Saudi Arabia’s national parks and natural reserves protect places of varying terrain, including large deserts, hilly regions, and coastal settings. Few people travel to historical and cultural sites. But many protected regions offer the opportunity to become familiar in their most unaltered conditions.
Discover where you may visit some of the country’s most important landmarks and territories. Besides the best nature-based outdoor activities, there is also important information to help plan a trip to the country. Book cheap Umrah packages with flights and prepare for a unique and possibly even more interesting glimpse at Saudi Arabia. Explore its peaceful natural reserves.
List of Saudi Arabia’s National Parks
Asir National Park
In the southwest of Saudi Arabia, close to the cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait, sits the Asir National Park. With its rich foliage and gentler temperatures, it is one of the nation’s few highland locations. The mountains are from the Sarawat range with some of the peaks rising to up to 3,000 meters.
This park contains a rich diversity of species, which includes more than 315 plant species. While the fauna includes a variety of creatures, the Arabian leopard is the rarest. Other birds that can be found include the Iberian imperial eagle and the hoopoe. The park is used for the conservation of these endangered species. Therefore, this makes the park important. It provides many tracks for hiking.
If you are pre-planning cheap Umrah packages 2025 with flights to the Kingdom, you can enjoy the rocky terrains of the mountain region. While booking the Hajj Umrah Packages, you must assure that Hajj Umrah VISA is included in these packages. You also have to assure that your Hajj Umrah VISA is approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.  Besides, there are various picnic areas and stunning views for families. The nearby cities are Abha and Khamis Mushait to which Asir Park is easily accessible by road network. The park is about a 30-minute drive from Abha and has several entrances. Those who do not possess a personal automobile can still use the bus and local taxi services.
Farasan Islands Nature Reserve
If you want to visit a tropical paradise, the Farasan Islands is the best marine destination. Include Farasan Island in your premium Umrah packages because it is well-known for its marine life and coastline.
Numerous islands support a range of marine life, such as mangroves and coral reefs. Other species include dolphins, sea turtles, and other tropical fish, making the island ideal for snorkelling and diving. Jamaica is also a major nesting place for turtles, particularly Hawksbill turtles and other endangered sea species.
Farasan is ideal for birdwatching. In addition, it provides animal tourism and a range of water sports like diving and snorkeling. The islands are a great place to go birdwatching in the winter because they draw a lot of migratory species.
Additionally, visitors can explore the island and its environs on boat trips. There are always ferries accessible from Jizan to the islands, with the journey taking around an hour and a half. There is also housing and minimal utilities available for visitors to these islands.
King Abdulaziz Natural Reserve
The reserve formation, origin and brief history
The area is still designated as the King Abdulaziz Natural Reserve. It protects the animals and natural geographical structures. A vast, bare space is home to animals that thrive in harsh environments, such as scorching heat. It is situated east of Riyadh and is home to many of the country’s native animals.
Features of the geographic setting
The majority of the vegetation grows on sand dunes, arid land, and a small amount on rocks. The weather is typically hot and dry, like a desert, with significant temperature variations between day and night. That is why it is vital to note that many species of local wildlife have adapted to the tough conditions.
Analyzing Endangered Species and the Associated Conservation Work
Among the reserve’s occupants are Arabian oryx, whose numbers have increased because of conservation efforts. Similarly, there are other occupants of the region, such as gazelles, Arabian wolves, and several migrating bird species. Several techniques are proposed to protect these species, with conservation work cited as the cornerstone of these efforts.
Accessibility
The King Abdulaziz Reserve is approximately one hundred and twenty kilometers away from Riyadh. This means that people can include a trip to this Reserve in their premium Umrah packages 2025 for families. The reserve offers routes for hikers and 4×4 vehicles. Public transportation is still rare. So, planning ahead of time is essential for safely covering the trip.
Natural Reserve of Harrat al-HarrahÂ
An analysis of the volcanic environment
Harrat al-Harrah is by far the biggest volcanic area in the kingdom. It occupies the northwest of the country near the border with Jordan. This reserve covers thousands of square kilometers and includes black lava flows and vast volcanic fields. Such geographical features are the result of volcanic activity in the area. Besides, the terrain is similar to that of the moon.
The conservation and wildlife projects
However, they have to live in some substandard conditions. The region is home to a variety of wild animals, such as the Arabian wolf and several reptiles. Since most of these species are endangered because of habitat damage and poaching, they strive to safeguard them.
Opportunities for Ecotourism and Exploration
This means that Harrat al-Harrah provides tourists with an opportunity to tour over volcanic terrain. Safari is a favourite. Some visitors make special transportation to off-access zones of the reserve. It is also one of the best sites to go bird viewing, especially between late summer and early autumn.
Jebel Fihrayn National Park
Geology and Cliff Description
Jebel Fihrayn is another magnificent and grand rock in Riyadh known as “The Edge of the World.” Its towering rocks provide amazing top views of a broad desert area. Therefore, it is one of the most spectacular hiking trails and scenic view places. Another excellent tourist attraction setting relates to hiking routes and beautiful vistas.
The park has various routes that, despite being steep, allow tourists to reach the best vantage points. The hike to the cliff edge is easy, and visitors can enjoy an unobstructed view of the desert. It was originally a picturesque location for climbing trails over the cliffs and down into the lower-level desert.
Native Environmental Features and Fauna
Animals that find new homes in the park include leopards, hares, and birds of prey such as eagles and falcons. Despite the desert climate, the fauna has evolved to survive under such conditions. It is also fascinating to see so-called karst landscapes, which form in coastal areas and are millions of years old.
When visiting one of Saudi Arabia’s protected regions, it is critical to adhere to local environmental standards. It involves not littering, not bothering animals, and not harming plants or anything natural in the area. Local authorities also recommend appropriate clothing for the temperature, water and supplies in the desert.
Even while most parks and reserves do not charge a fee. If camping or participating in an organized tour deep within the park, special permissions may be necessary.
