Sharaan Nature Reserve is the wild side of AlUla, reached by 4x4 rather than on a sealed road. The reserve holds red-necked ostriches, Arabian and Nubian ibex, Idmi gazelles, Cape hares and rock hyraxes, along with birdlife including bee-eaters, eagles and crested larks. Wildlife is wildlife, so what you see on the day is never guaranteed, but the driving alone puts you deep into canyon country.
One thing to plan around: experiences in the reserve pause over the summer and return in the cooler months, so this runs on a season rather than year-round. It suits a day when you want landscape rather than archaeology, and it sits well alongside a booked visit to Hegra or a late run out to Elephant Rock.
Day by day
Morning
Pick-up from your hotel and the transfer to the reserve, where the drive switches to 4x4. The route runs between sandstone walls and out across open sand, with stops to get out, walk a short way and look for tracks and for movement on the rock faces above.
Afternoon
More of the reserve at a slower pace, with time at a viewpoint before turning back. The drive out to the main road follows, then drop-off at your hotel.
What is included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in AlUla
- 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver
- Reserve access arranged in advance
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- All fuel and permits for the route
- Seasonal advice so you book on a date the reserve is running
What is not
- Meals and drinks
- Gratuities
- Binoculars and camera equipment
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
The places on this trip
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