Asia

[Visited: March 2020]

The drive from Taif to the north was long, and when we considered staying in Medina, we realised we could still make it to Al Ula much further north, so we pushed on. When we finally arrived, there was just enough sunlight left for us to see the landscape. Mountains rise almost straight up on both sides of the town. We see rock pillars, and look forward to seeing much more in the days ahead. When we arrive at our accommodation, it is dark. The next morning, we find ourselves at the foot of a rock formation and climb up. Around us, surprisingly green date orchards, and a little bit further: red-brown rocky mountains. We stay up to enjoy the views for a while, then feel the urge to explore more. We have heard the evening before that Hegra, the prime site of Saudi Arabia, and the main reason we have come this far north, will be closed for two days. It seems very strange, as it will close for half a year a few days later, and a Tourism representative at the airport of Jeddah has made me believe that it will "of course" stay open every day until its closure.
We decide to drive around the Hegra area anyway, to at least see it from a distance. We see more groups of rocky mountains and outcrops, but when we get closer to Hegra, it is clear that the entire area is fenced off. We try the southern gate, but are turned away. Driving around the impressive rocks east of Hegra is worth the journey, and we frequently stop to take pictures. From a distance, it looks like a majestic fortress, with turrets, and a massive main building. Then, we see a black Bedouin tent, with a couple of camels, which helps us put things in perspective: the massive stone fortress now looks all the more majestic compared to the modest desert dwelling. Later that day, we drive up the mountains west of Al Ula, all the way to the end, where we have sweeping panoramic views over the rocky landscape with its fertile valleys. With all the spectacular rock formations, it is weird to see the basalt plateau.
At the end of the next day, we drive east of Al Ula, to the most famous of all rock formations of this northern Saudi town: Elephant Rock. It is impossible not to have seen a picture of this massive rock before arriving, which takes away some of the surprise. But when we take the turn and drive into the desert, we are dismayed to find a parking with lots of cars. Even worse: we find an open-air restaurant and bar at the foot of the rock, music playing in the afternoon air. When I approach the trunk of the elephant, I am sent back for no good reason. We decide to go look for other rock structures which are abandoned and can be enjoyed fully, in private. Close to Elephant Rock, I walk up a track that is too difficult to drive, and reach a huge opening in a rock which gives me a view of a valley below, with more rock pillars. After a short while, I see a man with his camels walking past; otherwise, there is no one to be seen. I am happy to have found a place to watch the spectacular scenery without any commercialism.

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Al Ula rock formations (Saudi Arabia)

Al Ula rock formations > Saudi Arabia > Asia

[Visited: March 2020]

Around the World in 80 Clicks