Wadi Lajab

Wadi Lajab is a fault gorge in the eastern part of Jabal al-Qahr Zahwan, which belongs to Al-Rayth governorate in Jazan Region and lies about 150 kilometers northeast of Jazan city. Its formation dates to the era of the African rifting. [1]

With its unique geological formations and environmental diversity, the wadi is one of the most prominent natural and tourist landmarks in northern Jazan Region and a destination for geology enthusiasts and adventure seekers, drawing heavy visitation throughout the year from inside and outside the Kingdom. [6][7]

The wadi's formation dates to the era of the African rifting, when uplifted mountains of extremely hard rock emerged and formed a catchment for rainfall, which gives the wadi considerable scientific value alongside its standing as a prominent tourist destination. [1][6]

Wadi Lajab runs as a ravine, or fault gorge, along the eastern edge of Jabal al-Qahr, extending about 11 kilometers from north to south; after three kilometers this fault meets another fault that runs for two kilometers. [2] The rocks of its mountains are extremely hard and differ from the neighboring mountains in composition and color, a difference any visitor notices among the mountains overlooking the wadi. [2]

Dense hanging gardens stand on both sides of the wadi, made up of tall palm trees reaching more than 30 meters among ancient trees that have clung to life, extending their roots from the middle of the wadi's two edges down to the watercourse below. [2][6]

The wadi holds freshwater springs that flow year-round, along with waterfalls and water pools along its length, which draws visitors to swim in the natural pools, climb the mountains and hike long distances. [6]

The Wadi Lajab rock stands at the highest peak of the mountains surrounding the wadi, about 200 meters above the wadi floor. It closely resembles a human head, and some liken it to the Sphinx, and it carries several names, including Khashm Lajab, Lajab Rock and Qamqum Lajab. [5]

The rock was formed by erosion and weathering over long decades of the effect of rainwater and humidity, and among its beauties when rain falls is the water streaming from two openings in the rock. [5]

Wadi Lajab was chosen to be the first geological park among 13 sites across the Kingdom selected to join the global geological parks, under the memorandum of understanding signed by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification with the Saudi Geological Survey. [3]

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Jazan Region, received in his office at the Emirate the team of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification and the consulting office supervising the study and development of Wadi Lajab for tourism in Al-Rayth governorate, and heard a presentation on the study's outcomes. [4]

The Center also launched the “Walking in the Embrace of Nature” initiative at Wadi Lajab National Park in Al-Rayth governorate within the activities of the Saudi Summer 2024 program, in which more than 100 volunteer participants from among hiking and mountain-climbing enthusiasts walked along paths designated for them and viewed historical and natural landmarks and archaeological inscriptions dating back thousands of years. [9]

The wadi lies in the eastern part of Jabal al-Qahr, which is itself a destination for tourism and adventure enthusiasts, mountain explorers and archaeologists, for the ancient traces of life and archaeological inscriptions dating back thousands of years that it holds. [7] Wadi Lajab stands out as a site visited by visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom, and reaching it has become easy; it is among the most important and prominent tourist destinations in the Kingdom and the most famous in Jazan Region. [7]

The wadi allows visitors to drive in at the start of the route from the entrance, before the passage narrows and turns into a footpath lined with waterfalls and water pools. [2][6] It also hosts the “hiking” route, which sought wide participation by athletes and fans of distinctive trails across its mountain slopes for 5 kilometers, within the schedule of the Jazan Winter Festival 22. [1]

In 2017, civil defense teams in Jazan Region rescued four picnickers whose vehicle had been swept away by floods in the wadi, secured it with ropes and moved them to a safe area before further floods arrived from Wadi Ma'ri, while warning against flowing flash floods and against swimming in water pools. [8]

Q: Where is Wadi Lajab located? A: In the eastern part of Jabal al-Qahr in Al-Rayth governorate in Jazan Region, about 150 kilometers northeast of Jazan city. [1][7]

Q: How long is Wadi Lajab? A: About 11 kilometers, running from north to south, and after three kilometers it meets another fault that extends for two kilometers. [2]

Q: What distinguishes the wadi's vegetation and water? A: Hanging gardens with palms exceeding 30 meters in height and ancient trees, and freshwater springs flowing year-round with waterfalls and water pools. [2][6]

Q: What is the most famous rock formation in the wadi? A: The Wadi Lajab rock at the highest peak of the mountains surrounding it, about 200 meters above its floor, also known as Khashm Lajab and Qamqum Lajab. [5]

Q: What is Wadi Lajab's place among geological parks? A: It was chosen to be the first geological park among 13 sites across the Kingdom selected to join the global geological parks. [3]

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