AlUla on a budget

AlUla is not the first choice on a budget; other destinations may suit you better.

Suitability: ★★★★★

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.

Why AlUla on a budget?

• Budget options are relatively limited here.
• Travelling by road instead of flying in keeps costs down.

What awaits you in 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

Wildlife you may encounter: ibex, gazelles, oryx, foxes, ostriches and birdlife.

Suggested time on the ground: 3 to 4 days. 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.

Activities that fit

game drives and hiking.

When to go

The best period overall is November to March. For quieter months and often better value, try May.

Sharaan reserve experiences pause for summer and resume in the cooler months.

Other destinations on a budget

• Al Marmoom United Arab Emirates
• Al Areen Bahrain
• Dubai Desert United Arab Emirates
• Sharqiya Sands Oman
• Hatta United Arab Emirates
• Mleiha United Arab Emirates

Full AlUla guideBest safaris on a budget

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

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.