Northeast of AlUla Old Town lies Elephant Rock (or Jabal AlFil to locals), a geological marvel and a spectacular example of natural erosive forces of water and wind over a period of millions of years which has left the rock resembling an elephant with its trunk touching the ground. Rising 171ft into the air with picturesque mountains looming in the background, this natural wonder is a site to behold, no matter the time of day. As the sun sets over the valleys, watch this extraordinary elephant turn a vibrant shade of red as the colours within the rock change, allowing guests to capture the perfect picture before staying for a spot of stargazing or wandering back to your jeep.
Lush, fertile and filled with life, the Oasis of AlUla is nestled within the Wadi AlQura (or Valley of Villages). This area of greenery amid the sprawling desert has given life to AlUla's residents, flora and fauna for millennia and its rich earth has long made it a thriving agricultural hub - growing everything from lentils and barley to olives and pomegranates. Today, this lush oasis is home to small farms that grow a variety of fruit (everything from bananas to citrus and mangos) as well as clover and date palms. For those looking for something active, there's a lovely, low-impact walking trail that passes from Dadan to AlUla Old Town via the oasis, offering the perfect chance to see the local farmers and citrus markets in action, as well as date farms, citrus and herbs along the trail.
Set within the isolated desert landscape, Gharameel is home to extraordinary sandstone formations, sublime sunsets and some of the planet's best stargazing sites. Far from the bright city lights, the desert's vast open spaces create the ultimate location for a spot of astro-tourism. Lie back as the sun sets and be amazed at the stars as you relax amongst the spectacular sandstone outcrops under some of the darkest skies in the world. Listen to your knowledgeable guide point out the constellations and asterisms against the backdrop of the Arabian night sky, gaining incomparable views of the Milky Way that are hard to find elsewhere.
Head to the Sharaan Nature Reserve for soaring red-rock canyons, sprawling desert landscapes and picturesque valleys carpeted in delicate wildflowers. The impressive 1,500 square kilometres of land is a rich re-wilding project which offers visitors a treasure trove of natural wonders - spot the impressive red-necked ostriches as they show off their majestic plumage, watch the regal Nubian ibex and graceful Idmi gazelles graze on leaves and grasses, attempt to identify different types of fauna and flora, or try and spot the marmot-like Rock Hyraxes as they scutter across the floor. For a spot of adventure during your visit, why not enjoy a 4x4 safari with an expert guide? Designed to offer visitors the best view of the spectacular scenery, discover the natural beauty of AlUla as you sip a local tea and witness the various wildlife scattered throughout the reserve.