Aseer is Saudi Arabia’s ultimate outdoors destination. Its surprisingly mild climate, diverse landscapes and vibrant greenery make it an utterly unique destination within Saudi Arabia – and in fact, the wider Middle East. Even in summer, cool mountain breezes and manageable temperatures mean that exploring outside is always a joy. For some, that means simply finding a shady picnic spot and relaxing for an afternoon, while for others, it’s paddling across a glassy lake, trekking up steep, rocky slopes, camping under a star-filled sky or snapping photos of rare birdlife. These are the best outdoor activities in Aseer.
1. Go kayaking in Wadi Tarj Dam
Wadi Tarj Dam is one of the largest dams in the KSA, and it’s a beautifully tranquil spot, surrounded by rugged mountains and lush vegetation.
Close to the city of Tanomah, this is a perfect place to go kayaking, with its calm, clear waters making it ideal for beginners as well as more experienced paddlers.
This is an excursion you can do independently if you already have the gear, but if not, you can hire kayaks and life jackets from local adventure companies. For those travelling with younger kids, or who just simply don’t fancy the exertion of paddling, donut boat rides are also available. These gentle, family-friendly boats can seat six people and are powered by an electric engine. Think effortless gliding and panoramic, 360-degree views.
Bear in mind that tour operators currently only offer these activities during the summer months, but the surrounding area is still perfect for walking or picnicking any time of year.
2. Take a glorious hike through the mountains
The Asir National Park is a truly stunning part of the world. Covering more than 6,000 square kilometres of the Aseer province (also commonly spelled ‘Asir’), it includes coastal areas, endless mountain ranges and even some desert landscapes. It’s becoming well-known as a bucket-list hiking destination, and travellers can choose from well-trodden ancient paths to remote, challenging adventures in the wilderness.
The most popular routes in the park are rocky mountainside paths that pass juniper forests, green shrubbery and pretty lavender bushes. These mountains are also a prime destination for nature photography, as the park is teeming with wildlife. Look out for the chance to snap families of baboons, mountain gazelles and spiny-tailed lizards on your journey.
3. Camp out under the stars
Camping out in Asir National Park is the ultimate way to disconnect from everyday urban life and immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain environment. And whether you’re hiking or driving to your pitch, travelling through the mountains means there are picturesque panoramas at every turn, making the journey as exhilarating as the destination.
Asir National Park holds 67 camping sites, with facilities including parking spaces, toilets and seating areas. These are dispersed widely throughout the park in relatively remote as well as easy-access locations. Wild camping is also permitted in Saudi Arabia, so while it’s always worthwhile checking in advance if permits are needed, you can usually pitch a tent in any scenic spot you like.
Camping in Aseer is also an opportunity to make the most of Saudi Arabia’s fantastically clear night skies. Star-gazing is one of the Kingdom’s longest outdoors traditions, so once you’ve found the perfect site far from city lights, take the chance to gaze up at the shimmering stars above.
Always bring cold weather gear on Aseer camping trips, as the temperatures can drop drastically after nightfall, even in the warmer months.
4. Scale Saudi’s tallest mountain
Jabal Soudah (Sawda), standing at approximately 3,000 metres above sea level, is the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, and one of the most popular outdoors adventure destinations in the country. Part of its appeal is its accessibility – while the slopes are blissfully quiet and feel off-the-beaten-track, it’s actually not difficult to explore here, with easy-moderate hiking trails, well-tarmacked roads, campsites and endless picnicking spots. A hike from the foothills to the summit can be done in less than a day and there’s even a cable car that glides visitors high over the trees and rocky paths, giving a birds-eye view over the mountain scenery. Check in advance if the cable car is running, as timings are seasonal.
5. Wander through historic villages
Aseer’s mountains are home to a number of unique heritage villages with open-air terraces and walkways to explore. Rijal Almaa is an unmissable destination for anyone keen to delve into the region’s history – dating back 900 years, it has been recently restored so visitors can explore its distinctive ‘gingerbread village’ architecture to the fullest.
There’s also a museum, several al fresco cafes and exhibitions of traditional artwork on display. Habala Hanging Village is another fascinating place to explore. A village built right into the cliffside, so it appears to hang precariously off the rocks, Habala was once accessible only by rope ladder. Nowadays it can be reached (seasonally) via cable car, so visitors are free to explore its unique sandstone houses.
6. Go birdwatching in Wadi Tandaha Dam Park
Just outside Khamis Mushait, Wadi Tandaha Dam Park is a birdwatcher’s dream destination. Built to collect rainwater, the dam is situated in a lush valley surrounded by fertile farmlands and attracts an astonishing diversity of birdlife.The Western Osprey, likely attracted to the plentiful fish, is just one of the species that have made this water their home. There are waders such as Common Sandpipers, Little Stints, Ruff and Black-winged Stilts here, and it’s likely you’ll spot Black Scrub Robins, Arabian Babblers or Yellow-billed Kites soaring overhead. In addition to birdwatching, the park is a popular spot for fishing, camping, hiking and picnics.
7. Walk the shores of Abha Dam Lake
Short on time? Just ten minutes away from Abha’s city centre, a trip to Abha Dam Lake is a quick way to get a nature fix. It’s a lovely place to stroll along the banks and enjoy the calm water, feed the ducks, admire the mountain views or stop for a picnic. Time your walk with sunset to make the most of the beautiful skies, and afterwards jump on the cable car to Green Mountain, as the station is just a few minutes away from the lake.
