Province
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Off Road in the Sands
"I was anxious to match myself against the Bedu on equal terms. They knew no world other than their own and accepted the hardships of their lives as a small price to pay for the freedom that was theirs".
Wilfred Thesiger, 'Arabian Sands' |
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Exploring the Empty Quarter requires preparation. Your first decision will be whether you wish to travel by 4WD, or by camel. Obviously you will travel further in the time available in a 4WD, but may prefer the historic authenticity of traveling by camel.
It is recommended to travel with the help of tour companies who can provide 4WD, permits, provisions and guides. A minimum of two vehicles (camels or cars) are required for any journey - it is literally deadly to travel with less.
The Rub al-Khali is a nature reserve and you'll need to acquire the correct permissions to travel there. Much of the Empty Quarter is protected and you may encounter one of the 250 rangers employed by Saudi Arabia's National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) - or one of the 100 professional trackers employed by the Ministry of the Interior who make up an elite, uniquely Saudi, crime-fighting and conservation corps.
To get permission, contact the NCWCD. Include; a copy of your passport and iqama (resident's permit, if appropriate); details of when and where you want to travel and how many people and vehicles will make up your party. Permission is free and rarely denied.
National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development
Tel: +966-(0)1-441 8700
Fax: +966-(0)1-4410797
ncwcd@zajil.net
The desert's status as a nature reserve also acknowledges that this is a very delicate environment. The animals and vegetation that live here can survive in seemingly impossible conditions on very little. It is very easy to kill them in a large vehicle, or destroy their habitat. Show respect wherever possible, and take away with you everything you bring in, including the wrappers and plastic bags.
Most expeditions start and end at either Sharurah (Najran), Sulayyil (Riyadh) or Haradh (Eastern Province).
You will need to carry a copy of the NCWCD permission; insurance documents; vehicle registration; a valid driver's licence; an accident report if you have existing damage to your car, however minor; your passport / iqama at all times. Ensure that your passengers all have identification. Always notify the local authorities of your proposed route and intended duration of your expedition so that someone will know if you get into trouble.
Always travel in a convoy of at least 2 x 4WD in case of breakdown and if possible carry a satellite phone for emergencies. Always travel with a local guide, and for foreign visitors, ensure someone in the party can speak Arabic and translate for you. Carry more petrol and water than you think you'll need (6 liters of water a day per person is recommended. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and light clothes, are needed as well as warm clothes and sleeping bag for the cold nights. Always check clothes and bedding for scorpions.
Well maintained vehicles are neccessary, along with a jack, shovel, sand ladders, tyre inflation device, tow rope, basic tool kit, fire extinguisher, tyre pressure gauge and first Aid kit.
When driving in a convoy, everyone is responsible for the driver behind. This means that the group will travel at the speed of the slowest driver, and everyone who goes into the desert will return. Allow enough room between cars to stop, and avoid driving in the cloud of sand from the car in front. Always allow the car in front to complete a difficult part of the journey to avoid both cars becoming bogged at the same time. If you are driving the car in front and get bogged, sound your horn to warn the car following. If you are the last car in the convoy and get bogged, put your headlights on so that the car in front knows you're in trouble.
When you get bogged, and you will, do not 'rev' the accelerator. This will only spin the wheel and bog your further.
Never allow the wheels to spin freely in the sand. Once the car is buried up to the axle, you will require special assistance to get out. Remove any sand or obstacles that have built up around the front, back or sides of the wheels, turn off the air-conditioning in order to apply 100% power to the engine, check your tyres and consider reducing the pressure in your tyres further for more traction. Change into a low gear range if you have it, turn the wheel from side to side to try and find added traction and inch forward or backward in order to flatten some ground around the wheel. Unload excess weight, starting with the passengers, then move onto the luggage. Try pushing and put things under the wheels for added traction. If you choose to try towing, remember the car doing the work needs to have good traction, or you could both end up bogged. Also remember to tie your rope to something solid - the bumper bar will probably come off.
Most important, if you do become stranded, stay with your car. It will provide shelter from the elements, shade and a higher visibility for the rescue party.
Recommended tour companies who can make camping and travel arrangements include:
Bin Zaid Travel (Riyadh)
Tel: +966-(0)1-4194688
Rehlat Travel (Riyadh)
Tel: +966-(0)1-466 0726
Najran Holiday Inn
Tel: +966-(0)7-522 5222
Fax: +966-(0)7-522 1148
Sadd al Samallaghi (Jeddah)
Tel: +966-(0)2-664 0638
Fax: +966-(0)2-6684963
ops@samallaghi.com |
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