Saudi Al Ahsa

Al Ahsa Oasis

Al Ahsa

See our Saudia Arabia Holidays

Traditional Saudi culture meets stunning landscapes in historic Al Ahsa

A charming town in the north-east of the country, Al Ahsa is a perfect stop for visitors looking to get a taste of traditional Saudi life.

The town of Al Ahsa is found 60kms inland from the Persian Gulf in the north-east of Saudi Arabia and is a charming place to spend a few days if you are looking to slow the pace of your trip down somewhat. Blending spectacular scenery with a lovely old town, it remains one of the most quaint places anywhere in Saudi Arabia, ideal for visitors looking to get a taste of traditional Saudi life.

The town was built around a series of oases and is renowned for the vast expanse of palm groves and crystal-clear springs found on the plains of the Rub Al Kahli, “The Empty Quarter”. At just over 85km2 there are over 2.5 million palms found here. Historically this was a stopping point for merchants crossing the Arabian Peninsula, as well as Pilgrims on their way to Mecca. Nowadays it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to both presence of the oases and the network of caves on the Ol Qarah Mountain which show some of the earliest signs of human habitation in the region. The city itself is a bustling place and a microcosm of what Saudi Arabia is today, a rapidly modernising city but one that remains loyal to its heritage. The Souq Al Qaisariy gets very busy in the evenings, with street vendors selling their wares and the delicious smell of spices and fragrances filling the air. Renowned for its excellent food, especially delicious dates, vibrant fabrics and interesting local art, this is one of the most culturally varied parts of the country. If you happen to be visiting on a Friday then you will see and hear the hive of activity that the town’s Jawatha Mosque, believed to be eastern Arabia’s first mosque, becomes.

Although a little off the beaten track, this is a beautiful and vibrant part of the country with so much to see and do, it is well worth dedicating a few days of your trip to in order to get an insight in to one of the country’s most intriguing areas.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. It was good value for the level of luxury we had.

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps was ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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