With all the wonders in AlUla, travellers should also discover the adventure's that make this place even more special
AlUla is located in the northern region of Saudi Arabia. This hidden gem offers an ample share of adventurous activities apart from its cultural and historic importance. With activities for all ages, you can indulge in camel trekking through the desert, hot air ballooning over the stunning landscape, or scaling rocks while admiring all around the beauty of the terrains. With its rich cultural heritage, ancient ruins, and breathtaking natural beauty, AlUla is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit!
4x4 Safari Tour:
Take a seat in a vintage 4x4 vehicle for a three-and-a-half-hour tour across the Sharaan Nature Reserve. This protected area features red-rock canyons, broad valleys, open desert areas and rocky outcrops. Enjoy viewing natural sandstone structures, and admiring the biodiversity of the desert, ancient symbols and rock carvings. If you are lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the rare Arabian Ibex and other animal species!
4x4 Sightseeing Tour:
Experience AlUla's best rock formations and other exciting locations on this 4x4 sightseeing day trip! First, stop at the famous Arch Rock, one of AlUla's most recognizable rock formations. Next, set off to Madakheel and go off-road to explore some of AlUla's striking sandstone mountains and learn more about AlUla's unique rock formations. You can also visit Mahlab al-Naqah, AlUla Old Town Market, Harrat Viewpoint and Elephant Rock.
AlUla Zipline:
Experience AlUla’s most thrilling zipline! On this exciting adventure, visitors can race a total of 1.5km at up to 120 km/h speed while enjoying the incredible scenery of the AlUla mountains. This year there are added extensions, making this dual zipline the longest and fastest of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!
AlUla Stairway:
The first of its kind in the region, the AlUla Stairway takes you up a 45-meter suspended ladder stairway with an exhilarating zipline back down to the valley floor. Take on a spectacular journey of discovery as you walk the AlUla Stairway. Here you get to climb one of AlUla's majestic mountains. Just one of the incredible activities offered at the Adventure Hub, this experience is for the most courageous adventure-seekers. A safety system will allow you to climb the 45-meter-long ladder, soaking in the epic views while keeping you safe. Upon arrival at the top, visitors can take a breathtaking 150-meter zipline into the canyon below.
Abseiling:
Abseiling is a sport also known as rappelling, is an exciting activity where the person descends a steep slope, such as a rock face, with the help of a rope. Experience the thrill of abseiling down AlUla’s magnificent mountain landscapes. Feel the adrenaline rush as you descend from the mountain terrains and embark on an outdoor journey of a lifetime. This activity serves as an exciting adventure for visitors!
Acacia Trail:
Discover nature's treasure on the Acacia Trail on a 6km hike that explores the stunning landscapes of AlUla. Desert dunes, sandstone mountains and ancient inscriptions on this trail. The Acacia Trail also takes you through the Sharaan Nature Reserve, so be on the lookout for local wildlife, such as the Red-Necked Ostrich and the Idmi Gazelle.
Buggy tours:
Take on an unforgettable ride through AlUla’s amazing sandstone mountains that will give you all the thrill and adrenaline you need! Hop into one of the buggies and get ready for a wild ride as experienced guides drive you into narrow canyons, over high dunes and across challenging terrain. These trials will take you off the beaten path along various loops of a highly eroded sand mountain.
Camel Trekking:
For a very unique experience, take the opportunity to take a camel ride through the desert of AlUla! By taking a camel trek, you get to experience the Bedouin way of living life. You can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the region. This activity is ideal for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the culture and tradition of AlUla as well as get a good taste of the outdoor ambience!
Cycle trail:
You can take a nice bike ride around the area of AlUla! With the help of a guide, you can hop on your cycle and ride through AlUla’s stunning landscape to admire the ambience of nature all around. The tour is about 1-2 hours, so get ready to experience the exciting trails AlUla has to offer.
Camping and stargazing:
Experience the magic of the desert with stargazing led by a star guide. Surrounded by Gharameel’s mystical rock formations, you will look up to a veil of stars. On full moon nights, visitors can go on short walks to admire the surrounding terrains before settling in to view the night sky. On darker nights, the tour will be focused on stars and constellations, and as you immerse yourself in nature, a grilled dinner will be prepared for you, which you will dine on around a campfire.
Horseback Riding:
Explore the beautiful countryside of AlUla on horseback. From scenic rides through the desert to adventurous gallops across the dunes, you get to experience the beauty that surrounds the regions of AlUla. If you prefer, there are tours where you get to partake in a horse carriage around the historic sites!
Hidden Valley hike:
Experience the magnificence and peace of the Arabian desert on this 4 km-long hike. Spanning over roughly 1.5 hours, this trip through soft sands will transport you to simpler times as you immerse yourself in nature and admire the rock formations and landscapes of AlUla.
Heritage oasis trail:
The Heritage Oasis Trail is within the AlUla Oasis, stretching almost 3 kilometres from the Heart of the Oasis to AlJadidah. This beautiful trail is free and open to visitors day and night. Take a stroll under towering date palms and smell the cool freshness of the earth on the Heritage Oasis Trail, where the picture-perfect lush AlUla Oasis captures the beauty and heritage of AlUla. Wander through remnants of mudbrick houses, local farms and ancient city walls. Sit with locals, sip on Arabic coffee or fresh orange juice and take your time to enjoy the slow pace of what makes the AlUla Oasis special.
Hot Air Ballooning:
A truly unique and breathtaking experience where you can take hot air balloon rides over the landscapes of AlUla! Get the chance to experience the bird's eye view of the ancient tombs, temples, and rock formations, and experience the thrill of gliding through the sky. For those with an eye for natural beauty, a hot air balloon tour is an essential part of your visit to AlUla. By gracefully floating over the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, rock formations, and lush farmlands, you receive the best views and depict the true beauty of these locations. This experience will surely create unforgettable memories.
Hiking:
AlUla also offers several hiking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisure walk, there is a trail that will suit the preference of everyone! From scenic hikes through the desert to challenging trails through the mountains, AlUla has something for every level of hiker and all ages. With Alula's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, hiking in AlUla will be an exciting experience for visitors looking for a fun outdoor activity and adventure!
Giant Swing:
Visitors looking for an adventure in AlUla will experience the thrill of a lifetime on the Giant Swing! Leap from the edge of a mountain and fly through canyon terrain while taking in gorgeous views. This high-adrenaline activity will have you suspended in the air, and a quick release will send you swinging through the high canyon walls in a 70-meter arc, over 85 meters above the ground. Take a running leap from the edge of the mountain to experience a real thrill! As the swing slows, you will be lowered back to the ground, making your way back to the Adventure Hub.
Ridge Walk:
This 6 km hike along a ridge delivers spectacular views of Wadi AlUla. Ideal for families and groups looking to see more of AlUla's broad landscape. This trek is initially a steep uphill walk but later eases into a light walk allowing you to immerse yourself in the surrounding landscape for you to take in the beauty of AlUla.
Rock Climbing:
Looking for that adrenaline rush? Well, this would be the perfect activity for you! AlUla is home to several unique rock formations that offer exciting challenges for climbers looking to hone their skills at rock climbing. If you're a first-time climber, you can also take a guided tour. With towering rock formations, you can make this an unforgettable experience!
Via Ferrata & canyon hammock:
Make your way across the canyon, suspended in a harness, completing aerial challenges and manoeuvring through floating obstacles. Via Ferrata is a spectacular journey encouraging non-climbers to experience the world of mountaineering!
Tours and other experiences:
Along with these thrilling activities, you can also indulge in tours in a horse carriage and vintage vehicles like the Land rover. You can find these tours while visiting Hegra or Dadan!
So there you have it, tons of adventures and activities to help you enjoy your next holiday in AlUla. With activities for all ages, and anyone wishing to experience some thrill, you can surely choose from a wide range of things to do in AlUla. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!