Saudi Desert Challenge

📍 Riyadh airport - Riyadh city center (35 km): 45 mins

One of the wealthiest cities in the world, Riyadh is a showcase for modern Saudi Arabia.  Once a walled, mud-brick way station along desert trading routes, the capital is now a hyper-contemporary metropolis with some of the best hotels and restaurants in the country. Its organized grid layout is lined with more than 4,000 mosques, numerous busy shopping centers and traditional souks, public parks, and a diverse set of communities and neighborhoods. 

For early arrivals, consider optional trips to the stunning Edge of the World, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah, or a metro tour of the city's cultural highlights.
 

Optional Program for a great half-day by 4x4 to the stunning Edge of the World
Leave the city center and head out to Jebel Fihrayn, more famously known as “The Edge of the World”. It got its nickname from the uninterrupted view of the horizon it offers atop its 300-meter-high cliffs, which overlook the plain below. Go for a stroll along the edge before you get cozy on your carpet and takwa, the Saudi picnic seat, for a prime view of the sky as it seems to melt into the barren earth. Enjoy freshly brewed arabic coffee, tea and picnic-style snacks before returning to the hotel in Riyadh.

Time : 14:00 - 18:00
Distances and journey time:
Riyadh - Jebel Fihrayn (Edge of the World) (100 km): 1 hr 30 min each way
 

Overnight in Riyadh. 

Inclusions:

📍 Tabuk - Hisma (200 km): 2 hr 30 mins (incl. off road)

This morning leave the capital by air for Tabuk, the gateway to Saudi Arabia’s northwest, and for centuries a resting point for Jordanian and Egyptian pilgrims on their way to Mecca and Medina. Upon arrival, meet the expert adventure guide and team to venture deep into the Hisma desert on an off-road journey en route to the camp. Travel from Tabuk to NEOM, the name recently given to the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia. Quite possibly the most scenic part of the region is the Hisma desert, sometimes called Bajda or Hesmi. It is uninhabited and boasts wild scenery of yellow-red sands and towering rocks. 

Transfer by 4x4 vehicle through rugged terrain into the remote Hisma Desert, a landscape marked by dramatic sandstone formations and open valleys. Upon reaching the camp, located deep within the desert, settle into a wild camping site surrounded by towering rock faces. After a brief camp orientation and time to take in the sunset views, the afternoon continues with an expedition briefing. A traditional dinner is served under the stars, followed by time for stargazing and quiet reflection in the stillness of the desert night.

Overnight at a wild desert camp in Hisma Desert (Camp 1).

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Trekking: up to 6-7 hours (approx. 13 km)

After an early breakfast and camp pack-up, the journey continues deeper into the Hisma Desert on foot. The full-day trek covers approximately 13 kilometers over 6 to 7 hours, traversing a mix of sandy plateaus, red dunes, and rocky trails. The route passes through expansive valleys, weathered sandstone ridges, and areas marked by ancient inscriptions and natural rock arches. 

A midday break is taken in the shade of rock formations for a simple field lunch. The day ends with a sunset arrival at Camp 2, where a new wild campsite is established. Dinner is served beneath the open desert sky, followed by overnight rest in the quiet of the remote landscape.

Overnight at a wild desert camp in Hisma Desert (Camp 2).

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Trekking: up to 5-6 hours (approx. 10 km)

The day kicks off with an early start and immediate movement across open desert terrain. The pace picks up as the trail cuts through soft sand flats and climbs steadily into granite-strewn hills. Trekking over rocky ridges and past eroded towers, the group gains elevation and covers approximately 10 kilometers of challenging terrain. 

After a midday break and picnic lunch in a shaded pocket of stone, the final push leads into a secluded valley framed by rugged cliffs. Camp 3 is established before dusk, with the evening spent around the fire and under a brilliant desert sky.

Overnight at a wild desert camp in Hisma Desert (Camp 3).

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Hisma - Tayma Desert via Tayma: 4 hours (incl. off road) Trekking: up to 4 hours (approx. 8 km)

Say goodbye to the rugged red sandstone of the Hisma Desert and head south-east for a new chapter of adventure. A four-hour 4x4 journey leads to the historic oasis town of Tayma, once a flourishing stop along ancient incense and trade routes. Known for its one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest wells with a 65-metre diameter, as well as a restored fort and a charming oasis, the town offers a glimpse into Arabia’s pre-Islamic heritage.

After a traditional local lunch, the journey continues on foot into the vast Tayma Desert, a sweeping expanse of ochre dunes and windswept gravel plains. This four-hour trek brings a dramatic shift in scenery, with golden sands stretching to the horizon. Camp 4 is set near towering dunes, where the day ends with a Bedouin-style evening of storytelling, local flavors, and stargazing, an immersive taste of life shaped by the desert.

Overnight at a wild desert camp in Al Nafud Desert (Camp 4).

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Trekking: up to 7 hours (approx. 14 km)

Break camp and venture deeper into the Tayma wilderness with a full-day trek (approx. 14 km / 7 hours) across vast desert flats and basalt-strewn terrain. As the day unfolds, the landscape transforms, soft sand gives way to ancient volcanic rock until the striking basalt pillars of AlGharameel rise dramatically on the horizon. These towering formations mark your arrival at one of the region’s most otherworldly settings.

Camp is set in this remote expanse, far from artificial light. After dinner under the open sky, gather for a dedicated stargazing session, an unfiltered view of constellations and planets in one of Saudi Arabia’s darkest night zones. The surreal surroundings and deep silence make for an unforgettable evening of celestial wonder.

Overnight at a wild desert camp in Gharameel (Camp 5).

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Gharameel - Sharaan Nature Reserve: 1 hr Trekking: up to 7 hours (approx. 13 km) Sharaan Nature Reserve - AlUla (55 km): 45 mins

Begin the final leg of the journey with an early 4x4 transfer for about one hour to the protected landscapes of Sharaan Nature Reserve, home to sandstone cliffs, forested wadis, and reintroduced native wildlife. From here, set out on a rewarding full-day trek through narrow canyons, open plateaus, and highland trails that showcase the reserve’s dramatic and diverse terrain.

A scenic lunch break mid-trail offers time to reflect on the week’s journey before continuing toward the trail’s end. By late afternoon, reach the pickup point and transfer to AlUla. Conclude the adventure with a warm farewell from your guide and trekking crew marking the end of an unforgettable desert expedition.

If time permits, stop at the iconic Elephant Rock. Set in desert sands and climbing into the blue Arabian skies, the rock (also known as Jabal Alfil) is one of AlUla’s most impressive geological marvels.

Overnight in AlUla.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 AlUla - Hegra (20 km): 20 mins Walking: up to 1.5 hours (approx. 3 km) Elevation: + 22 m / - 6 m

The draw to AlUla is its remarkable natural rock formations and canyons, extensive and varied pre-Arabic rock art, and immaculately preserved tombs built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. Start the day with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. Today, visitors follow their ‘rawee’ or storyteller, to explore several of the more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs, most with elaborate facades carved from rock formations scattered around the desert.

Next, head for the green zone that is AlUla oasis and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, situated beautifully amid the date farms before starting the afternoon trek.  

The trek begins with a 3 km walk along the Oasis Heritage Trail, passing through shaded paths lined with palm trees, citrus orchards, and small farms. Traditional irrigation systems and mudbrick structures reflect the area's agricultural history. The trail continues into AlJadeeda, AlUla’s art district, where walking streets feature murals, installations, and small galleries.

The walk ends at AlUla Old Town, a restored historic settlement with narrow alleys, traditional buildings, and small shops. Once a key stop on ancient trade routes, the town today blends preserved heritage with modern cafés and boutiques.

Overnight in AlUla.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 AlUla - Medina (350 km): 3,5hrs Medina - Jeddah (420km): 2hrs by high-speed train Jeddah train station - Jeddah city center (20km): 25 mins

Travel through the desert and mountains to Medina along an ancient pilgrimage route. Don’t expect sand dunes, this is a volcanic area with black lava stone and mountain vistas and rich in historical significance. One of the two holiest cities in Islam (the other is Mecca), Medina is centered around Al Masjid an Nabawi, a 10-minaret giant that can accommodate 1 million people also known as the Prophet’s Mosque. Join the throngs of pilgrims in the heart of the city, it is hard to describe the vibe. Non-muslims are welcome to enjoy exterior views of the mosque from the edge of the square.

In the afternoon, board one of Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains to make the short (under 2 hours) hop to the coastal city of Jeddah, a commercial hub sitting to the west along the Red Sea with the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. It’s the principal gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, and sees over a million pilgrims a year on their way to perform the Hajj. Despite this, Jeddah is perceived to be the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular tourist destination, offering the beauty of ancient architecture mixed with the latest luxuries.

Celebrate arrival with drinks along the city’s picturesque corniche. A carpet and a takwa, the traditional Saudi picnic seat, provide comfort while soaking in the atmosphere. As the sun sets and the call to prayer resonates, witness the world’s tallest fountain illuminate the evening by the beachwalk.

Spend the late afternoon exploring the atmospheric old town, Al Balad, which achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Its traditional multi storey buildings and merchant houses are an architectural treasure trove. It is a dive back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist mixed in. The roshan or wooden window covers are the ancient way to create shade and cool in this hot and humid climate, and they make these alleys especially picturesque. 

End the journey with a seafood farewell dinner, savoring fresh local flavors and bidding a heartfelt "hay maa al-salama"—goodbye, until next time.

Overnight in Jeddah.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Jeddah - Jeddah airport (25km): 30 mins

Enjoy leisure time at the hotel until check-out, followed by a transfer to the airport. For those with late evening flights, the day can be extended with an optional Red Sea water adventure, a refreshing way to wrap up the journey with sun, sea, and a final taste of coastal beauty.

Optional: Red Sea boat trip and snorkeling and swimming (Half Day)

Experience the Red Sea! Hop on a private speedboat to enjoy the sea and sun. Snorkeling gear is packed to discover the wealth of underwater life the region is famous for. Different types of colorful coral, old sorts of exotic fish; snorkeling along the coral sites will impress. These shallow waters make it fun for all levels. The temperatures of the water are at least 21C and the high salinity is beneficial for your health. Top off the trip with a seafood barbeque, skillfully prepared by your skipper.

Time: 09:00 - 13:00

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast