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Home | Elegant Traveller | The Natural Wonders of AlUla: Iconic Nature and Outdoor Experiences

Elegant Traveller

The Natural Wonders of AlUla: Iconic Nature and Outdoor Experiences

schedule5 Minute Read

28-Sep-2022 Lou Fox

Featured Destinations

AlUla
The Natural Wonders of AlUla: Iconic Nature and Outdoor Experiences

A Spectacular Desert Oasis Beckons...

Naturally spectacular, colossal and totally humbling, AlUla's dramatic landscape is simply spellbinding. In this spectacular region - which is roughly the size of Wales - each rock is a testimony, each place a gallery and each journey an exhibition. AlUla's extraordinary geology sets this destination apart, with stunning landscapes with monumental rock formations and huge canyons surrounding a green oasis. Marvel at dramatic canyons, stargaze beneath some of the clearest skies on the planet and discover a wealth of natural wonders waiting to be explored by travellers from around the globe.

So read on and let this utterly unique and endlessly inspiring destination, which has undergone a significant cultural transformation, offer luxury hospitality and world-class adventures that you won't soon forget...

Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)

Northeast of AlUla Old Town lies Elephant Rock (or Jabal AlFil to locals), a geological marvel and a spectacular example of natural erosive forces of water and wind over a period of millions of years which has left the rock resembling an elephant with its trunk touching the ground. Rising 171ft into the air with picturesque mountains looming in the background, this natural wonder is a site to behold, no matter the time of day. As the sun sets over the valleys, watch this extraordinary elephant turn a vibrant shade of red as the colours within the rock change, allowing guests to capture the perfect picture before staying for a spot of stargazing or wandering back to your jeep.
Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock

The Oasis of AlUla

Lush, fertile and filled with life, the Oasis of AlUla is nestled within the Wadi AlQura (or Valley of Villages). This area of greenery amid the sprawling desert has given life to AlUla's residents, flora and fauna for millennia and its rich earth has long made it a thriving agricultural hub - growing everything from lentils and barley to olives and pomegranates. Today, this lush oasis is home to small farms that grow a variety of fruit (everything from bananas to citrus and mangos) as well as clover and date palms. For those looking for something active, there's a lovely, low-impact walking trail that passes from Dadan to AlUla Old Town via the oasis, offering the perfect chance to see the local farmers and citrus markets in action, as well as date farms, citrus and herbs along the trail.
The Oasis of AlUla
The Oasis of AlUla

Stargazing at Gharameel

Set within the isolated desert landscape, Gharameel is home to extraordinary sandstone formations, sublime sunsets and some of the planet's best stargazing sites. Far from the bright city lights, the desert's vast open spaces create the ultimate location for a spot of astro-tourism. Lie back as the sun sets and be amazed at the stars as you relax amongst the spectacular sandstone outcrops under some of the darkest skies in the world. Listen to your knowledgeable guide point out the constellations and asterisms against the backdrop of the Arabian night sky, gaining incomparable views of the Milky Way that are hard to find elsewhere.
Stargazing in AlGharameel
Stargazing in AlGharameel

Sharaan Nature Reserve

Head to the Sharaan Nature Reserve for soaring red-rock canyons, sprawling desert landscapes and picturesque valleys carpeted in delicate wildflowers. The impressive 1,500 square kilometres of land is a rich re-wilding project which offers visitors a treasure trove of natural wonders - spot the impressive red-necked ostriches as they show off their majestic plumage, watch the regal Nubian ibex and graceful Idmi gazelles graze on leaves and grasses, attempt to identify different types of fauna and flora, or try and spot the marmot-like Rock Hyraxes as they scutter across the floor. For a spot of adventure during your visit, why not enjoy a 4x4 safari with an expert guide? Designed to offer visitors the best view of the spectacular scenery, discover the natural beauty of AlUla as you sip a local tea and witness the various wildlife scattered throughout the reserve.
A gazelle in the Sharaan Nature Reserve
A gazelle in the Sharaan Nature Reserve
To find out more about this incredible destination, please click here for our destination guide or for more inspirational content, make sure you check out the rest of our luxury online travel magazine, Elegant Traveller!
Lou   Fox

Lou Fox

Content Assistant

Ready with a guidebook and my camera, I've been lucky enough to travel all over the world. From learning to dive in Egypt, traversing the theatres and museums in NYC, to volunteering in a small village in rural Uganda, I'm passionate about exploring the planet and writing about what the world has to offer.

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