Province
|
Jabal Qaraqir Plateau
| This is a spectacular sandstone plateau, cut by deeply incised canyons, rising abruptly from the sandy coastal plain; to the east it is overlaid by lava flows. Permanent water means it is brimming with life |
 |
Situated 450-1750m high, and approximately 80km south of Tabuk, this is a protected area with some of the most spectacularly beautiful sites in Saudi Arabia.
Here you'll find a labyrinth of majestic red and yellow sandstone canyons under the lava escarpment of Harrat ar-Raha - the monumental landscape of the Hisma plateau.
The main canyons contain perennial streams and permanent pools of considerable interest in a region with a mean annual rainfall of less than 50mm.
Thickets of wild oleander bring a blaze of color in spring. The deep narrow canyons contain several perennial freshwater springs and streams where you'll also find isolated examples of plants and animals, which have been preserved by the extreme ruggedness of the terrain.
Among these are several hundred Nubian Ibex, believed to be the largest Ibex population in the Arabian Peninsula. They live mainly on the plateau, but probably come down to the canyon wadi floors at night to graze the lush vegetation.
Rock hyrax, and numerous carnivores have been seen here - including the Arabian wolf. The Arabian Leopard is reported in the area, but has not been confirmed recently. Wadi al Jizl contains freshwater fish - a rarity in canyon wetlands.
Archeological sites include the Roman ruined temple of Ar-Rawafah, with inscriptions and petroglyphs.
A few small farms are found in the canyons and in the less rugged parts of the site there is minor grazing of camels, sheep and goats. Ad Disah village occurs at the confluence of the three major canyons.
There are many opportunities for wildlife viewing, botanic and photographic tours, as well as hiking, trail riding, and rock climbing. |
|
|
