Jeep tour through the spectacular Wadi Al Disah, Saudi Arabia
Wadi.
a valley, ravine, or channel that is dry except in the rainy season.
Contents
Overview
Where is Wadi Al Disah?
How do I get to Wadi Al Disah?
Why should I go to Wadi Al Disah?
What transport is available through Wadi Al Disah?
What will I see in Wadi Al Disah?
Checklist: what to bring
Final thoughts
Overview
Without a shadow of a doubt, jeep touring through Wadi Al Disah in Saudi Arabia was one of my favourite moments in this country of contrasts. It’s a bit of a mission to get to but absolutely worth the hassle. A complete display of the colour wheel awaits: red rock with intermittent purple and pinks, yellow and orange sands, green palm trees and grasses, blue skies and white fluffy clouds. Wadi Al Disah literally translates to ‘the valley of palm trees’ and you’ll be amazed by their number and beauty. It is one of the most stunning places to visit in Tabuk.
It’s in Wadi Al Disah that you’ll find locals relaxing under a rock, having a cigarette and a chat. It’s the simple Saudi life that rarely makes the news. Others are pitching tents for a night under the stars while starting a fire to get the kettle boiling and some are cruising around in the tray of a ute just enjoying being outdoors in this cooler climate environment.
The wadi winds through extreme rock formations, riverbeds and grasses. At one point we traversed a narrow track through 3 metre high vibrant green reeds, proving that Saudi Arabia is not just desert and dust! This day trip forms part of my epic tour of Saudi Arabia and you can find further details in my post, The Best of Saudi Arabia in 5 Fabulous Days. (If you fly via Riyadh, then make sure you also check out Saudi Arabia’s Grand Canyon, The Edge of The World, and the ancient home of Saudi Arabia’s first royal family, the UNESCO-listed Diriyah).
Where can I find a tour guide to take me to Wadi Al Disah?
You’ll come across tour groups offering amazing tours to Wadi Al Disah on the Viator website. You’ll need to search: ‘Wadi Al Disah Tour’ but for your ease you can click here to compare rates of the tours on offer as I have pre-searched for you. On the Viator site, you’ll also find tour companies who offer day trips and full transport to and from Wadi Al Disah.
Tour provider suggestion
Where is Wadi Al Disah?
This luscious wadi is situated in the northwestern province of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
How do I get to Wadi Al Disah?
Visitors will first need to find their way to the city of Tabuk. Domestic flights connect the larger Saudi Arabian cities of Riyadh and Jeddah with the smaller city of Tabuk. Enthusiastic travellers can also drive to Tabuk but ensure you have unlimited fuel on your rental car and keep in mind that the trip time is roughly 3 hours.
I’ve used Rentalcars.com numerous times and highly value their large fleet of cars at the best prices from many car rental companies. Click here for their latest deals! There are a few small shops and fuel stations along the way but I’d recommend stocking the car with snacks in Tabuk.
Once having arrived in Tabuk, the drive to Wadi Al Disah will take just under 3 hours (approximately 260km). At the main entrance, you can leave your rental car and connect with an organised jeep tour which will take you into the depths of the wadi, right to its very end.
Why should I go to Wadi Al Disah?
This is one of those unforgettable ‘life moments’! It’s just impossible to forget the stark contrasting colours and landscape. The dense green valley floor is surrounded by massive sandstone cliffs and pillars that are perfect for exploration.
It’s a photographer’s dream! Don’t forget your drone!
I couldn’t believe I was travelling through Saudi Arabia in this location. The water, greenery, wildlife and friendly locals gave me a deeper appreciation for the rural areas of this country.
If you’re an adventurer by heart, an outdoors enthusiast, a keen lover of new cultures and surroundings, enjoy the wind through your hair and scaling rock ledges, then you are going to LOVE Wadi Al Disah.
What transport is available through Wadi Al Disah?
The Wadi is open to all but you won’t get very far without a reliable 4WD! For a relaxed and stress-free experience, I’d highly recommend booking a tour with one of the groups who provide open air jeep tours through the ravine.
We went with Hisma Tours as mentioned above: a decision we will never regret! For those personal touches, thrill and safety (and assistance climbing the rock face!) then these guys will look after you. Alternatively, take a look at the various tour groups on the Viator website and compare prices! They all offer similar experiences.
What will I see in Wadi Al Disah?
You’ll be incredibly wowed as you arrive into the Wadi Al Disah car park. The towering bright red and orange columnar rock faces envelop you and the entrance beckons with a mystique that is impossible to ignore!
On entry, you’ll encounter dry seabeds, rivers, tall reeds, beautiful desert flowers, skyscraper cliffs, sandy ledges and all manner of wildlife (yes, including camels!).
We also passed through a private residence for bathroom access, giving an insight into local living and their bedouin-style home. Expect to see locals out camping and enjoying a campfire dinner!
The drive through takes anywhere from 1-3 hours: however long you wish to stay really! Our amazing guides took us on a ledge climb (see youtube link above!) which was equal parts exhilarating and fun.
What to bring checklist
Don’t forget these items on your trip to Wadi Al Disah!
- Water
- Snacks (collect in Tabuk or from gas station en route)
- Sunglasses to beat the glare
- Hat
- Camera, GoPro and Drone
- Closed walking shoes with grip (absolutely no heels!)
- Comfortable modest clothing (+/- abaya to throw over the top for your photos!)
- Tip for your local tour guide
- A sense of adventure!
Final Thoughts
It might be tempting to place Wadi Al Disah in the ‘too hard basket’ when seeing the effort it takes to get there. However, I can vouch that this is a ‘must do’ in Saudi Arabia for adventure seekers and those who have enjoyed safaris in other countries. It was one of my favourite moments in this beautiful country and the landscape is astounding. Don’t miss it: one of the most thrilling Tabuk tourist places!
