MOUNT AL FARAH, AL SHAFA MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA - THE HIDDEN GEMS AND BLINGS

Gems and Blings - Mount Al Farah is an exciting destination within the Ash Shafa Mountain Range in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia. It hosts a variety of wildlife species, including birds, reptiles, and wild plants, making it perfect for photography practice for beginners like me.

Attractions:

1. The Dream Cave

2. Rock Cave

3. Wild Blue Lizards

4. Millipedes

5. Different species of wild birds.

6. Wildflowers

My guide led me to this mountain for hiking and to enjoy the views from the summit of Mount Al Farah. However, I unexpectedly found myself practicing wildlife photography, pursuing the reptiles I spotted for the first time in the area. Along the way, wild reptiles were feeding, hiding, and creeping under trees, on top of, and beneath boulders. Therefore, novice photographers will have the chance to refine their skills and techniques further in capturing images.

The heap of boulders stacked is the striking feature that sets the hill apart from the others.

The mountain's structure is made up of heaps of boulders. Ascending and descending involve navigating through these rock formations.

Activities

1. Hiking

2. Sightseeing

3. Spelunking

4. Wildlife Photography

5. Picnic

6. Overnight camping

   
   
   

   

   

   

   
   
   
   
   

The Dream Cave

The unique character of this cave is that it is a cave found inside one giant boulder rock.

To get here, you need to climb the rocky hills at a casual ascending pace for about 30 minutes, then cross the peak to walk down again, arriving at the plateau portion where the cave is.

The challenge of climbing is barely noticeable, as the breathtaking views of the mountain ridges and valleys below alleviate the strain of walking up the hill.

Parking Cave

Situated beneath the hill leading to the Dream Cave, it offers enough room to shelter people from the sun's heat and rain showers. The farm owner's family once resided in this cave before relocating to the city.

Accessibilities

Transportation

Accessible by any car, a 20-minute drive from the Shafa Town Center and 35 minutes from Taif City.

• Caves are within the private farm, so only those with permission from the farm owner can enter and explore the mountain.

Telecommunication

• Poor signal to no si

Guide: Ahmed Alhumailan

Mobile: +966 50 002 8287