The lush, mountainous region of Aseer is known throughout Saudi Arabia and the wider region for offering a refreshing escape from the heat, especially during the warm summer months. In contrast to the rest of the Kingdom’s typically dry, desert climate, Aseer (also commonly spelt ‘Asir’) has an average temperature of just 24°C in the summer. Unsurprisingly, visitors flock to this southwestern province to spend as much time as possible outdoors, surrounded by the lush grass, flowers, trees and wildlife that make the region unique in the Kingdom.
What better place to do that than in Aseer’s parks? From the safe and relaxed green spaces in the cities of Abha and Tanomah that are a favourite with families to the epic mountainscapes and dense juniper forests of the national parks, there are plenty of options. Park life here can mean anything from family picnics and gentle strolls, to dizzying cable car rides and challenging hikes. So whether you’re prepared to scramble to the top of a rocky hillside for unforgettable sunset views, or just fancy a quick stop on a park bench to admire blooming jacarandas, Aseer offers plenty of ways to unwind and immerse yourself in nature.
1. Aseer National Park
Aseer National Park is a sprawling reserve that covers approximately 6,490 square kilometres of coast-to-mountain wilderness. This is a nature-lover’s paradise, the mountain slopes covered with dense juniper forest, lavender bushes, acacia and arar trees. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot here too, as the park is home to baboons, eagles and Arabian wolves, among others.
Numerous hiking trails weave through the park, including challenging, rocky routes up Jabal Sawda (Mount Soudah), the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, plus many more gentle mountainside paths. Pack a picnic, plenty of water and warm clothes as the temperatures can be surprisingly chilly. Souda is especially popular with campers and photographers, as there are so many vantage points for remarkable sunset views. The nearby cable car ride offers a thrilling way to experience the mountainous landscape if you want an alternative to hiking.
2. Abu Kheyal Park
Perched above Abha, Abu Kheyal Park is an uplifting green space covered with flower beds, manicured lawns and a striking view of the cityscape. Around May, the park bursts into colour with purple jacaranda blossoms, making it one of the prettiest places in Abha. The park is a favourite with families, thanks to its children’s play areas, wide, smooth walking paths and the on-site cafe. It’s also a popular evening spot, as a hilltop stroll after dark gives superb views of Abha’s twinkling lights below. Abu Kheyal gets particularly busy at weekends and on national holidays, so arrive early if you’re hoping to nab a good picnic spot on the grass.
3. Al Masqi Park
The peaceful, rocky grounds of Al Masqi Park lie southeast of Abha, and this is the perfect park if you’re looking for an easy escape from the city. Al Masqi offers great views and multiple picnic and seating areas, making it ideal for a relaxed day out in the fresh air. Anyone feeling more active can take a stroll through the shady walkways and gentle hills, or go for a scenic run along the park's well-maintained jogging trails. Many visitors to the park also take the opportunity to visit Al Masqi Mosque, which sits at the top of a hill in the nearby village. Built more than 1000 years ago, it was an ancient resting point for pilgrims, and is set for extensive restoration work in the near future.
4. Habala Park
Nestled near the famous Hanging Village of Habala, this park is one for adventure lovers, as the park’s rugged, rocky landscape offers excellent hiking opportunities. Surrounded by a formidable mountainscape, its winding trails offer dizzying views of cliffs and valleys as far as the eye can see. Habala is also a good choice for anyone keen to combine culture and nature, as the park is adjacent to the nearby historic village, making it easy to combine a visit. Once accessible only by rope ladders, this fantastically remote former settlement is set 400 meters down a sheer cliff, with houses appearing to hang precariously off the edge.
5. Tanomah Waterfall Park
Set 120km north of Abha, the city of Tanomah is home to a lovely park, featuring an impressive cascading waterfall, plus children’s play areas, grassy banks and multiple picnic spots. The waterfall in the park is artificial, but you can venture into the Tanomah Mountains to discover natural falls (ask local guides for the best routes to find them). The best time of year for a waterfall hike here is just after the rainy season, typically from June to September, when there’s plenty of water flowing down from high in the mountains and the surroundings are at their most verdant.
6. Raydah Natural Reserve
For wildlife enthusiasts, Raydah Natural Reserve offers a chance to explore one of Saudi Arabia’s most biodiverse areas. Right next to the Aseer National Park, it was listed as a protected area in 1989 and is home to species such as the Arabian Wolf, Caracal, Rock Hyrax, Mongoose, and Nubian Ibex. It’s also a great place for birdwatching, as the forests here attract a variety of birdlife including Yemen thrush, Arabian Red-Legged Partridge, Arabian Woodpecker and Yemen Linnet. Needless to say, those willing to hike a little farther off the beaten path will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views across this peaceful reserve.
