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March 16, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s vast deserts, rugged mountains, and untouched beaches make it a dream destination for adventure seekers. Whether you’re looking for a wild safari in the Empty Quarter, a peaceful mountain retreat, or a beachfront camping experience, this guide will help you discover Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking camping and safari destinations.
✅ Best Desert Camping & Safari Locations
✅ Top Mountain Camping Spots for Cool-Weather Retreats
✅ Beach & Island Camping – Red Sea’s Hidden Gems
✅ Wildlife Safaris & Nature Reserves in Saudi Arabia
✅ Glamping (Luxury Camping) for a Comfortable Experience
✅ Best Time to Go Camping & Safari in Saudi Arabia
✅ Essential Gear Checklist: What to Pack?
✅ Safety Tips, Legal Regulations & Permits for Camping in KSA
Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes offer one of the most unique camping and safari experiences in the world. From endless golden deserts and rugged mountain ranges to pristine beaches and lush oases, the Kingdom is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or serene escapes into nature, Saudi Arabia has it all.
Here’s why Saudi Arabia is a must-visit destination for campers and adventurers:
🌵 Deserts: The Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most iconic deserts, including the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali), where you can enjoy off-roading, camel trekking, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies on Earth.
🏔️ Mountains: Escape the heat in the cool, green mountains of Asir or explore the dramatic cliffs of the Edge of the World near Riyadh.
🏝️ Beaches & Islands: The Red Sea coastline boasts crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and secluded beaches perfect for snorkeling, diving, and coastal camping.
🐆 Wildlife Reserves: Discover rare species like Arabian leopards, gazelles, and desert foxes in protected nature reserves.
Saudi Arabia is famous for its vast golden deserts, offering thrilling off-road safaris, camel rides, and peaceful overnight camping experiences.
Location: Spanning Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Yemen.
Why Visit? The world’s largest sand desert, offering an authentic, untouched camping experience.
Camp under a sky filled with millions of stars.
Enjoy camel trekking and stay in Bedouin-style tents.
Experience extreme 4×4 dune bashing and sandboarding.
📌 Pro Tip: Always travel with a professional guide—the Empty Quarter is extremely remote and challenging to navigate.
Hike along dramatic cliffs for amazing photography.
Set up camp for breathtaking night views.
Experience a guided 4×4 safari adventure.
📌 Best Time to Visit: October – March (cool weather, clear skies).
Unlike the desert heat, Saudi Arabia’s mountain regions offer cooler temperatures, lush landscapes, and stunning hiking trails.
Camp in the cool mountain air (15°C – 25°C in summer).
Hike through lush valleys and hidden waterfalls.
Spot rare Arabian leopards and native wildlife.
📌 Pro Tip: Best visited in summer, when Riyadh and Jeddah are extremely hot.
Hike through scenic trails and enjoy panoramic views.
Camp in designated areas surrounded by nature.
Explore traditional villages and local culture.
Saudi Arabia’s coastline is home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, perfect for relaxing seaside camping and diving adventures.
Camp on the beach with oceanfront views.
Snorkel and dive in Saudi Arabia’s best coral reefs.
Take a boat tour to hidden island spots.
📌 Pro Tip: Bring your own camping gear—there are no rental facilities here!
Enjoy beach camping and island hopping.
Snorkel or dive to explore vibrant marine life.
Relax in a serene, unspoiled environment.
Saudi Arabia has protected wildlife reserves where you can experience safaris with rare Arabian animals.
Location: AlUla.
Why Visit? A luxury safari experience where you can see Arabian leopards, ibex, and oryx.
Take a guided wildlife safari.
Camp in a desert lodge with high-end facilities.
Learn about conservation efforts for endangered species.
📌 Pro Tip: Stay in eco-lodges for an authentic and sustainable safari experience.
Location: Near Riyadh.
Why Visit? A sanctuary for endangered species like the Arabian oryx and sand gazelles.
Join guided tours to learn about wildlife conservation.
Enjoy camping in a protected natural environment.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience, pack the following essentials:
✅ Camping Tent & Sleeping Bag: Ensure it’s suited for desert or mountain weather.
✅ Portable Gas Stove & Cooking Gear: Firewood is scarce in the desert.
✅ Power Bank & Solar Charger: No electricity in remote areas.
✅ Plenty of Drinking Water: Dehydration is a risk in the desert.
✅ GPS & Satellite Phone: In case of emergencies in remote areas.
✅ First-Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries or illnesses.
✅ Warm Clothing: Nights can get cold, even in the desert.
✅ Sun Protection: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must.
For those who prefer guided experiences, Saudi Arabia has well-established tour companies that offer custom camping and safari adventures.
| Tour Operator | Specialty | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Husaak Adventures | Desert safaris, guided hikes, & survival camps | Extreme adventure seekers |
| Wild KSA | Eco-friendly camping & cultural experiences | Nature lovers & photographers |
| Saudi Adventure Tours | 4×4 desert safaris & guided trips to the Empty Quarter | Off-road & desert camping enthusiasts |
| Red Sea Diving & Camping | Island camping & snorkeling expeditions | Beach lovers & water sports fans |
Camping in Saudi Arabia offers pristine, untouched landscapes, and responsible travelers should ensure they leave no trace while enjoying nature.
✅ Use Eco-Friendly Tents & Gear – Opt for biodegradable or recycled materials.
✅ Respect Wildlife & Natural Reserves – Do not disturb flora, fauna, or cultural sites.
✅ Solar-Powered Gadgets – Charge electronics with solar panels instead of fuel-powered generators.
✅ Pack Out Trash – Use reusable containers & carry all waste back to disposal areas.
📍 Asir National Park – Green mountains, hiking trails, & wildlife-friendly camping.
📍 NEOM Desert Reserves – Eco-friendly safari lodges & conservation-focused camps.
📍 Sharaan Nature Reserve (AlUla) – Low-impact luxury lodges & regulated campsites.
If traditional camping isn’t your style, Saudi Arabia now offers luxury glamping (glamorous camping) & high-end safari lodges.
| Luxury Camp / Safari Lodge | Location | What Makes It Special? |
|---|---|---|
| Banyan Tree AlUla | AlUla | Luxury tents with private pools, stargazing, and fine dining |
| Ashar Resort | AlUla | High-end safari-style lodges with 5-star service |
| NEOM Desert Retreat | NEOM | Futuristic eco-lodges blended into the desert |
| Nofa Wildlife Safari Lodge | Near Riyadh | Stay in a safari-style villa surrounded by zebras & giraffes |
📌 Luxury Travel Tip: These high-end experiences require advance booking, especially during the peak season (October – March).
Whether you’re planning a family retreat, corporate adventure, or private getaway, organizing a group camping trip or safari tour requires careful planning.
1️⃣ Choose the Right Destination – Decide between desert, mountain, or coastal camping.
2️⃣ Set a Budget & Book Accommodations – Luxury glamping? Off-grid desert camping? Choose accordingly.
3️⃣ Arrange Transportation – Rent 4×4 vehicles for desert trips, or book a private tour operator.
4️⃣ Meal Planning & Supplies – Pre-pack easy-to-cook meals, or hire a camp chef for luxury camping.
5️⃣ Plan Activities – Include hiking, sandboarding, camel riding, or diving depending on location.
Saudi Arabia offers some of the most unique landscapes in the world, perfect for photographers and content creators. Whether you’re capturing star-filled night skies, dramatic cliffs, or golden sand dunes, here are the best photography locations in KSA.
📍 Location: Near Riyadh
🌟 Best For: Golden-hour landscapes & cliffside photography
✔ Visit at sunset or sunrise for soft lighting.
✔ Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vast desert backdrop.
✔ Shoot in RAW format for better post-editing flexibility.
📍 Location: Southern Saudi Arabia
🌟 Best For: Rolling sand dunes, star trails & Bedouin-style shots
✔ Use a drone for stunning aerial shots of the endless dunes.
✔ Take long-exposure shots at night for breathtaking astrophotography.
✔ Silhouette photography works great against the vast dunes.
📍 Location: Off the coast of Jazan
🌟 Best For: Beach sunsets, coral reef snorkeling shots & island landscapes
✔ Use polarizing filters for crystal-clear water shots.
✔ Capture local fishing boats & marine life for cultural storytelling.
✔ Sunrise offers the best soft lighting for island landscape shots.
No camping experience is complete without delicious outdoor cooking! Here’s how to make traditional Saudi dishes over an open fire.
What You Need:
✅ 1 kg lamb or chicken
✅ 2 cups Basmati rice
✅ 2 tbsp Arabic spice mix (baharat)
✅ 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves
✅ Saffron & cardamom for flavor
How to Cook It Over a Campfire:
✔ Dig a small pit in the sand (for a traditional slow-cooking experience).
✔ Marinate the meat with Arabic spices and place it on a metal rack over the fire.
✔ Cook for 3-4 hours while the rice absorbs all the smoky flavors.
✅ Roast light coffee beans over the fire.
✅ Crush them in a mortar & pestle.
✅ Boil with cardamom & saffron for a rich, fragrant Arabic coffee.
Camping in Saudi Arabia is not just about adventure—it’s an immersive cultural experience. The country’s Bedouin heritage has deep-rooted traditions in hospitality, storytelling, and desert survival.
✅ Majlis-Style Seating: Sit on traditional woven carpets under the stars.
✅ Storytelling & Music: Bedouins share folk tales & poetry by the campfire.
✅ Falconry Demonstrations: Experience Saudi Arabia’s ancient falcon-hunting traditions.
✅ Handmade Souvenirs: Buy locally made silver jewelry, woven baskets & pottery.
Saudi Arabia is an amazing place for family-friendly camping trips with safe, scenic locations.
| Destination | Best For | Why Kids Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Asir National Park | Mountain Camping | Cool climate & hiking trails |
| AlUla Desert Camps | Luxury Camping | Star-gazing & hot air balloon rides |
| Nofa Wildlife Safari Park | Safari Adventure | Up-close animal encounters |
✅ Choose Campsites with Facilities: Restrooms, shaded areas & safety features.
✅ Bring Kid-Friendly Activities: Stargazing maps, wildlife guidebooks & scavenger hunts.
✅ Pack Extra Layers: Desert temperatures drop at night—bring warm clothing.
Saudi Arabia offers some of the clearest and darkest night skies in the world, making it a paradise for stargazers and astrophotographers.
| Location | Best For | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) | Deep-sky stargazing & astrophotography | Zero light pollution, 360-degree night sky views |
| AlUla Desert | Milky Way & star trails | Clear, dry skies perfect for long-exposure shots |
| Edge of the World | Romantic moonlit nights & meteor showers | Cliffside camping with dramatic desert views |
| Farasan Islands | Coastal stargazing | Stars reflected in the calm Red Sea waters |
✅ Use a Tripod: Prevents motion blur for long-exposure shots.
✅ Use Manual Mode (ISO 1600-3200, Shutter 10-30 sec): Helps capture distant stars.
✅ Avoid Light Pollution: Move at least 50 km away from city lights.
✅ Plan Around the Moon Cycle: A new moon is the best time for Milky Way photography.
While camping in Saudi Arabia’s deserts is breathtaking, proper survival knowledge is crucial for staying safe.
If you’re looking for high-adrenaline experiences, Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most thrilling outdoor activities in the Middle East.
📍 Location: Riyadh, AlUla, Empty Quarter
🌟 Why It’s Thrilling? Navigate massive dunes at high speeds in a 4×4 Land Cruiser.
✔ Saudi Extreme Off-Road Adventures (Riyadh)
✔ Desert Fox 4×4 Tours (Jeddah)
📍 Location: The Red Sand Dunes (Riyadh), Empty Quarter
🌟 Why It’s Thrilling? Race down massive dunes on a sandboard—just like snowboarding!
📍 Location: Asir Mountains, Abha
🌟 Why It’s Thrilling? Fly over breathtaking cliffs & valleys at 1,800m altitude.
✔ Abha’s Sarawat Mountains – Best for high-altitude flights.
✔ Taif’s Shafa Mountains – Smooth air currents, great for beginners.
📍 Location: Jeddah, Farasan Islands, Umluj
🌟 Why It’s Thrilling? Dive among coral reefs, shipwrecks & hammerhead sharks.
✔ The Boiler Wreck (Jeddah) – Sunken British steamship from WWII.
✔ Seven Sisters Reefs (Farasan Islands) – Stunning marine biodiversity.
📌 Pro Tip: The best diving conditions are between April and October, when water visibility is highest.
📍 Location: AlUla, Wadi Lajab
🌟 Why It’s Thrilling? Climb stunning sandstone cliffs & rappel down waterfalls.
✔ Elephant Rock (AlUla) – Beginner-friendly sandstone climbing.
✔ Wadi Lajab Canyons (Jazan) – Extreme rappelling & canyon trekking.