Saudi Arabia small group holiday

Planet

By keeping the group size to a maximum of 12, we can also minimise the human impact on the fragile sites and ecosystems we visit.
We attempt to reduce plastic bottle use wherever possible by promoting use of reusable and filtered water bottles. Our partnership with Water-To-Go provides a discount on filtered water bottles to our clients. We do not provide water from plastic bottles to our clients in country but always ensure there is regular access to drinking water on our tours.

Throughout the trip we will be travelling via minibus and train. It is possible to take short flights between cities in Saudi Arabia but we want to bring our clients an overland journey to better take in the country and provide better chance of interaction with local people, as well as reduce carbon emissions.

We are promoting the natural beauty and ancient heritage of Saudi Arabia through visiting not only the natural wonders of Al Waba volcanic crater and Al Ula, but also the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Jeddah, Mada’in Saleh, Jubbah and Dir’aiyah. UNESCO Sites are chosen by the UNESCO committee and must "bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to civilisation", "an important interchange of human values" or be outstanding examples of major stages of Earth's history or ecological and biological processes in evolution. Visiting such sites helps sustain the traditions and natural ecosystems of Saudi Arabia through tourism.

Throughout most of the trip we will be travelling in minibuses. Travelling as a group in a small bus contributes less pollution than a multitude of vehicles. We will also be exploring many areas on foot and will be travelling by train, to not only soak up the amazing sights at a slower pace, but to reduce our environmental impact and footprint along our journey.

People

On Day 5 and 6 we will stay in a desert camp in Al Ula for a unique glimpse into the traditions and customs of local desert life. Camps are also good for the environment as they can be easily moved and removed to reduce impact. Wherever possible we stay in locally owned accommodation, eat in locally owned establishments and purchase supplies from the local nomads.
Throughout this trip we use local ground handlers - this means that all the operational costs go directly into the local economy and help improve employment opportunities in remote regions. This is especially true on this Trip where we travel through the ancient landscaped of the Arabian Peninsula. By incorporating homestays, locally owned hotels, family run restaurants and the services of guides and drivers into our itineraries, we ensure that money you spend on your trip goes directly into the local economy and local communities benefit from tourism. Our engagement with the local communities can be seen throughout this trip in our use of local camp which can be seen on both 5 & 6, where we stay at the Sahara Fixed Desert Camp.
On each Group tour we use local ground handlers. This means that all operational costs go directly into the local economy and help improve employment opportunities in remote regions. Such support can also be seen in our incorporation of homestays, locally owned hotels, family run restaurants and the services of local guides and drivers into our itineraries, which ensures that the money you spend with us goes directly into the local economy and local community.