Image via @saudidzen on Instagram
Thumamah Desert Park is perhapsone of the best venues for outdoor activities in Saudi Arabia. Situated 100 kilometers north of Riyadh, it is basically an oasis surrounded by an ocean of desert sand, covering an area of 170 square kilometers. During the cooler months, Riyadhis gather at the park with families and friends to escape city life, and take in the view of the desert scenery.
The outdoor activities that you can partake in are plenty. Thumamah Desert Park is ideal for picnics, barbecues, and camp fires, with food stalls available for a quick bite. For anyone wanting to enjoy the desert scenery in both day and night, there are a total of 200 bedouin camps, each equipped with barbecue space, kitchens, and rest rooms. The area is home to a herd of camels, with visitors stopping to take photos with, and even ride them!
The spacious landscape also makes for great spots for quad biking and horse riding, with rental services available. For the most daring of adventurers, people can also explore the desert landscape, and eventually find themselves gazing upon historical buildings. There are also bouncing tents for the kids, traditional dances and night entertainments, and rock climbing off cliffs. In short, Thumamah Desert Park has various activities for everyone to enjoy.
But before you head out, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll need to take enough water since Thumamah Desert Park is obviously in a desert. Be sure to go with a 4x4 vehicle, and proper tools necessary for venturing off into the desert. The area is also home to desert wildlife, so watch out for snakes and scorpions.
