campsites, and cultural heritage are what await you if you choose to plan a trip to Saudi Arabia. However, for a successful trip, you need to be meticulous in your plans. Here’s how you can plan a perfect trip, hit all the big landmarks, and safely travel through Saudi Arabia right after applying for the Saudi visit visa online.
Why Take a Road Trip Through Saudi Arabia’s Deserts?
While driving or following the straight route is something you’re used to, off-roading in Saudi Arabia’s deserts is something you’re not likely to forget. The open sands with their golden dunes will pique your sense of adventure that you will find nowhere else.
For people who think there is little to do in a sandy desert, you can take up any of the following:
- Try out dune bashing by driving through the Empty Quarter or Rub’ al Khali.
- Camel Trekking and visiting the caves at Al Ula.
- Stand at the Edge of the World, Riyadh.
- Camp in a luxury tent at Wadi Rum and partake in stargazing.
- Go sandboarding on the dunes of Al Khobar.
- Hike across the sands and the rocky terrain
- Opt for a sand dune safari at Al Khobar.
Now, while performing all these activities in the summer can sound amazing, the heat can affect you if you’re used to colder temperatures. Thus, if you wish to experience the deserts in all their glory, plan your trip to the Saudi Arabian deserts between October to March for pleasant weather.
Preparing for Your Desert Road Trip
Simply talking of a trip to Saudi’s golden sands is not enough. If you are intrigued enough to visit, here’s how you plan:
Making Travel Arrangements: Getting a Saudi Visit Visa Online
Without a passport, visa, and flight tickets, there is no way you are going to reach Saudi Arabia. Thus, the first step to plan your trip is to make a tentative itinerary and apply for the Saudi Visit Visa online.
To file the KSA visa form, all you need to do is log on to the application portal, fill in your details, upload necessary documents, cross-check, pay the application fee, and submit. Do make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months, starting from the date you depart from Saudi Arabia.
You will also need to provide a statement of your finances to prove that you can support your travel expenses and get travel insurance. The approval against your KSA visa form will only take 1 to 3 days to process.
Along with your approved visa, you will also need flight tickets to and from the country. Additionally, you will also have to book rooms at a hotel of your choice.
Car Rental and Driving Requirements
Depending on what you prefer, you can either rent a 4x4 or an SUV, as you can enjoy the perfect off-roading experience in these vehicles. These are your best options if you want to drive through the sands and the rough terrain of Saudi Arabia’s deserts. However, if you wish to drive yourself, avail of an international driving license prior to reaching Saudi Arabia.
If you don’t have one, simply accompany one of the many tours that take visitors across the sands. And if you do drive, be sure to look into the local driving norms and road signs before you start.
What to Pack
For driving through the desert, you will need extra water, fuel, a power bank, a spare tire or two, and proper navigation tools, preferably a compass. Do not depend on the GPS of your phone since the battery can run out, or lose network connectivity.
You will also need to carry a first aid kit, SPF, flashlight, extra batteries, and a paper map. Also, if it is your first time visiting expensive desserts like Rub’ al Khali, we will ask you to take a guide with you.
To add, here are some numbers you should save just in case:
- Tourism Call Center: 930
- International Tourism Call Center: +966920000890
- Police (Riyadh, Makkah, and Eastern provinces): 911
- Police (All Other Provinces in Saudi Arabia): 999
- Saudi Ambulance: 997
Top Desert Road Trip Routes in Saudi Arabia
For a perfect Saudi Arabian desert trip, here’s a list of the more popular routes:
Riyadh to Al Ula (via Hail)
You can start your drive from Riyadh and make your way to the ancient site of Hegra in Al Ula. Some stops you can make along this route include the Edge of the World (about 2 hours from Riyadh). This way, you get to take in the scenic cliffs, ancient tombs, and bask in the history of the place.
Jeddah to Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali)
Dune bashing is a popular activity at Rub’ al Khali, and so is camping under the starry desert sky. Our advice - use the route that passes via Sharurah, for less travel time if you want to reach the desert. However, there is also an alternate route via Najran.
Riyadh to Qassim and the Nafud Desert
You can also follow the Riyadh-Qassim Expressway and drive into the Nafud desert for a tour of the rock at Jubbah and then on to the ancient city of Hegra. You can also visit the Jebel Al Fil or the Elephant Rock to your itinerary.
Must-Visit Desert Attractions
No matter which of the above routes you choose, here are some places you cannot miss out on:
Edge of the World (Riyadh Province)
These iconic cliffs, a part of the Tuwaiq Mountain range, provide a stunning view into the desert plateau lying beyond. Though the place is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for visitors, we’ll advise you to go early to avoid the peak crowds.
Al Ula and Hegra
The very first place in Saudi to get accreditation as a UNESCO World Heritage site is Hegra. Famous for its ancient architecture and well-preserved burial tombs, this ancient city combines natural beauty with Nabatean architecture and stands as an example of ancient engineering.
Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali)
You can travel to the Rub’ al Khali if you wish to enjoy the feeling of a remote Saudi Arabian desert. However, our advice is that you always opt for a guided trip and be well-prepared.
Local Culture & Desert Hospitality
Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourists, and so have the residents. Thus, you will find warm, welcoming people who greet you into their homes with coffee, dates, and sweets, if you do receive an invitation.
Similarly, Diyafah, or hospitality, is a matter of pride and duty for the Bedouins. Thus, even if you venture into the desert and visit one of the tribal communities, you will be welcomed with open arms.
However, you should be respectful towards them during your stay with them, to avoid causing offence.
Where to Stay on the Road
There are Instagram-worthy camps near Riyadh, Al Ula, and Wadi Rum. There are also a number of Airbnbs, budget-friendly motels, and family-run guest houses available.
Book a stay in the area you wish to visit, and especially if you wish to travel across cities.
However, if you choose to camp in Saudi Arabia’s desert, check with the tour guides and local authorities to learn if you are allowed to camp there or not.
Safety Tips for Driving in the Desert
Now that you are on track to start your Saudi Arabian desert trip, let’s check in with the safety tips:
- Avoid night driving due to wildlife and limited visibility.
- Always inform someone of your route if heading off-grid.
- Carry a backup power source for phones and GPS.
- Fill up on the gas and also carry some backup.
- Check the weather forecast to be aware of potential dust storms.
- Keep a spare tire, jack, basic repair kit, portable jump starter, and safety flags.
- Make sure your tires have a low pressure of 15-18 PSI for better traction on the sand.
- Keep the basic utilities - a paper map on hand, a compass, a flashlight, and spare batteries in hand.
- Always carry a first aid kit and SPF.
- Carry gloves, goggles, and a shovel for removing sand.
If you are visiting for the first time or are not familiar with the terrain, please take a guide with you.
Budgeting Your Desert Road Trip
While fuel costs are low in Saudi as compared to most countries, tolls, food, and accommodations can be a bit expensive. Thus, when booking for any part of your trip, check the prices and look into alternative options.
You can opt for homestays if you want to enjoy a budget-friendly stay. Also, book your flights early, map out the routes to follow, and pack all essentials.
Be sure to set aside a daily budget for your trip to Saudi Arabia and some funds for emergencies, and you are good to go.
Planning A Perfect Trip To Saudi Arabia’s Deserts
With golden sands and historic architecture, Saudi Arabia’s deserts are an unforgettable trip for every visitor. If you are looking forward to a memorable experience, book your flights, apply through the KSA visa form, get approval, pack your bags, and visit the sands of Saudi Arabia.