Bioclimatic Refugia of Western Arabia

Out of 7 components of this serial nomination I contiously visited only one – Jabal Shada Nature Reserve. Looking at my itinerary, I must have driven near other components, such as Jaba al-Qahar, but do not remember anything except nice views.

Jabal Shada Nature Reserve is famous for its amazing rock formations. There is a road with such steep climbs leading to the reserve that I have never seen anything like it in my life. Here, many times, entering another curve, I did not even see the asphalt! After driving, I checked the average slope and it was a modest 10%, but I'm betting that there were places where the slope must have been over 20%, maybe even 25%. The roads are just different there.

My Hyundai accent managed to climb these steep slopes, thanks to which we could enjoy wonderful views. Thie place seems to be very popular among Saudi tourists, judging from remnants of campfires and ‘rock art’. During my visit, however, I saw noone. There are several viewpoints, where, besides the views and take walks in the labyrinths of huge stones. I visited this place with Artur Anuszewski, very experienced traveller and a member of this site, whom I met one day ago in Jeddah.