Lake in the Desert

Lake location

It is a seasonal water body which becomes a lake in rainy season. The water from the surroundings is trapped in Red sand dunes forming a big lake, more than 2 kms in length. During most of year the lake bed is dry with big acacia trees providing shade and forming wonderful picnic spots. The place is worth visiting for many points, great Red sand Dunes without gravel or stones, approachable by 2wheel drive……challenging for 4x4s, Safe because it is near to Highway and makes an ideal family outdoor one-day trip from Riyadh.

The best season to visit is from October till March when the day temperatures allow day-time outings……….and off course ideal during rainy season.Distance:- About 50 kms west of Riyadh.

Route:

1-Take Riyadh-Makkah highway…..pass down through the cut escarpment.

2-Cross the old makkah road…go straight…..Now you are in Muzamiyah area.

3-Cross the 2nd over head bridge(exit-6). you’ll see a petrol/gas station on your left, you have to reach there after making a U-turn.

4-Make a U-turn from the 3rd overhead bridge.

5-Now you face Makkah-Riyadh direction, look for a link road at your right sign-posted (Arabic-Lake Gharara) just before the petrol/gas station.

6-Take this link road, going zigzag for about 6-7 kms through resthouses surrounded by sand dunes.

7-At bout 6-7 kms look for a desert track at your left…..take the track.

8- After about 500meters you’ll see what you were looking for…….if on 2wheel drive…..stick to the track.

9-The track gives out a branch to the right…going up to the sand dunes. The main track leads to the lake bed. If the lake is dry enter the first gate…and drive through the lake,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, fun fun fun,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ENJOY