Historic Jeddah

Historic downtown Jeddah

Jeddah

See our Saudi Arabia Holidays

One of the main cities in Saudi Arabia

This historic coastal city was an ancient trading port and is now one of the most significant commercial and historical hubs of modern-day Saudi Arabia

The ancient port city of Jeddah is one of the best-known and significant destinations in Saudi Arabia, playing host to one of its main international airports and offering easy access to the Holy City of Mecca 90kms to the east. Jeddah sits on the Red Sea in the west of Saudi and has a very cosmopolitan feel to it, a legacy of the myriad of influences it has enjoyed thanks to the traders, seafarers and pilgrims who have passed through over the centuries. A fascinating blend of ancient and modern, traditional and contemporary, it is a beguiling place to visit and the perfect start or end point to an adventure through the Kingdom.

The beating heart of Jeddah is Al Balad, the UNESCO-listed historical quarter which houses a huge number of souks tucked away by winding alleys, superb eateries and cafes and some stunning old buildings. Indeed, the quarter was home to Abdulaziz Bin Saud who lived at the recently renovated Nasseef House until her ascended to the throne of the unified Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1925. Whilst the 7th Century origins of the quarter are still evident there is a reassuringly familiar feeling to Al Balad and it is undoubtedly one of the highlights of a visit to Jeddah.

Being on the Red Sea means that Jeddah has always been a significant fishing port and visitors are able to learn more about this 2,500 year old industry with a visit to Tayebat City which pays homage to the heritage of the industry. The museum there is spread over 4 floors and is home to some 60,000 artefacts charting the history of one of the world’s most historic industries. There is also a chance for visitors to get a rare glimpse in to the inner workings of Islam when they see a recreation of the Kaaba, a sacred black cube that is found in Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

From a leisure perspective the Jeddah Waterfront offers plenty of places for swimming in the Red Sea, secluded beaches, walking and cycling paths, restaurants and cafes as well as installations by famed sculptors such as Henry Moore and Joan Miro. The area is also home to the King Fahd Fountain, the largest in the world with its water launched 300 metres in to the air – a spectacular site at the best of times but especially beautiful at sunset.

Of course, the Red Sea is renowned as one of the best diving spots in the world and Jeddah is no exception in offering a range of amazing dive sites, superb PADI certified dive schools and excellent dive shops. The pristine reefs of the shoreline are superb places to explore this underwater wonderland and the seafood restaurants around the city benefit from the huge array of fresh fish found in the warm waters of the Red Sea.

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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