Saudi Arabia is the land of deserts, mountains, and beaches. One such geographic attractions are the enormous volcanoes in Saudi Arabia. A volcanic field in Arabic is called ‘Harrat’. The sites of Harrat Khaybar and Harrat Rahat are the two most famous volcanoes in the Kingdom. The fields show the volcanic activities that occurred over the time offering valuable information about the natural forces and their effects. These are well-renowned and are subjects of research and studies for geologists and scientists worldwide. Additionally, the two fields also present great tourism opportunities in the kingdom.
Harrat Khaybar – Only stratovolcano in Saudi Arabia
Location: Khaybar region, north of Madinah city, Madinah province, Saudi Arabia
Facts about Harrat Khaybar
1. Vast lava field
Harrat Khaybar is one of the most prominent volcanoes in Saudi Arabia. It ranks among the largest volcanoes in the north of Saudi and is situated close to Madinah City. It is spread across 12,000 square kilometers with a vent opening of 100 kilometers in diameter. According to some researchers, this volcanic vent system has contributed to the emergence of lava fields for millions of years.
2. Largely uninhabitable
Harrat Khaybar has several vents from which lava and other volcanic materials are discharged, including hot gasses and vapor. Scientists believe that the top of the volcano was created due to the cooling of the magma when it came in contact with water in the form of rain. This means that earlier, the weather in the Harrat Khaybar region was much humid. But now, the area hardly receives rainfall and experiences an arid climate, making it unfit for inhabitation.
3. Dates back to Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) time
Harrat Khaybar has long stretches of lava flows. There are around eight lava flows, with the last eruption dating back to AD 600 to 700 during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Additionally, there are massive stone structures with their origin unknown. According to some, the forms are man-made. Visitors love climbing on the stone structures and looking at the lava flows. They get to enjoy white and black lava formations and huge craters. Some extremely adventurous ones can even go to the rim of these craters and closely experience the beauty of the volcano.
Near the Khyber tract, visitors also get to experience the white volcanoes of Mount al-Qadr. The glory of these volcanoes is paramount, and when visitors climb up these mountains, they get to witness nature like never before. Visitors can search ‘Harrat Khaybar Google Earth’ to get more geological information about the same.
Tourist attractions and activities
- Tourists get to see the only known stratovolcano on Jabal Qidr, Saudi Arabia
- One can walk on the rare white lava flows, and black lava flows covering a vast area
- Tourists can also see the Ancient Gates, which are mysterious ancient stone works, the source of which no one knows
- For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, tourists can climb up the craters as well. The views from the crater are breathtaking
- Night camping on the Harrat Khaybar site is one of the most exciting activities to try
Nearby places to visit
Apart from the splendid view from the rim of the volcano, the Khaybar region has many other nearby tourist attractions that travelers can enjoy. The Khaybar Oasis is one such place. The oasis has permanent water points even today, which has led to the growth of lush green vegetation near the city. Visitors can also look at the ancient city of Khaybar, having ruins of old buildings made out of stone and mud. Markets and mosques that were occupied earlier still stand there today. Visiting Khaybar is like seeing the raw beauty and experiencing the heritage of Saudi Arabia.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Tourist Places To Visit In Madinah
Harrat Rahat – Largest volcano in Saudi Arabia
Location: Hejaz region, south of Madinah city, Saudi Arabia
Facts about Harrat Rahat
1. Youngest and the biggest volcano in Saudi
Harrat Rahat is the youngest and the biggest volcano in Saudi Arabia. It is an active volcano that last erupted in 1256 AD. This volcano, situated in the southern part of the Madinah province, stretches to approximately 20,000 square kilometers. There are many lava flows and craters that add to the beauty of the place. Harrat Rahat consists of six cinder cones arranged in the basaltic lava fields. The craters around Harrat Rahat attribute to the interaction between hot volcanic magma and water that led to an enormous steam explosion and the formation of craters. Since it is an active volcano, no one really knows when the next Harrat Rahat eruption will occur.
2. Has crater with vegetation
The Al Wahbah Crater near Harrat Rahat is one of the most breathtaking craters in Saudi Arabia. The volcanic crater is pearly white and is situated amidst the sand dunes of the Kingdom. The beautiful crater is around 800-feet deep and has a diameter of about 2 kilometers. The unique feature of the crater is that it is filled with huge white salt deposits, and the region around the rim of the crater has luscious green vegetation, including shrubs and palm trees. Interestingly, only the crater’s rim sees vegetation, while the rest of the plateau is arid and barren.
3. Crater is extremely slippery
Tourists can climb up the craters and see the magnificent beauty of nature. But there are some things to keep in mind which include: mobile networks near the craters are very weak, and the whole lava field near the Al Wahbah Crater is extremely slippery. These are the reasons why Harrat Rahat sees lesser visitors, but some adventurous climbers have successfully conquered these craters.
Tourist attractions and activities
- Tourists get to witness the largest volcano field in the country
- They can climb up the famous Al Wahbah Crater and see the unique crater filled with white salt deposits and covered with green vegetation
- Tourists can also see the lava flows of Harrat Rahat dating back to 1256 AD. The nearest lava flow is located near Taibah University College
- Tourists can choose night camping and witness the starry night and best sunset and sunrise views
Things to remember while visiting volcanoes in Saudi Arabia
- Visitors should not miss their sunglasses as both the volcanic fields are located in hot and arid locations
- Since visitors will be climbing the top of the crater, they should be wearing proper hiking shoes
- Travelers should carry food and water
- It is advisable to avoid going too close to the crater for a long time
- Visitors are advised not to take children and pets to these sites as the area is highly rugged and climbing up is not an easy task
The historical and geological sites of Harrat Khaybar and Harrat Rahat are unique, unexplored, and mysterious places for travelers. These sites show the raw side of the country, which is so much fun to witness and explore with friends and family.
Suggested Read: Al Wahbah Crater: A Stunning Natural Wonder In KSA
Cover Image Credits: volcano.si.edu
Volcanoes In Saudi Arabia FAQs
What is Harrat meaning in Arabic?
The meaning of Harrat in Arabic is volcanic field.
What are Harrat Khaybar Gates?
The stone structures near the Harrat Khaybar region are also known as Harrat Khaybar Gates.
What is so unique about Harrat Rahat?
The unique thing about Harrat Rahat is its salt deposition and the vegetation that grows around its craters.
How far is Madinah from Harrat Khaybar?
Harrat Khaybar is approximately 65 kilometers to the north of Madinah City.
Where are the famous white volcanoes located?
Visitors can watch the white volcanoes of Mount al-Qadr in the Khaybar region.
