Saudi Arabia’s Natural Wonder:Wahba Crater

Saudi Arabia’s Natural Wonder:Wahba Crater

    Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer to travelers is widespread. If you don’t mind evading the luxurious hotels of tourist hot spots, like Madain Saleh or Abha, then there are countless possibilities for unforgettable “back-to-basics” camping trips to marvelous desert spots and mountain areas. One of those places worth paying a visit to is the Wahba Crater, 254 km away from Taif.

The enormous crater, two km in diameter and roughly 260 m deep, is located on the western edge of a lava field called Harrat Kishb. As for its origin, there are two prevailing theories. One is that the crater was caused by the impact of a meteorite, as its appearance resembles that of other meteoric craters. Most geologists,

The best — and probably only — side to descend the crater is from the north. This side is also the most practical place to camp, which means you have to get back in your car and drive over rocks sand and dunes.

There is plenty of space to set up a camp — just make sure you carry thick mattresses to sleep on, as the ground — a bed of volcanic ash — is rather tough. It is equally important to bring a warm sleeping bag and some chunky clothes, as temperatures might drop to 10 degrees Celsius at night, and not only in winter.

Wahba Crater is under the protection of the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD). As a result, no amenities are provided for visitors, and tourists are asked to take away all the rubbish they bring in with them.

     Hajj route from Alkoufa in Iraq to Makkah, built around 800 AD by the orders of Zubaida, the wife of the fifth Abbasid Caliph in Iraq, Harun Al-Rashid. What is left of the site is a big basin surrounded by trees that provide a good shade for a midday snack or small lunch. From Birkat Al Akeek, it is only 120 km to Wahba Crater.