Sharaan Nature Reserve lies north-east of Hegra in AlUla and covers about 1,500 km² of canyons and sandstone mountains. Arabian oryx, gazelles and ibex have been released there, and it is planned as a future release site for the critically endangered Arabian leopard.
- Country
- Saudi Arabia
- Type
- Reserve
- Best time
- November to March
- Suggested stay
- 3–4 days
- Main gateway airport
- AlUla International Airport (ULH)
- Malaria
- None
Why go to AlUla
- Safaris in Sharaan Nature Reserve, about 1,500 km²
- Nubian ibex, gazelles and red-necked ostrich
- Trails such as the Hidden Valley hike
- Hegra and Elephant Rock
- A rewilding programme preparing for the Arabian leopard's future return
Best time to visit AlUla
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit AlUla is November to March.
Sharaan reserve experiences pause for summer and resume in the cooler months.
Nights can drop to about 4–6°C; warm layers are needed for early mornings and evenings.
Main visiting season, with cultural events and higher visitor numbers.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4–21 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| February | 5–23 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| March | 8–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| April | 13–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| May | 17–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 19–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| July | 21–38 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| August | 22–38 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| September | 19–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| October | 16–32 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 10–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| December | 6–22 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in AlUla includes ibex, gazelles, oryx, foxes, ostriches and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
AlUla airport has domestic flights from Riyadh and Jeddah. Sharaan Nature Reserve is about 45 minutes from the Old Town and is visited on guided safaris and hikes; children must be at least eight for safaris.
Trips to AlUla
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- AlUla for families
- AlUla for a honeymoon
- AlUla for photographers
- AlUla for a first safari
- AlUla on a budget
- AlUla for luxury travel
Compare with
- AlUla vs Empty Quarter
- AlUla vs Edge of the World
- AlUla vs Al Marmoom
- AlUla vs Dubai Desert
- AlUla vs Al Areen
- AlUla vs Mleiha
Travelling to AlUla from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit AlUla?
Generally November to March. Sharaan reserve experiences pause for summer and resume in the cooler months.
How many days do I need in AlUla?
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to AlUla?
AlUla airport has domestic flights from Riyadh and Jeddah. Sharaan Nature Reserve is about 45 minutes from the Old Town and is visited on guided safaris and hikes; children must be at least eight for safaris.
Sources: Experience AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve · Royal Commission for AlUla – Sharaan Nature Reserve announcement · Weather Spark – AlUla climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.