Wabah Crater

Superb to hike. We camped overnight after hiking down to the crater bottom. Stunning sun rise and great weather in October. We were blessed by a shower towards the evening. It’s a must camp place to get the best of it!

A day trip from Jeddah by car.Once there you have spectacular views of the crater.It's not allowed anymore to go down but you can walk along the rim and enjoy the views.Temperature in December was around 27C at midday. One of the best places to visit in KSA.

Al Wahbah Crater, located in Saudi Arabia's western desert on the edge of the Harrat Kishb basalt plateau, is a natural wonder worth visiting for those who appreciate unique landscapes and outdoor adventure. This massive crater, about 2 kilometers wide and 250 meters deep, is believed to have been formed either by volcanic activity or a meteorite impact. The journey to the crater offers an exciting desert experience, with rocky outcrops and vast open spaces. Once you arrive, the stunning views from the rim of the crater are truly breathtaking. The surrounding landscape is stark but beautiful, with a white salt layer at the bottom of the crater, which creates a striking contrast against the black volcanic rock. During the cooler months, visitors can hike down to the crater floor, although it’s a challenging trek that requires good physical fitness and proper gear, particularly for the climb back up. Al Wahbah is a great spot for camping, stargazing, and photography, particularly during sunset and sunrise, when the shadows cast over the crater create a dramatic scene. However, the area is remote, and there are no nearby facilities, so it's important to come prepared with food, water, and supplies. While the crater is off the beaten path, it provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, hikers, and those looking to explore Saudi Arabia's diverse geological features. For the more adventurous, it’s an underrated gem that offers a deep sense of solitude and awe-inspiring scenery.

Spending a night camping and exploring the Wahbah Crater is an unforgettable experience that combines stunning natural beauty, a unique geological wonder, and the tranquility of the desert under a blanket of stars. Camping and exploring the Wahbah Crater is an off-the-beaten-path adventure that is perfect for nature lovers and anyone seeking a unique experience. Be prepared for the remote location and basic amenities, but the rewards are well worth it. Just remember to leave no trace and respect the fragile environment.

One of the most amazing place in Saudi Arabia. It’s around 220+ kilometers away from the city of taif. 2:30 hours drive from taif. Good time to visit is early morning or late afternoon. Possible to hike down to the center. It took 1:30 minutes to go down and come back, so plan your timing accordingly if you have plans to hiking. Bring your own food and drinks because nothing available.

Amazing experience. The main path for hiking down apparently starts by the hut on the left far side (which might be easier). However we took the 'oasis' route that starts on the opposite end of the road-end of the crater. To get there turn left before reaching the parking onto a rough track. It skirts around the mountain to the other side of the crater. Stop where you see the first palm trees and start descent from there. It requires some scrambling in one or two places. Walking on the salt feels crunchy in the beginning but as you go further in your feet start to sink in so I turned back. Take lots and lots of water. It can get very hot and you can drink whole bottles in one go. Keep as much as you can. The lava flow on the opposite end is also a great sight.

Caveats. This location is not near any major cities. Taif is the closest being 1.5 hours away. The welcome center was closed when we got there and not sure the hours they are open but planned for that. The sights were very nice. I never saw a volcanic crater. The views to the right of the main viewing are the best. It was worth the trip. Only adds an hour to the drive from Taif to Madinah plus the time spent at the crater. Ground keeper was very nice.

An absolutely stunning place. Easily in top 5 places I've seen to this date. At the entrance, there are a few camping gazebos with marvellous view. The hike down has a well maintained path, but has challenging spots, so be careful. Well worth the visit, especially the other side with a little oasis, which seems like a paradise garden. The neighboring lava fields are awesome too.