into Saudi Arabia

[netllama]

Continuing a periodic series of trip reports from some of the more obscure corners of the planet, I recently returned from spending ten days self-driving around the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).  Tourism is a very new concept for Saudis, as they didn't even issue tourist visas until late 2019.  Then they closed their borders completely due to the pandemic for over a year.  I've wanted to visit KSA for quite some time, primarily to explore the legendary deserts, and also to learn more about a place that is mostly not well understood by the West.  Overall, the trip went exceedingly well.  I saw a lot of desert (its mostly unavoidable there), and met a number of friendly Saudis.  I also drove over 3200 miles around a country which is about the same size as Alaska & Texas combined.

I'm sure you came for the photos, right?

everyone loves some derpy cute camels, right?

Al Waba crater.  Its like Ubehebe's (much bigger) brother!

near the crater

bones bones bones 

the very empty quarter

Zaabal Castle

Zee Ain village

Rijal Alma'a village 

old Ottoman era fort 

the eye 

its a face

plant id?

Herrat viewpoint over Al Ula 

the view


For the curious, I have a very detailed, day by day trip report available HERE. I also have many other photos posted HERE.

[ski3pin]

Thanks so much for taking us to places on this earth we'll never visit! These are a real treat.

[MojaveGeek]

Very nice, you sure do get around!! In the pic of the viewpoint, what are the round little dug out things? I'm guessing benches or something?

Now I have to go read....

[netllama]

Very nice, you sure do get around!! In the pic of the viewpoint, what are the round little dug out things? I'm guessing benches or something?

Now I have to go read....

Yea, they are cushy benches for relaxing. It was a weird setup for sure. There was also a Greek (of all things) restaurant up there, with a full (non-alcholic) bar, and also shisha available. That viewpoint was leaning, hard, into what they thought tourists would want.

[DAW89446]

That rock with the face projecting out from the right looks like a profile of Theodore Roosevelt.

[TacoLand]

Looking forward to cracking a beer or two tonight and reading through your two latest trip reports. Thanks for all the effort you put into these. They're quite the treat to read and the photos aren't terrible either!

[netllama]

Looking forward to cracking a beer or two tonight and reading through your two latest trip reports. Thanks for all the effort you put into these. They're quite the treat to read and the photos aren't terrible either!

thanks!

[Daymoth]

BABY CAMEL?

Well I already love this.

[netllama]

BABY CAMEL?

Well I already love this.

Yea, that was a gem. Also wasn't the only mother & baby camel pair that I saw while driving (but I didn't get a chance to photograph the others).

[TacoLand]

Had a chance to tour the world with you last night. Good times, good .... times .... personally though, eating my way through France sounds more appealing than driving all over Saudi Arabia to me right now. Great pictures and travel report as always, many thanks.