Ahh, as the cooler months of the year come in, Riyadhis will be hitting the desert for some fun in the sand. Here’s a beginner’s guide to Riyadh’s favorite desert district.
Where to Go:
- Al Thumama Park
What to Do thumama desert:
- Riding quad bikes. There are rentals on site, just pick out which one has the best deal. Prices range from SR 50 – SR 100 per 30 mins to an hour.
- Getting your first camel photo. There’s a lot of camel farms surrounding this area, herders often convene on weekends and lets you ride their camels for a fee.
- Bounce tents – For the kids. You’ll know you’re in the Thumama area when you start seeing these inflatable castles.
- Rock Climbing Off the Cliffs
- Cheaper Horse riding – If going to an equestrian club is too heavy on the pockets and you already know how to ride. You can rent horses here for a fee.
- Picnic – One of the desert sites where people park on the side of the road and eat.
- Enjoying the dunes. Red Sands at Al Yamama differ from Al Thumama because of the finer and obviously more reddish color of the sand.
- Landscape Photography
- Camping
read also:Winter Activities in Saudi
Tips:
- If you’re new to the camping scene, make sure you ask someone who’s an expert or try to find a guide.
- Always keep a lot of water
- If you’re thinking of going deeper into the desert, have a satellite phone, first aid kit, power bank and GPS with you.
- Watch out for scorpions and snakes. Yea. We’re not kidding.
- A 4×4 car is essential, unless you want to spend your day digging out your tires.
- Don’t litter.
